Post-surgery GLP-1 woes!

V

Val1994

Active member
Had my surgeries, the plastics are done. Still pretty swollen. It's been a little over a week since the operation, and the swelling/bloating is intense. The pain wasn't too bad until day 2 or 3. Body image issues are making me think I'm as big as when I began.

I stopped my injections maybe a week or two before the surgery. Feels like walking without support. Was desperate for a dose today. Immediately after taking a dose the calmness washed over me, I've put on about 20 pounds. On this medication, that could take 5 weeks to half a year to get ride of. I know the surgery has caused fluid retention and all that.

I was severely constipated bfore and after. Yesterday, I decided I HAD to go! Took stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, drank electrolyte drinks. THANK GOD I went! Don't even TRY to say I used too much...with these drains, and the abdominal swelling.

The tummy tuck was good, paid for extra contouring. Can't really see it yet because of the swelling.

Breast reduction: I was born with bigger breasts! Dr says they need to settle. Not sure about this one. Glad they're smaller, but worried they are smaller than I've ever had. When I'm on my back they don't move at all. He says he made them perky! Drains are out, healing still occurring, gonna try on bras soon to find out the size. He wanted a 38D, but they seem closer to a 38C. No one knows for sure. I was a 50DDD.

Mons lift: My sister says my 🐱 looks great. Smaller, they lifted it up nicely, tight. It'll look great in a swimsuit. Probably the most painful, stitches everywhere, while elsewhere it's mostly glue and tape.

Lipo: Waiting to start lymphatic drainage. I see pockets of fluid where they shouldn't be.

Muscle repair: Will be amazing once the swelling goes down. I can actually feel my strength. I think I have stitches here. Roll to your side to get up. It will save you.

I appreciate my medical team. It wasn't a waste, especially at my starting weight, anything is better and I did it in only a year and a half. I'm still surprised at how much my life has changed.

I'll post pictures as the swelling decreases. Wouldn't want to scare anyone. They're not too bad, it's just the body image.

Follow-up next week. Unsure what the maintenance dose will be, or if I'll stop altogether. I'll find out next week.

Hang in there!!!!! Dreams DO come true! It's your turn! You've got this! It's not as bad as the haters say. Follow through!
 
You look AMAZING! Such a glow-up! Hopefully, the discomfort is short-lived. You got a mommy-makeover all at once, which is better than multiple surgeries. I can't wait for you to enjoy your new body, congrats!
 
You look great! Good job!

Give the breasts time to settle. I was scared after my surgery. They looked so tiny. It took about 6 months for the skin to relax. I also had numbness for months, but it came back.

Lipo can be a hit or miss. I had mine done on my waist and back in 2006, and it still looks uneven. And remember, when fat is removed it does not come back to those areas. HOWEVER, if you gain weight, it will show up where you don't expect it to. Wherever you have fat cells, that's where the fat will accumulate.

Sounds like you had a great team. I look forward to updates as your body heals.

All the best!
 
If you dont mind me asking, since I will probably pay out of pocket as well, can you give me an estimate of the total cost?
 
Not even sure if this is the same person or not, no disrespect but you never know on these posts. You can downvote me but I could be wrong.
 
Incredible! I've lost about 160lbs and am planning major reconstructive plastic surgery once I lose the last 30 or so lbs. Please post updates as you heal! Inspire those of us who are scared of recovery but also excited for the transformation!
 
First of all, you are a beautiful lady, you were beautiful before, and you look incredible in the hospital! How can someone look so good in the hospital? :)

I don't understand half the terminology you're using, maybe because I'm unfamiliar with the surgeries or because I'm in the UK, and we have different terms.

I'm interested in the breast reduction experience. I have large breasts. It must feel strange when your body shape changes so much.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly and you're happy with the results. You really are beautiful x
 
You look amazing!!!

And congrats on the weight loss! Great job!

I had a tummy tuck and breast reduction 3 years ago, and I love it! The swelling is a liar! Let it heal. Around week 4, you'll turn a corner! At 3 months, it gets better than you thought! In 6 months, you'll be strutting your stuff!
 
Val1994 said:
Not sure what the maintenance dose of mounjaro is going to be or if I'll stop all together
Click to expand...

Val, it'll be interesting to see what your doc says. I heard GLP-1s can mess with how well oral birth control works. Might be something to ask about if that's relevant for you!
 
I saw a post online somewhere that said after being on similar meds, some women had an easier time getting pregnant. Older women too. So be EXTRA safe! Congratulations everyone!
 
Thanks Inject-FTW, really good point. I'm done having kids, but good to know for others! I will ask my doctor about that. I definitely don't want any surprises!
 
The swelling after plastics can feel disorienting especially when body image has been driving the whole process - what you're seeing now isn't what you'll settle at, and that gap between expectation and current reality is genuinely hard. On the GLP-1 side, most people find the appetite shift becomes noticeable again within a week or two of restarting, which helps once you're cleared to do it. The timing of that restart conversation with your surgeon matters - worth asking specifically about their protocol for your procedure type rather than waiting for them to bring it up.
 
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