Phew… it’s been a helluva week. It is Sunday night, I THINK, and I’m on a flight from Hangzhou to Hong Kong. I boarded this plane less than 72 hours after being under general anesthesia for liposuction. I feel like crap! And that’s putting it mildly.
Just want to pre-warn that there will be some pictures of during and after my surgery. So stop right now if ya don’t wanna see… Hey! Don’t scroll down, you have to read first! 🙂
Wednesday, May 9 (Happy birthday Charity… I love you and I’m a shitty aunt for not sending you birthday wishes)… Kitty and I leave at 615 am for the train station.
Four hour train ride to Wenzhou, where we get checked into the hotel and go to hospital for 2nd consult with cosmetic surgeon. He and the Director of the Cosmetic Surgery department make me feel at ease, discuss what will be done on Thursday, go over the informed consent thoroughly and the papers are signed. Nice dinner out with the hospital admin and the guest speakers for tomorrow’s events. I had wine. I deserved it, lol 🙂
This is where I’m going to answer the question that 3 people have privately emailed me this week… Why did I have liposuction? Quite simply, at 48 years old, having been obese for most of my adult life, and having lost nearly 100 pounds in 8 months, I had fat that wasn’t going anywhere. It had settled in a few places that I didn’t like. Most noticeably to me was the inner aspect of my knees. About 6 weeks ago I noticed that my legs were getting so toned from running that my thighs no longer touched… WOO HOO… But my knees still did. I did tons of research on what kinds of exercise would get rid of it and the bottom line is none. I didn’t like it. In clothes (SIZE 10!!!) I looked great. But naked, not so much. I’ve been doing yoga 2x a week, running 5+K 5x a week and using the stretch bands 2x a week and it wasn’t budging. Not that it matters, because I had liposuction because I wanted it 🙂 And that is what is the most important.
Thursday, May 10 (Happy Birthday, Sydnie Renae, momma sent your mommy a text message, thanks for the response back)… Up early for a marketing event at the hospital. My job, stand on stage with the other dignitaries and support the company’s cross-straight relationship with Taiwan with a new IVF clinic using the latest technology. Very exciting for our Wenzhou patients!
My surgery was originally scheduled for 10 am, after the event, but was postponed until 2, so Kitty and I headed back to the hotel for a rest. It was around noon that I found out that my blog had been suspended… I wrote about that yesterday, but I was more upset about that happening than the surgery! I wasn’t nervous about the surgery, because I felt completely confident with my decision and completely confident in my surgeon. At 2 pm Kitty and I went to the 7th floor to see the surgeon and get drawn on.
Kitty and I on our way back to hospital for operation…
I then put on jammies for the walk down to the OR. I was able to walk in and get on the OR table myself. The anesthetist introduced herself and the Chief anesthetist came in and introduced himself. I was unbelievably calm. My heart rate was 57 bpm. Kitty was by my side. And as they gave me he “put you to sleep medicine” I looked over at Kitty and asked her if that’s what they gave me… I woke up 3.5 hours later. Here’s a peek at what happened in the OR.
Getting the fat sucked out of tummy..
This is my surgeon proudly displaying jar #1… There was a second jar with 700mL… And yes jar #1 is full to the top 🙂
I woke up a little panicky, but then Kitty reassured me she was there and I calmed. I was shivering u controllable. I kept trying to clear my throat because it’s hoarse from being intubated. I was on a heart monitor and kept asking for my glasses so I could monitor my vital signs 🙂 For some reason I was fixated on my oxygen saturation rate (it would drop to 89% and I’d take deep breaths to get it back up… lol). Kitty never left my side. When everyone left the room she told me that they sucked out 2500mL of fat and 400mL came from my knees. She’s such a good Doobie! I vomited 7 times. They had me on a drip of Fentanyl and no anti-emetic available. Something we’ll talk about at the follow-up. I turned off the fentanyl, since it hurt worse to puke.
Friday, May 11 (Happy Birthday, Sadie Rose! Momma loves you and I sent a message to your mommy… I’m sure she gave it to you!) My daughters gave birth 22 hours and 35 minutes apart 8 years ago, giving me to gorgeous grand-girls!
Around 400 a.m., my bladder starting bothering me, the foley was pulling, the bag was full. Kitty couldn’t fine a nurse, so she got me out of bed and I went in search for a syringe, so I could remove it myself! Which I did!
Kitty lovingly went back to the hotel to bring me yogurt for breakfast. And the news that the Taizhou CEO really, really wanted me to go there for their Sunday water birth event. He’s a really nice guy, I laid out the terms of what would need to be done to make it happen and within in an hour it was settled… Kitty and I were leaving Wenzhou to go back for one night in Hangzhou. So off we went… Less than 24 hours post op… Before we left Kitty took these lovely pics of my bruising…
Bruise over upper abdomen, over liver area…
This is the right side of my body… Wonder why I feel like I’ve been hit with a Mack truck?..
Here’s the sun setting at the Wenzhou train station…
Into Hangzhou late… Straight to bed, repack early in the morning and I walked to work with Olivia. Nice slow walk. Kitty got all my medicine together and I had my daily dose of antibiotics. Not a big fan, but this is China and I teach infection control… ‘Nuff said 🙂 while sitting there getting my IV, my CEO sends me a big bouquet of flowers…
Warning… Bad hair moment!
Saturday, May 12
Then BACK to the train station to go to Taizhou!
Beautiful room in Taizhou. I make Kitty and I dinner… Now listen here folks… If I can haul my little stove, pan, spatula, meat and onions 3 hours on a train, 48 hours after surgery and stay on my diet… Then SO CAN YOU! 🙂
About 3 minutes after we finish eating, we get a call that the car is downstairs to go to dinner with the CEO and guests for the next days events. We went and picked at the food. In bed by 9 pm and Kitty and I watched Big Momma, Like Father, Like Son… We laughed until we cried… Funny movie.
Sunday, May 13… HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Up at 7 to go to hospital for IV infusion before event. I stir fried steak for Kitty and I and had a yogurt with Splenda and flax seed meal. While getting my IV I practiced my speech for the ceremony.
Then downstairs for the event. I delivered the first water birth baby in Taizhou a couple months ago and the mommy was there with the baby…
Here’s the wall banner for the event…
Then lunch with the gang and back to the train station for the 3 hour trip back to Hangzhou. Long, sad ride knowing these were my last few hours with Kitty 😦 Her last day is Tuesday, so today was our day together. Kitty slept, as per usual…
We get to the Hangzhou train station and my driver Jerry scooped us off and off to the airport… Geez oh Pete! Jerry put the front seat down, so I could elevate my legs on the ride… He’s awesome!
Hangzhou airport… Goodbye Kitty! You’ve been the best personal assistant over the past 8 months. You’ve grown and improved and probably learned more from me than you should have, lol. Through you I’ve learned patience. Kitty’s last cute quote as she wiped my tears away, “now stop crying, you’re smearing the eyelash make-up”… Love the girl.
I look like crap in this picture… 5 cities in four days. This shot was taken less than 72 hours after I came out of surgery. Everyone keeps saying I’m strong. I think I’m stupid!
Flight to Hong Kong, uneventful… Here’s a shot while we were landing…
So, to wrap things up…
1. Elective surgery hurts the same as non-elective surgery.
2. I had the following done:
a. Inside aspect of knees
b. Above the knee
c. Inside upper thigh
d. Upper abdomen
e. Two spots on each side of my back
3. No one tells you how shitty you really feel after liposuction. I’m here to tell you that you feel like:
a. You’ve been hit by a truck
b. You’ve been run over by a train
c. You’ve been dropped from a 20 story building
d. You’ve run full on into a brick wall
e. You’ve been beaten with a baseball bat
4. Hard to find pictures of what you look like after liposuction, I’ve shared them here. You look battered. You LOOK like you’ve been beaten with a baseball bat. I guess a lot of people don’t want to say they’ve had work done, and that’s OK, but I really would have liked a little insight!
5. I would suggest a bit more rest than I’ve had. That said, I’m vegging out in a hotel room in Hong Kong. I’m suppose to get on a train to Guangzhou today, but I’m thinking I’m not going to do it. I need ME time. They have a lady who is wanting to be the first water birth in Guangzhou and they are waiting for me… She’ll have to wait… This momma is going to take care of herself today… Babies can wait 🙂
Ciao!
Flamidwyfe's Blog 
Ouchie McOuch…. The bruises and pain will pass though and you’ll be left w/ the results…2500ml wow. Look forward to the pics after all the swelling and such dissipates. Happy Mother’s Day.
*anna
Thanks, Anna… Hasn’t been a load of fun, but it’ll be worth it… I’m sure 🙂
So glad you got through it well! Sorry to hear you had to go through so much pain! I just LOVE the signs you share, funny how things never seem to translate well….lol Green Breeding? lol
Thanks 🙂 the translations are quite comical at times. It’s why I go over my speeches carefully… I’ve said some pretty funny things when I haven’t checked them irst.
You are one brave woman! Hope you get lots of REST, hint, hint… Can’t wait to see after pictures! After the healing that is!
Feet up in hotel room, TV on, good organic food, resting 🙂
Lady, you are amazing!!
Thanks 🙂 feeling better with my feet up resting!
Jeez that bruising is awful…it will be worth it though. If i ever have it done (which i won’t coz i am such a big baby) i will request a general anaesthetic and following that a spinal that lasts for about a week 🙂 Cannot believe you were straight back to work and flying around the country! Take a rest girl and look after you!
I as thinking a spinal with morphine would have been nice for 24 hours WITH cyclazine inboard!
amazing! I look forward to seeing the results. Well deserved treatment! so what is next on your list? 🙂 After 4 kids i got the girls lifted sky high. Best thing I ever did for MYSELF. The weight is off my shoulders, literally. Had it done in Thailand.
Maria, a friend of mine just had tummy and the girls done in Bangkok last month. I think that’s going to be my prezzie to myself before moving back to the States.
Wow that is all so amazing Sandi, but you really need to rest up! Hope the discomfort calms down quickly for you! X x x
Thanks, Rach! Having an R&R day in Hong Kong, feeling better with feet up poolside!
WOW! What a story! You are courageous to share the story and pictures. I am amazed and in awe.
I was interested to see that Kitty could take pictures in surgery. I had a neuroma removed from my foot last year & wanted pictures (preferably video) but doc refused to compromise the sterile environment of the surgical room.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks, Mona. I’m all about sharing this transforming journey with others.
Funny thing about the pictures, the surgeon kept reminding Kitty to take pictures! She also took a video. I couldn’t find much on immediate pics after lipo. I’m sure others might find the info useful 🙂
Love your pics! Your mothers day post was lovely!
Wow! you are brave and an inspiration. Follow your bliss lady!
Following my bliss, for sure 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience of liposuction. Get better quick Sandi and rest as much as you can, you are amazing xxx
Thanks, Meg 🙂
You are amazing and strong! But take some rest and look after yourself.
Am doing that today. I’ve had a wonderful day in Hong Kong, feet up, catching up on the world news!
Looking into running compression stockings for my 5K on June 9th. I think I’ll be a bit uncomfortable running in the ones I’m wearing now 🙂
I am humbled and inspired — you will help many with this post, as you always do!! And yes – if you can travel and lug your stuff along with you to cook/stay on your diet, than so can we!!
🙂 Happy Healing … and please remember that rest is restorative … a good time to put your paws up and read 🙂
Hugs!
MJ
Thanks, MJ… I have duly rested… I left the hotel room three times… 2 blocks to the market for brunch food, the roof to soak up the sun for an hour and the market to but dinner food 🙂 Feet up now, caught up on everyone’s blogs and my overflowing email! Fabulous day 🙂
Ouch, that looks like some serious bruising. I hope they heal quickly.
I was actually looking for “after the procedure” pics of liposuction. Thanks very much for uploading them. You are 100% right, there’s very little info about how one should expect to feel like, or how they’ll look after lipo surgery. It’s probably cause they want your money, lol.
I was interested in having lipo as well, even found the perfect clinic and everything http://www.edelsteincosmetic.com/, but I’ll have to re-think it. It doesn’t look like something I should be doing without some research first.
Anyways, be sure to get plenty of rest! Happy late mother’s day (if you’re a mom! 🙂 )
Thanks, Tina. I’m sure it’ll be worth it in the long run 🙂 its awesome that you are doing your homework on this and I’m totally happy that you found my post. Searchers like you are exactly why I wrote it!
Pleased to know you are well on your way to recovery. Had wondered about the run with the stockings Hope you can find what you need. The Pics were awesome. Remember to get some rest. ❤ Mom
If anything I’ll buy them when I get home in the States. I have to wear these garments fit 2-3 months! But I can’t run in them, that’s for sure!
I shared this again to facebook. Sandy O’ missed
Thanks, Momma!
Hey you sneaky leaving my b-day wish here 🙂 I love you and I am so proud of you. Thank you as always for your honesty and willingness to share you experiences. They are inspiring and enlightening. Much love and hope to see ya soon
And I’m so proud of you xoxoxo
Holy cow, woman! You need a year off!!! Congrats, and happy, but SLOW healing!
Lol, Sandra… I would have been happy with a week off!
Thanks for the warnings on the images contained within 🙂 I skipped through most of it, but I did see the bruised one…and OMG…that looks sooo horrible.
How long do you have to keep the special suction clothes on for?
Have to wear the compression garments for 2-3 months. Will be worth it! I’m sure of that!
AMAZING! I had a mommy makeover a couple of years ago…best gift ever! Lipo was hell. Just remember that you MUST keep the tight garments on as long as your dr. says. Skin needs to adjust, sooo important! You deserve it!
Ana
Thanks, Ana! I want optimum results so I’ll wear for the whole 3 months! I still feel battered on Day 5!
So glad to see you back. Take good care of yourself, please!
H Abbi! I’m working on it. I’m in Guanzhou now and I only have a meeting this afternoon and that’s it. So I’m taking it easy 🙂 Feet are up as I type this! I hope you’re doing well!
Well, I hope your recovery goes well. I have a friend who once had liposuction for cosmetic purposes–which in her case, it meant for no reason at all. It was a stupid thing – in retrospect, it seems MONUMENTALLY stupid– she was very young (under 30) and only, maybe, at best, 20 lbs overweight. She did it to get rid of about 15 lbs, but it was a horrific experience, very painful, took her a long time to recover, and she regained the weight presto. *Shakes head.* She lost the weight eventually via more natural/less painful ways, but her description of the suckiness of lipo stuck with me. Yours might have been “cosmetic,” but it necessary, and I can only imagine how much it sucks. I bet your healthy habits and exercising will help the recovery though. Hope you’re up and running (literally!) soon!
Wow, I would way rather lose weight eating right and exercising than this! Poor girl! 2000 mLs of fat only = approx 3.96 lbs.
Glad I lost mine the healthy way and only got the stubborn parts sucked out 🙂
Better today than yesterday. Slow healing process!
Pingback: Running With Dreams | Flamidwyfe's Blog