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“So So Worth It! Feel Like a New Woman After my FTT with MR - Cary, NC”
Spent: $7,500 in Cary, NC
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.
Helpful review?
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!



I was second guessing my decision to undergo surgery many times before the procedure and I'm so so glad I didn't cancel.
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.
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!
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. :)
Thanks a ton!
Niffie