Plastics update

Hi all

I am now 12 days post op from a hernia repair, thigh lift (inner thighs), and Abdominoplasty.  My insurance covered the hernia (of course) as well as the thighs and panniculectomy.  My surgeon did the muscle repair/tightening for free.

I was in the hospital for 2 nights.  Almost 3 but once I went to the bathroom, I was allowed to leave  I had 3 drains and a pain pump still in when I left the hospital.  I was on antibiotics, pain meds and something for itching.  (Allergic to something,  not sure what)  It’s been painful.  I knew it would be.  But it’s painful. The drains and the thigh incisions are the worst.  I haven’t even focused on my stomach because the other pain was so bad.

Yesterday (day 11) was the first day I felt decent.  I showered and washed my hair on my own, which was a big deal 

I had my post op appt yesterday with the surgeon. He said everything looks good. Took out one drain, left in 2. That was disappointing, but I know it's necessary to get the fluid out.  Taking care of the JP drains isn’t as bad as I thought it would be

I am on more antibiotics and he did a culture of the fluid in one drain, as he's not sure I have an infection, but wanted to treat me in case.   The nurse thinks I am on track for healing and the doctor said to do things as my body lets me. If it hurts don't do it. Oh and he did comment that I am extremely swollen, the swelling will improve but will last many months.

I am still on pain meds but my mobility is getting better.  I am hunched over when I walk and it’s hard to get comfortable.  Those thigh incisions go through my legs and sitting on them is painful.

Oh and I had half a pound removed from each leg and seven from my Tummy.

Thanks for your good thoughts while I recover!

Time line for approval was

Tuesday January 27 - Consult
Thursday January 29 - Letter sent to insurance
Tuesday February 19 – Received letter of approval from insurance company.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

~~ Happy Girl is Happy!!

PS – I am friends with some of you on facebook, I haven’t posted anything on FB as there are many people who don’t know I had WLS let alone plastics. I would appreciate it not being mentioned

Wow  Here is too a speedy recovery.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm cringing at the thought of the pain, in ALL areas. I imagine any small movement hurts. I hope you heal up quickly so you can enjoy your newly shaped bod.  Congrats!!

Congrats on the plastics!

I had a lower body lift (cut all the way around and up the front) and breast lift done 4 years ago and I remember the pain!  Yikes it sucked but it will be worth it.  One piece of advice, is make SURE you don't get constipated from the pain meds.  Use something to prevent it.  I was in a major world of hurt when that happened.  It's not easy to struggle to poop when you have stitches in your gut. 

Enjoy your new bod...even if it's swollen for awhile!

Sandra,

I've been thinking about you and are glad to know you are doing as well as you are.  Can't wait to see you again when we are both recovered!

Take care,
Stephanie

Good to see you are posting and doing as well as can be expected.   I hope you still think it was worth it.  In a few months, you will be strutting around in a bikini! 

thank you for sharing your experience!  and I pray that your recovery is speedy and flawless.

Can you update me with your surgeons name and #?

Thanks! 

I seriously am considering plastics myself as was wondering if they could do anything about the thigh area!  That and my stomach bother me the most, of course if they can lift my rear at the same time I would be quite happy lol.  Just curious where you went and if you liked them?  Thanks for the info, oh and I already know my insurance won't pay for anything (unless maybe i have a hernia, and don't that I know of) because they had a cap dollar limit to the surgery that includes anything related to it.  Including all my blood work and I maxed out already so just curious about how much money i will need to save!  Ok well thanks ahead of time and congrats to you!!

Hey gorgeous!

Thanks for the update - I'm not sure where my brain went, but I completely failed to remember your PS date. I'm so sorry.

Keep on top of those pain meds, rest, and heal!

Can't wait to see you.