“Couldn't be more happy that I did it, my tummy tuck journey - Huntsville, AL"”

I have been wanting a tummy tuck for years. I had my first and only child 12 1/2 years ago. I lost 68 pounds two years after her birth and have been carrying this albatross of a belly around for 10 years or so. I am super emotional and had a difficult time writing this review as I am nervous, anxious, excited and terrified. My spouse is supportive of me even though he says he "loves me as I am". He doesn't want anything to happen to me during or after surgery. I have had to withhold my surgery plans from family and friends as I don't want to get negative feedback or to be talked out of it through scare tactics. It would just be difficult to live life with this feeling of wishing I had done this and not do it out of fear. I want to feel that my hard work of exercise and diet is not in vain and to feel good about myself. With all that said, I go to my Pre-op appointment on 7/20/10.

This site has helped me devise a list of so many questions and the stories and tips have been immeasurable in my quest for the truth behind the surgery from beginning to end. I pray for all who've gone through and will go through and ask that you do the same for me.

Updated on Jul 20, 2010:
7/20/10- Just returned from my pre-op appointment. My PS explained the procedure with me and went over risks and took pictures. I left out of there with a ton of prescriptions. Has anyone had to wear compression hose and give themselves shots to prevent blood clots? If so, Did the shots hurt? I was given prescriptions for the hose and blood thinners, also a nausea med, muscle relaxer and pain meds. I am really looking forward to the procedure at this point. I am scheduled for Friday, July 30th.

Updated on Jul 29, 2010:
I go in for my tt in less than 24 hours. So excited, nervous and anticipating the best. Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow at 7:30am realself fam. 1luv

Updated on Jul 29, 2010:
Uploaded new pre-op pics.

Updated on Jul 31, 2010:
7/31/10 I made it through my tummy tuck. God is so good. When I came out of surgery, I had some pain but not excrutiating. It is an uncomfortable feeling like having done a ton of sit-ups and your muscles are contracting. I stayed in the hospital overnight, which was awesome because I had great nurses to help me throughout the first day and night. My husband was wonderful and stayed until late last night and my sister, wonderful sister, spent the night with me and came home with me today. The first few days, you do need support because your muscles are sore and you're bent over. Anyway the verdict is still out as to whether I feel it was worth it. My ps checked my wounds today. He said I will have a great result and commented that I am flat flat. He reported to me that my muscles were really lax, so he had to really pull them tight. I Will post pics when I feel more comfortable. I was actually afraid to see under my bandages. Maybe later.

Updated on Aug 3, 2010:
8/3/10 The fourth day after my surgery. I have experienced minimal pain overall. The biggest obstacle I have faced thus far is trying to cough without feeling like I will bust my gut or stitches. Coughing is horribly painful unavoidable after the anesthesia. I also have to wear compression hose which are very difficult to get on. My poor husband and I struggle each morning to get them on. I finally had a bm on 8/2 which was great. I went without incident. I am still weighing whether it was worth it becaue I feel like I won't eve be comfortable without the binder and lose the heavy feeling in my abs. The drains haven't been as bad as I thought. They seem to be draining well and hopefully they will come on at my next appointment on 8/5. Any advice from this point forward would be great.

Updated on Aug 11, 2010:
I went to my 2nd post op appointment on 8/10/10. My ps removed my last drain (woo hoo). He also removed the stitches from my navel. My ps was quite impressed with his work. I will say there is a difference from the initial sagging gut that I had to a more flat tummy. However, I am concerned about the roundedness/puffiness at my hips, particularly the right side. Of course my ps continues to dismiss it as swelling or tells me to give it more time. I am going to try and see what happens. However, I will be relentless in my attempts to ensure that I am totally pleased. He told me to get some spanx and wear the binder. However, it appears that it would be better for me to go to a second stage compression garment. Please provide any feedback as to what would be a good garment to purchase and where at this stage (2-8 weeks). I feel really good physically. I am moving around very well and actually trying some light exercises/strength training without using my abs. I am totally off pain meds but do take vitamin C and bromelain. My ps advised me to begin massaging my scar with cocoa butter or maderma. I am using cocoa butter, maderma and vitamin E gel capsules. Hopefully, that combo will help with a better scar appearance and healing. At this point, I am continuing to heal and pray for a full return to my previous activities. I play tennis and hope to be able to do that by the spring of next year. God has really been good to me and I have been blessed by this website and the stories and words of encouragement and advice. I have attached pics as of 12 days post op. The scar is still very prominent and the belly button's still a little bruised.

Updated on Aug 21, 2010:
Uploaded 3 week post op photos. I am feeling better. I continue to heal daily. My scar is healing well. I will post pics of it in another week or so. Hopefully it will be better by then.

Updated on 14 Feb 2011:


Updated on 15 Feb 2011:
I am six months out (see new pics). I feel great. I continue to experience swelling at the end of the day or when I have overindulged. I am very happy I made the decision to have a tt. I initially felt nervous, guilty and scared. I am now elated and happy I made the decision. My husband is happy for me as well. God has been very kind to me and I am thankful. Continue to be blessed real self family. 1love.