Before pics and 1 day PO update

Male 56, 5’9” 165# 40-45 pounds lost.

This is the most humbling and embarrassing post I’ve ever made. But I suppose at least it is my “before” pictures. I never thought that I would have PS until I learned that even when I was as low as 160, this would be how my tummy and flanks would look. I have always been incredibly self conscious of my body. And you can imagine how with an extra 45 pounds it was worse.

I had a ruptured appendix as a child. My scar is pretty gnarly. I could never touch it. My motivation to do this was not so much the visual of the scar but the trauma that it is caused me. I am glad to be rid of it. I hope that that part of my body now can also release that feeling.

I got out of surgery yesterday about 2 PM. I wasn’t in a lot of pain just felt like I did a lot of crunches. The hardest thing is getting in and out of bed. I added a memory foam topper to the bed and got a five piece set of wedge pillows. Those and extra pillows have been a godsend!

The biggest challenge yesterday was one of my drain lines kinked and I leaked pretty badly out of the back. That, if nothing else was a reminder that you do not want to do this without somebody that you feel very comfortable around seeing you at your worst and naked. It is also important to have a helper who is not squeamish. The drainage output is bloody looking. We had to take off my binder and the foam redress around the drains and bind me up again.

I kept up with my pain meds, Arnica Montana and Bromelain on schedule. I drink way more water than I usually do and focused on getting protein in me through protein shakes, Greek yogurt and protein bars. I had a fair appetite. The only thing that was interesting to me was how I didn’t really sleep until 9:30 PM and the whole night slept only in fits and starts.

Getting in and out of bed to pee what feels like once or twice an hour is a pain in the neck, but it also gave me a reason to move. Icing also feels comfortable.

My dog has not left my side other than to eat and pee. Animals are the best. The poor thing seems concerned I am sure the blood sense are confusing her.

Going to have some lunch and then try to nap again.