LBL, Arms, Breasts - Day 4

 Hi,
I thought I'd write an update on how I'm doing.  I had a LBL, Brachio, and BA/BL on Thursday.  Well, make that 1 BL, 2 BA - I was a little lopsided before surgery :)

In some ways this is harder than I had thought, in other ways easier.  I'll try to explain.  I've had prior surgery over the years - my DS, a lap gallbladder removal, open hysterectomy, and open pelvic surgery for an ectopic pregnancy.  I'd say the initial pain getting out of bed on this one was equal to or greater my open hysterectomy and pelvic surgery - much more intense than my DS.  What's harder is that it's hard to get comfortable because every which way I turn something hurts.  An incision on my back, my core muscles, to find a position that relieves pain in one area causes new pain in another.  Also having my arms done at the same time means they're swollen and of little use to help pull myself up out of a chair.  Having a hard time getting comfortable has been the hardest.

What's easier than I thought is that I'm rebounding really well.  Each day has been significantly better than the one before.  Today will probably be my last day of narcotic pain relievers, and I'm up walking around the house.  I'm still VERY swollen and hunched over.  I told my husband I feel like Groucho Marx, but my 22 year old son didnt know who that was so I just feel older now :(

Also, I dont feel "sick".  My appetite is nill so I've been forcing protein shakes, but other than the incisional and muscular discomfort I feel ok.  I expected to feel a lot worse having been under general anesthesia for 6 hours, but all in all I'm ok.

I wish I could better judge my results.  I'm too swollen and hunched over to tell.  I did manage to measure my arms that went from 14 inches around to 10 - they look so tiny and they're all black and blue and swollen.  My stomach is flat and I think I love my new belly button (or I will love it when the scabbing goes away).  It looks like most of my stretch marks are gone other than very low - which is great because they were above my belly button pre-plastics.  I know Dr Capella said he removed 9 pounds of skin, but I'm not getting on the scale or measuring my waist any time soon because I'm so filled up with fluids.

I think I will like my breasts, they are 400cc silicone under muscle.  I had a vertical "lollipop" lift on one and the scar seems huge now but I know it will go down.  

I'm managing the drains well, and taking daily injections of Lovenox due to my clotting factors.  I'm also making sure I stay hydrated and walk around the house as much as I can.

The recliner has been a blessing, I dont think I could get in and out of my bed at this point.

Enough rambling (Gotta love the pain meds), just wanted to give an update.

Thanks
Joanne

Thanks for posting!  I am scheduled to do my arms on July2nd and abdomin. inner thigh, and outer thigh lipo on July 27th.  I am super excited, but am starting to get nervous I have had lots of  surgeries post RNY, but all laproscopic so I really don't know what to think!

 Hi Amy
It's not unbearable, the pain meds manage it.  You just have to move very slowly and it's best if someone helps you up and down from chairs, the recliner, toilet, etc.  It's not the kind of pain that would make me cry or scream or anything like that....just the type of pain that makes you brace yourself and take it slowly.  I'm only on my 4th day and it's already significantly better than the first day.

I was nervous, too, it's only natural.  I cant get a great look at my tummy now because I'm swollen and hunched over, but from what I can tell it is super flat with a belly button that I NEVER would have thought I would have - it looks that good to me so far.

Each day will get better.  Expect to be swollen for a few weeks.  At 4 mo, I'm still swelling quite a bit.  I'm wearing my compression garment a few times a week, as it takes the swelling down.  Take it slow and keep up your protein and water.

 Thanks Chris
I can see how great it must have been for you to have Dr S and Patty to take care of you.  I cant really tell any results yet but I hope I look nearly as good as you do.

 Hi,
I see you went to to Dr Sauceda and I am seriously considering going to him. How was the whole experience? My husband works in Monterrey 2 weeks a mon and we were thinking of coordinating the visit. DId you meet him prior or all via email? I just wanted to talk with you to see if you'd recommend or do it all over again.
Thanks,
Julissa

I was just thinking about you and going to message you on FB! 

I'm glad to hear you're doing pretty well and that each day is better.  I can't wait to see your flat tummy....I think I'm living vicariously through you! 

What pain meds are you on?  How is showering?  The drains?

 were you able to get anything covered by insurance? did you get the procedures done in the states? how much do these procedures run? thanks for the help!

 Hi,
No I didnt use my insurance, I was self pay for it all.  I used Dr Joseph Capella in NJ, but also think Dr Sauceda in Mexico is a great option.

Prices vary so widely that you're best to speak to a surgeon for a specific quote.  Dr Sauceda has a pricelist on his website.

Thanks for updating us.  I'm really scared (terrified actually) about my surgery because I am SUCH a baby, and had a terrible time healing from my last surgery which wasn't nearly as invasive, so it helps to see other people's experiences.