Almost 5 months post TT

It's been a while since I've last posted something, so thought it was time to let y'all know what is going on.

Can't believe it's almost 5 months since having my tummy tuck.  It's the second best decision I have made (first being the sleeve).  I am ecstatic with the results.  It's made such a difference in the way clothes fit and how I look.  Of course I still have my issues (don't we all?!) with the way the rest of me looks (bat wing arms, flabby thighs, saggy boobs), which can only be fixed with money unfortunately...which I do not have :`(.

I went and saw my surgeon for a check up mid November and new photos were taken (thank God I "tidied up" this time LOL).  He was very pleased with how things have healed and how I was looking.  I told him I still have concerns about my little "pot belly" which he said he was happy to fix, so this is booked for March next year, with no charge to me as I'm having what he classified as a scar revision within the 12 months of the original op.  It's only a day procedure and only 2 weeks off work/driving.  I'm taking 6 weeks all up as I have excessive annual leave, so may as well use it then.  Plus I booked March as I want to be well healed just in case I do end up going to Hawaii with my sister in August/September...although it'll all come down to money (doesn't everything these days?!).

Above are the most recent pics I have, so you can see from the side view, my little belly.  Yes although it's 100 times better than what I had before, I'm still self conscious about it.  It's OK when I wear tightish clothes, as it flattens it, but the times I don't, you can see it.

Or am I just being way too picky and critical of myself, worrying about such a little thing?

I'll see if it gets smaller on it's own in the lead up to the revision and take things from there.

And in other news...I wore a bikini for the first time ever!  Felt so good.  I was only with family as I don't think I could wear one out in public (where anyone knows me anyway, I'm safe overseas LOL).  I bought both tops online.  They're Seafolly and I couldn't justify spending $110 each!  I got both for $50.  Score!

This just past weekend gone, I went to my work Christmas party.  I was a bit apprehensive about going as the majority of department was management, but I got roped into going and I must say, I had a great night!  The open bar helped.  Saturday night was the first night in a long time (I reckon 15 years...that's sad!) that I had so much to drink.  I felt fine though as I could still walk and talk (well, apart from the drunken texts to a co-worker LOL).  Party wrapped up at 1am and the others went off to a bar, but I was too pooped, so went back to the hotel...then had to put up with the nightclub music downstairs until the early hours.  I ended up waking at 6.30am desperate for a good cup of coffee.

It's been a very long time since I've been out somewhere without being the company of my family and my close friends.  I'm glad I did go out though and somewhat networked, as I still feel uncomfortable and awkward in social situations.

Basically, it's same shit...different day.

Another year older...still single.

So until next time...whenever that will be.

Au revoir xo

4 1/2 weeks post abdominoplasty/tummy tuck

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED with regards to the following photos as they are surgical in nature...you have been warned!!!!

Thought it was time I updated on what is happening.

Well it's all over and done with.  I underwent abdominoplasty on 17 July.  Got into theatre just after midday and woke up in recovery at around 7.00pm.

In my drug induced haze, my amazing surgeon informed me that he had removed just under 3kg of skin and that the surgery took 5 1/2 hours.  I didn't need muscle repair as I haven't had children and the surgeon said that my abdominal muscles were quite strong (thank you Pilates and strength training!).

I spent 3 nights in hospital (in Thursday, out Sunday).  On the Friday, the nurses tried to get me out of bed to have me sitting in the recliner, but that was an epic fail.  Took me a good 5 minutes to shuffle myself to the side of the bed.  I did manage to sit up with the nurses assisting but as soon as I stood, I felt dizzy, nauseous, my blood pressure dropped and broke out in a cold sweat.  Back to bed I went and we were to try again the following day.

Saturday's attempt was a success!  Although I didn't sit in the recliner, I was able to walk to the bathroom to have my first shower!  Yay!  Felt so good to have a wash and feel human again.

On Sunday morning the drain tubes were removed in the morning and shortly after lunch, I was discharged home.  Was also good to get out in the fresh air, as cold as it was.

On Monday I was admitted back to hospital as I had passed out in the shower (what is known as a vasovagal episode).  I was cleaning my drain site wound (as it was constantly oozing) and then it was lights out for about 5 minutes.  Luckily I was sitting down as I could feel it coming on.  I don't remember anything after that.  I remember coming to and the paramedics were there.  My blood pressure had dropped to below 90 systolic but everything else was stable.  They called the on call surgeon, who called my surgeon, who called the paramedic back and he advised that they transport me back to the hospital for overnight observations.  Bloods done in the ED has shown that my haemoglobin had dropped from a pre-op level of 130 to 80, which is normal post surgery and not low enough to be considered for a transfusion.  I'm due to have bloods soon, so it'll be interesting to see if this has normalised.

Up until today, I have had no major complications.  Things have been healing well and the surgeon is very happy with my progress.  I had been seeing him weekly up until today and now not due to see him for 3 months!

I've just starting driving again and in a few weeks, I can resume my Pilates and strength training, both on a modified program.  I think I might wait another 2 weeks before I go back.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

For now, "enjoy" the photos.

Pre Op Markings

Pre Op Markings

Pre Op Markings

Pre Op Markings

Back wedges of skin removed

Closing up and re-positioning of the belly button

Closing up

First look at my new flat tummy!

Day of surgery vs one week post op

Day of surgery vs one week post op

Day of surgery vs one week post op

Day of surgery vs one week post op

Tape change 3 1/2 weeks post op

Tape change 3 1/2 weeks post op

Tape change 3 1/2 weeks post op

Progress photos of first 4 weeks

Progress photos of first 4 weeks

Progress photos of first 4 weeks

Progress photos of first 4 weeks

2 Year WLS Anniversary

Hard to believe that it's been 2 years since I had my weight loss surgery.

To date, I've lost 54kg.  I think I need to accept the fact that I may never get to my ideal weight of 68kg...a loss of 60kg.  I had my final check up with my surgeon earlier this month and he was very pleased with where I am at, but I told him I'm not.  I need to take in the fact that I've lost 54kg, but I just can't get my head around that.  I consider myself a failure, which I know is stupid, but it's the damn head that sometimes takes control.  I probably sounded really ungrateful when I was discussing this with my surgeon and still to this day, I feel really bad about it.  I also think that in the 2 years that I've been seeing him for check ups, not once have I thanked him for all that he has done and for talking me into having the sleeve (vs the band) in the first place.  Probably glad to see the back of me!

So where to from here?  The next step in my journey is to undergo an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) (http://www.amcdonald.com.au/procedures/abdominoplasty.html) and that is booked for 17 July...3 weeks from today at St John of God Hospital in Geelong (coincidentally, where I was born many moons ago, although back then it was known at Holy Cross Hospital).  Am I scared?  Of course I am.  The procedure takes 4-5 hours and I have no idea how much excess skin the surgeon will remove.  Certainly not those last 6kg I want to get rid of LOL.  I'll also need to wear a sexy compression garment for 6 weeks for 24/7 for the first week or so.  Fun...NOT!  That is one reason why I chose to have this in winter instead of summer...could you imagine wearing that for 6 weeks in 40°C temperatures...hell no.  This surgery is setting me back just under $10,000 so I hope it's worth it.

Nothing much else to report.  Will keep y'all updated on the surgery front when the time comes.

In the coming days/weeks, I'll be posting some before and after photos for comparison...no not of the surgery, not sure you'd want to see my blubber guts and scars etc.