On Aug. 13th, 2007 I went in for a free consultation for a Tummy Tuck with Dr. Farbod Esmailian at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center. He is associated with the Dr. 90210 TV program. It was a mind easing consultation. He is very thorough, going over the whole proceedure explaining what he will be taking off and how. Randy (my husband) went with me for support and I'm glad he did so he could see what will be happening and what will be needed to help me once the surgery is done. Although my mom will be there to help out too. =) My appointment with Dr. Esmailian for the Tummy Tuck (Anchor Cut) is November 16, 2007. The one thing that made me feel really good is when Dr. Esmailian said I didn't have much more to loose, that there is basically just skin left. I will keep you updated on the progress.
11/13/2007
Pre-Op appointment
Well today was my Pre-op appointment, it went well. Dr. Esmilian is a wonderful doctor and very patient and caring. I asked several questions and he answered them with detail and without hesitation. The one question I did ask was if I was the largest person that he has done a Tummy Tuck on and his answer was “Yes”. I don’t know why I needed to know that but something told me that I was.
I go in on Friday at 9am and the surgery would take 6 hours since he will be doing more on me than a normal Tummy Tuck. Since I do have a lot more skin he will be doing a “Anchor Cut / Fleur De Lis” on me, which means it will look like an upside down "T". He will be doing lipo on my pubis and hips. I will then be taken to a Recovery Retreat overnight and Randy and my parents will pick me up on Saturday morning at 9am.
On the way home, it seemed to really hit me that I’m doing this and I became VERY emotional (my poor husband). I don’t know if some people would be able to really relate but to be over weight all my life and mobility obese for several years, I think that my body(skin) has been my security blanket. I guess like a child to have to get rid of part of your self after 37 years, reality really sunk in. Heck as I’m typing now I’m tearing up. I am not scared or really nervous about the whole surgery, I believe that the whole me being “SKINNY” is just so overwhelming for someone that has been “chubby/FAT” their entire life. I never really thought about it the way that I'm thinking about it right now, but this has to be the most emotional thing that I have ever done in my life. But I am definately ready to go forward with my new body...
I will keep you posted on the outcome and the pictures are to come. My doctor said he will take pictures for me.
November 17th, 2007
After surgery which took 7 hours since the Dr. Esmailian had so much to do and take off. Total weight of skin/fat was 11 lbs 5.7 oz. The doctors office said that I am famous because they have never had anyone that big before do a tummy tuck. Dr. Esmailian had completed but right before finishing he said that he opened me up again and pulled me tighter and cut more off. He told my husband that he had never had to redue his work before. (I'm glad he did!!!)
I went to the Recovery Retreat which was really nice, I took some medication and slept pretty good. Michael was my Technician at night time and Stacy took over in the morning until my family came to get me. Dr. Esmailian came around 8:30am to check on me and looked at me, he said everything looked great. My parents and husband came to get me and took me home. It was a little uncomfortable in the car but all in all it was pretty good. Now this is where I have to admit, I wasn't in pain just uncomfortable and tight. I do take pain well but I didn't think it would be this well. My mom helped me up and down every hour to walk around. We were up every hour also all night long as that was the instructions on the paper. Randy (my husband) called Dr. Esmailian because I said I had some nausia, he said the nausia was from the Vicadine, he took me off it right then.
November 18,2007
Today was a better day, had breakfast and up every hour to walk. No pain again just tight and uncomfortable. Took pills every 3 1/2, 4 hrs thinking I was in a little pain. Again all night my mom and I were up every hour walking, we both figured it would be good so I didn't get blood clots.
November 19, 2007
My first appointment with Dr. Esmailian since the surgery. It went great, he said I didn't have to get up every hour, that they had never had someone be so obediant. They showed me the picture of my skin/fat and it was amazing. I will have to scan it before I put it in. Although Dr. Esmailian will email me the pic. The appointment went great he said I'm doing a great job, so now my mom and I can get some sleep. Yeah!!!
November 20, 2007
Got up made breakfast (bacon sandwiches) for Randy and my parents. Walking straight up and good. A little tired though and not taking the medication as often. All in all this surgery was a 10+ on my scale. I'm very pleased and would definately recommend Dr. Esmailian to ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!
November 21, 2007
Feeling great, getting in and out of bed all by myself (very slow though). Walking alot and getting my strength back.
November 22, 2007
Still feeling great, better every day!!!! Helped mom make Thanksgiving dinner, it was a small dinner but definately good.
November 23, 2007
Have follow up Dr. appointment with Dr. Esmailian. He said Im doing great. I can go back to work but Randy (my husband) has to drive me. Things are healing great. I still have both of my drains in, he said that this week I should be getting one of them out (Bessy). The left side(Boo) is a drainer though so I don't know when that one will be coming out.
November 26, 2007
Well back to work today, I will be taking it slow as I can't move that fast anyways. It was a good slow day at work, it is great that I have a boss that is understanding!! I worked a little late due to our salesmeeting, but all in all it was a good day.
November 27, 2007
Well another day at work and I think Im sitting too long Im getting a little stiff. I have been trying to get up as much as possible. My drains are getting lower, so Im sure Friday Bessy will be coming out, but the other Im not too sure of. I dont mind it too much as long as I get well I dont care how long it is in. I go to my first WW meeting tonight since the surgery. I have lost 11 lbs 5.7oz of skin/fat so it will be interesting to see what the scale says. Although I know Im still swollen, but it is always good to see the lower #'s. hehe...
You know I have read about many people where they took 2, 3 up to 6 weeks off of work due to this surgery. I was the largest that I have read about and I did have the Anchor cut, I guess my healing and pain tollerance are alot higher than most?? Im glad that I bounced back as well as I did. My mom said that I get that from her, she always bounced back fast. =)
November 28, 2007
Well last night I went to my first WW meeting since the surgery, I lost 11 lbs, but that is from the skin/fat removal. I have 13 lbs to go to make my WW Goal. It will take some time, but now I have the daily reminder of the scar to remind me to never go back.
Last night, early this morning I had some more (I call them growing pains). Where your body wants to streatch... Ouch my tummy muscles sure hurt this morning. I guess my body is just getting used to the new me?? Other than that things are still going great, walking slowly though. I have no complaints and Im sure I won't, I thank God for a Great Doctor. I have to say that everyone in the office are great too. They are all very friendly and helpful.
November 29, 2007
Well again at 1am I was up with the growing pains. I guess 1am really likes me. I was really tired at work all day due to not getting restful sleep. Other than that things are going well, I may get one tube (Bessy) out tomorrow we shall see.
November 30, 2007
Well again at 1am,???? what is it?? It was a better day though I got some sleep after I got the pain under control. I havent taken any medication since 8pm lastnight, and Im going to try to stay off of it now.
Well we are home from the Dr's office and I did get Bessy out (my right tube). I have read that having the tube taken out hurt really bad, well for me it stung (like the Dr said) but hurt?? Nope!! It stung for about 4 or 5 seconds then went away. I guess again that my pain tolerance is a lot higher than most? Dr. Esmailian said Im doing great and that he made me too flat.. HAHA!! Heck I dont think so I think Im just fine. I asked him for my heater core back, since I have been freezing ever since the surgery; he laughed. I have been sleeping with 3 blankets, socks and slippers. I guess getting all of that insulation off really did make a difference in my body heat. Dr. Esmailian said that Monday or Tuesday I should be getting Boo (my left tube) out. Yes I have named them, they have become part of my body... When I named them the first time my mom helped change my dressings we both all most died laughing!!! =). He also said that maybe next week I may be able to take the wrap off too. I hope so, it really itches me!! but I will wear it as long as he says I need to.
Also he took the tape off of where the incisions were and said that I should put paper tape on them for a while so a scar wouldnt appear too bad. What suprised me was that I had 8 stitches on my belly button but no others. He told me that the stitches were inside (which took him 2 hrs to do he said). I like that idea better than having the stapes done. I never understood that really.?? All I have to say is that Im VERY pleased with the outcome of my surgery and if I had it to do over again I would definately pick Dr. Esmailian!! and no other. I have researched this surgery for months and the way I turned out "IS" the best I have seen yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 1, 2007
I had a good night last night, didnt really have the growing pains as before. The one thing that really trips me out is when I touch my belly button I feel it on the side of my body. Where ever I touch isnt where I feel it. My nerve endings are placed differently now and it just feels weird.
We went up to the cabin this morning and it was great, not too long of a drive for me and when we got there it started to snow. I thought maybe driving in the car for an hour would bother me but it didnt, which Im glad. The drainage is slowing and maybe Monday I will be getting Boo out. Everything is going well and again I have to say, "Im Very Pleased With My Results"!!!! =)
December 2, 2007
Well I was released Friday to drive. Driving to work was sure wierd, I havnt driven in 2 weeks. Nothing really new to report. Im still improving and my incisions are looking great. My belly button is so cute and small. I dont know when I can re-pierce my belly button but I will once it is all right to do.
December 4, 2007
Well today I go in to get my last tube (Boo) out. Things have gone far beyond my expectations with the whole tummy tuck. I know the main part is my doctor and the other small part my bodies recovery process is great. The only thing right now is my inners feels itchy. I guess that is the healing of the whole thing. My incision is healing wonderfully. Dr. Esmailian will show me today how to put the tape on so it will heal properly with minimal scaring. Well tonight I did get my last tube out. It is a sad but happy moment. =) I felt like I was missing something in the shower tonight, heheeee..
December 7, 2007
Today I go see Dr. Esmailian, maybe getting my wrap off. The swelling has gone down well ( I think). The hole where the last tube (Boo) came out of is sore, but so was the other one for a while. Actually the whole area is sore, but Dr. Esmailian said that is the last to go down. I am loving my new body every day and I have to say so is Randy =).. hehe. I think we both are getting used to it. He has never really seen me skinny, just smaller than I was. I know with all of the support of my husband, family, friends, WW and coworkers I will never get that heavy again. And my self determination! One question I will ask today is what exercises I could start doing again. I havent done anything but walk for 3 weeks and for someone that was used to running 5 - 7 miles, 3 -5 times a week, well it is killing me. But if all I can do is walk for a few more weeks than that's what I will do, I dont want to screw anything up that Dr. Esmailian has done.
I can't give him or his staff enough praise for what they have done. They are so sweet everytime I talk with them or go into the office. They all have made this a pleasant experience.
Tonight at the appointment Dr. Esmailian said that I should keep the wrap on for 3 more weeks (total 6 weeks). They had told me at the appointment on Tuesday that I could wear a panty girdle, which I found one that I had. Dr. Esmailian said that would be fine to wear. Which it is not as itchy. I had also asked about exercise. He said that I had a "Red light" on any exercise, I could walk but not to get my heart beat up. Which I will totally listen to him I don't want anything to go wrong with his great work. So walking I will do... He said maybe in 3 weeks I could do a little more, but he will let me know then. I have my next appointment with him on January 7, 2008. I love going into the office now, that seems so far out. =)
Dr. Esmailian asked if he could put my web page on the Ocean Plastic Surgery Center site where the testimonials are, I said it would be fine with me. To me that is a great honor to have him put my web page on there. Thank you Dr. Esmailian!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 8, 2007
Ok, I have to admit that I am a dork today. I was feeling pretty good today and I walked one mile (slow pace as Dr. Esmailian suggested) and we went to a few stores walking and I did some dusting (slowly). I started feling something weird inside of me. I asked my husband to call Dr. Esmailian, we called the doctors office and they had another number for us to call, so we called it. Dr. Aiello answered the phone. I told him who I was and that Dr. Esmailian is my doctor and explained to him what I was feeling. (I felt as if liquid was filling inside of me and becoming very bloated and tight). He told me that I had done too much and I needed to relax and if I didn't feel better tomorrow to call the office on Monday and make an appointment with Dr. Esmailian. I truely was moving slowly, but my body wasn't ready for so much movement I guess. I feel so foolish for trying to do a little more, but I was going at a slow pace all day. This just goes to show me how fragile my body really is. I just hope that I haven't screwed anything up......
December 9, 2007
I am feeling better today although I know I am not 100% as I was. I will see tomorrow if I don't feel better I will call and make an appointment.
When we were at the doctors the other day I was telling him the new things that I had put on my web page (Obesity in America). Dr. Esmailian was telling us about a movie called "Super Size Me" and suggested that we see it. Well we baught it and watched it last night. It is amazing to see someone that is completely healthy eat junk food for 30 days and basically start killing themselves. I DEFINATELY recommend seeing it. I will be writting more about my thoughts on this under the link "Obesity in America".
December 10, 2007
This morning I am feeling much better and the swelling has gone down tremendously. I will take it easy today and see if it swells up again, if not I will not call Dr. Esmailian but if it does I will give him a call. Other than that things are going great!!!!
December 11, 2007
This morning I noticed that a 1 inch part of the incision is draining through the tape. It had a scab on it but when we changed the tape the last time I noticed it was draining a little. It was fine since Saturday. I have been making sure that the tape is completely dry before putting on my band so this wouldn't happen but I guess it needs to drain? I will call and see if I need to put something on it??? Dr. Esmailian said to take the tape off and put some ointment and gauze on it for a while.
December 12, 2007
The incision is looking better today than yesterday. It was a little inflamed but it is getting better. Tonight I walked 1.25 miles (very slow as Dr. Esmailian said). I have never walked that slow in my life, but I will do as my doctor instructs. =)
December 16, 2007
Today is one month that I had my surgery. There are times that I look at myself and I still can't believe that I don't have a tummy. It is truely unbelieveable how a doctor can do the things that they do. I can't imagine myself ever going back to having a stomach though. I feel so much better and I feel so much sexier. I have had people ask me if I would do it again if I had the chance and the answer would be YES, but only with Dr. Esmailian. I believe that God brought him into my life to do this and I wouldn't change a thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The incision that was inflamed is looking great. It is scabbing up and healing wonderfully. I do feel bloated sometimes when I know I have walked too much. I have to remember that my body has gone through a major surgery and it will take some time to heal. I'm doing great and I can't wait to see the gang at the Dr.'s office. =)
December 28, 2007
Everything is going well with the healing process I believe. For the past 3 days I have had an itchy feeling. I think it may be that I'm healing inside? I will ask Dr. Esmailian when I see him on Jan 8th. The only other thing I would tell people is if you have this done and you work out regularly get prepaired not to be able to. Through the whole process this has to be the hardest part for me. Knowing that I have to work out to loose weight and not being able to, I have to watch everything I eat. Which isn't too bad, but would be easier if the Holidays weren't around.
December 30, 2007
Things are still going very well!! Today though I had some liquid swelling in my tummy. It is so weird that I could feel it. I don't feel as if I did too much today but this evening I started swelling up. After sitting for a while it calmed down. I don't believe that I will be able to do any kind of exercise (that I want to do) for a few more months. I really want to tone up some of the flabby, loose parts (hehe) but following the doctor's orders I know is the best thing.
January 8, 2008
Well it has been a while, but I am still doing really well. I have a follow up appointment today with Dr. Esmailian.
It was sure nice to see everyone at the doctors office today, they are so nice!!! Dr. Esmailian said I am doing well and I don't have to wear the binder any more. I may wear it as I think I need it though because I did tell him that I feel swelling sometimes. He said that is normal and that it is fine to wear it. The sharp pains that I have had once in a while are normal also, he said I may also feel a burning sensation and tingling. I haven't as of yet, but at least I know that it is normal if I do have that. He gave me a GREEN light for working out though. Which I was very excited about. I guess my eyes bugged out because he told me to take it slow. hahahaa. I know I will have to start from the beginning, but at least I can start now. It has been tough not working out and I have gained a few pounds back and it has been driving me nuts!!!! Again, thank you Dr. Esmailian for all that you do and as for your staff, I wish you could cloan them because I have never met nicer people as yourselves!!! This has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. You are all the BEST!
January 9, 2008
Tonight I walked for 1/2 hr, it sure feels good to be able to work out again. I really have to take it slow since I was diagnosed with strept throat. It is tough not to just get on the treadmill and run but walking has never felt so good!!! People may think that I'm Crazy!!! I know some in my WW class do. If you would have asked me 5 - 10 years ago if I thought that I would ever have a love for working out I would said; YOU must be crazy! To me this only means that I will get toned now... =)
January 13, 2008
Well Friday I ran 3 miles, boy did it feel good. Saturday I ran 5 miles and today I ran 5 1/2 miles and did one of my workout CD's and tried out the belly dancing CD. It sure feels good to be back into the saddle again. I could sure feel it too!! My legs are a little sore, but other than that I feel good. The Belly dancing CD is good, she goes a little fast but I'm really enjoying it. Tonight I did swell up a little in my tummy area but in about 1/2 hour it went away. I know I may have done a bit more than Dr. Esmailian would have liked but I did listen to my body and slowed down while running when I felt I needed to. I did try to do a sit up and my body said NO!!! So I will definatley wait on that. I'm still taping up my incisions and they are looking great. In some parts you could barely see that there was an incision there. I am not too worried about it if they vanish some that will be fine with me.
January 16, 2008
It is now 2 months since my surgery and I feel amazing. I have no complaints and very excited about the months to come. Still working out but again taking my time with it all.
February 8, 2008
It has been just about 3 months since the surgery and things couldn't be better. I feel amazing and I must say I do look amazing. There are days I still think one day I will wake up from this dream. I have never had such a flat tummy in my life. My husband is amazed as well. There are a few things that I have tried doing that I just don't feel like I can do, such as lying on my stomach, a complete sit up and picking up something really heavy. But I know that will all come in time. I really have gotten used to sleeping on my back, I think I sleep better, which I never thought would happen. My love handles I'm working on trying to get rid of. I think that is my focus right now with losing the rest of my weight I need to lose.
February 16, 2008
Wow, 3 months since my surgery. Seems just like yesterday. Things are still going well. No complaints or regrets!!!!!
March 11, 2008
Today I had an appointment with Dr. Esmailian (not knowing it would be my last), it is just about 4 months since the surgery. He said my scars are looking great, especially since I have been very loyal about keeping the paper tape on them. He said that he didn't see any reason why I would have to come back unless something came up. However, he did say if I needed something to call him, and to check in with him on my 1 year anniversary. He took final pictures of me and he and I took a picture together. He is such a caring man. =) It was weird when we were leaving, it seemed like I was leaving family memebers after a vacation. I don't know why anyone would go somewhere else after reading my testimonial about Dr. Esmailian (Ocean Plastic Surgery Center), at least go for a "free" consultation to see for themselves. All I know is I had the Worlds Best Doctor and office staff!! Thank you again ALL, I know you make changes in peoples bodies every day, but keeping their mind at ease and being so kind makes the process even more exceptional!!!
I am working out 6 - 7 days a week again and 2 to 3 times a day (when weather permits). I still have some roadblocks of what I can do, but at least I am keeping up my work out routine and keeping my body in shape!! Trust me I will NOT go back to what I was (303 lbs). I have a new life and I am extremely happy with my new body!!
