DeannaK
I'm Drainless....woohoo!!!
Jun 07, 2008
I was thrilled when Dr Rumalla removed the last annoying drain. I'm on my way to feeling more like a human now. Unfortunately, I didn't get the go ahead to take a shower. I have to go back on Tuesday so he can look at the incisions before I'm allowed to submerge myself in water. I kind of laughed when he said, "City water isn't exactly the cleanest so I'm conservative when it comes to taking a shower". I can't wait. It sure is easy to take simple things in life for granted like taking a shower. I sure won't miss washing my hair in the kitchen sink and taking sponge baths.
I'm still dealing with quite a bit of swelling especially in my legs. I'm still sitting with my feet propped up all the time. My hiney and back hurt from sitting so much. This weekend, I'm going to see about laying propped up on the bed. I sure hope that works out!
Dr R also said that possibly in 2 weeks, I can move into a regular bra. *Crossing Fingers* lol. I'm ready!
I hope everyone's plastic surgery journey is going great!
I'm still dealing with quite a bit of swelling especially in my legs. I'm still sitting with my feet propped up all the time. My hiney and back hurt from sitting so much. This weekend, I'm going to see about laying propped up on the bed. I sure hope that works out!
Dr R also said that possibly in 2 weeks, I can move into a regular bra. *Crossing Fingers* lol. I'm ready!
I hope everyone's plastic surgery journey is going great!
2 weeks post-op
Jun 02, 2008
It sure is hard to believe it's been 2 weeks since surgery. Sometimes it feels like it's gone by fast, other times it seems like it's been snails pace.
It's been tough sitting so much and there are 2 things I can't wait to do; (1) take a shower, (2) lay in bed and get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep lol. Washing the hair in the kitchen sink and sponge baths don't do the job.
I have 2 drains left and can't wait for those bad boys to come out. They've been a little sore around the opening so I definitely won't miss them. Last week, I had a drain pull away from the skin and that was painful and was glad to have it removed but it hurt when it did come completely out. I didn't realize how long the drains were either. They are looong. I think the surgeon was trying to drain my tonsils with them lol.
I finally got some pictures taken of me a couple days ago and I was very pleased by the outcome. Inspite of the swelling, it's amazing to see the results of my body. I don't recognize myself. The appendectomy scar is gone, a big portion of the stretch marks are gone and most important, the excess belly skin is bye bye! My hips and hiney are more smooth not to mention smaller. My boyfriend said he can see a big difference in my hips but I'm not seeing it. Maybe it's similar to when we go through the WLS and our brain had a hard time catching up with the changes. I do have quite a bit of swelling around my butt and lower back so right now my butt seems flat. Before I had a shelf which actually gave me some definition lol. The shelf is gone but I'm sure that once the swelling is gone, my butt will look fine *crossing fingers* lol.
To be continued as the swelling goes down....
It's been tough sitting so much and there are 2 things I can't wait to do; (1) take a shower, (2) lay in bed and get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep lol. Washing the hair in the kitchen sink and sponge baths don't do the job.
I have 2 drains left and can't wait for those bad boys to come out. They've been a little sore around the opening so I definitely won't miss them. Last week, I had a drain pull away from the skin and that was painful and was glad to have it removed but it hurt when it did come completely out. I didn't realize how long the drains were either. They are looong. I think the surgeon was trying to drain my tonsils with them lol.
I finally got some pictures taken of me a couple days ago and I was very pleased by the outcome. Inspite of the swelling, it's amazing to see the results of my body. I don't recognize myself. The appendectomy scar is gone, a big portion of the stretch marks are gone and most important, the excess belly skin is bye bye! My hips and hiney are more smooth not to mention smaller. My boyfriend said he can see a big difference in my hips but I'm not seeing it. Maybe it's similar to when we go through the WLS and our brain had a hard time catching up with the changes. I do have quite a bit of swelling around my butt and lower back so right now my butt seems flat. Before I had a shelf which actually gave me some definition lol. The shelf is gone but I'm sure that once the swelling is gone, my butt will look fine *crossing fingers* lol.
To be continued as the swelling goes down....
4 Days Post Op
May 23, 2008
It's Friday and I've been home since Wednesday afternoon after having a LBL and BL. Today is the first day that I've actually felt pretty good. Yesterday was kind of rough. It felt like all of my muscles hurt and experienced quite a bit of nausea. I had even asked myself, "Was it really necessary to put myself through all of this". I just had one of those down days.
Today I saw my surgeon. It was actually kind of cool to go somewhere in my pj's and slippers lol. But my attitude has completely changed. He took off all the itchy bandages and I was able to see my body. I stood in front of the mirror and felt numb when I saw myself. Then the tears came. I simply couldn't believe what I had seen. Dr Rumalla was on his knees still working on removing bandages and once he realized I was crying he stopped what he was doing and while looking up at me he said, "I know sweetie, you look great and I told you, you would." Then Nikki was gently rubbing my back and said, "Just think, you're going to look even better." That experience is indescribable. So now I say it's definitely worth all of this. My boyfriend was in the room when this took place and he said he teared up too because he knows how much all of this means to me.
My experience at Southlake Harris Methodist Surgery Campus was totally awesome and when it's time for me to have more PS, I'll definitely go there. Dr Rumalla, well it's almost hard to find the words to describe this man. I'm thrilled that he's the one that peformed this transformation for me. I have so much respect for him. He's wonderful and he genuinely cares for his patients. I couldn't have chosen a better surgeon and thankful to Vivian for referring him to me!
Now I'm just focusing on moving around some, drinking plenty and eating as much protein as I can. Today is actually the first day I have had any kind of appetite.
I will be happy when the swelling goes down. My feet look like elephant feet so now I'm careful to keep them propped up more.
I've had 2 of the drains in my breasts removed and that hurt some. I have 5 more drains and hopefully when I go back to see Dr R, 2 more will come out. I'll be glad when they are all out. I think I'll feel more human. The time is passing by quickly so that's a good thing. Especially when I spend quite a bit of time during the day taking little naps.
I'll post some pictures later on.
Today I saw my surgeon. It was actually kind of cool to go somewhere in my pj's and slippers lol. But my attitude has completely changed. He took off all the itchy bandages and I was able to see my body. I stood in front of the mirror and felt numb when I saw myself. Then the tears came. I simply couldn't believe what I had seen. Dr Rumalla was on his knees still working on removing bandages and once he realized I was crying he stopped what he was doing and while looking up at me he said, "I know sweetie, you look great and I told you, you would." Then Nikki was gently rubbing my back and said, "Just think, you're going to look even better." That experience is indescribable. So now I say it's definitely worth all of this. My boyfriend was in the room when this took place and he said he teared up too because he knows how much all of this means to me.
My experience at Southlake Harris Methodist Surgery Campus was totally awesome and when it's time for me to have more PS, I'll definitely go there. Dr Rumalla, well it's almost hard to find the words to describe this man. I'm thrilled that he's the one that peformed this transformation for me. I have so much respect for him. He's wonderful and he genuinely cares for his patients. I couldn't have chosen a better surgeon and thankful to Vivian for referring him to me!
Now I'm just focusing on moving around some, drinking plenty and eating as much protein as I can. Today is actually the first day I have had any kind of appetite.
I will be happy when the swelling goes down. My feet look like elephant feet so now I'm careful to keep them propped up more.
I've had 2 of the drains in my breasts removed and that hurt some. I have 5 more drains and hopefully when I go back to see Dr R, 2 more will come out. I'll be glad when they are all out. I think I'll feel more human. The time is passing by quickly so that's a good thing. Especially when I spend quite a bit of time during the day taking little naps.
I'll post some pictures later on.
I can't believe tomorrow is the day!
May 18, 2008
Hello!
This time has gone by so fast and needless to say, I have alot of anxiety. I can't believe tomorrow is my transformation day, or I should say partial since there's no such thing as a magic wand to take care of everything all at once lol.
So many mixed emotions. I don't know how many times I've looked in the mirror trying to visualize the new me. I've been doing alot of cleaning and getting things done around the house today. Trying so hard to keep my mind occupied. It's still a little hard for me to accept that this is going to happen. Feels like a dream. I've been drinking alot of water, getting myself as hydrated as I possibly can since I'm such a hard stick. My veins are so small and they move. When I had my gastric bypass it took them 2 hours of poking then they end up having to insert a catheter into my heart. I'm praying that tomorrow morning, they won't have any difficulties.
Just think, the next time I post pictures, they will be of my LBL and BL.
woohoo!!!!
This time has gone by so fast and needless to say, I have alot of anxiety. I can't believe tomorrow is my transformation day, or I should say partial since there's no such thing as a magic wand to take care of everything all at once lol.
So many mixed emotions. I don't know how many times I've looked in the mirror trying to visualize the new me. I've been doing alot of cleaning and getting things done around the house today. Trying so hard to keep my mind occupied. It's still a little hard for me to accept that this is going to happen. Feels like a dream. I've been drinking alot of water, getting myself as hydrated as I possibly can since I'm such a hard stick. My veins are so small and they move. When I had my gastric bypass it took them 2 hours of poking then they end up having to insert a catheter into my heart. I'm praying that tomorrow morning, they won't have any difficulties.
Just think, the next time I post pictures, they will be of my LBL and BL.
woohoo!!!!
I Have A Date!
May 08, 2008
I met with Dr. Rumalla and what a great PS he is, thanks Vivian for referring me to him.
I had met with another surgeon and he was very nice, experienced and when I left his office I felt he could do a great job on me. But when I met with Dr Rumalla, and all that we had discussed, I knew he was the one to assist in this transformation. I literally started to shake because I became so nervous and excited at the same time. I scheduled my appt before leaving. He actually has an opening this month; May 19th. WOW. I had my bloodwork done today and on Monday May 12th, I get to have the boob smashing mammogram done. I'm NOT looking forward to that at all.
I honestly didn't think I would have PS this year. I knew I wanted it and have been thinking about it for quite awhile. It's really happening. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and try to visualize how I'll look. Then the images of the drain tubes, scars and how sore I'll be, enter my mind and start feeling anxious lol.
So now, I'm making my list of things I need to get done and be prepared for when I come home. I have found so many helpful hints on here and so thankful for this board!
I had met with another surgeon and he was very nice, experienced and when I left his office I felt he could do a great job on me. But when I met with Dr Rumalla, and all that we had discussed, I knew he was the one to assist in this transformation. I literally started to shake because I became so nervous and excited at the same time. I scheduled my appt before leaving. He actually has an opening this month; May 19th. WOW. I had my bloodwork done today and on Monday May 12th, I get to have the boob smashing mammogram done. I'm NOT looking forward to that at all.
I honestly didn't think I would have PS this year. I knew I wanted it and have been thinking about it for quite awhile. It's really happening. I keep looking at myself in the mirror and try to visualize how I'll look. Then the images of the drain tubes, scars and how sore I'll be, enter my mind and start feeling anxious lol.
So now, I'm making my list of things I need to get done and be prepared for when I come home. I have found so many helpful hints on here and so thankful for this board!
Plastic Surgery
Apr 22, 2008
Well it's hard to believe I'm 3 years post-op. It really has gone by fast.
I remember thinking when I first had the surgery that all I cared about was losing the weight and being healthy. I didn't care about having plastic surgery the main focus was just getting the weight off of me. Of course I didn't know the results of what my body would have after losing the weight.
Now that I've lost 200 pounds, I owe it to myself to feel as good about myself on the outside as I do on the inside. I struggle, especially this time of the year when I see so many cute summer clothes that I won't wear. I'm so careful of what I do wear. I want to wear the shorts, tank tops and summer dresses. But I can't expose the excess skin I have. It's frustrating, yet I'm so thankful of my progress.
The only way I can fix this is by having plastic surgery. So I'm doing research. There's so much to learn. I'm trying so hard to not focus on the cost but it's hard not to. I have 2 consultation appointments scheduled so far and I'm excited and scared. I've looked at so many profiles with pictures of people that have had plastic surgery and it's simply amazing what PS can do these days. A part of me wants a whole body lift...get everything done at once and deal with the pain and be done with it. But another part of me knows that probably isn't the wisest decision. Besides, I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. It's just that I want everything fixed now.
Once I start talking to a surgeon(s) I'll have a better knowledge of what I should expect.
This site has been so helpful and I've talked to a couple people that have been awesome. I love the support here!
I remember thinking when I first had the surgery that all I cared about was losing the weight and being healthy. I didn't care about having plastic surgery the main focus was just getting the weight off of me. Of course I didn't know the results of what my body would have after losing the weight.
Now that I've lost 200 pounds, I owe it to myself to feel as good about myself on the outside as I do on the inside. I struggle, especially this time of the year when I see so many cute summer clothes that I won't wear. I'm so careful of what I do wear. I want to wear the shorts, tank tops and summer dresses. But I can't expose the excess skin I have. It's frustrating, yet I'm so thankful of my progress.
The only way I can fix this is by having plastic surgery. So I'm doing research. There's so much to learn. I'm trying so hard to not focus on the cost but it's hard not to. I have 2 consultation appointments scheduled so far and I'm excited and scared. I've looked at so many profiles with pictures of people that have had plastic surgery and it's simply amazing what PS can do these days. A part of me wants a whole body lift...get everything done at once and deal with the pain and be done with it. But another part of me knows that probably isn't the wisest decision. Besides, I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. It's just that I want everything fixed now.
Once I start talking to a surgeon(s) I'll have a better knowledge of what I should expect.
This site has been so helpful and I've talked to a couple people that have been awesome. I love the support here!
