Tummy Tuck: Stories

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

After a 90 pound weight loss and birthing 2...

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.

Wanted to add info on amount of skin and fat...

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!


I had my 3 week post-op checkup today so wanted to...

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!


UPDATE 10/21/11- I'm so confident now that...

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!

December 2011- I am now in a SIZE 4 after...

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-)

Wow! Hard to believe it's nearly been a year...

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!

I am now a size 2!!!! The tummy tuck results...

I am now a size 2!!!! The tummy tuck results encouraged me to really amp up my health & fitness efforts and I'm now reaping the rewards all over. It's been well over a year now and I can again say this surgery was 100% worth EVERY.SINGLE.PENNY.

I have a free trial offer going on for P90X,...

I have a free trial offer going on for P90X, TurboFire or Brazil Butt Lift Challenge Packs (these include the workout program of your choice, Shakeology, meal plans, coaching and support & accountability of a group). Only available til the end of July (just 3 more days!) so if you're interested in learning more, send me a PM here.

Coming up to 2 years post-op. My scar has become a...

Coming up to 2 years post-op. My scar has become a lot less noticeable visibly- I've lost over 15 pounds since the surgery and everything looks GREAT! I am now a Certified Personal Trainer as well. Anyone looking for an effective workout program, please message me here on RealSelf. Would love to help you out...and no, you don't have to be local. I help people all over the US and Canada.

Great review?

My Doctor: William T. Stoeckel, MD

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

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!

Comments (76)

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ukintexas 28 Dec 2012
Hey there - any advice you can give re my latest post and getting back to exercise would be appreciated! You're pics look great btw!
FeeRob 29 Jul 2012
Cary9816, could I purchase the challenge later, I'm not sure when I can start back exercising.
Davesgirl 29 Jul 2012
you look incredible! So important for us moms to take care of ourselves once in a while, right? I am soo happy I did tt as well. 21 po and no regrets! Hope you heal quickly!
SoontoBFlat 28 Jul 2012
I am so happy for you! You look amazing! Great job on a Healthy New You!!!
Cary9816 28 Jul 2012
Thank you so much!
lewis2784 29 Jul 2012
5 days po and about to go crazy!!!! certainly glad i saw your post. results are amazing. we ( me and my husband ) w/o together every morning. can't wait to get back in that groove. we also use beachbody products! would love to have you e mail address to ask more questions and such. : )
FeeRob 28 Jul 2012
I'm interested in your challenges...I'm a month post op, not sure how to pm
Cary9816 28 Jul 2012
Sent you a PM. 8-)
KateH (Community Manager) 26 Jul 2012

You look incredible!! :) 

callmeRIRI 10 Jun 2012
I wud love to join one of your weight loss challenges. I have TT scheduled sometime in July but would like to get into a program that will give me the best results. I am 37 and 146 lbs. I have 3 c-section babies and like my body except the tummy. I hope to lose about 5 in the next month and more after. I work out but wud also like to have a much more structured work out program. Help!!
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
I will PM you! 8-)
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 10 Jun 2012

Amazing!  I am so happy for you.  

Keep up the good work.

Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
Thanks Kimmers!
SanDiego_Girl 9 Jun 2012
Your story is very inspirational , you look awesome! I was wondering if your workouts are the p90x workouts ? Also I am 4 weeks post op and wondering how long you waited to start such an intense workout?
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
I do a variety of programs. I just finished the Ultimate Reset (a 21 day cleanse/detox programs) and am now doing a hybrid of several different programs...if you want more info, don't hesitate to PM me. 8-)
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
Oh and I started working out 6 weeks post-op.
neetah67 9 Jun 2012
Cary9816--you are my HERO!!! My TT is scheduled for August 24, 2012. I am so excited cant wait !!! Thank u so much for your honest comments....and BTW you look AWESOME !!! Go beachbody !!!
MyGirlsCallMeMommy 9 Jun 2012
Ditto! Amazing!
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
Thanks neetah! I loooove Beachbody products.
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
Thanks so much MGCMM!
callmeRIRI 9 Jun 2012
Thanks, I made an appointment for consultation.
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
PM me if you have any other questions! 8-)
newmesoon (RealFriend) 9 Jun 2012
you look amazing!!!
Cary9816 10 Jun 2012
Thanks!
callmeRIRI 9 Jun 2012
Cary9816, you look just fabulous. I live in the Raleigh/Cary area. I have already seen one PS in Raleigh about TT. I really liked him but was put off my the financial ladies in his office. I have already put some money down for the procedure but after seeing your results I wud love to get a consult with your PS. He did a fantabulous job if I may say. Please give me any feedback or encouragement if you can. Thanks

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