“Pictures As Promised - Cleveland, OH”

As some of you know I had my surgery on 3/22/11 and today I am finally posting my pictures, and will post more as the swelling comes down.

Thanks for everyone whose love and support I really needed throughout this journey. I am pleased with my results so far, and know I will be happier once I can workout again and resume all of my normal activities.

Anyone who is contemplating doing this, I would be happy to share my experiences with! Looking forward to a wonderful summer!

Updated on 4 Apr 2011:
Going back to work has been very tough! I only could get through a half day then came home and slept. Just glad I have a super workplace.

Updated on 8 Apr 2011:
Saw Dr. yesterday and he said I am doing great. The swelling is driving me nuts though and he says is just takes time. He wants me to start peeling the glue off the incision and will see me back in 10 days to clean it up really well and start scar therapy.

Updated on 11 Apr 2011:
I worked my whole day today, but by mid-afternoon was very sore and uncomfortable. Home in my PJ's is so nice and comfy!

Updated on 22 Apr 2011:
So I am exactly one month post surgery today and am posting 2 new pictures. I am still pretty swollen as you can see, but my Dr. says it is not unusual and it will continue to decrease. My incision did have a small infection and I am using Bactracin on it 3X a day. I do have another follow up in 3 weeks and he will do a scar revision if necessary. I am still sore, but that continues to improve every day. I can start the treadmill again, slowly and increase my activity. Also, I started scar therapy so we'll see how that goes. Will update again after my next appointment.

Updated on 3 May 2011:
Six weeks since day of surgery. Started working out again and feeling much better. Still swollen, but coming down!

Updated on 13 May 2011:
Saw Dr. yesterday, 7 weeks and a couple days post-op. He cleaned up those two darn spots that arn't healing and told me it was because my clothes are irritating that area, then he cleaned the area and gave me some special non stick gauze and am using the Bacitracin on it still. It is a tiny area, but I still want it to heal properly. Still swollen, but he says is will still come down more and doesn't even do his after pix till 3 months for that reason. I will post more pictures in a couple weeks, but I am feeling like my "old" self, with a younger tummy!

Updated on 15 Jun 2011:
So it has been 12 weeks and I am still struggling with swelling issues mid to late day after I have been up and about for a while. I know it is part of the process, but wish I looked the way I do in the morning. I guess it just takes some people longer then others, and me being so short 4'10" it just settles in my lower abdomen. This too shall pass! Other than that, I see my Dr. next week and although my infection has cleared, I still have redness and will need a scar revision. The rest of the scar is fading nicely. I feel good and am working out like I did prior to surgery. I couldn't have gotten through the tough times without my fellow TTers! Thanks everyone and I will update again soon.

Updated on 24 Sep 2011:
I went for my six month check up, and am somewhat satisfied with the results. In my appointment I expressed my disappointment with the scar in the lower part which seemed to not heal correctly. My Dr. agreed and has scheduled a scar revision on Nov. 15th for me at no charge. He stated that he wants me to be 100% happy with my results and told me this is quite common. I have some swelling at the end of the day even still, but once the revision is done and a few more months pass I should be very happy with my new tummy. I will update again after the revision.

Updated on 27 Nov 2011:
Less than two weeks since the revision and I am really hoping after a couple of months when the scar fades I will be 100% happy, no make that thrilled with my results! The portion of the scar where it pulled apart was fading well, but I wanted a fine line like the rest of it which is looking great. My doctor was happy to take care of it for me at no additional charge so that was nice! If anyone needs a recommendation, here in the Cleveland area, please write me and I will be happy to share his information. Thanks to everyone again for your kindness and concern along the way!

Updated on 22 Jan 2012:
So it has been 10 months today since I had my TT, and 2 months post revision. This has turned out to be a very emotional journey that only those who have had this surgery can truly relate to. I am anxious to have the revision part fade away as the rest of the scar has. All I can say is I feel fantastic, am enjoying working out and eating sensibly and am so happy to be rid of that loose skin and have my nice, tight stomach muscles again!

Updated on 22 Mar 2012:
Wow...it was exactly one year ago today that I had my surgery and began the long and emotional recovery. There were times that I second guessed myself and my decision to do this, but at long last I can honestly say I am happy with my decision. No one can understand the ups and downs and highs and lows of this other than someone who has been through it. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and constant support I depended on through this journey. So, here I am, happy and healthy one year post-op!!!