Tummy Tuck: Stories

I have always had challenges with my weight. I am a petite 4'11". I have two children 26 and 17 years old. I had a C-section with both children. I have also had two other surgeries: hysterectomy and an emergency appendectomy(in which has left a deep scar straight down the middle of my stomach). Of course this does really did a number on my stomach!
My highest weight was 199 and I lost 50lbs about 10 years ago but gained about 25lbs back. In the past year (so far) I have had a steady weight lost of about 15 lbs(did not weigh after Thanksgiving). My exercise consist of Walking and Yoga. But this does not help the dreaded flabby stomach and "love" handles always seems to stick with me.
I have thought about this procedure a lot especially after the emergency appendectomy.! I believe people are placed in your life for a reason, because after speaking with my friend I then decided to make the move and do this for ME!!
I shared this desire with my husband and I made an appointment with Dr. Cochran to see if I was a good candidate and also to discuss the procedure. Wow! I am a perfect candidate. Dr.C and I discussed the procedure and I shared my concerns and..here I am! Scheduled for surgery Dec 27th. Seems like everything is moving fast now: I have received my lab orders, my prescriptions, paid half of my surgery fee, received my approved FMLA(2 weeks*hope that is enough time). I am a bit nervous but yet excited.
**will post pictures soon!

Before pictures are posted. Ready for a new me in Jan.'13

Well the time is getting near! Did Labs today and began purchasing meds. Started on my pre and post list: vitamins (check); Palmer's vitamin E skin oil(check); Tylenol(check); and antibacterial soap (check); already have a recliner (check); yoga pants (check).....add more to complete my list this weekend.
My TT sisters any advice on more to place on my list?

Hi All,
Just checking in ....
PS nurse called today to inform me there was a surgery cancellation on my schedule time on 12/27. My TT& Lipo was scheduled at 10:00am. I am 3 hours away from my PS so my husband and I was to drive up that morning. Sooo..the time has now moved up to 7:15am. We will need to stay overnight in Columbus, Ga. I know the night before I will be a bundle of nerves. Time is winding down!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I've been busy gathering items for my day....tomorrow! I have grocery shop for at least two weeks or more. Now it is time for me to prepare my mind. Trying to make today a relaxing day. Will leave out tonight for surgery. Surgery time:7:15 am. Any last minute suggestions or helpful hints for recovery? I sure could use them!

It's showtime my TT friends!!!!! Headed out to surgery. Will keep ya posted!

I made it! Still groggy. Really sore and hard getting up and down. Tiresome act of walking. Headed home tomorrow. Three hour drive. Talk to you later.

PO Day One. Update..sorry so late..Just very sleepy on po day one and drainage from Lipo site. Also Call PS office on day one regarding changing of gauges before I left for my 3 hour trip home. Very patient staff. Told me to change and if excess leakage use Pads to garment. Cg is soaked can't wait to wash. She said peroxide will remove stain. Nurse suggested to stop by to get addditional pads, tape, and gauge before leaving. My mom stop by and Ps nurse came out to check me and also to praise me during surgery. I felt great after the praise. Then we were on the road (bumpy) for three hours. We stop every hour for me to walk..so it was a long trip. PS called while on the road to check me..Great bedside manner. Made it home and I went straight to the bathroom. Took Stool softner and MOM before trip home and the ride may have activated. But had my BM and it went well (Sorry TMI)... I Ps nurse said take gauge off and can shower and wash Cg...took sponge bath and mom wash cg. I had to remain still while CG was washed and dried.. took a peek..hmm looks good pix later! .I slept in my recliner much comfy than hotel bed! Hubby woke me up for
drainage and meds..He's been absolutely wonderful and so have mom and sister!

Day Two..Sore ....Hubby went to work..mom went to take sister to airport so Its me and my 17 year old
Ohhhh. Yesterday when I return home my son gave me a get well card..so sweet. Told mom me and son can stick it out until hubby return home from work. He has made me coffee and breakfast (cottage cheese and pears)..gotta go stomach is rumbling. Take awhile to get out recliner. .Will check back soon!! Happy healing TT sisters.

PO day 3. Tomorrow PS visit. Drainage @25 and less. Trying to remain relaxed. Difficult for a working mom, wife, and student. I know this is the perfect opportunity to relax.
Today is laundry day with teenage son and hubby. ... going slow!! Lol! I'm a do it yourselfer... still walking hunch over... pain and stinging just a bit around lipo area. No leaking from sides today, though. Took off mumu today and put on button down shirt and yoga pants. That was a my highlight for this morning. Tired after that. I'm still on pain meds maybe I can take Tylenol after tomorrow. Ps nurse said I can shower on day One but still sponge off until visit on Monday. Need reassurance. I hope all is well with all TT sisters out there!

Well today is ending PO 5....PO 4 and 5 are definitely my pain and swelling days. Beginning to slowly straighten up. I will begin walking bent over and slowly begin to walk upright. Not to full posture but I am getting there. Still get tired within 20 minutes of stirring around in the house. Still have not gain my stamina. Decided to post some updated pixs from PO3. Hmmm I can see changes developing...
PS called on PO 4 to see how drainage was and confirm my office visit for Wed (1/2/13). Drain is very low(under 25)...Sure hope I get this drain out. The swelling is driving my crazy. I feel as though I am a "pig in a blanket" in the CG. The CG gets very tight at times. I am watching my diet. Only fresh fruit, protein(baked/broil chicken breast), and veggies. My appetite is still limited (only eat small portions)**which is very good; I hope it stays like that for awhile.
This may seem strange but I am looking forward to leaving the house for my visit to the PS.. I have not been outside since coming home from the surgery* 5 days!. My PS is @ a 3 hour drive so this of course will be my highlight of the day!!!

PO day 7. Feel much better but still swell. Took a shower last night after drain tube was taken oit. Ohhh the things we take for granted. Wonderful shower. . After shower took the best sleep since surgery!!! Today I can actually see the light in the tunnel.lol!

PO 9! A day of energy! This morning my son took me to Starbucks...This really made me smile! On the way home he took a scenic route. Boy it felt great to get out. Still walking slow and bent!! **but getting better.! Also took time to curl my hair. **Really missing my beautician!!!
Well I'm dressed and back in the recliner! Don't want to push it! Really learning to listen to my body! School has begun so time to start reading. I'm pursuiing my Masters Degree in Counseling. Almost there!!! No excuses I should remain focus!!! Ok TT sisters see you on PO day 10!!!

Well made it to my two week milestone! Feeling great today. Visted Doctor on Tuesday and said looking goood!!! And...as of 5:41 this morning we welcomed in our first Grandchild..An adorable little girl! Can't wait to see here she lives @14hours away. Looking at flight tickets now!!!
The compression garment was driving me crazy because of my height 4' 11". Ps said I can wear spanx. Brought one from Target fits tight and comfortable..
Do you all have any other suggestions of compression to wear for my height? ???
Will post more pix soon. Still swelling. ...ohhh.will take my first drive on my own today.....
Until. ............Happy Healing to ALL!!!