Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

[Hot Tamale]

Hi Everyone - I made an appointment to be seen Friday afternoon...just want her to see what's going on. I do think the medicine is helping some, but I am not a doctor and I know she's good, so I will go see what she says.

Regarding the swelling...It is generally going down...except now that I have this infection I'd have to say things seem "harder" than they have before. My upper center incision is starting to go down - my belly button looks better each day. Problem area is over one thigh and then theres two small red areas by the top of my pubic area. My drain hole is still producing just a drop or two a day - but I find that odd. The whole middle area still feels very tight - I'm assuming partly from the muscle repair and partly due to the infection/swelling. I hope there's a pretty simple solution to this. After I see her - and after this situation is under control I swear I will post more pics!

[clmoore]

Hot Tamale -- Are you still wearing your compression garment?

To others who have asked about sweliing, etc. NOTE AS HAS BEEN STATED.... WE ARE ALL VERY DIFFERENT!! I felt swollen in my lower abdomen pubic area for a while, but I wore compression garments for all my surgeries for months longer then required and loved them.

My surgeon is also very proud of the fact that he DOES NOT pump his patients full of fluid for any surgeries like some surgeons do. That not only helps lower our swelling afterwards, but also lessens pain. A lot of our pain is due to swelling.

All of you are awesome! None of these surgeries are easy decisions and I congratulate you all for changing your lives in a good way.

Losing weight and looking and feeling better STILL does NOT fix all the problems in our lives, but is one less big stress to me.

[Hot Tamale]

I only take mine off to shower. Sometimes I wear two - the one she gave me and one that goes from up high to halfway down my thighs. I am the perfect patient - I do what I'm told!!
PS: When I am washing one/all of them I will wear my binder for that short period of time, too. I don't ever walk around without something on...

[clmoore]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

I only take mine off to shower. Sometimes I wear two - the one she gave me and one that goes from up high to halfway down my thighs. I am the perfect patient - I do what I'm told!!
PS: When I am washing one/all of them I will wear my binder for that short period of time, too. I don't ever walk around without something on...

I just KNEW you were SUPER SMART!

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

it appears clear, not cloudy, and its a pale yellow with maybe just a tinge of pink.

Clear and yellowish pink is serosanguinous (blood and serum) fluid and that is a normal part of healing. Bright red or thick and cloudy yellow or green is not a good sign.

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

I clean the drain with peroxide

Did your surgeon recommend to clean with peroxide? Peroxide kills bacteria but can also damage live tissue. If that's what your surgeon recommended then they have their reasons (although personally I would dilute it with sterile water). If it's not then I would use a mild antibacterial liquid soap/water spray and rinse with some normal saline (0.9% - drugstores have it).

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

The incision is red in a few spots and the swelling around the middle incision just seems very hard and unusual.

I woke up in a cold sweat last night - and a broken fever, but I again have a low-grade one now.

Erythema (redness), wound induration (hardness - this means the tissue is inflamed) and fever are all sign of an early infection - BUT it doesn't mean it's a bad one. It is most likely warm to the touch as well, right?

So here's the deal, and this is just my opinion (please keep your doctor informed and get her opinion!!). Watch the redness. If it's localized and not growing you are most likely contained and healing, it's normal for wounds to go through an icky phase on some people. If it starts to spread or you have red streaks then your infection is increasing and you want to get in to get it taken care of. If your fever or pain increases significantly then you want to get in to see your doctor. Drainage - you want it to be clear and yellowish, pink is okay, with no odor. A foul odor, thickness, or pus is not okay. You had an antibiotic so that is a good thing too. Keep it clean and dry. Your doctor may have you take another round of antibiotic or give you a different one just to be safe.

This is a really tough place to have an incision, and it seems like a lot of people go through this. It gets sweaty. It gets rubbed by clothes and binders. It goes through all kinds of stretching and torture. It's likely to get angry, but if you take care of it (and that includes staying in contact with the doctor like you are) then you can most likely stave off anything bad.

[clmoore]

Originally Posted by myyellowstang

Clear and yellowish pink is serosanguinous (blood and serum) fluid and that is a normal part of healing. Bright red or thick and cloudy yellow or green is not a good sign.



Did your surgeon recommend to clean with peroxide? Peroxide kills bacteria but can also damage live tissue. If that's what your surgeon recommended then they have their reasons (although personally I would dilute it with sterile water). If it's not then I would use a mild antibacterial liquid soap/water spray and rinse with some normal saline (0.9% - drugstores have it).

That is all really good stuff for us to all know! I didn't know the part about Peroxide maybe damaging live tissue. Thanks for info!

[Hot Tamale]

Yes, Heather, thanks so much for that info - it was exactly what I needed to hear! I am going to see the doc tomorrow & will post an update once I know more.

[tybeeanna]

HT hope all goes well tomorrow.

[Hot Tamale]

Okay Folks... Update: First, I am okay. Actually, my doctor was still really pleased with how I'm healing. Now, I forget the official terms, but the deal is that my body is getting rid of fluids and fibrous things from the surgery and it is all normal (I do wish I had heard about this beforehand, but I don't think it happens to everyone...). She again mentioned my surgery was extensive comapred to most, which I need to remember. She said massage or moderately hot heating pads could help with the hardness of my stomach, which I will try... She said stop the peroxide and just use Dial. She also told me I can exercise, use stairs, and bend over again. She did say to wait another week or two on the abdominal exercising (so it was 6 weeks, Mary), but other than that exercise is a good thing and will help me feel better faster.

All that said, I walked over 2 miles today (about 50 minutes), and I also lost my 205th pound this morning. I'm a pretty happy camper today. I think just hearing you're doing okay from your doctor makes you feel significantly better. She did give me one more course of Cipro just in case, but she feels we caught the infection early. I don't go see her for a month, so I know she is confident I'm doing okay...

Thanks to all of you for your concern and advice. It all helps so much!
PS: I took a few pics yesterday and I'm trying to get around to posting them. I'll let you know when I do it.

[Izzysdream]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

Okay Folks... Update: First, I am okay. Actually, my doctor was still really pleased with how I'm healing. Now, I forget the official terms, but the deal is that my body is getting rid of fluids and fibrous things from the surgery and it is all normal (I do wish I had heard about this beforehand, but I don't think it happens to everyone...). She again mentioned my surgery was extensive comapred to most, which I need to remember. She said massage or moderately hot heating pads could help with the hardness of my stomach, which I will try... She said stop the peroxide and just use Dial. She also told me I can exercise, use stairs, and bend over again. She did say to wait another week or two on the abdominal exercising (so it was 6 weeks, Mary), but other than that exercise is a good thing and will help me feel better faster.

All that said, I walked over 2 miles today (about 50 minutes), and I also lost my 205th pound this morning. I'm a pretty happy camper today. I think just hearing you're doing okay from your doctor makes you feel significantly better. She did give me one more course of Cipro just in case, but she feels we caught the infection early. I don't go see her for a month, so I know she is confident I'm doing okay...

Thanks to all of you for your concern and advice. It all helps so much!
PS: I took a few pics yesterday and I'm trying to get around to posting them. I'll let you know when I do it.

glad I peeked at this thread. Good to know you are healing well! It was over 4 months that I could even think about any abdominal exercises...

[thinr4me]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

Okay Folks... Update: First, I am okay. Actually, my doctor was still really pleased with how I'm healing. Now, I forget the official terms, but the deal is that my body is getting rid of fluids and fibrous things from the surgery and it is all normal (I do wish I had heard about this beforehand, but I don't think it happens to everyone...). She again mentioned my surgery was extensive comapred to most, which I need to remember. She said massage or moderately hot heating pads could help with the hardness of my stomach, which I will try... She said stop the peroxide and just use Dial. She also told me I can exercise, use stairs, and bend over again. She did say to wait another week or two on the abdominal exercising (so it was 6 weeks, Mary), but other than that exercise is a good thing and will help me feel better faster.

All that said, I walked over 2 miles today (about 50 minutes), and I also lost my 205th pound this morning. I'm a pretty happy camper today. I think just hearing you're doing okay from your doctor makes you feel significantly better. She did give me one more course of Cipro just in case, but she feels we caught the infection early. I don't go see her for a month, so I know she is confident I'm doing okay...

Thanks to all of you for your concern and advice. It all helps so much!
PS: I took a few pics yesterday and I'm trying to get around to posting them. I'll let you know when I do it.

Been reading and keeping up with your progress. Good to read this tonight!

[tybeeanna]

HTso glad doc gave you a good report.

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

Okay Folks... Update: First, I am okay. Actually, my doctor was still really pleased with how I'm healing. Now, I forget the official terms, but the deal is that my body is getting rid of fluids and fibrous things from the surgery and it is all normal (I do wish I had heard about this beforehand, but I don't think it happens to everyone...). She again mentioned my surgery was extensive comapred to most, which I need to remember. She said massage or moderately hot heating pads could help with the hardness of my stomach, which I will try... She said stop the peroxide and just use Dial. She also told me I can exercise, use stairs, and bend over again. She did say to wait another week or two on the abdominal exercising (so it was 6 weeks, Mary), but other than that exercise is a good thing and will help me feel better faster.

All that said, I walked over 2 miles today (about 50 minutes), and I also lost my 205th pound this morning. I'm a pretty happy camper today. I think just hearing you're doing okay from your doctor makes you feel significantly better. She did give me one more course of Cipro just in case, but she feels we caught the infection early. I don't go see her for a month, so I know she is confident I'm doing okay...

Thanks to all of you for your concern and advice. It all helps so much!
PS: I took a few pics yesterday and I'm trying to get around to posting them. I'll let you know when I do it.

Awesome news!!!

[wastednuffime]

HT,

Great news!!

[juhanna]

this is what I am hoping for one day, to get tummy tuck.. maybe my start weight is not as bad, bad my apron is, having had 6 babies on top of the weight loss.. but I'm in uk, it's very expensive and it's hard to get funding for this.. anyone found good products to deal with the exess skin, chin, thighs, stomack, arms?? (skin care products)

[clmoore]

FEET SURGERY UPDATE:

TEN WEEKS AFTER BUNION / HAMMERTOE SURGERY:

I was ten weeks out from surgery yesterday. I saw surgeon on Tuesday and she said I am healing beautifully and she can tell I took care of my feet and did what she told me to do. I asked her if my toes are ever going to slim down again and she reminded me that I had the maximum forefoot surgery done and that it will take months before the swelling goes down. She has me starting therapy on them next Tuesday.


I had my first pedicure last night and it felt so good!! The toes look like little Vienna sausages with painted toenails on them now. I am wearing some basic ROMIKA comfort sandals today and will see how that goes without my beloved Velcro shoes after ten weeks.


I’ve done my picture update for ten weeks and attached it. When I look at the stitches and pins photos, it does remind me of how far I have healed so far.

[tybeeanna]

clmoore Your tootsie are looking good. I cant even imagine the pain you went through.Take good care.

[Hot Tamale]

I agree - you're healing wonderfully! Congrats!

[Heidi]

HT... glad to hear you're making good progress

Originally Posted by juhanna

nyone found good products to deal with the exess skin, chin, thighs, stomack, arms?? (skin care products)

I just read that Preperation H used occasionally (in gel mint form not ointment) helps tighten skin. I know it sounds odd, but google it and you will see lol. I guess once a month for a couple of days. You rub it on then put suran wrap (not too snug) and wear it to bed or during tanning (umm no!).

I'm going to try it with my upper arms I think!

clmoore, your feet look great! Wow it seems the healing was quick.. (I'm sure it didn't feel quick though lol).

[Hot Tamale]

Thanks to all of you for commenting on me & my decent doc visit! Today was my last Cipro and I do feel a lot better than I did a few weeks ago. I've increased my protein some and I think that's also helping. I try to massage my tummy some when I'm in the shower, and I may be having some luck with it reducing the swelling some. I'm still quite numb and it feels really tight, but it is okay, everthing all said and done. I'm looking forward to how it will look a month or two from now, though...

PS: I totally overused the word "some," but I found it so funny I didn't have the heart to edit it all to sound better! :P

[clmoore]

HotTamale: Glad you are doing better. I definitely believe the extra protein helps with healing, big time! Also, remember your vitamins. I know you do!

[myyellowstang]

You only used three "somes". Your "somes" to other word ratio is still good.

[cathy143]

Wow! Everyone looks so great. It took forever to read this whole thread but what an inspiration.

I am a returning poster who had VGS in March of last year. I have been in a 5 month slump and I am officially the slowest loser my doc has. I feel as long as it is going down and now up I am a winner. However, I do have about 60-70 more lbs to lose. The nutritionalist says I am eating too many carbs, so here I am again.

I am so inspired by all of you. I have already started my surgery fund so I can afford this in the next year or so.

Clmoore, seeing your feet make mine hurt. Glad you are healing well.

Amber, you are amazing. Your wedding photos were spectacular and you look so great since your TT. You are truly a beautiful woman. Tony is lucky.

Hot Tamale, I am glad you are doing so well after your surgery. I didn't see any pics. Will some be coming?

Maryposa, I am excited for you that your surgery is near. You have been such an inspiration to me.

CJ, hugs and prayers that your will get your surgery approved.

There are so many more that have been successful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your stories.

[Bejewelme]

I am back from Mexcio, fat and sad to have left such a wonderful week! LOL

HT I am glad you are healing!

CLM- your toes look great that was a nasty surgery! I think for such a short time you are doing great, my toes are terrible, LOL I would love that. We got a free 20 minute foot massage everyday there in Mexico, Tony hated it so I got it, I flet bad with my size 11 feet or these poor little girls, LOL

OMG I am so fat I ate and drank everything under the sun, those fruity drinks are a killer but I did play beach volleyball, and still had my serves from college, LOL So back to some strict diet and working out! I am determined to get under 200 if it kills me by my 2 year LC anniversary which is 9/27 my son's B-day!

[Hot Tamale]

You can do it, Bejewelme!!! Your vacation sounds great! I'm envious!

I agree, CLM's feet look fantastic - I cannot imagine having that done, but you're doing great!

I am half a pound away from an all-time low (since about 1984 or so, anyway...) and I am hoping to get to it tomorrow. I have been walking and using the elliptical machine most days each week. I am excited that I seem to be able to do more and more each week. Today I went 1.6 miles on the elliptical machine then walked 2 miles on the treadmill. I felt like I accomplished something. I believe I am about 6 weeks post-op now. Also, in the last 2 days it seems my drain opening has finally closed up. That seemed to take a while. I don't have any more drainage from anywhere and the swelling is slowly going away. I really will post some pics soon, but work has me up to here with paperwork and when I get home I have kid time then I crash. Mayyyybe this weekend! Everyone take care!

[clmoore]

Welcoime back from vacation Bejewelme and I'm sure you're not fat!

Way to go HotTamale! Even if you are not posting pictures for us, be sure you take some for yourself so you can see your progress when you look back at this adventure.

I have my first therapy session in the morning at 7:45 on my toes/bunion/feet... FUN!! Gotta get them to be flexible. They are pretty stiff right now from wearing those velcro shoes for ten weeks.

Proud of all of you girls!

[joyful48]

Hello you wonderful bunch of ladies! I have also been lurking on your thread for some time .I am soo wanting a Mommy Makeover. I am thinking of going to Cancun for it as soon as I can get the money together.The Dr who did my WLS surgery told me I have met his expectations for welght loss and I don't need to lose any more. I am short so I still want to lose another 10lbs. I weigh 127 down from 212 height is 5ft no inches. My dh doesn't understand why I want the TT etc. I hate that flap , always have had one . I want a flat tummy WHAAA!! It makes me still feel fat!! should I still care at 60 yrs old ???

[Bejewelme]

Joyful- yes you should still care, there is no reason for you not to feel your best and look your best after the hard work of losing weight and for people like me who have never been thin it is great to just feel normal and not be looked at like a fat freak! LOL I say go for it! Cancun for surgery? I just got back from an awesome resort there!!!!!

[bbaaher]

After 10 weeks I still have major swelling and have to wear a binder for at least 3 more months. I return to work at a desk job in two weeks. When I sit the binder folds and digs into my stomach insecion line (just above my pubic area...had a pannectomy, hernia and muscle repar). Any ideas on how to make it so it wont dig into me?


bbaaher

[clmoore]

Originally Posted by bbaaher

After 10 weeks I still have major swelling and have to wear a binder for at least 3 more months. I return to work at a desk job in two weeks. When I sit the binder folds and digs into my stomach insecion line (just above my pubic area...had a pannectomy, hernia and muscle repar). Any ideas on how to make it so it wont dig into me?


bbaaher

Instead of a binder, I would (and I did) get the spanx-type garment that goes from under my boobs down to my knees. Very secure and tight and nothing to rub anywhere. They were very secure and comfortable with good compression.