Tummy Tuck Reviews
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Tummy Tuck Done Sept. 22, 2011

Worth It
Spent: $6,800 in Davenport, IA

Comments (36)

Updated 2 Nov 2011

Posted 23 Sep 2011

I had a tt yesterday. I know that I am supposed to walk around but the most I can do is walk back and forth from the bathroom. I cannot stand up straight at all, which I expected. My back kills me if I stand too long hunched over. I am just wondering if this is how most everyone else felt, and what to expect next.



Updated on 9 Oct 2011:
This is an experience I will never forget for sure. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery. I knew it would be painful. But...I didn't know how much I would have to depend on someone else. My husband has been awesome. Although sometimes I think he tries to push me too much. He doesn't realize how much this surgery has affected my body.
Looking back on the first week, my worst memories are the headaches from sleeping in the recliner and the day I thought I was going to die thanks to a backup. After that prunes, fiber one, and water became by two bff's. I haven't had any complications at all. I stopped the Vicodin on day 3. I occasionally took one to sleep at night. I haven't taken anything else for pain at all. I think the worst things are that when I get up from sitting I get the worst stinging, pinching feeling on my whole left side, and my right hip. It stops me from moving for a minute, then it goes away. The tightness in the muscles is the other thing. By the end of the day I'm pretty hunched over. Twice a day I try to lay flat in bed for a while to stretch out. It feels wonderful.
I finally posted some before and after pics. I didn't want to put the before pics up, but then the after pics wouldn't be so amazing :)
This forum has been a life saver. Everyone is so helpful and thoughtful.

Updated on 2 Nov 2011:
I can't believe it has been 6 weeks already. I am starting to feel almost normal again. I finally started walking upright at week 5. That was a long time to walk hunched over. Thank god that's over.
I really, really want to exercise, but I don't know what to do. Can I do slow aerobics, or just walk? The thing that sucks more than anything is that I used to lift heavy weights, and I really miss it. I don't really know what 5 pounds is going to do, if that's all I can lift.
Clothes still fit weird, but the fact that pants lay flat on my stomach makes this all worth it. I love that my pants are loose and that I don't have a pouch anymore. My husband always said it never bothered him, but now that it's done, he says he's glad I did it. I am too!

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Definitely worth it!! The question of the scar is not even a second thought to me. I would rather have the scar then what I had before. I have never had a flat stomach. I can't believe it! Even with swelling it still looks better than it did before surgery. LOVE IT!!!

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Comments (36)

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Mcdonough6840 23 Sep 2011
I had my TT on Monday. Sometimes I can walk upright but mostly I walk bent over, if I go slow straightening up is easy. I still have alot of pain when I cough, which is something that happens quite often now for some odd reason. I read alot of reviews that said they were up and about 4 days post-op. I wish I had their secret.
Buttercup74 30 Sep 2011
Hi!! I thought that since you are a few days ahead of me in the healing process, i would see how you are doing? I am at day 8 today. I don't really see any difference today then i did 3 days ago. Everyday is the same. Try to walk around a lil bit, sit, walk to the bathroom, sit.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 23 Sep 2011

Hang on darlin!  This is all normal and it will get easier each day.  The first week is the worst but what you are feeling is normal.  

Walking to the bathroom is good; it's movement and that helps.  Another thing you can do while in the bed if keep flexing your calves, ankles and feet.  Keep them moving.  Keep changing positions often and try heat on the lower back.  That will help some of the soreness.  Light massage as well is good for this.  

You are going to go through an entire emotional roller coaster the first month but this is all part of the process.

 

Buttercup74 24 Sep 2011
Thanks for the advice. Today is day 3 post op. I have stopped the pain meds for the most part. It is getting easier to get up and down, but I still need my husbands help with it. I understand now what you mean about the emotional roller coaster. I have too much time to sit and think. My husband took my binder off today to help me clean up. My stomach does not look flat like I thought it would. It looks like a wrinkly mess. I am not worrying about it right now though, I figure I will wait until I am able to stand up at least.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 26 Sep 2011

Yes give it some time.  The swelling really causes distortion so don't panic.  It takes time for everything to settle down.  

And just ride that roller coaster because that will also end.  I know how frustrating  this can be though.  We are all here for you:)

Buttercup74 27 Sep 2011
Thans to everyone who gives advise. It really is helpful. I hope someone can help with this issue: my hips are apparently much bigger than my waste and chest. I have to wear my binder for another week but because of the proportion... I cant stop the binder from riding up. It doesnt stay tight because of this. Any suggestions?
gracedance 8 Oct 2011
hi buttercup. my tummy tuck/muscle repair/lipo of flanks was sept 8. i am four weeks post op.

i have had the same frustration with the binder riding up and not staying in place. i realized the binder did not work for both the upper abs and the hips, it covered one or the other. i started wearing a second "binder" to cover my entire midsection, it was an exercise belt that velcroed like a binder. at three weeks post op my surgeon said to wear a girdle that covered my pubic area to keep compression there (have swelling and necrosis). i went to the mall and bought a spanx shaper that goes from under the breasts to mid-thigh (real spanx, not generic, it costs about $80 and is very supportive). i don't wear the binder any more. this shaper is great and i can wear it under my clothes much easier.

hope your recovery is coming along well.
Luv4u 23 Sep 2011
I had my TT done On Monday 9/19. I walked hunched over for Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I was a lil more up right. Remember you do not want to put strain on your cut/stitches. I still do feel tight in the abdomen. Pain was not bad at all for me. I also stopped taking my pain meds since yesterday. Take it easy and relax let your body heal. everyone heals differently hun :)
marinemom (RealFriend) 25 Sep 2011
Hi Buttercup, Yes, Kimmers is right, its so normal to find it challenging to move the first week. If you can move across the room at least once an hour while awake, that will be good. I had to have help the first 3 or 4 days to get up, it's very painful but then it gets easier. I was going up and down steps by day3 post op, albeit, one step at a time and very slowly! Rest dear, listen to your body. Good luck!
Buttercup74 26 Sep 2011
Well it's Monday. I had my tt Thursday morning. I had my 1st follow up today. My doc said I should be walking straight by now. I am doing better,I am almost standing tall:) She said everything looks great and I got one of my drains out. She advised taking a warm shower to help stand up straight. I will try it today. I guess I was just afraid to stand, thinking I would tear muscles inside. Now that I know this, it takes alot of stress away. At least off of my back.
marinemom (RealFriend) 27 Sep 2011
I kept hunching because I did not think I could stand up straight, when I was at my ps office, somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd week! (YES< I hunched for that long!), my ps told me there was no reason NOT to be standing straight. He said I would NOT pop a stitch and to stand up straight. If your ps says you should do it, try it, it feels odd at first but your back won't hurt as much when you start walking "right"
Buttercup74 9 Oct 2011
It's a miracle!!! I've been complaining about not being able to stand up and today when I got out of bed...I was standing straight up! I am afraid to sit for too long because I'm sure it will not last, but at least I know it can be done. I am super happy today! I better get my shower out of the way before I start slouching again :)
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 9 Oct 2011

That is great news buttercup! 

Buttercup74 9 Oct 2011
Thanks Kimmers! I took your advice and just laid flat in bed. It worked. Thank you!!
BellaBelly 9 Oct 2011
Hi Buttercup & congrats! I had my TT/MR/Lipo on the 22nd as well. You look great! Happy healing...
marinemom (RealFriend) 9 Oct 2011
Looking good buttercup!
gracedance 9 Oct 2011
today was my first day to stand up straight without terrible pulling too! 4 weeks post op.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 10 Oct 2011

Now that's a victory gracedance!!

Buttercup74 10 Oct 2011
Congratulations!! I don't know about you, but I think it made all of my fears go away. I can't really explain it, but it's definitely a turning point :)
gracedance 10 Oct 2011
it feels so much better!
gracedance 10 Oct 2011
yes buttercup, it has really helped me too. standing up straight is part of "feeling normal" and i was starting to wonder if that was ever going to happen again! i take a few tiny walks every day and am getting used to finding my balance and posture with a new body.
Luv4u 10 Oct 2011
you look great buttercup!
Puggymom 10 Oct 2011
You look wonderful!! Congrats on making it through the first few weeks. I envy those of you who make this look so easy! I'm at 8 weeks and just had to take a vicodin today as I can't quite seem to get out of pain today. But I am happy for your success!
Buttercup74 10 Oct 2011
Thanks! But I had a very long day today, and I'm with you right now. I had to take a vicodin also. My ps said over the next few weeks I would have pains that I'm not used, but did it all have to happen in one day? Plus my period is on its way so here come some more cramps I don't need. I'm sure in a year we will forget all of this misery :)
mommys81 23 Oct 2011
Wow..I know its a short time still, but it's looking great already!! Hang in there..it will get better. I'm on day 13,,the first week was really bad.

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