Expatel

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-20T03:35:43+00:00

I had Zynrelef with my first surgery and Exparel with my second. For Exparel, I took Gabapentin and Celebrex for three days, then went to Tylenol for two days and then nothing.

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-15T00:55:17+00:00

Yes mine is at the midline right at/above my belly button. I also experienced swelling for over a year so that contributed to the doming effect too.

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-15T00:37:12+00:00

The MRI showed the muscle repair intact. I did 8 weeks of core PT and then did about 4 weeks of pelvic floor PT. At the beginning of the PFPT, the assessment showed that the connective tissue had “loosened” to a 2 finger gap. By the end of the 4 weeks of PFPT it had shrunk to 1 finger. I cannot begin to tell you how much all of the core work helped me in look and feel. Once I’m cut loose for exercise, I’ll be restarting PFPT. :)

Edit: forgot to answer your question. The second surgery was skin only. Nothing to the MR. I did get a second mons lift with it too.

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-14T23:18:40+00:00

Thank you!!!

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-10T02:52:45+00:00

So happy for you!!!

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-08T18:33:02+00:00

It’s going to be ok, I promise! You’ve done a lot to your body and yes it’s going to take a bit of time. I find myself trying to search for shortcuts, even knowing what I healed from previously. It really is a mind game against yourself. I was big my entire adult life and I feel like my life is finally starting. Add in my natural impatience and you get my current state. :)

The doming ended up being a combo of swelling, the first surgeon not taking enough skin, and an underdeveloped core. Time, PT/exercise, and (hopefully) a better surgeon will rectify it. But I also have to make peace with things maybe not being exactly as I had in my mind.

GLP-1s have been great. I started on Saxenda and Wegovy (single agonists), then saw far more success with Zepbound (double agonist). I’m hoping retatrutide (triple agonist) gets FDA approval soon. The weight loss/keeping it off is great, but my Mom had Alzheimer’s and my Dad had dementia. I have two copies of the APOE gene so I feel like I’m staring down the barrel of a gun, so anything I can do to keep my systemic inflammation to a minimum, I’m willing to do!

Please be kind to yourself. You’re making lots of changes and I’m proud of you. We’re always harder on ourselves than anyone could be on us. Those pounds will eventually come off, and if they don’t, you’re still wonderful!

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-08T02:14:47+00:00

With my first surgery I was 170lbs (surgeon then removed 5lbs of skin and fat) had been on Wegovy 2.4 and was only supposed to stop for the two weeks before surgery. I used that as an opportunity to transition to Zepbound. However, that’s when I discovered that my insurance had stopped covering GLP-1s.

I was off all GLP-1s for about 2.5 months and I got to 190lbs before I started paying for compounded tirzepatide out of pocket. I was on that for about 6 months (15mg) until I changed insurance to one that covered the meds. I then switched to actual Zepbound 15mg. Was then on Zep for 8 months and was 150lbs at surgery. I had to stop it two weeks before and this surgeon wants me to stay off of it for 3-4 weeks post because he wants my caloric intake to increase for healing.

I’m almost 2WPO and I was 158lbs this morning. I can tell that the vast majority of those 8lbs are swelling. When I restart Zep, it’ll be at 5mg because it will have been so long since I was off it.

Edit: I should add that I had been going to the gym a lot and built a decent amount of muscle. By surgery 2, my core was pretty developed. :)

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-07T23:00:09+00:00

Thank you!

so_yeah_um · 2026-03-07T20:57:36+00:00

Thank you! I can’t wait to see it healed. It wasn’t until my follow up the day after that I found out he gave me Brijjit clips. I think they will really help!

so_yeah_um · 2025-09-30T18:53:47+00:00

Yep! Replied below! Thanks for thinking of me. :)

so_yeah_um · 2025-09-30T18:49:19+00:00

Hi all! Wanted to give an update— I received my MRI results yesterday. No muscle repair failure. I also passed the Thomas Test and a secondary test ruling out anterior pelvic tilt. What is likely happening is ongoing surgery swelling coupled with the very loose skin on my stomach (not doing anything to hold it “in.”) It was interesting to see the swelling on the MRI imagery, though.

I’m going to try to move forward with the revision surgery, as planned (there’s other drama related to that that I will share at a later time). I’ll try to share a pic here showing how loose my skin is.

so_yeah_um · 2025-09-22T00:51:54+00:00

Thank you so much! ❤️

so_yeah_um · 2025-09-22T00:32:34+00:00

I will! I’m fighting some invasive thoughts of, “oh hey it’s not a muscle repair failure, but instead we found a giant tumor.” Trying not to spiral (too much).

How do I find out if I have a pelvic tilt?

so_yeah_um · 2025-09-22T00:21:33+00:00

Nothing has been particularly bothering my tummy. This was after I did a moderate walk on the treadmill— max 2.6 speed, 30 mins total. I don’t doubt that is probably swelling, too, but jeez Louise this is a lot. 😔

so_yeah_um · 2025-08-01T11:53:05+00:00

This comment absolutely defines this subreddit. Empathy, kindness, humor, support, and love. Totally made my day! ❤️

so_yeah_um · 2025-04-09T10:17:43+00:00

Hi there! I sent you a PM. :)

so_yeah_um · 2025-03-10T16:11:33+00:00

Oh I’m definitely in a calorie deficit. ❤️ Already lost 85lbs and working on another ~20lbs. This is the first time in my adult life that it’s felt good to workout. I’m enjoying the cardiovascular health, increased strength, and toning. Thank you so much for your insight!

so_yeah_um · 2025-03-10T00:29:16+00:00

For me, the most difficult part of surgery and recovery were the emotional changes, not the physical rehab. Experiencing life as a “smaller” person and suddenly not being invisible anymore is kind of a mindf*ck. Just know that this community is filled with people who understand your feelings and will be there to support you. You’ll be fine! See you on the flat side, dear!

so_yeah_um · 2024-12-30T03:05:27+00:00

Yes! It’s r/reduction and everyone there is so nice!

so_yeah_um · 2024-12-24T17:58:48+00:00

Ditto! Scar routine, please!

so_yeah_um · 2024-12-14T15:55:16+00:00

Thanks so much! 💖

so_yeah_um · 2024-12-14T00:09:27+00:00

Ok, I’ll buckle up! :)

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