emily'smommymakeover

I got a very interesting question from a friend today...

Emily,

So, a question just popped up for me, and thought it would be interesting to see what you are experiencing. Since you had a tummy tuck, the skin that was above your belly button is now below your new belly button, so when you touch it, is your brain registering that you are touching above your belly button, or below??? Curious.

Marlene.

Honestly, I didn't know the answer to this question off the top of my head, so David and I performed a little experiment. I lay on my back and closed my eyes. David tickled my tummy and asked if he was tickling above or below my belly button. I didn't feel anything at first as I still have a lot of numbness in that area, but as he tickled a little harder, it was clear feeling to me that he was tickling above my belly button. In fact, I was absolutely certain he was tickling above my navel. But when I opened my eyes, sure enough, he was tickling below my belly button just above my panty lines. It wasn't uncomfortable or scary or anything. It was just kinda weird. Hope that answers your question.

And while I'm at it, I'll tell you about "phantom fat". You know they say that when a person has a leg amputated, he or she can sometimes still feel pain or an itching sensation where their leg was? I have something kinda like that going on with my tummy. Although there is nothing there to hang over my belt, I catch myself still sucking in my gut all the time (out of habit?). And I swear when I first glance at my reflection in the mirror, I see a fat tummy until I look closer. I even tried to reach down and move my tummy when I was in the shower the other day. I guess this new body will just take some getting used to.

Comment by Marlene:
Emily,
I'm glad David had some fun playing with your new tummy (tell David he's welcome ... LOL).

I wonder how long the mind takes to make the adjustment. Not that there's anything bad about your mind thinking someone is touching you above your belly button when they are touching you below, but I imagine the mind eventually makes the connection to the difference. As for phantom fat, many people say, when they've lost a great deal of weight that it takes their mind awhile to correct the picture that it's seeing in the mirror.

It's going to be interesting to continue reading about your journey. Your newest pic in this blog looks great.

Marlene.

Comment by Maryam d:
can I please ask how long were you under..? Was it general or iv sedation? Once again your blog is great

Response by Emily: Maryam D-
I was under general anesthesia for about 5 hours. I was nervous about this as I had never been under general before but it was easy. It just felt like I was sleepy and then I woke up after the procedure.

Thanks for your kind words!!

Comment by Dawn:
Hey Em,
I cracked up about David scratching your skin! My sister, who's had too many breast enhancements (and finally a removal and reduction) said she can feel her nipple if she scratches her armpit. Thought you'd enjoy the chuckle.