The Princess Leaves the Surgery Center! ~ Day 1 Complete and Going Home (NOT)
Being on a gurney and feeling a tight pressure from my waist to my buttocks was my first recollection that the surgery had been completed. Yes, I looked down, and my tummy appeared pretty flat compared to the tummy that had entered the surgical suite and I couldn’t help but wonder what was underneath those bandages! Moving me to the recliner was a new experience in pain. I’m fairly tough but the pain was almost unbearable. The pain was not from my incisions, but was underneath my breasts and was so tender and painful the tears flowed easily. Although the plan had been to sit in recovery and then go home, I knew there was no way I would be able to go home or control the immense pain and changed my mind immediately that I would be staying overnight.
By this time it was 9:00 p.m. and while I didn’t know how I would pay for the additional charges, the $421.00 to spend the night no longer mattered. Quick “good-byes” were said to my family and I was placed back on the gurney and wheeled to a tiny room that I considered my incubation room for the next 12 hours. Demerol and anti-nausea medicine quickly came on board and the lovely lightest weight paper blanket with plastic tubes was once again hooked up to the rectangular looking shop vac machine and the warm air and the blessings of the medication helped me drift off to sleep. Thank you, Chris, for caring for this crumpled painful lady who never doubted if the surgery should be done, but DID doubt whether there were enough pain medications.
Every few hours I awoke with pain and every so often pain pills were given with some much cherished ice-chilled Sierra Mist. Sure made my throat feel better after the intubation tube was removed in surgery. Chris’s two other names that evening could have been Florence Nightingale or Angel of Mercy!
Every few hours I awoke with pain and every so often pain pills were given with some much cherished ice-chilled Sierra Mist. Sure made my throat feel better after the intubation tube was removed in surgery. Chris’s two other names that evening could have been Florence Nightingale or Angel of Mercy!
The Long Awaited Tummy Pictures ~ A Necessary Piece to Understanding the Process.
Once again the thoughts entered my mind as to why I would succumb to a surgery of this magnitude. Some friends thought me vain, some stupid, some were supportive and others simply did not understand how I had let myself get in that position in the first place. I found my mind wondering and once again asking the questions of myself to gain a deeper understanding of where I had been, why I was going through this and what lessons I could learn.
How could I love this tummy and feel so partial to it while at the same time wanting to have it removed?
*It is my tummy, God given from birth, and entrusted in my care. The fact that I had not been kind or cared for my tummy properly was of no fault of my tummy.Once again the thoughts entered my mind as to why I would succumb to a surgery of this magnitude. Some friends thought me vain, some stupid, some were supportive and others simply did not understand how I had let myself get in that position in the first place. I found my mind wondering and once again asking the questions of myself to gain a deeper understanding of where I had been, why I was going through this and what lessons I could learn.
How could I love this tummy and feel so partial to it while at the same time wanting to have it removed?
*Those purple stretch marks reminded me of the gift God gave me of my beautiful and treasured daughter. Unlike the many complaints I’ve seen from other postings about the unsightly appearance of stretch marks, I have always chosen to view it as an everlasting reminder of the blessed event of her birth and the faith God placed in me when entrusting her to me for a time. What a joy and honor to carry another life and to watch her blossom into the wonderful woman whose company I so enjoy today!
#Mikki Leigh was born in April of 1976, 32 years ago, and is the joy of my life! Her middle name was in honor of my favorite teacher, Leigh Fleming.#She is a woman full of integrity, honor and deeply committed to her family.
#She is a wonderful partner and loves her husband dearly.
#Mikki provides support and guidance and endless love and caring to her children and participates in the school and extra-curricular activities of her children; she is a much better mother than I could have ever hoped to be.
#She works part-time as a licensed beautician and continues her higher educational pursuits and was just accepted into the dental hygiene program.
* While the stretch marks are gone now, I will not forget these feelings. I am grateful we survived our teen years and have grown to a level of love and respect where, as women, we share a deeper love, understanding and communication that comes from years of learning to safety and confidently trust each other. It seems funny these purple stretch marks have brought about such intense feelings, yet they have ~ I rejoice in their blessing!
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Truly unbelievable! There really just aren't words.
lant
I am so proud of you. What a transformation!!!! I want you to make yourself an appointment to get your belly button pierced. YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!!! It is a beautiful new tummy. I love you girl, you are sooo brave, kind, caring and a wonderful Mom too. I am just proud to be your friend.
sequoyah
Wow, thanks for sharing such an intimate moment!
doncarlin
i would get the surgery...i plan on it actually...=D
you look fantastic!!
ana81
Wow ! That is a huge change ! I am so happy for you. I am so glad that you got the surgery and you brave enough to share your story and pictures with us.
kb1979
you look great.
mslindasue1501
I'm glad to hear the surgery went well. Thanks for showing the images and describing the story and all.
TDT
I sppreciate the fact that you are a private person but I also get the sense that if sharing/showing your experiences would help someone you would do it. A Big Thank You from all those who will be motivated by your courage.
Blessings.
Angela
BubblesDavey
Wow, what a transformation! You must feel, almost relieved! Its going to change your way of life completely. Big hugs for being so brave!!
MrsBarker
Thank you so much for showing the before and after pictures. I like to see pictures of any one when they have lost weight or have had some removed. Its actually quite inspiring. Thank you so much for just being a great friend too.
Jenniferswartz84
Wow you are an inspiration. Thank you for being so brave. I hope to follow your footsteps soon.
mamaputt
Thankyou Heartgirl for these inspiring pictures, hope you are feeling more mobile now.
casperw41
WOW,WILL THAT HAPPEN TO ALL OF US WHO ARE OVERWEIGHT AND WELL INTO OUR FIFIES,PLUS I WISH THAT ONE PIC WAS A LITTLE LOWER DID THEY CUT YOU A L L THE WAY ACROSS,OUCH YOUR BRAVE I HAVE 100 POUNDS TO LOSE ITH NO INS COMFORTING HUH. WOW I LOVED THE WAY YOU LOOKED AT YOUR TUMMY GIVES ME ANEW ASPECT OF CARRING 6 SIX 2 ARE IN HEAVEN SO I GUESS THEY ARE SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES THX ILL REMEMBER THAT THE NEXT TIME I COMPLAINABOUT THEM TAKE CARE YOUR A STONG WOMEN STRONG WOMEN TO DO THAT.
DebyDavis
Thank you all for your love and support ... couldn't have made this journey successfully without you! Your hugs and encouragement provided the much needed motivation to persevere and I am forever grateful! Many, many heartfelt ((((Hugs)))) Ranae
heartgirl
I FULLY understand your need to have this surgery done for your own self esteem. Good for you!!!!! About 24 years ago, I had a breast reduction surgery (it was fairly new back then) and people didn't seem to understand why I wasn't happy with what God gave me. I was 20 at the time. But...when people carry all that extra weight around with them, it not only makes us feel badly about ourselves, but it also causes medical issues as well. I was not a heavy woman, just one that was blessed with more then I needed or wanted! I was still able to nurse both of my children & I had a 5 day hospital stay (as I said, they've come a long way since then)! Hold your head up high & enjoy the "new" you. You are the same person on the inside, now the outside will just make you feel better about yourself. I've been considering that surgery as well. Over the years I put on weight & was at 218 lbs & now weight 125 lbs. The extra skin definitely makes a difference! Best of luck to you!!!
nalabud