Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

5/15/12 Surgery - Almost 8 Weeks PO - Chattanooga, TN

ORIGINAL POST

I had gastric bypass in the summer of 2009 and had...

User Avatar
ngr12487June 8, 2012
$6,800

I had gastric bypass in the summer of 2009 and had lost 130 pounds when I made the decision to have my TT. I had an extensive abdominoplasty and flank liposuction on May 15th, so I am a little over 3 weeks post-op. I am freaking out because I feel like it should NOT look like this. I anticipated a ton of swelling, but the weird ledge over my scar as well as the wonky shade of my torso can't be normal. My next appt. with my PS is on the 21st, and I don't really know what to do until then. He has not had me wear a compression garment at any point post-op, but told me that if I wanted to I could.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Words of comfort?

ngr12487's provider

Dr. Marc Wetherington

ngr12487

ngr12487 ratings

Overall rating

Replies (6)

User Avatar
Great2BMe
June 8, 2012
I kind of agree with you. I think he could have cut and lipoed more out. Most tt have a hard time standing straight as the skin is stretched so tight. You look like your standing up straight and it's not stretched that much. What did your ps say on the 22nd?
User Avatar
ngr12487
June 8, 2012
I haven't gotten to see him yet, I go to see him on the 21st of this month. I can usually stand up pretty straight, but like you said, I think maybe he should have cut and lipoed more. The first two weeks it looked great, but maybe it's the swelling? It's almost that time of the month, too, so, I don't know. I just pretty much want to cry all the time and don't know what to think.
User Avatar
Great2BMe
June 8, 2012
Well, they do say to wait until the 2 month postop and some say 6 months postop before getting worried. I know how you feel about the swelling. I'm at 5 wks and feel like I need more cutout too! But, I will be patient and wait until my 2 mo to see what he says. I did mine on 4/31/12.
User Avatar
Ana313
June 9, 2012
Hi Ngr. Maybe a good compression garment would be good to wear until you see him again. It helps with the swelling and keeping things tight and even. If he said it was ok I would do it. It really helped me and I'm still wearing one during the day. I'm 11 wks po. How do your muscles feel? Did you have muscle repair?
User Avatar
ngr12487
June 9, 2012
I did have muscle repair, and they still feel a little sore, but great other than that. I've been wearing a pair of high waisted Spanx for the last two days and I have felt so much better, and honestly, I think everything looks better, too. What kind of cg do you wear/recommend? I agree with you gals... I feel like I can walk more easily and even sleep better.
User Avatar
Great2BMe
June 9, 2012
The majority of ps agree with Ana313. Wearing a compression garment or binder will help with the swelling, help bind the tissues back together, smooth out the result, give you support as the skin will feel jiggly cuz its not connected back together with the muscle yet. Overall, it hurt more to walk around without my cg.
UPDATED FROM ngr12487

I do wish I had some before pictures to show you...

User Avatar
ngr12487June 10, 2012
I do wish I had some before pictures to show you guys, but I don't know at what point my PS will show me/give me those to share. I didn't think to take any myself because, Lord knows, it was hard enough looking in a mirror then!

I do believe I am in "swell hell", however, I still don't know if I'm totally happy with the results. I did order a compression garment and have been wearing Spanx as often as I can stand it. I need to try harder to avoid salty foods; I'd say I'm down at 25% compared to what I normally eat (in terms of sodium/salt). I don't drink sodas or caffeine, so that helps.

I posted some more photos of what I looked like when I got up this morning (no compression garment worn at night). My vajay pooch is huge and still a bit numb, so I'm hoping when that swelling goes down, it will affect the rest of the results much more.

I may call my PS's office on Monday and have a chat. What do y'all think?

Replies (1)

Ladyincali
June 10, 2012
I do think it's too soon to worry, however: you should definitely have been advised to wear a compression garment. Perhaps call them and ask them which type to buy? Also, you are certainly swollen so I would take that into account. Does he do revisions? You might need one after the swelling has settled and whatnot to do that little bit extra. A before photo would really help put things into perspective as well, so you/we can better compare. Finally, if you're concerned at all (and if it were me) id see about getting in to see him sooner or try for a phone discussion. Even if it's only to put you at ease.
UPDATED FROM ngr12487

Good morning! Going to call my PS's office today...

User Avatar
ngr12487June 11, 2012
Good morning! Going to call my PS's office today and see if they can move up my next appt. from Thursday to Monday... and maybe have them talk me off the ledge. My fingers are swollen like crazy so I'm not going to judge anything until that calms down, but I am wearing my Spanx until my new CG comes in. Anything in particular you guys think I should ask them?

Replies (2)

nursepatient
June 11, 2012
ngr12487. Do you care to give the name of your PS. I am having surgery in Chattanooga in 2 weeks.
User Avatar
ngr12487
June 14, 2012
Hi nursepatient! I actually had surgery in Rome, Georgia. I just live in Chattanooga. Sorry! Good luck to you!
See More Tummy Tuck Reviews
See All Reviews