I kinda hit a milestone today in that I can smile almost normally again. I'm pretty excited! I just wanted to share some pictures with everyone. The third may be a little graphic or disgusting to some. If necessary, I'll hide it if someone gets offended by it enough.

2.5 weeks before:


18 hours after:


1 day after at home:


8 days later:


13 days later:


15 days later (today, like 15 minutes ago ):

Wow. Haven't really been on SJ that much, so idk what happened... How come you had to have the surgery? And I wish you a speedy recovery

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

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mechaphil

Healin' up there nicely. We'll be doing some shots in no time!

What happened / You look COMPLETELY different!

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When I was a boy I spoke as a boy, I understood as a boy, and I thought as a boy; when I became a man I took that boy outside and shot him.

Hmm where to start.

When I was younger, I had braces twice. My teeth shifted back even after I wore retainers and all that jazz and I just didn't really know why. So I went back to a new orthodontist (hopefully for the last time) after failing twice with the first one (who is an ass and I would never recommend him), he immediately pointed out that my upper jaw growing in too far was responsible for them shifting back to not being straight. Apparently, it causes problems when the jaws try to compensate for the problem. I also found out that was the reason for my constant mouth breathing since my lips couldn't naturally touch together. Mouth breathing is really bad for your gums and could cause a lot of problems, including my teeth falling out later in life. I was also reading it can actually cause migraines and dizzy spells, so while the surgery wasn't between life and death, it was imperative to keep my mouth healthy.

Insurance covered everything except my genioplasty (chin extension), since that was purely cosmetic. I had a weak chin and I was told that the transformation wouldn't really be complete. For as much as the jaw portion was functional, it is also cosmetic and generally enhances one's appearance. Sometimes, insurance companies won't cover it because they feel it is for cosmetic purposes only.

So, that's the bulk of the story as to why I had it.

I just hit the 2 week mark yesterday. About two more weeks and my rubber bands are gone and I can move on to a "non-chewing" diet, which is better than a liquid diet. I'll actually be able to eat shit like mashed potatoes. CAN'T WAIT! I have anywhere between 27-41 more days until I can eat solid foods again. I'm totally looking forward to that day.

Gnarly. Healing well, though.

I couldn't imagine going that long without eating food. D:

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Miles to go before I sleep

‎"Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."
-Khalil Gibran

You're telling me. This is awful.

I should also mention that I'm still pretty swollen. I'm probably not as close to the final product as I would like to think I am.

I go to the doctor again tomorrow to check on progress. I'm interested in what she will say.

I don't think i'd recognize you on the street to be honest, like totally different except for the eyes of course

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When I was a boy I spoke as a boy, I understood as a boy, and I thought as a boy; when I became a man I took that boy outside and shot him.

I should also mention, my lips and most of my cheeks are numb, so my smile is still weird. You can definitely tell that the left side is worse, as my smile doesn't extend as far.

Looks like you're coming along well, hope you continue a speedy recovery!

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

That sounds like a nightmare, but you're looking really good, Beth!

I CAN EAT SOLIDS IN THREE AND A HALF WEEKS! YAYYYYYYY!

Instead of waiting the full 8 weeks, I only need to wait 6 weeks. Wooooo what a difference!

So when can you do shots?

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mechaphil

I could probably do them now, except I honestly don't think I would be able to keep it all in my mouth (that's what she said). Since I have no feeling in my lips and stuff yet, a lot of stuff just dribbles down my chin.

at your TWSS

at havin numb lips

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mechaphil

Whao, that's a lot to endure! I wish you a speedy recovery. Look at it this way, you're getting a free diet thrown in for no extra charge.

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

Beth, what does a liquid diet consist of? Just like soup and protein shakes and stuff?

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

Do you drink the Pedialyte to keep your electrolytes high?

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mechaphil