3 years ago today.

Start weight 128kg, was wearing size 24-26.  Current weight 74kg, wearing size 8-10-12.  Goal is 68kg and I'll get there when I get there.  I have a friend to thank for the surgery.  I said this about her: "If I haven't said it before, I'll say it now, but thank you.  You may not know it, but you gave me that push to do something once and for all.  I would've never considered surgery had I not seen how successful you were and I figured that if you could do it, so could I".  Best decision I have ever made in my life.  It wasn't easy, but I made it through and I couldn't have done it without the loving support of my family and friends.  Without the surgery, I'd probably still be 128kg, if not more.  Even though I'm not 100% happy with where I'm at (who really is?) I'm finally loving my 'new' life! #lovemysleeve #noregrets

Scar revision update

Today I went for my 3 week check up and the big reveal, as the tape was changed today.

Very pleased with the result.  The puckering is due to the stitches, which will settle in time.  Looks high but it's not and the belly button was pulled down just a little during the procedure...and another thing was also pulled up slightly, if you catch my drift...

I'll continue taping at home for a further 2 months and next review is in 3 months.

Surgeon himself said he wasn't happy with the initial post op result, but he did explain the reasoning for this.  Had he initially taken away more skin at the initial tummy tuck, it would've put too much strain on the back and could result in splitting, as this was an issue in the past (not sure if his patients or just TT's in general).

Also got the go ahead to resume physical activity, so I can return to Pilates, strength training and personal training, but just to ease back into things and not to overdo it.

Until next time...

xoxo

8 months post TT, meeting Michelle Bridges and scar revision.

Firstly...Happy New Year everyone!  Didn't realise it was so long between posts!

It'll be Christmas before we know it!

So what has been going on these past few months?  To tell you the truth, not much really!  8 months has passed since I had the tummy tuck and I couldn't be more happy with the results.  My only concern was that I had a little residual skin which I brought up with my surgeon at the last review and he agreed to perform a "scar revision", which I had just over a week ago...more about that later though.

I had the opportunity to meet Michelle Bridges during her recent Westfield book signing tour to promote her new book.  I received an e-mail from Westfield Geelong advertising a competition to be a VIP and do a workout with Michelle, as well as a meet and greet to get her booked signed.  It was one of those damn "25 words or less" comps.  I said that I had lost 60kg over 2 years and wanted to improve my fitness and that working out with Michelle would be a dream come true.  Needless to say, I won and was one of the lucky VIP's.  When I arrived, I picked up my goodie bag (some MB products, magazines, bars and an old MB book) and had to buy a copy of her new book to get it signed.  When the host (?) told us that we'd be doing a 10 minute workout with Michelle (mind you, right out front of Big W!), I thought...WTF are we going to do in 10 minutes.  Boy...was I wrong.  It was a full on 10 minutes, leave you breathless and dripping sweat.  It was a HIIT workout (High Intensity Interval Training).  I can't remember exactly what we did, but it was 5 minutes of HIIT and then another 5 minutes of a descending ladder work out (start of with 10 jumps, 10 side kicks (dunno proper name!) and 10 push ups, then 9 of each, then 8 and so on....all to be done within 5 minutes.  Just made it but I was buggered but I felt really good afterwards.  She said with this 10 minute work out, you have no excuses not to work out, which is true, I just need to be motivated, which sometimes I lack.

Afterwards we got the opportunity to get a photo with Michelle and have the book signed.  Told her about my weight loss and she was fantastic.  She's so super fit in real life and so toned...I want her body!

With the amazing and super fit Michelle Bridges.

Exiting the stage, I thought my legs were going to give way as they were like jelly ha ha.  Didn't take me long to recover.

Now, to the scar revision.  As stated above, I am really pleased with the initial result, but had concerns about my "little pot".  I brought this up with the surgeon at the last review and he said that if he had taken more skin away at the initial TT, I would've been way too tight.  I decided to get the revision done now so I'd heal in time for Hawaii in August.

I was admitted on 11th March as a day case and had to present at 2.30pm to the day surgery centre of St John of God.  That also meant fasting from 8am that morning...nothing to eat or drink.  Eating I can do without but not being able to have water was a struggle.  I did have maybe 2 shot glasses of water to wash down a Panadol due to a lingering headache.

It was around 4.00pm by the time the anaesthetist came around to have a chat and check me over then the surgeon came to do his markings.  He apologised for the delay and said that I wasn't too far off.  It was 4.30pm by the time I was wheeled into theatre.

That little bit of leftover skin.

The section of skin the surgeon marked to remove.

The anaesthetist came to give the pre-med, what he called 3 glasses of wine LOL.  I told him won't take long to kick in as I don't drink....well, that took almost immediate effect as I don't even remember being wheeled into theatre.

Whole procedure took about an hour.  I woke up in recovery about 7.00pm.  I was given a shot of Morphine and for some unknown reason, I had developed an allergic reaction, which resulted in hives, which is bizzare as I had Morphine during previous ops without issue, as well as during the revision and post.  I was quickly given an antihistamine and that settled things.  I also had some pain, which felt more like a stinging sensation, so they gave me OxyCodone as Morphine is now a no no.

They decided to admit me overnight for monitoring, plus my blood pressure was up and down, so they wanted to keep an eye on that.  As they didn't want to transfer me from the day surgery centre to the hospital across the road via wheelchair due to the pain, I had to wait for ambulance transfer.  That finally happened at 8.30pm.  The paramedics were just lovely and said that they were just on their way to Cold Rock when they got the call.  I said that we can all go together for a drive once I was loaded in.  It wasn't even a 300mt trip from one side to the other.  I felt a bit guilty that I needed transfer via ambulance, but what can you do?  Surely with the redevelopment of SJOG they could have constructed a tunnel linking the two sites?!?!

Anywho, I settled in for the night and topped up with pain meds and anti-nausea meds.  Pain kept wavering between 0-1 and 5-6 but it wasn't unbearable.  Don't think I slept a wink during the night as I couldn't get comfortable, but I must've had periods of deep sleep as the nurse said that I didn't even stir when she came to check up on me throughout the night.

Surgeon came around 9.00am to check me over and discharge me.

Morning post procedure.

Morning post procedure.

Day 3 post procedure.

Day 3 post procedure.

By Monday I was able to comfortably sleep on my tummy.

And one week post op...I'm wearing jeans!

I had my one week post check up on Tuesday and he was very happy with how things are progressing.  Back for another review in 2 weeks time.  Tape is to stay in place until then.

A few weeks ago I received a Facebook invite for my 20 year high school reunion...20 years!!!  I'm still undecided if I'm going (it's in June).  I found an old high school photo and there's a big difference (apart from looking older!).  I'm sure my school uniform was a size 24.

High School vs December 2014.

Still have a bit of time to decide if I'm going or not.

So I think that's it until next time.

Nessa xo.

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.

Thank you everyone for your comments

Been a while since I've written something, but looking back on some old posts, I didn't realise how many comments I've had.....so a big thank you to all reading my little blog.

Not much has been happening weight wise.  Had an amazing 2 weeks in Hawaii and I think I may have lost about a kilo.  I forgot to weigh myself before I left.  Did a lot of walking, including a 6 mile hike over a volcano to view lava flow...AH-MAZING experience!  Also did a helicopter flight over the Big Island and snorkelled with manta rays.  First time snorkelling and I think I did pretty well, despite having to use a noodle to stay afloat as I needed a free hand for the camera LOL.

Food was a bit of a challenge at times, but I managed, ordering off the appetiser menu or on those few occasions, the kids menu.  What I didn't eat or drink (no alcohol), I was able to take with me in a take out container.  Can't do that here...stupid rules.  I was a bit naughtly and couldn't help myself with some treats, namely a nice big slice of Red Velvet Cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.  Had a few mouthfuls when we got back to the room and about another half for breakfast the next day...so not healthy, but then it just got too sweet.  I've added this cheesecake to my "Must Replicate Dish", along with a few other items that I ate throughout the 2 weeks...which wasn't much really LOL.

So now I am trying to get back on track and lose these last 5kg to take me to my goal weight of 68kg.  I'm next seeing the surgeon for review in January, so fingers crossed I can get there.  If not, I'll be very disappointed in myself, as I have no one else to blame.

A few weeks ago I went to see a surgeon in Geelong with regards to a breast reduction/lift.  Quote was near $8000, covered by Medicare and PHI.  This week I'm seeing another surgeon with regards to an abdominoplasty or whatever else he can offer me.  I saw his nurse a few months ago for a free consult and she quoted me $10,000 (!!!).  Looks like Hawaii will be my last holiday for a loooooooooooooooooooong time.

Once I have more info with regards to the latter surgery, I shall post.

Until then....toodles!