Well guys, I FINALLY DID IT!!!!! On Wednesday, Sept. 29th I went under the knife to finally get rid of JABBA. Oh what a difference!
That day started with me getting a quick pregnancy test before the operation. Then came the IV... Okay, so how many pokes DOES it take to get to the center of a vein??? I guess it took 3 people to figure it out, along with 3 pokes and 3 bruises. Why can't these workers listen to the patient when we say, "Hey, that vein is way too small. Try another one." I guess they thought that if I am too upset because I've been used as a pin cushion that I wouldn't worry about the surgery. Try again....
My doc showed up and drew on my belly and took pics. I reminded him that I want a pic of Jabba. He said I would get it on my visit when I get the drains removed.... Well tomorrow is that day. So my pics will be taken after the drain removal and hopefully my Jabba pics.... Yeah, I'm disgusting. lol....
When the anesthesia wore off, I woke up and started talking a mile a minute, excited about the operation and asking how it went. The team was laughing that I had all this energy at just 15mins of recovery. Then I made sure to ask about my Jabba pics and the team assured me that it was taken. They said that they never had anyone wake up with just enthusiasm as me. Hey, I'm one of a kind. HAHA
My first 2 days home was very hard for me. Thank God for pain killers. Oh yes, without them bad boys I would be screaming bloody murder. After the first 48 hrs I was able to walk up and down the steps. It is still a little difficult for me with these drains on me but it's getting better.
I finally looked at my belly. It is swollen right now and it will stay that way for about 2 months or so. The belly button is going inward, taking its position. The stitches around the belly button are still on it but I know in time it will head itself.
Okay, now for the main long scar.... wow, talk about cutting low! The scar starts on the middle of my hip sides and drops so low in the middle area I didn't find the line at first. Then the hairs started to grow back. I've been itching for days at that spot. I hope it'll stop soon. Not too cool. But in the plus side - WOW, what HIPS! They're like handles compared to my waist. Hubby is happy for me and already notices the change. My pants and underwear are baggy and I can finally still upright without worrying about the flab laying on my thighs. When I lay on my back that is when I finally see a huge difference. I wanted to cry last night realizing how much of an impact this operation has made for me already. Even with all of the pain involved I am so happy I went through with it.
And now for the big surprising plus in all of this...... I am now 199lbs! I just can't believe it. I never expected to lose any extra pounds other than what was removed - which was 6.5lbs. I started this blog at 217lbs and now I'm under 200lbs. I haven't been under 200lbs for over a decade. I was so excited that I dragged hubby out of the bedroom to see the scale. I wanted to cry. I know this is due to the fact that I've been eating smaller portions because of how tight my belly feels along with alot of water, no soda or juices and no eating late at night other than crackers if I need to take my pain meds. It is a simple plan and if I keep it up, who knows.
Wonderful experience so far - great hospital, fantastic doctor (who sent me flowers on my first day home - who does that?), great family support and a loving husband. I am so fortunate.
I'm back at work next Tuesday. I actually miss being out and singing. I'm currently practicing my singing since it is difficult due to the stitches in my belly muscles. I think it'll take time but I'll be okay.
Pics will be coming soon. I just couldn't take pics with drains (yuck) but I promise that once they're gone pics will be next, swelling and all.
Thank you all for supporting my blog... there will be more to come!
