Am I vain for posting so many pics? I hope not. I remember that before my surgery all I wanted to see was before and afters, and truth be told, I can't stop looking at myself. Not because I think I am stunning, but just because I look so....different. Anyway, for those who are addicted to before and after photos, here are some more.

Pictures

Here I am about 2 months after surgery. Tomorrow will be two months to the day of when I went under the knife, or drill, or saw (take your pick). I have one before picture at the bottom of the page if you dare. My jaw it still stiff. It hurts to sneeze and yawn, and chewing is still a chore. I have a little pain where my jaw was cut (I only had bottom surgery and genio), but the jaw joints are the source of most pain. I totally think it was worth it though. I am much more comfortable with myself, and not having an overbite is great.

I will get rubberbands from the ortho on the 9th to bring my molars into place a little more. I now get to count down to getting the braces off and I suspect that will happen in March, April, or May.

I should use moist heat more than I am...I do find it helps. I still have swelling on the left, but it's mostly something I can feel and not something that is as visible as it is "feelable".

I'm taking it slow with eating, and when I do too much too fast...I can feel it. All i all though, I feel I am healing very well and am right on track. I had a very substantial advancement, so things are good for now!

I have a party to go to for work, and that ten pounds that fell off (and mostly stayed off) is paying off in my dress. : ) Silver Lining.

Chewing

Just because you are allowed to chew, doesn't mean you can. It is hard ad it hurts a bit. I'm sticking with it though because I really like food.

Last OS Follow Up

I had my last follow up with the oral surgeon today. As luck would have it my LAST stitch fell out last night! YES! I did not want him tugging on that. I have no more lugs, a new light wire on my upper teeth, turquoise rubber bands on the bottom, and I can chew my food in two days!

The healing went by quickly. The first three weeks I did not want food too much, so not being able to have it was OK. Then, if I drank enough to stay ahead of the hunger, it never got too bad. Now I am soooo ready to eat, and really can't wait to have simple things like cheerios and french fries. My daughter asks everyday "Mommy, can you chew yet?" It's really sweet.

Overall this experience so far has been a lot better than I expected. Knowing others were going through it at the same time has been a big help.

I can't wait to tell y'all what I have for breakfast on Friday.

Progress

So far I have lost about 6 pounds from my normal weight:
122 to 116. This is good...too much weight loss would have landed me back in the hospital. At least, that was the threat.

I can wear my cute GAP jeans that I have been dying to wear, but were a little too tight.

I can swallow things whole that I never dreamed of eating without chewing.

I can see that most of the swelling has gone down (except for a little on the left and inside my mouth on the right cheek).

I am starting to feel normal.

I can open my mouth two fingers wide.

I am 4 days shy of the six week mark.

It has gone by faster than I thought. I thought about food less than I thought I would. It hasn't been too bad and I feel really lucky that things have gone this well so far. I can't wait to get these lugs off on Tuesday!

ARTICLE

Hello everyone! I am looking for people willing to share their experiences with orthognathic surgery, particulary with the insurance companies. My surgery was totally covered by my insurance due to the military doctors' need to stay current on techniques, but I have found that so many others are met with resistance. Regardless of the reason that you sought treatment I would love to ask you about your experience. If you are interested, please leave a comment below.

Countdown to Chewing

Almost able to chew. I have my last follow up with the OS on Wednesday. Of course, it is just my luck that I am getting new wires at the OD the day before. My six week mark is Thursday and I think the first thing I want to eat is bread dipped in Olive Oil and some yummy pasta!

I posted some new pics in the sidebar on the right of where my profile stands right now. I am liking it. Still a little self-conscious about my bulging eyes, but I have thyroid eye disease, so there isn't much I can do about that.

I am really please with my profile at this point. I still have some swelling, bruising, and soreness on the left, but I figure that will go away in time. I will post again after I have my "first supper".