“New photo 20 weeks post op - Dallas, TX”

Well, I am 4 days post surgery. I had both a tummy tuck and breast reduction. Some things have been a surprise and others not. I had abdominal lipo done 4 years ago and was told then I would need to have a tummy tuck after the lipo. However, as money and life would have it, I couldn't do it until this past week. So far I am happy. I can't stand up straight yet so I can't tell how I am going to look in the end. But my husband has been taking pictures of me every day so I have posted a few of them. I found this site prior to having my surgery. What a life saver it has been. Had it not been for all these ladies, I don't know if I would have had the courage. Just knowing I had support out there from thousands of other women who had done this was amazing and helpful and quite frankly a blessing.

Updated on 25 Jan 2011:
Okay, now I am 7 days post op. I'm at that point where I feel good enough to not be laying around the house but don't feel good enough to take a shower alone. I am still walking bent over and my lower back, which prompted this to begin with, is starting to hurt a lot! I have been able to poop withouth the help of Milk of Magnesia but can now feel the scar and the tenderness of my liposuctioned breasts. I am bored and tired at the same time. I am lucid enough to not have my days run into one another but not lucid enough to re-tell complete conversations. And to think, I still have another 10 days before I can resume semi-normal activities. I am still very swollen so I don't get the joy of trying on clothes and seeing how they are going to fit. But I know that day is coming. And it's coming sooner that if I had not done this at all. I am happy with this decision and anxious to see the end result. Pictures are coming. Sorry if this post sounded a bit down but I do feel kind of down today. I think that is normal. Maybe tomorrow will bring a new day and feeling. I just wanted to share all of it. Not just the good and not just the bad but all of it. So I have. Post again soon.

Updated on 28 Jan 2011:
So I've been promising updated photos and here they are. Not beautiful but remember my surgery was on the 19th and today is the 28th. I'm pleased with my progress. Once I am able to really move around, I can work on those last 5 pounds. But realistically, if they never come off, I am super happy with my results. So those of you in the planning stages, here is something for you to go by.

Updated on 14 Feb 2011:
So I've read this from many of you and now it seems to have happened to me so I have to ask, is it normal for you to hear and feel a huge popping sound around week 4? I has some pain on my right side last night that wouldn't abate. I loosened my garment. This morning, while still in bed, I stretch length wise and heard and felt a huge popping coming from the right side that was hurting last night. I know we can't be held together by sutures forever and they have to begin to dissolve eventually but is this the right time? No other complaints but super concerned. Have placed a call into my PS.

Updated on 26 Feb 2011:
Hey ladies, so I am almost 6 weeks post op. With the exception of the popped stitch that was removed last Monday, things have gone rather well. My question.....when do you quit worrying something is going to go wrong? I was told by my PS office that I can switch to a spanx garment. Bought one during 1st week of recovery from the Spanx site, which ended up being too tight. Not being experience, as none of us are, I purchased the "super-duper" smoothing one. Too much. I tried but way too much, at least for mentally. I stressed the entire time I had it on. So, I ordered another one, with advice from another member here, that will be delivered next Tuesday. In the interim, I am still wearing my "octopus", the three banded compression garment from the day of surgery. I sleep in it, wear it basically 24/7. When do you get the feeling of "I'm going to be okay", and move forward to stage 2? I feel like I am behind schedule here only due to fear of messing something up. Would love to hear all of y'alls experiences. Thanks! Will update pictures soon.

Updated on 27 Feb 2011:
New photo's! 5 weeks and 4 days post op.

Updated on 9 Mar 2011:


Updated on 9 Mar 2011:


Updated on 23 Mar 2011:
How can I tell if I have compromised my muscle repair? Okay, here's the thing. I see one thing when I look in the mirror and I'm happy. My hubby takes photos for me to update on here and I look like I did before surgery. So, I'm asking you guys for how to tell if it's been compromised.

Updated on 23 Mar 2011:


Updated on 4 May 2011:


Updated on 8 May 2011:


Updated on 8 May 2011:


Updated on 8 May 2011:
I added new photos of me at almost 15 weeks post op.

Updated on 8 May 2011:


Updated on 9 May 2011:
I added some new photo's albeit grainy. They show me 2 days shy of being 15 weeks post op.

Updated on 6 Jun 2011:


Updated on 6 Jun 2011:
I don't know how to add a new review to my existing profile so I just changed the one I had on their previously. Updated a new photo. I'm pleased. I have to give you gals credit that can take these photo's on your own and not looks all twisted when taking side views as I can't seem to master that. Guess my arms are too short! lol

Updated on 17 Jun 2011:
Went to the beach for the first time in years! Here's a photo after 4 days of sun and fun.

Updated on 18 Jun 2011:
Just posted a picture after 4 days on the beach.