November 15, 2011

My lower body lift surgery

Well, I'm home.

I'm in quite a bit a hell of a lot of pain, so I don't know how long I'll be able to type this, but I wanted to update you all. Yesterday, I woke up at 3:00 in the morning, and took a shower. I had to wash with a special soap to prep for surgery. Blew my hair dry and dressed in big comfy clothes. Jerry drove to the hospital, which was about an hour away.

I knew it was going to be a tiny little hospital (mostly outpatient procedures and a small emergency room). We were the only people there that early in the morning. The security guard let us in, and we sat in the OR lobby until the nurse called me back to pre-op.


The nurse called me back while Jerry stayed in the lobby. She took some blood and inserted an IV; checked my vitals and all that. Then she gave me a gown and told me to take off EVERYTHING (including my nose ring). I put on the gown and laid in the little bed. Then Jerry came back there with me:
Getting reeeally nervous
My surgeon came in and answered some more questions I had, and then she used a marker to draw all over me for surgery. I layed back in the bed and the anesthesiologist came in at about 6:20. He was super nice and made me feel very comfortable--first just mentally, and then he put something in my IV that helped me to calm down, but still be coherent. I kissed Jerry good-bye, and they wheeled me off to the OR. That is actually the last thing I remember before surgery.

I woke up to a bunch of people tugging on me, and realized they were putting my compression garment on. I was kind of dozing while they were doing that, and I remembered that I was there for surgery. The doctor came in and told me that the surgery went perfectly, and I have a teeny tiny waist (yay!)


I was taken to my recovery room and since I was staying the night, I got to stay in there. They put a foley catheter in me during surgery, and it stayed in the whole time I was in the hospital, which was nice--I didn't have to get up to go pee!

My abs were hurting SO BADLY, despite the dilaudid in my IV and some other pain meds. They gave me some medicine for nausea, too, but it didn't work at all--I felt SO SICK. I even started dry heaving, which hurt like a bitch because of my muscle repair on my abs. I ordered tuna salad for dinner (protein) and it took me about four tries to eat it. My mouth was super dry, and they said it was because of the anesthesia--they give you meds to stop saliva production. It's so hard to eat without saliva!

The staff there was SO NICE and helpful. I've never felt so attended to. I was literally the ONLY overnight patient there! It was strange, but fun! That was why it took forever to confirm my surgery date--they had to make sure they had an overnight staff for me. Totally worth it! They even let Jerry spend the night with me, and there was a couch that folded out into a bed right in my room:


They had me get up and walk a few times, which was excruciating. The pain is terrible! So much worse than I ever imagined. The doctor came in this morning to check in on me and said I looked great. She unzipped one side of my compression garment and I was able to see my stomach. I can't believe how flat it is! I still have stretch marks, so it'll never be "bikini ready" but it should look good in my clothes. I'll post pictures, but right now I'm just in a lot of pain and I don't want to mess with it.

The doctor said I could go home whenever I was ready, so Jerry and I decided to leave at about 9:00. The nurse wheeled me out to the car, and everyone was telling me they were excited to watch The Dr. Oz Show on Friday ;)  The car ride home was bad--I was in terrible pain.

I'll try to write more tomorrow. Right now I'm just watching the clock for when I can take another pain pill. Hopefully it starts to get better tomorrow!

66 comments:

  1. I am so happy you are home. I am so happy it went well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so happy to hear that you are home and doing well (other than the pain you are in). You are so brave! I can't wait to see you on the Dr. Oz show. You are one amazing woman!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Katie- I'm so glad to see this post from you! I've seriously been stalking your blog to check in on you:-) You look so cute for just being out of surgery. Take care and try to eat as well as you can for good healing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So glad it turned out well and that you're doing ok! I can't wait to see the after photos, and excited about Dr. OZ on the 11/18. I hope you feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't know you know you, but I was praying for you! Hope the pain subsides and you can recoup quickly!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can't believe you're already blogging! I'm so sorry about the pain, but I'm guessing in a few weeks you'll say it was all worth it ;) Can't wait for the show on Friday! Feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So glad it went well! I've been checking your blog like crazy watching for an update. Hope the pain subsides very soon. Can't wait to see you on Dr. Oz Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Katie - so glad you are on the flip side of the surgery now and can get on to healing up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are a trooper! I've been thinking of you. Praying your recovery is quick and that the pain is manageable. That's a major surgery! It's great that Jerry could stay with you. Looking forward to your show Friday. Take it easy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. So glad to hear it went well. I can't wait to see your after pics. Hope you are pain free real soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So relieved to hear the surgery went well, although I expected nothing less. I'm sorry it hurts so badly. What we women go through to look beautiful. What we women go through to bring children into the world. WHAT WE WOMEN GO THROUGH JUST BEING WOMEN!! Nobody gives us enough credit.

    Must be a thrill to look down and see that flat tummy--can't wait to see pictures. Thanks for posting the blog--I know it hurts--but all your friends sure appreciate hearing how you are doing.

    Take care--rest lots, drink your fluids and be sure to watch Dr. Oz on Friday! LOL!

    Now I'll click on an ad, to help pay for that surgery!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm glad everything went smoothly. Try and rest up and hopefully the pains will subside quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have to admit that sounds so very scary! I'm sorry you're in so much pain and I hope it gets better for you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  14. LoveAnAnimalNovember 15, 2011

    It's great to read that all went well and you are at home recovering! You may already know, but some people get constipation from some pain medications, so getting some stool softeners will be a necessity. Plus if your dosage of pain med is not giving you the relief that you need until the next dosing, ask your doctor about taking a supplement for in between scheduled dosing. There is no reason for you to be in agony and having your body tense/tight due to the pain.

    Get plenty of rest and get plenty of protein shakes in you. : )

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am so happy everything went well! I pray for a speedy recovery for you. Can't wait until Dr. Oz on Friday.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  16. So true! Those narcotic pain medications can cause awful constipation. I get calls about this everyday from post-op patients who haven't been warned. Take a fiber supplement like metamucil and consider stool softeners. Don't take them right at the same time you take your pain meds though.
    ...and drink LOTS of fluids!

    ReplyDelete
  17. SO glad to finally hear that you're ok! I thought we'd hear from Jerry when you came out, like we were on the list of "people to call!" Did she tell you how many pounds you "lost?"

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tessa SartinNovember 15, 2011

    Glad you made it through your surgery with no complications and that you're back home resting. I think you're very brave to have done it and hopefully the pain will not last too long and then it will all be worth it and the completion to your journey of changing your body. I saw your clip on the preview for the Dr. Oz show today. Can't wait to see it on Friday. You said it would be on ABC but for some reason in my area it is on NBC not sure if that is the same for anyone else.
    Good luck with the rest of your recovery and don't try and do too much too soon!

    ReplyDelete
  19. yes! I can't believe its over!! You must be sooo thrilled and in pain..duh! BUT sooo thrilled...so excited for you and your flat tummy!!

    Every day will get better and you will be sneezing,laughing, and puking pain free before you know it! ha!

    ReplyDelete
  20. You look so good for just having had major surgery!! I have been checking in to see if you were able to write and happy you are..Sorry about the pain that is never fun but hoping it mellows out real soon. Stay on top of your pain so you don't loose control. Take those meds on schedule!! So happy it all went well can't wait to hear more about it!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats on the "teeny tiny waist"! Once you're in not quite so much pain you'll say it was worth it! I hope the pain eases quickly for you and can't wait to see you on Dr. Oz!

    ReplyDelete
  22. So so SO glad you're ok!! Was worried about you and the pain! Hopefully it subsides or gets better soon!! I can't wait to see the pics!! I know you will be happy - so happy - with the results!! :) Awesome job girl! Cannot wait to see the show!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. So happy to hear that it went well! Hope you recover quickly. :)
    -Jessica F.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So glad it went well! Hope you start to feel less pain soon!! --onewayali from SP!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Glad to hear everything went well!!! Wishing you a quick (and not painful!) recovery. Congrats on your teeny tiny waist - you deserve that!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm so happy for you that it's over and your on the road to recovery. It's so cool that it went so well and everyone was super nice! I can't wait till you feel better and we get to see some pics of the "finished product". I am so pumped about the show on Friday, I just can't wait!

    -Jen (jennygump21)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Praying and thinking of you for your recovery! Hope you're hurting less tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Glad you posted this! I have been checking your blog for an update. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for a speedy recovery for you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. So happy that you posted and that everything went well, and that they took such great care of you! NOW, hope that you are out of pain soon!

    Dede

    ReplyDelete
  30. VERY happy to hear that everything went great!! I can't even imagine how painful your abs must feel. I'm so excited to see pics of the tiny waisted you!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congratulations! You did it! It's going to get better each and every day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. so happy to hear everything went well, I was entering here often to see if you had any updates, so I'm happy now to see that you do :). That must be so excited when the doctor told you that you have a flat stomach :). well I hope the pain gets better and that you heal soon. yay for a flat stomach and for the surgery going well.
    DESYACV2).

    ReplyDelete
  33. Glad to hear you're home safe and sound! Hope the pain goes away soon!

    Katie G.

    ReplyDelete
  34. congrats glad everything went well.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Woohoo!! Heal quickly Katie!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm SOOOO glad to hear from you! We are having a little mini party at my mother in laws for your Dr. Oz debut! I bet you are SOOO TINY!

    ReplyDelete
  37. So good to hear from you!! It has been a few hours since you posted so I hope your pain has eased a bit by now. I'm glad the boys are being taken care of so you can rest easily.

    A flat stomach - wow! I haven't had that since I came out of the womb. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm so glad to hear everything went well... I've checked your blog about a thousand times to see if you had posted! I am so excited for you! Also, waiting very impatiently to see the Dr. Oz episode Friday!! I hope your pain eases up soon. Don't push yourself... just relax (as much as you can in pain) and let yourself heal.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Katie, congratulations! You are really a trouper. I have to admit I was selfishly hoping you'd blog today. :) I'm sorry to hear about the pain...take it easy and enjoy the pampering from your family!

    ReplyDelete
  40. So glad to see that you are home & recovering! I'm another one who has been stalking your page waiting for an update! Hopefully that generated lots of ad views! LOL
    You do look awesome, even right after surgery! Hoping you recover really fast!!
    ~Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  41. So glad it all went well and you're home! I used to read you on OD and I follow you here too, I just honestly had no idea you could comment if you didn't have some type of account. You are extremely inspiring to me and I'm so happy this worked out for you. Can't wait to watch you on Friday. Rest up and I hope your recovery is super quick!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Glad everything went well. Can't wait to see the Dr. Oz episode on Friday!! So exciting. Take care, I hope you recovery is quick!

    ReplyDelete
  43. KATIE!!! Wow is it good to see you lying on the couch with your laptop! Lol. I'm so thankful that you are through the surgery and on to recovery. Can't wait to hear all the details. I'm also so thankful for the advice about fiber/stool softeners that people have given you, hopefully you won't get that problem! Prayed for you a ton yesterday and will continue to pray for less pain by the hour and a speedy recovery! You are inspirational and we all love you so much! Cannot wait until Friday for Dr. Oz!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Katie - Glad to hear you're home and that your hospital experience wasn't bad. I hope the pain meds work well for you! You'll be back on your feet in no time:)
    -Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  45. Glad to hear you are done! That is great that it all went well, can't wait to see the results in a few weeks. I have had 3 c-sections and another abdominal surgery and recovery sucks! Hope you feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm sorry you're in so much pain but YAY it's over! :o) Now all you have to do is sit back, heal, and then post pictures! Lol!

    No, really, I hope the pain goes away and your recovery goes great! :o)

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm happy everything went well. I hope you are in much less pain really soon.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thank you for sharing these moments with others. I'm so glad to know that all went well. Looking forward to Dr. Oz on Friday!

    ReplyDelete
  49. You look great Katie!!!!!!! I am so happy to hear that your surgery went well and I hope you think the finished result is worth all the pain that you are in now!!! I hope the pain goes away soon and that you are being spoiled!!!!!
    Thanks for the update!!!!!!!!!:-)
    ~Laura

    ReplyDelete
  50. So glad you are feeling up to posting. Hope you continue to get better and pain-free everyday. Can't wait to see you on the Dr. Oz Show on Friday.

    Kathy D.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Oh Katie, I'm so excited for you but more then that I'm so glad to hear that everything went perfect and that you are okay! I can't wait to see pictures! Congrats and hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  52. So good to hear from you....Can't believe you are already posting....thought we were just going to hear about it through Jerry:) Hope the pain lessens quickly! Whooohoo for a flat tummy....I am sooo envious! Take care my friend.
    Michelle in Canada

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm so glad everything went well. Hope recovery isn't too difficult!

    ReplyDelete
  54. i am glad that you are ok. i was thinking about you yesterday (even told my DVR to record the dr oz show for friday).
    i hope the healing is fast and the pain is minimal.
    -lessoff

    ReplyDelete
  55. Michelle - SparkNovember 16, 2011

    Congrats and I am glad that everything went smoothly!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Happy you're home and that it all went well. Hope you find relief from the pain very soon!! So happy for you!!

    ~WinninByLosin~

    ReplyDelete
  57. Congratulations on the surgery going well. Hope your recovery is swift.

    (bluesox4113 on Sparkpeople.com)

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm glad you're home and doing well! I hope your pain levels go down quickly and you have a quick recovery!

    SP: kjdoeslife

    ReplyDelete
  59. Glad to hear the surgery went well. Wishing you a speedy recovery :)

    Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Great to hear the surgery went well. Sorry to hear about the pain though. Can you take Motrin in between? Hoping the pain subsides for you quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi Katie......I thought about you on Monday and am so happy to hear that all went well and you are home. Very sorry there is so much discomfort and pain. Cool that you got to see your teeny waist and flat stomach! Feel better and heal quickly.

    Take care, Terry
    aka TerryT55 from SP

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Katie,, so glad to hear all is well,, I have been thinking about you alot these last few days,, I feel you are one of my good friends,, and I have never even met you . I talk about you all the time.. people think I am crazy LOl,, I will be watching you on Dr Oz on friday,, i cant wait to see you . For now,, Hydrate, eat well,, and rest, res,t rest.

    Tammy/Texzan

    ReplyDelete
  63. So happy to hear you are home and everything went smoothly. Hopefully the pain starts to alleviate soon! I've got my DVR all set to record Dr. Oz friday... can't wait to see it!

    Ellen (goddessellie07)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Katie! I've been following your blog for a couple months now and I think you're very inspirational. I'm glad to hear your surgery went well...I DVR'd the Dr. Oz show this Friday and I NEVER watch Dr. Oz. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the show.
    Be well!
    Teri
    http://goathillgirl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  65. I wanted to say thanks for posting, especially when you're in so much pain. I'm on my weight loss journey, I have 100lbs to lose and I'm about 20lbs down so far only. I know at the end of the journey I'll need to have surgery, I had a messy caesarean with my daughter 10 years ago and when I lost weight last time (70lbs down, 100lbs back on, oops), I had a lot of excess skin hanging over the incision. Anyway, reading your posts is really inspirational, not just the weight loss but knowing you're going through what I will do at some point in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  66. It's awesome to hear that you had such special treatment while in the hospital. That probably made such a difference. And that picture of Jerry sleeping on the fold out was sweet. I'm glad everything went smooth and now it is just a matter of recovering. :-)

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive