November 26, 2011

Renee to the rescue!


This morning, I was sitting in the recliner that I've grown to hate over the last 12 days, crocheting an afghan, when I got a text from Renee. She asked if I wanted to go shopping with her. I said yes right away, knowing that I would feel much better if I got out of the house.

I took a shower and dried my hair, then put on make-up--which I haven't worn since before my surgery--and dressed in jeans (my big "fat day" jeans, for comfort) and a sweatshirt. I managed to hook my drain to a chain around my neck and it rested just under my boobs. Hopefully it wasn't noticeable, it just made me look like I had a bigger belly.

I drove over to Renee's and she drove us to the stores. We went to Hobby Lobby first, where I got some more key rings for Gockets. Then we got a coffee (tea for me) to go and headed to the mall. I bought some more egg protein powder at the vitamin store, and a couple of calendars. It felt SO GOOD to get out of the house, and I was surprisingly energetic. Much more so than I have been post-op.  I'm so grateful that Renee asked me to go, it was just what I needed today!

On the way home I stopped at Kroger for a few things that we needed, then I picked up my boys from my parents' house. I brought them home for a few hours, and they were very well behaved. They're spending the night one more night (tonight) and then they'll probably stay here all week. Physically, I'm feeling pretty good. Mentally, I'm still pretty irritated with the swelling and drain (which is still putting out too much to get removed, but it's starting to decrease now). To give you an idea of how bad the swelling is now on Day 12 post-op (versus Day 2 post-op):
Almost no swelling on Day 2
Like a water balloon on Day 12!
My doctor and all the people on the tummy tuck message boards swear that the swelling goes away and my belly will be super flat--but looking at it here makes me feel so discouraged.  My stretch marks look worse, too, but I think that's because I took the pic myself and the camera was VERY close to my belly this time. I am happy with how my belly button is shaping up--it looks very natural and not like those perfectly round, super tiny little belly buttons that some woman have post-tummy tuck. But I've read that belly buttons change shape and size in the months post-op, too.

I was really tempted not to post pictures of the "bad" parts of the surgery, because I don't want to discourage anyone from getting it (or embarrass myself by posting the 'ugly' pics!). But I do want to have a very honest account of it all--good and bad--so that you know what you're getting into, should you get surgery. When I was researching the surgery, it was VERY hard to find any blogs that went into any kind of detail about what to expect.



My mom came over and told me my dad brought me something from Canada. As soon as she said "from Canada" I knew what it was!
These candy bars are AWESOME and we can only find them in Canada. We live pretty close to the border, so whenever one of my family members goes to Canada, they stock up and share the wealth at home :)  Each package has two bars (195 calories each bar); I'll let Jerry have one package, so this will be my dessert for the next two days. I LOVE Coffee Crisps!!

My mom said she didn't want to "tempt" me, but you can't wave a Coffee Crisp in front of me and ask me if I want it! The answer will ALWAYS be yes. So I just have to work it into my diet, like I do with everything else.

21 comments:

  1. Yummy -- Coffee Crisp is one of my favourite chocolate bars! Glad to hear you had some reprieve from the recliner!

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  2. Sorry about the swelling and the drain, Katie. But it's still so soon since your surgery, I'm surprised you're doing so well! And I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to put it all out there. You look great and I can't wait to see your fully healed after pics.
    I kind of felt like I was in the twilight zone while reading this post since my name is Renee and I'm sitting in a recliner in Canada. Weird. We call them "chocolate bars" here. I wouldn't want to tempt you either, but I could be your Coffee Crisp dealer should you ever need a replenished supply. ;) I buy most of my groceries in MI (I'm right on the border) and the list of goodies I can get over there is never ending and so much cheaper!
    I wish you a speedy recovery. All the best!

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  3. Hang in there! It will get better, I'm sure of it. OMG Coffee Crisp! That's one of my favorites and one of the things I didn't get last time I was home. Will definitely have to bring a few of those back to MD with me next time I'm in Mich. As far as candy goes, they're not too horrible in calories. Enjoy!

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  4. wow you are swollen. I can imagine how frustrated you are. I am so excited for when it goes away and we get to see the final product (if you will share) ;)

    I am so happy Renee asked you to get out. I have never heard of Coffee Crisps. They look yummy.

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  5. Yesterday I happened upon tummy tuck photos on another blog. You had to type in the password graphic to see them, so I should have been prepared, but I wasn't. They were photos taken during the actual procedure!

    I am glad you got out of the house today. :)

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  6. I think it is awesome that you are so very honest with it all! Hang in there Katie! The swelling will definitely go down soon! :)

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  7. It will get better! I promise you.

    I had no idea those bars were only available in Canada. I love them. Thank God I'm Canadian. :)

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  8. So glad to hear you got out of the house! Thanks for posting pics. It is very cool to see the changes. My sister's swelling lasted for several weeks but man - when it went down was she HAPPY!!!!!! She looked (looks!) amazing and three years later stops and checks her midsection out every time she gets in front of a mirror. You look so great already!

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  9. @Annie

    Annie, I could kiss you! That makes me feel so much better. I just wish I had more patience ;)

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  10. OnceUponADreamNovember 26, 2011

    As others have said, thank you so much for posting these pics and talking about your experience with it! You are doing just awesome!

    While I am sure it is super frustrating to have to have the drain, it is actually a good thing right now.

    My sister had a separate procedure that required several drains. They removed the last one way way too early, and as a result she had massive fluid rention for well over a month which also sucked several ways from sunday.

    It will come out soon. The swelling will go down, and you are going to be rocking it out!

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  11. Each day in your healinig process is so different. Yesterday you posted that you didn't want to go shopping because of the remaining drain and today getting out was a lifesaver. I am amazed that you are able to drive.
    I am learning so much from your blogging of your experiences. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Pat

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  12. Glad you got to get out of the house today!! I am thankful for you blogging about he good and the bad. I have a lot of loose skin and this is before I am at goal. I am scared to see what I look like at goal so I know I will definitely want this procedure done. I have always wanted a tummy tuck (post babies I am a mess). Your blog helps me see the reality and know what to prepare for. I have a year or two for that though........have to get back on track and lose my weight first. Ice water with lemon always helps me with swelling/bloating. I'm not sure if it works the same for your situation though.

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  13. Coffee Crisp is one of my favourites, too! I'm in Windsor, so if you need more, let me know. I'd be glad to send you some. I actually prefer fun sized bars. Nice little treat for 50-100 calories. I think the fun sized Coffee Crisps are 80 calories. Not bad at all. =)

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  14. Hi Katie,

    We always spent 2 weeks every summer in Canada when I was growing up. I love, love, love Coffee Crisp candy bars!! I havent had one in years!! Enjoy yours. Thanks for bringing back a nice memory for me!!

    Lynn Langdon

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  15. You can see the swelling by your incision over your left hip. It looks painful, is it? I hope your day out didn't wipe you out! We've had really nice weather here so I had to start tackling the clean up in the backyard. I spent a good 15 minutes just pooper-scooping! If I had a dollar for every turd I picked up yesterday... One can dream!

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  16. Well you are in for the long haul now so try to keep your head up and positive. I am sure it must be frustrating at times but, (as with all major "removal" surgeries I have seen on TV) it takes time and they all look AMAZINGLY SUPER after.

    You will look back at this next summer and be so glad you did it and made it through. ;-)

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  17. Your body is in the healing stage now so you have the swelling. It's hard not to be discouraged. When I had surgery on my upper jaw, I didn't swell until about the second week. My Dr. told me that I have a very good immune system. I hope your swelling goes away soon!

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  18. I am actually really thankful that you posted before and after pics and you are being so honest about the surgery. I personally think you should post an entry about the bad parts of surgery. I plan on getting a tummy tuck in the future and think it would be good to know the good, the bad and the ugly of it all. Thanks!

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  19. Funny how many readers you have from Windsor.....small world....
    Coffee Crisps are my absolute fav and taste amazing right from the freezer. At Halloween I stock up on the mini ones and stick them in the freezer. They stay fresh forever and are low in calories but high in taste....lol....now I sound like a damn commercial. We Canadians are good for something!!!!

    You look great btw....don't let the swelling discourage you, it's only a matter of time!

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  20. Coffee Crisps sounds so yummy! I'm picturing a kit kat with coffee flavoring? Your stomach is going to flatten out in NO TIME! It looks like what I want my stomach to look like at goal, if that tells you anything!

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  21. They do sound good. I'm trying really hard to lose my perfectionist ways and just work the more unhealthy foods into my calorie counting. Thanks for even more motivation.

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