First Post-Op Update!

Right before going into surgery!

I did it! So my surgery was one week ago today and I'm feeling pretty fantastic all things considered.  Mind you, I'm writing to you on day seven not day one, two, three, four, five, or six.  If you look at the picture above you'll see me cheesin' big time before going under the knife.  Yes, I was excited for get this procedure over with, but I was also very naive about how extensive and painful this surgery actual is.  I don't have a single ounce of regret  I'm just saying I definitely underestimated how much this operation would temporarily halt me from doing regular daily activities that we normally take for granted.

Last Thursday around 9AM I arrived at the surgical center to fill out paperwork (aka signing my life away) and prep for surgery.  Once I got there I threw on the cap, gown, and socks then Dr. Altman (my plastic surgeon) came into the room to mark my stomach up with markers.  I think that's when it really hit me that this was really going down.  I was shaking a little bit, but he assured me that this surgery was "going to change my life in such a profound way" so that definitely put a smile on my face because I knew he was right.  He jokingly said "okay we're doing this now so you better not gain the weight back". Pshhh I can confidently say that after ALL that I've gone through I would never ever go back to the way I was before.  A day doesn't go by where I'm not grateful for making this change! Now getting back on topic, I was laying in the hospital bed when the anesthesiologist gave me morphine to relax me.  Next thing I know I'm in the operating room and I was moved onto the operating room table.  The rest, well I was knocked out for that, so...  

Approximately 3 1/2 hours I woke up feeling groggy and out of it.  I had a large white band around my stomach as well as two drains coming out of both sides of my hips (yes I know the visual sounds delightful) so I couldn't see any of the incision at the time.  Dr. Altman came in and let me know that he removed 10 lbs, tightened my stomach muscles, and essentially reconstructed my abdomen.  For the next hour I had the most friendly post surgical nurses checking in on me which made the experience of coming out of the surgery so pleasant.  After a few doses of morphine, instructions on post-op care, and clearance from the doctors it was time for me to leave.  The process of getting me changed into my clothes, into a wheelchair, and into the car definitely took some time, which again was another clue that this recovery process is no joke.   Once I arrived home I used a walker to get into the house and had my family's help slowly walking up two flights of stairs to my room.  My entire core just felt tight and heavy at this point.  The rest of the day was spent in and out of sleep and trying to keep movement to a minimum.

 For the first two days I definitely became very paranoid about moving because I was nervous about the stitches coming undone or getting an infection.  I'm pretty sure my mom had to reassure me a hundred times that I wasn't going to break in half when I sat up or walked around.  In my defense, this was my first (and hopefully last) surgical procedure so I didn't know what to expect!  Getting up the first couple of days was quite the challenge.  While laying in bed I had to wrap my arms around one of my parents neck and then they'd slowly lift me up.  Then I'd have to one by one place my feet down on a stool to adjust myself to sit upright and then use a walker while walking in a hunched position to get around.  You really don't realize how much you use your abs until you've had them cut open, ouch!  Well anyways, I won't give you a play by play on my every move from the past couple of days but let's just say I went from being completely helpless days one through three to now being able to get out of bed by myself, walk without the walker, go up/down the stairs, and just move around in general.  This morning I even went for a walk outside, which was amazing to finally get some much needed fresh air. I finished my anti-biotics yesterday and haven't taken any pain medicine in 48 hours!  Yesterday, I went for my first post-op appointment and everything looked great.  I can definitely see some swelling particularly near my hips, but I know over time that's going to subside.  The plan was to take the drains out as well, but as a precautionary measure we're keeping them in until tomorrow so back to the doctor I go!

 It's really amazing how each day I wake up progressing a little bit more each day!  It's very encouraging to know that my body is healing and getting better because those first couple of days were rough and I wouldn't wish the pain I experienced on anybody.  This whole experience so far has been profoundly life-changing and I haven't really left my house!  The first time I took the bandage off it took about ten minutes because I became really emotional about seeing my new stomach for the first time.  As I slowly peeled off the velcro band I was obviously crying because at that moment I was scared and anxious to see the new me.  When you're used to having something on you for literally over a decade and poof it's gone it takes you back a little bit.  Now that I've seen my stomach on multiple occasions I'm getting more adjusted to it and happier and happier! :)  All and all this has been a wonderful experience (minus the pain and discomfort obvi)!  Be on the look out because I'll be writing again soon about my continued progress and if I'm feeling brave enough even post a picture or two.  Later gators.

This Ain't No Ordinary Game of Operation

So I may have failed to mention on here that I am having surgery and that surgical procedure is going down not in a few months, days, or weeks but in a few hours!  I honestly feel like I've had my own personal episode of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition minus the adorable Chris Powell and his camera crew.  Well after sixteen months of fully committing myself to health, nutrition, and fitness I will now be getting an abdominoplasty.  What's that you ask? Ya welcome.

I've essentially gotten to my goal weight months ago with the exception of this problem, but getting a procedure that is technically considered cosmetic covered by your insurance company is quite the process.  Back in February I met with my plastic surgeon for an initial consultation, but without much medical backing I knew there wasn't a chance insurance would consider covering this.  Throughout this time I've gone to my chiropractor, general physician, endocrinologist, etc all which found this procedure to be a medical necessity.  With their well-written letters and the persistance of my plastic surgeon (even after it got initially denied) I was approved!  I remember the distinct moment when I found out the surgery got approved.  I was at work and received a call from an unknown number.  It was one of the nurses from my health insurance company who was delighted to tell me that I approved.  I immediately blurted out "Are you serious?!" at least three times, but I obviously had to keep my composure at work so I ran into the bathroom for a minute and literally had the happiest tears fall down my face.  It was truly one of those moments where I felt so unbelievably grateful and lucky to have this opportunity.  Let's face it with all my student loans there was no way I was ever going to be able to pay for this.

Anyways, after filling out a decent amount of paperwork and getting my pre-op tests done I'm all set to go! To be honest, I'm not too concerned about the pain because I know that's to be expected with any sort of medical procedure although an incision essentially from hip to hip will hurt (ouch!)  What gets me most is the fact that I'll have to be resting and lying down for a good chunk of the day during the the first two weeks.  Now I know some people might think that's all  great and relaxing, but it's the opposite for me.  Anyone that knows is well aware of the fact that I can't sit still.  I'm always on the go whether it be spending time with friends/family, traveling, and/or exercising/working out/playing sports.  I have such an active lifestyle that I think it's going to drive me nuts to leisurely watch TV, read, surf the web, etc because I rarely do these things on a regular basis.  I know in the long-run that this surgery will be totally worth it (oh hey low-rise skinny jeans and bikinis).  I plan on fully following the doctor's orders because I want to heal, get better, and get back out to doing the things that I love ASAP.  Let's just hope I can pick up a couple of entertaining hobbies while bed-ridden!

I've spent the week mentally/physically prepping for the surgery.  I did a three-day juice detox, trying to get rid of as many toxins as possible and wein myself off of coffee/caffeine.  I've made sure to take all my vitamins, drank lots of water, worked out as much as possible, and got a good night's sleep (with the exception of tonight).  On my end, I feel confident that I'm going into the surgery in excellent condition, which I'm hoping will make this process whiz on by! Can you tell I'm a little impatient?

I'm off to bed now and very unbelievably excited and nervous for this next chapter in my life! I'm sure I'll be blogging about my experience in the coming days.  Wish me luck :)

Photo from http://www.ackxhpaez.com/operation.html

Open Roads, Clear Skies, and Fried Food?!

 I recently came back from a roadtrip down south to Charleston, South Carolina then over to the Smoky Mountains and finally to Nashville, Tennessee.  My adventures have led me to my next blog topic, which is how so many parts of this country do not have access to healthy foods.  I believe after getting a small glimpse of other parts of the nation I have a better understanding as to why there is such a obesity epidemic in this country.

Living in the greater NYC area I've been spoiled with health food and fitness stores, farmer's markets, juice bars, and healthier alternative supermarkets like Whole Foods and Trader Joes.  What I'm saying is that the right foods have essentially been at my fingertips.  Even finding vegetarian-friendly has never really posed any problems.  As many of you are aware when traveling anywhere of distance on major highways you'll pass a slew of rest stops that typically have a lot of the same fast food joints like McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Arby's, Dunkin Donuts, and Subway.  It is super frustrating when you're trying to not eat processed garbage, you're hungry, and there isn't a legitimate supermarket and/or restaurant for miles.  On a six day trip I had Subway 9 times essentially giving that Jared guy a run for his money.  I had 1 of 2 things either the Veggie Delite (all the vegetables) on a 6' whole wheat bread with vinegar or I just ditched the bread and had that in salad form.  All things considered I think I did the best I could for my surroundings.  I'm super glad I packed snacks for the car like apples, oranges, raisins, kale chips, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter, etc.  It's just disheartening that one of the "healthier" fast food places is the healthiest option people have on the road in certain states. 

Another observation I made was that so many small towns have general stores typically attached to gas stations where people go to grab a meal.  I was frightened at the lack of options, not to mention the overabundance of fried chicken, wings, hot dogs, chips, and candy.  Many of these places had packaged deli meats (oh hey sodium) and cheeses that has that flappy rubber texture (yum!).  I went to the nearest town when I was camping that was about 9 miles away from my campsite and the two stores/gas stations didn't even carry fruits/vegetables or eggs!  This is what so many people are accustomed to eating in this country.  It's sad that it is literally easy to find a tub of processed fried chicken than it is an apple! We really need to do something as a country to give all people equal access to healthy foods.  I know what I'm writing about isn't new at all, but to actually experience compelled me to share my thoughts.  Hopefully one day as a nation we'll be able to pull away from processed foods and eat clean, local, fresh foods!