Tummy Tuck Reviews
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So So Worth It! Feel Like a New Woman After my FTT with MR - Cary, NC

Worth It
Spent: $7,500 in Cary, NC

Comments (47)

Updated 16 Jan 2012

Posted 16 Mar 2011

After a 90 pound weight loss and birthing 2 children, I was left with a very large, very unsightly apron of skin on my abdomen (or as it is technically called a "pannis"). Although I lost 90 pounds through diet alone, I've maintained that loss through sensible eating combined with a challenging workout regimen (mix of strength training and cardio).

It was tremendously discouraging to work so hard and have it show everywhere on my body except my tummy. No amount of core work or running could make my pannis disappear. With my husband's encouragement and support, I checked into the possibility of abdominoplasty and found a local surgeon who I found to be both competent and personable.

We were so impressed with the surgeon, we booked surgery for two weeks after my initial consult! I am so glad I did...it was worth every penny. I can now comfortably stand before a mirror (and my husband) naked and prance around in my skivvies looking pretty darned good for someone approaching 40! I love my new tummy and am looking forward to returning to the gym hardcore at 6 weeks out (I am now 4 weeks post-op).

I have absolutely zero regrets 1 month post-op and I'm sure I'll feel even more positively (if that's even possible!), 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and year out from surgery.


Updated on 21 Mar 2011:
Wanted to add info on amount of skin and fat removed during surgery and liposuction- my surgeon removed 6 pounds of skin and 2 pounds of fat. I had quite an apron going on there!



Updated on 9 May 2011:
I had my 3 week post-op checkup today so wanted to update with pics. I am now feeling back to my normal, active self and have really kicked up my workouts accordingly.

Those who have recently had their FTT, realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Updated on 9 May 2011:


Updated on 21 Oct 2011:
UPDATE 10/21/11- I'm so confident now that I've become an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and am now guiding others through the path to their own success story! I've been working out, eating clean and am now able to fit comfortably into a size 6 pair of jeans thanks to my TT and all my hard work! If you'd like to start a workout program and would love the help/encouragement/motivation of a Coach, I would LOVE to hear from you! Feel free to PM me for contact info!

Updated on 5 Dec 2011:
December 2011- I am now in a SIZE 4 after completing a Beachbody program! If you'd like to see the before and afters, PM me. 8-)

Updated on 2 Jan 2012:
Wow! Hard to believe it's nearly been a year since surgery. I've been eating clean, training hard and loving the results I've gained from doing so. If you're up for joining one of my weight loss challenges, PM me and I'll send you the details.

Reach your weight loss goals in 2012!

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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My Doctor: William T. Stoeckel, MD

My rating:

Dr. S is both personable and competent. He took over an hour to answer both mine and my husband's questions during initial and pre-op consults, responds quickly to emails- never made me feel as if there was a "stupid" question. His staff is equally professional and responsive. And I think my before and after pictures speak for themselves- he does EXCELLENT work!

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Comments (47)

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Itsgood2bawalker 17 Mar 2011
geesh you look GREAT! so jealous right now, i can't wait to be able to feel comfortable in just my intimates:) that is the ultimate lol
Cary9816 17 Mar 2011
Thanks! I'm going to be spending too much money at Victoria's Secret. Yay!
ricanmami 17 Mar 2011
WOW! you look awesome congrats!
3boys 1princess 17 Mar 2011
LOOKS FANTASTIC!! CONGRATS!!
Cary9816 17 Mar 2011
Thanks so much! If any of those who have not yet had their TT's have any questions about what to expect, feel free to PM me.

I was second guessing my decision to undergo surgery many times before the procedure and I'm so so glad I didn't cancel.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 18 Mar 2011

You look wonderful!   And yes you will notice improvement month after month for up to a year.  As you heal internally everything settles down and smoothes out. 
Kayley C. 19 Mar 2011
Wow you look awesome!! I had no idea there was anyone in the world that looked exactly like I do! I am 30 and I have two kids, I only birthed my daughter, haha, I will fill you in on that later. My daughter is 6yr old and I gained 60lbs with her and had a c-section, I lost all the weight when she was 2, but being discouraged with my tummy I gained it all back plus another 20. Now back on track I've been working out and so far I am down 22lbs in 10 weeks pretty proud but now once again I am beginning to get discouraged! Seems like every pound lost comes with another inch of sag! I can put my whole hand under that tummy lip thing, its so GROSS!! I am so tired of friends and family sugar coating and trying to help, and if I hear just exercise one more time I am going scream..it is lose saggy empty skin! I have decided that when I get to my goal weight, about 30 more pounds to go, and I am able to keep it off for 6 mos I am going to talk to a dr about a TT. But I have a question for you, exactly like me, you have that hump or ridge or whatever, it is just above your naval..I have that and only after I had my daughter it showed up, is that muscle seperation? Or just pregnancy aftermath? I have never struggled with my weight I am 5'4 and maintained 135 before pregnancy and this is really having an effect on me...I cry everytime I think about it or undress. I am still in the thinking and research part of the process, but hopefully by this time next year I will be ready. I'm not scared of the surgery, my c-section hurt and I may be wrong but I figure the pain will be comparable. My only concern is having a negative effect. You always see the horror stories and that is what scares me. Do you have any suggestions on how to find a good doctor? Or how to find their credentials and references or what I should look for? Thanks for any insight you can give. Oh and fyi my husband is great and he loves me no matter what and he always tells me how beautiful I am and blah blah blah, thats good and everything but his words would mean more if I actually felt beautiful..is that wrong? He is supportive of TT, he is on board with whatever I want to do and what will make me feel better. Sorry had to throw that in. LOL! I am so happy for you, I can't imagine the the confidence and relief you are feeling now! I forgot how that feels and I can't wait to get that feeling again!! Thanks Again!
Cary9816 21 Mar 2011
Kayley- Thanks so much for the kind words. I think it's wise to wait until you reach your goal weight to have a TT done. Mine asked me if I planned on losing more than 10 pounds and when I responded that I didn't, he said that was good. If I still wanted to lose more than 10 pounds, it could have mucked up the results.

I'm not sure what the ridge was around my belly button- I don't think is muscle separation and since I have seen it before on someone who hasn't borne children in her pre-op photos, I don't think it has to do with pregnancy. I didn't ask my surgeon about this or what caused it...I think that would be a good question for you when you do go on consults.

I found my doctor because he had an ad in our gym. My husband then researched and found several positive reviews for him. After we met him, we were both sold- you really need to feel a bond & a trust with your surgeon.

I'd say try to find reviews online for surgeons near you. You can even go on consults now if you like just so you can get idea of regional prices. I purposely looked for someone who performed the surgery in their offices - this is one way to cut costs involved (no hospital charges!). I tend to think of hospitals as germapaloozas too.

Best of luck to you!
shanon0307 22 Mar 2011
your results are great. I had my tummy tuck and lipo last wed. I too lost a lot of weight a few years ago. I looked similar to you in my before pics (check out my pics) the dr took off 4.5 pounds of skin and an iv bag full of fat from the lipo on my hips. Im looking forward to my results getting better everyday. tomorrow he is taking out my drain. does it hurt? im not looking forward to it.
kumama 22 Mar 2011
Great results! Wow!
ABEKKV 22 Mar 2011
You look AMAZING! Your story is helping me prep for my big day on Monday. Our before tummy's are very similar and I can only hope too look as good as you!
Farz 23 Mar 2011
Wow, I am speechless. Absolutely amazing!
Angiemcc (Community Manager) 8 Apr 2011

Thanks so much for sharing your very well-written story here on RealSelf. You look lovely and am glad you're able to feel confident in your body! Happy shopping at VS. :)

ABEKKV 8 Apr 2011
You were my inspiration photo before this because we had similar before tummy's and I just wanted to thank you for your great photos!
Cary9816 9 May 2011
You're quite welcome!
Cleveland1029 8 Apr 2011
Great pictures and excellent results! You gotta be thrilled, you look incredible!
Niffie 11 Apr 2011
Hi Cary9816...I sent you a private message a few days ago. Wondering if you got that. If so, would you mind private messaging me back?
Thanks a ton!
Niffie
Cary9816 9 May 2011
Niffie- haven't checked on here in a while. I will check my PMs and get back to you!
MyTime 10 May 2011
Wow you do look awesome! I liked what you said about light through the tunnel, because to me this has o be the hardest surgery bt oh so worth it! I worked out alot as well and never seen results in my tummy area...I always thought"I'm happy with everything else if I can only get rid of this floppy, fatty skin drooping over everything stomach" It stood in my mind until everything fell in place and I was able to get my TT! I feel normal when I sit and do not see all that junk laying on my tummy =)
lnf 10 May 2011
Looks great!!
MelissaInCA 18 May 2011
What was your pre op height & weight if you don't mind me asking. Your tummy looks like mine so im just trying to compare I am very nervous have my TT Monday
Cary9816 21 Oct 2011
MelissaInCA- sorry I didn't catch your ? sooner. Pre-op height and weight was 5'7, 160 lbs.
JoBibbi 22 Oct 2011
You look great.....Congrats!
Cary9816 24 Oct 2011
Thanks JoBibbi!
ekate 25 Oct 2011
So inspirational! My belly looks just like your before picture (could be a picture of me!) So nice to see what's possible!

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