Surgery Diary – Day 6, Part 2
This morning went from calm to full speed in seconds.
After drifting in and out of sleep through the night, a nurse appeared with the words every patient both dreads and looks forward to:“Your surgeon is coming to see you.”
Within minutes the grand unveiling began.
Off came the layers of compression garments and bandages that have basically become my new fashion statement and there i was standing naked and For the first time, I got to properly see the results of everything I’ve put myself through.
And honestly… I’m blown away.
The pouch at my lower abdomen that I’ve carried for years has been completely removed. All that excess skin left behind after losing over 12 stone is gone. Because there was so much loose skin, the surgeon even had to create a brand-new belly button.
And it looks incredible.
Even with all the swelling and oedema that comes with major surgery, I can already see the transformation. For the first time in longer than I can remember, I looked down and saw a flat stomach.
No loose apron.
No overhang.
No reminder of the old me.
Just the start of the next chapter.
Yes, I’m now scarred from hip to hip. There’s no point pretending otherwise. But that line across my body isn’t a mark of damage. It’s a signature of change, and in time it will fade into a distant memory like everything else from this journey.
Today I officially moved on from the hospital where I’ve spent the last six days being cared for around the clock. I’ve now been transferred to a specialist five-star hotel with its own medical wing for continued recovery until I fly home on Wednesday morning.
A strange but welcome mix of clinical care and comfort.
All my cannulas have now been removed, and all but two of the surgical drains are out. Tomorrow I’ll head back to the hospital for a further check-up and, hopefully, have the final drains removed.
Progress, step by step.
Arriving at the hotel felt almost surreal. A fresh fruit plate waiting in the room, flavoured water on the table, and an open-ended menu to choose from. After nearly a week in a calorie deficit and running on hospital food, it’s tempting to dive straight in.
But common sense has to win.
For now it’s gentle, simple meals only. What goes in must come out, and the last thing I want is to put any strain on stitches and staples that are still doing their job. Slow, steady and kind to the body is the plan.
No rushing.
No shortcuts.
Just careful healing.
From 140kg and unhealthy, to 57kg and a body finally rebuilt the way it was always meant to be.
Still a long road ahead for the full recovery, but today was a huge milestone.
Onwards 💪
