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.