Tummy Tuck: Stories

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25 Mom of 4 Scheduled for TT/ Lift and BA - Cary, NC

  • The morning before surgery
  • bye bye belly!!
  • gross!!
  • 6 days post op. Funny looking belly button.
  • SOOO swollen
  • before and one week PO

I've got 4 children (I got a young start :)...

  • 31 Mar 2011
  • 2 months pre

I've got 4 children (I got a young start :) 9,5,2,1. I'm really fortunate to have a husband who supports my decision to do this. I gained so much with each pregnancy but always lost really quickly since I was in the Army and was always physically active, so needless to say I'm left with a flabby stomach and I can wash my feet and boobs at the same time. I'm so ready to get my pre baby body back. I'm so glad I found this site, I've learned so many tips already.

I was medically retired from the Army last year and I start nursing school in August so it's the perfect time to get it done and healed before the real craziness begins.My surgery is scheduled for May 17th. I feel like its a long way away but we're doing a lot of traveling in April and the beginning of May.

I had a few questions-

I saw on another post something about taking arnica tablets for swelling before surgery, has anyone else heard of this?

Any recommendations on compression garments?

Any other advice on making the recovery easier?

 My PS immediately made me feel comfortable. I was getting ready to give up my search before I went to his office. I really didn't want to go to a male PS but I went to all the female PS in the triangle area and none of them worked for me. He took his time with my appointment and explained everything. His office staff is great as well. Every time I call they are always so sweet and helpful. I know he's going to do a great job with my procedures and I can't wait to take after pics!

I went in for my pre op yesterday. We're doing...

  • 19 Apr 2011
  • 28 days pre
I went in for my pre op yesterday. We're doing a lot of traveling before my surgery so I went in early. He answered all of my questions and really made me feel at ease about the surgery. Gave me all of my meds (percocet, Valium, phenergan, and reflex) He also offered me a pain pump. It's $300 more so I didn't say yes or no just wondering if any of you ladies have had one and if it's worth it. He said he'll put it in during surgery and itll drip numbing medicine into my tummy. It won't relieve all of my pain but he said it would help significantly. Also, what type of supplies should I buy before hand for the recovery? I hear some ladies buy a wedge to sleep with below their knees. I'm going to buy my pre op and post op meds and the stuff for my scars as soon as we get back from Disney world after spring break. I can't wait. I'm getting so anxious!! And he showed me the before pics he took during the consultation UGH I can't wait for the after pics.

Only 22 more days until my surgery! The time is...

  • 25 Apr 2011
  • 22 days pre
Only 22 more days until my surgery! The time is going to fly by. I have so many emotions running through me. I'm nervous, excited, scared, happy...etc. My schedule is so hectic so I know the time is going to fly by. Were actually on the way to Florida right now to go to Disney World and visit my in laws yay mother in law (are you sensing the sarcasm??) I'm worried about my weight. I've been really good about eating healthy but I haven't lost the weight I had hoped to before surgery. I'm worried my results won't be as good. I'm 5'5 and 145. Hopefully I will. I'd hate to spend all this money and still not be able to wear a bikini. I carry a lot of weight in my abdominal area. Maybe I'm just being a worry wart, I was just hoping to lose those last 5-10 pounds but with school and 4 kids I just can't seem to find the time to find the time to work out. Has anyone been prescribed Valium? My PS gave me 60 and told me to take 2 the morning of surgery and he told me the rest are for after.

My day is getting closer! My surgeons office...

  • 9 May 2011
  • 8 days pre
My day is getting closer! My surgeons office called today and my time got bumped up so now I have to be in an hour early. (700 am EST on the 17th) Luckily my friend didn't mind. She's so awesome! I'm super nervous and have started getting everything organized. It seems like the time is flying by! I gave up coffee yesterday and it sucks!!

My surgery went well my friend Renee and I got...

  • 18 May 2011
  • 1 day post
My surgery went well my friend Renee and I got there around 7 and started the paperwork, pregnancy test, and all that other good stuff. I was super nervous and I guess it showed. Once I went back they were all joking and telling me how good I'm going to look when it's all done. As they were talking to me they put something in my IV and that's all I remember until I woke up from recovery. And oh the pain! I never realized how much I use my core until today. My Dr and his nurse came to my hotel room to check on me. Everything was fine except my pain pump wasnt working. But be quickly fixed that for me. I'm very impressed with him and his whole office.
I don't have any pain at all in my breasts until I lift my arms up to a certain point. My TT isn't too bad since I got the pain pump. Ive been walking around as much as possible. And a word of advice to the ladies who haven't gone in yet wear yoga pants that the top fold down. It helps keeps the drains in place, and they're super comfortable. I took before pics but I can't seem to upload them from my iPhone. I'll post them as soon as I can. Sorry for the rambling & tyPos. I'm so high on pills its rediculous!

Day 2 post op and things are going well. Pain is...

  • 19 May 2011
  • 2 days post
Day 2 post op and things are going well. Pain is pretty tolerable. My back hurts from being hunched over but other than that not too bad. I've been sleeping a majority of the day. Ive taken a peak at my breasts a couple of times and I can't believe their mine. Lol I'm so used to old woman boobs. I'm so happy. I can't wait to take a peak at my tummy next week aty appt. I've got pics and I'll upload them when I figure it out.

I'm finally adding my before pics today. I...

  • 20 May 2011
  • 3 days post
I'm finally adding my before pics today. I took them the morning of my surgery. I'm feeling ok today. I have a pulling at one of my drain sites but I haven't had to take any pain meds today. Still just very sleepy. I haven't gotten any after pics but I will try to get some of my breasts before I take a nap. I have nothing else to do. LOL My daughters have their recital tomorrow, and advice on hiding my drains and pain pump? I was thinking maybe a skirt. People weren't lying when they said everyday it gets better. I got up and made dinner last night. It was only a skillet meal but hey it was something! I'll update later with after pics of the tatas. :)

My friend Renee came and washed my hair and...

  • 20 May 2011
  • 3 days post
My friend Renee came and washed my hair and checked to make sure my drains were ok since the right one was burning so bad. Don't know what I'd do without her. She's been such a huge help. This has brought us a lot closer and I've realized we've got a lot more in common than I knew before.

I haven't had a BM yet and I've been putting mirolax in my drinks. I just took some Dulcolax and I'm hoping it'll do the trick.

Well I'm 5 days PO I woke up in a lot of pain....

  • 22 May 2011
  • 5 days post
Well I'm 5 days PO I woke up in a lot of pain. I think it's because two of my daughters had their recital yesterday so I had to get myself and them ready for that plus we were out of the house for hours. I'm definitely paying for it today. luckily my friend Renee came and washed my hair for me since I'm not allowed to shower until the drains are removed. My best friend Tiffany also came and helped do my hair and helped with the girls. I'm so lucky to have those two.
I have a few questions for the moms who got a BA as well. My breasts weren't sore at all following surgery but yesterday and today they've been sore. It also looks like my left one is bigger. Is that normal? I don't know if maybe they've started to drop, or maybe I'm just doing too much. I don't know. I took my pain pump out yesterday turns out it wasn't working so my dr said hed reimburse me the $.

I took some after pics. I'm still so swollen....

  • 23 May 2011
  • 6 days post
I took some after pics. I'm still so swollen. It almost looks as if I'm bigger now than what I was before the surgery. I know it'll go down. Right... someone give me some reassurance please. And my belly button looks so weird. My surgeon knew this was a big deal to me so spent a lot of time showing me lots of belly buttons he's done, and they were all perfect, so I'm wondering if this is normal. I can't wait to get these stupid drains out. I knew this would be a long process but MAN!!!

I went to my PS yesterday for my 1 week post op. I...

  • 25 May 2011
  • 8 days post
I went to my PS yesterday for my 1 week post op. I got my drains out (woo hoo!!) and all of my stitches removed. He said everything is looking good. He also took pics, and sent me a before and after that I'm going to post. I can't believe the difference and it's only been one week. I can't wait to see the final results. :)

I'm 13 days PO. My swelling is still pretty...

  • 30 May 2011
  • 13 days post
I'm 13 days PO. My swelling is still pretty bad. I've started to wonder if its ever going to end. My belly button has started to look better. My breasts feel really tight but I'm happy with them. I've had a roller coaster of emotions and I'm just ready for the recovery process to be over with. I know I need to be patient but it's hard when I feel like a blimp. I still cant even wear regular clothes. Ok I'm done whining now. :)

Things are going well. I'll be 3 weeks PO on...

  • 5 Jun 2011
  • 19 days post
Things are going well. I'll be 3 weeks PO on Tuesday. The swelling is still pretty bad but I've had to do a lot since my husband is doing a shooting course. I've had to pick up my kids a few time since I don't have much help. He was supposed to be home the whole 6 weeks but good ole uncle sam changed things on us. As usual... He's also going to Washington next weekend. Luckily my sister is coming to help me when she's done with school, I'd hate to mess anything up. I'll update pics as soon as I take some, it'll most likely be on Tuesday. I hope everyone is doing well.

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The minute I met Dr Stoeckel I knew he was the perfect surgeon for me. He took the time with me appointments, he was patient, and he answered all of my questions. Not to mention his before and after pics were superb. He makes you feel as if you are his only patient. If you are in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary area then you should definitely check him out.

Comments (44)

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How are you doing now? Feeling great and running around in your sexy summer stuff???
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you look great ! your results turned out perfect
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what size and type of implant did you go with?
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Hi youngmom,

I have read a few of your posts/threads about your swelling, and figured I would check your review out and offer some insight and support.

I am also a young mom (of 2) and I’m 9.5 weeks PO tummy tuck. I never anticipated losing any weight, but I certainly didn’t entertain the idea of NOT fitting my pre-op clothes after a tummy tuck, so I can totally relate with you. Although I have found RealSelf to be my greatest point of support some days, there are many times that all the “flat tummy, bikini talk” plays on my emotions as well. I’m certain that I have done more whining about my swelling than most would care to hear LOL. The good (ish) news is that 65 days PO (ugh), I can finally squeeze into my pre-op office clothes... I’m not emotionally ready to try my jeans yet...lol, but I think it’s getting better!

As discouraging as this is, the reality/truth is that it really can take months for some of us. I read a post weeks ago that I keep hanging on to. She (can’t remember who) wrote to the effect that there seems to be more immediate results and gratification from the women who had a lot of tummy to tuck versus the ‘smaller’ women. The women who stand to lose sizes from the TT may not even notice the swelling, because at very least, they still fit pre-op clothes. Peeps like us are going to be affected by the swelling far more because we didn’t have much more than the unsightly skin to remove and any increase is noticeable. –Makes sense to me.

We hafta be super patient... easier said than done, I know. But if we can make it through potty training and temper trantrums, I think we can get through this too. :) --Hang in there girl!
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You are looking good girl!!
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How you feelin..I tyink your afters are lookin awesome...dude what a change. YOu go girl, sorry your feeling down Im sure that has alot to do with the drugs and not being able to be super mobile. keep your head up girly, you are gonna be one smokin hot mama here...before you know it. I have my surgery in 6 days...Im super anxious. PS your boobies look awesome...I want a pair...snifff :)
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Physically I'm able to go through the day without naps!! Woot woot! Lol but Im still really swollen and at times sore. My implants are starting to drop. I need to update pics. Your surgery is right around the corner! How exciting!
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I just looked at your before & afters - you look awesome!! Your scar is soooo low!!! Your belly button looks normal for a week post op. It will change a lot in the next few weeks. Your swelling also looks very normal. You look great now, imagine how happy you will be when you see your true final results (after all the swelling goes down!).
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Thanks! I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize, but it's hard sometimes. I wish the recovery wasn't so long. We spend all this money to have our bodies back and then we have to wait longer! Ugh. Lol Its worth it in the long run though.
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WOOHOOO...finally its done! YOu go girl..

How is everything??
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Congrats! You look amazing! So happy that everything turned out good for you. I'm scheduled for TT w/Lipo one week from today!! :-)
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Thanks! Your turn is right around the corner. Good luck!!
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you look super! congratulations! I go in tomorrow morning for a tummy tuck and lipo. i am so scared of the unknown. i guess i am more scared about the pain i will have afterwards. i too will have a pain pump and will be coming home the day of surgery, i so hope i don't have any problems with it!!! take care and i pray your healing process continues to be smooth=)
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Hey there! I am almost 5 weeks out and I'll tell ya that everything that you are worried about will be better in time. I felt like I looked bigger from the side than I did before surgery and I was afaid that my belly button was off center. But here I am and it just keeps getting better. The swelling really distorts things badly. I am still pretty swollen but everything looks alot better. I hope that helps ease your mind a bit. Happy healing!!
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I read your last post..I wouldnt worry to much it appears like your healing realy well from what I see of your photos. I have heard it can take up to 6 months befor eyou see the actual results, so keep your head up girly,,,you are gonna be smokin hot. Im having my surgery in 2 weeks...and I swear I cant waaaaaaaait! Im not even nervous yet. Ill post pics of my ugly tummy on here tonight..stay tuned LOL
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6 months?! But I want my smokin hot bod now! Lol 2 weeks!!! How exciting. They're going to fly by. I wasn't nervous until a few days before, but it was so worth it. I didnt post before pics until the day after my surgery. Lol that's how embarrassed I was of my ugly tummy. Thanks for the encouraging words, and good luck with your surgery. :)
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Yeah...some say 6months to a year. Im like dayum! Yeah I want to take pics tonight so that I can compare witht eh pics I took in december with my doc. Want to see how my body has changed in the 6 months. I hope I have improved a bit,,

Yeah I cant wait for my surgery, I just want to get it over with now.
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Looks like we both have a hard time relaxing lol...you are two days ahead of me...can't wait to see more pics :)
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Yes sitting still is just not In my nature. Everyday is a struggle. I'm getting ready to go snap some after pics now. :) Im still in shock that this is my body. I'm still really swollen but still look better than what I did! Lol
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Enjoy that new body!  It is yours :)
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Thanks ladies, I'm trying to cope with the exhaustion. I didn't expect to be so tired all of the time!
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The exhaustion is all part of this process.  Just take care of yourself and rest when you are tired.  Try not to fight it or push the limits because that will only make things worse. 

Soon you will feel like your old self again.
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YAY!!! You did it!! Congrats!
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Hope your surgery went smooth!! Keep us posted :)
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Hi Youngmom! Hope all went well with your surgery...sending good thoughts your way ;o)
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