reactions on surgery

[chicago29]

I think the change in my profile is obvious, but most co-workers have said my change is subtle. I guess that's good, but I think we all long to hear "you look awesome" or "you look like a new person". After all we've been through I know the desire to get those types of compliments. Hearing anything else can be hurtful, even though I'm sure that's not people's intention.

People can be weird, so the most important thing is that we are PERSONALLY HAPPY with the changes. After all, that's what matters most!!

Chicago29

[ColoradoGirl]

Agree with you, Chicago, about the weirdness of people. A couple of people I'm close to--not necessarily known for their tact--have said things like: "you look so different! I never would have recognized you! Your face is so different than it was before--it's beautiful!" Um, yeah, thanks. I agree, though...and I do think they're trying to be nice. Anyway, I'm thrilled with it, so who cares?

[nwhit9090]

Im a 19 yr old female, with an open bite, Im having upper and lower jaw surgery so that all m teeth can touch.... im very nervous for the surgery i will be having next yr. i have spacers right now and I cant eat anything. i was always used to just eating with my back teeth since the front ones dont touch and now i cant even eat with my back ones. idk what to do. i just pray that I am making the right decision. any advice? words of wisdom?

[beowulf68]

I just had double jaw (both jaws advanced 1cm and the upper moved up 6mm) a Genioplasty and Septoplasty on Tuesday. My wife thought I looked completely different even though I was swollen like a pumpkin, especially my nose because it is now straight and wider at the openings. My parents didn't think I looked that different and 2 co-workers who came to see me were just horrified because of the swelling and bruising. However when I go back to work in 3 weeks or so then we'll see what people think because by then 80% of the swelling should be gone. Bottom line though, I did this surgery to correct sleep apnea not for cosmetic reasons so I don't really care so much what people think about how I look. I figure that I probably won't look any worse and most likely have a better profile/general appearance.

[mamaneedsanewjaw]

Beowulf68- Hope you are feeling well! Wanted to ask who your surgeon since I saw you are from Canton. My surgeon is out of Plymouth and had my surgery in Ann Arbor with Dr. Hitchc*ck.

[beowulf68]

Mama: I'm doing ok. I just hate the swelling and being wired shut. Dr. Helman out of the University of Michigan did my surgery. Though because mine turned out to be so complex he had another attending surgeon (can't remember his name) and his senior resident help him out during the surgery.

I also saw Dr Hitchc*ck for a second opinion and liked him. But his office doesn't take my insurance anymore and he wasn't really a speacialist in sleep apnea.

[mamaneedsanewjaw]

Beowulf- Thanks for your response. Wow...I just read what all you got done and see that you are wired for many weeks! Hang in there! The swelling will go down pretty fast. The first week is hell, after that it isn't bad at all. I couldn't even get on the computer the first week, I felt so bad. You are already ahead of me in that regard.

The time you are wired shut should pass quickly and once the snow is melting you will feel as good as new. After all, it can get very snowy in a Michigan winter! Cozy up with lots of hot chocolate.

[Mart]

have been in braces for far too long so will let you know post surgery what other say, i'm currently studying so surgery may have to wait even longer! argh