1 year - TT, MR and lipo

Six years after my tummy tuck, I decided to get my eyelids done by Dr. Christopoulos since I loved her and the results of my TT, MR and lipo surgery.

Of course, I wanted to read other people’s stories on eyelid surgery and ended up strolling down memory lane with my tummy tuck journey.

For everyone out there considering the TT procedure or in the recovery process, just want to let you know it was worth it. These are my pics 6 years later. It is crazy when I look at my before pictures. Best of luck! Happy healing!

Just wanted to update everyone on my almost 1 year anniversary! I see my PS tomorrow so I wanted to remember you all who were part of my journey. I am SO HAPPY with my results.

I'm down a jean size although I weigh the same. Clothes fit me better and I am way less self conscious. I thought I had come to terms with having a Buddha, but now that I don't, it makes life so much nicer. Although I am still critical of myself, like the little roll over my work out pants or my man hands in the pictures, it's like a different life not being concerned about my belly. Weirdly, I think the tummy tuck has made my boobs look bigger. Bonus! I have worn those workout tanks that I have wanted to wear my whole life. And I look good!!

What else can I tell you? I still am running on a regular basis, but added boxing (with punching bags, not people) to the mix. You do A LOT of ab work which really freaked me out at first. I was still afraid I would rip the MR (sometimes still am), but have been amazed how strong I have gotten. When I started in July, I couldn't even do 1 sit up. Now I even do V-up sit ups (and I didn't know what those even were a few months ago!).

The scar is still big and long, but to be expected. It doesn't really bother me. I won't wear bikinis really around the neighbors, but on vacation for sure! With chasing my younger kids around, I get self conscious that the bikini bottom will shift and my scar will be hanging out there. The scar is covered by most bikini bottoms. It's more my comfort level.

Another thing I notice is that when I eat too much salt, I feel swollen around my belly. That never happened before. It's actually not a bad thing. I kind of like my body telling me something isn't good for me. I don't have all the feeling back on my stomach. It's not numb, but not as sensitive to touch as the rest of my body. Not sure if that makes sense. But again. No biggie to me.

To those thinking of starting the journey, the first couple months are rough. I do feel happy with my results on all levels - physically, emotionally and mentally - and feel like it has a positive effect on my life. I didn't really expect anything other than a flat stomach, but am grateful for the side effects. I'm going to hug my PS tomorrow!

I put up the bikini pictures from my recent vacation. I actually wore the bikini most of the week. Still swollen, but I'm not embarrassed like before. I even ran in just a sports bra and shorts. I've never done that. Crazy! Love my lack of buddha belly, but now I start to see the armpit fat, flabby arms, etc... Anyway, I'm not looking at the pictures anymore, just wanted to share the belly pictures. Unfortunately with a fabulous vacation, I managed to gain 5 pounds (literally) in 7 days (gee, I think it could have been all the croissants with nutella...) whoops.

I saw my PS this week for my 3 month appointment. I asked if all my swelling and the 5 pound weight gain would mess up the results. She said that active women who exercise take a little longer to resolve all the swelling, that there's ultimately no difference in end result. She said to remember the sunscreen under the swimsuit. I love my PS. It always makes me feel better just to hear that she thinks everything looks as it should. I'm hoping by summer the swelling will be gone (as well as the additional 5 pounds from vacation!).

Hope you all are well!