Tummy Tuck: Stories

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It's getting closer - Folsom, CA

I am 38 years old and a single mom with 4 kids...

  • 5 Mar 2013
  • 2 months pre

I am 38 years old and a single mom with 4 kids ages 19, 16, 14, 14. I've been living with my stretched out tummy since I had my first daughter at 19. Started showing at 4 months so I haven't had a flat stomach in 20 years. Each pregnancy added to the loose skin and stretch marks. Then I gained weight after having my twins and got up to 230 pounds. I am now 130 pounds (lost it all with diet and exercise over 9 months) and I'm 5'5". I've been this size for about 9 years. I've always talked about getting a tummy tuck but I've always been scared of the complications and felt guilty about spending that much money on elective surgery. I now have a very supportive boyfriend who has given me the courage to do something for myself. I work out 3-4 days a week, doing weights and cardio but we all know our stomach's will never be the same without surgery and I'd like a tone tummy to go with my tone arms and legs. Besides I'm tired of buying pants to fit my waist and end up being too big in the butt and thighs. I don't care about the scar too much, or if there are leftover stretchmarks, I just want a flat stomach...no rolls, and to SEE my bellybutton again ;-) But I can't stop researching things like expected results, the list of supplies, what to expect, possible complications...etc. And most pain meds make me nauseous so I'm not even sure what I can take because I KNOW I don't want to throw up after having my stomach muscles sewn together. As you can see I am obsessed with the whole thing so I'm hoping that all of you on here can help ease my mind and give me some advice so MAYBE I can relax over the next 11 1/2 weeks :-)

Only 6 more weeks! Wow time is flying by. I need...

  • 12 Apr 2013
  • 1 month pre
Only 6 more weeks! Wow time is flying by. I need to start getting all my post-surgery items gathered so I'll be ready. I've been busy with school and work and kids and having fun so I haven't really gotten organized. I have final exams the week of my surgery so I know I'll be too busy that week to do much prep work, guess I better get moving on it. I'm excited, anxious, and nervous all at the same time. I try not to think about it too much but I'm on RS every single day checking on the status of everyone. I love seeing all the post-surgery updates and can't stay away :-) It definitely puts my mind at ease seeing how everyone is doing so all you girls on the flat side keep up the posts!

Today is exactly 1 month until my TT and I had the...

  • 24 Apr 2013
  • 30 days pre
Today is exactly 1 month until my TT and I had the most vivid dream last night that I already had it done. I dreamt I had just had my TT and was walking around a hardware store with my parents when I looked down at my tummy and noticed I didn't have my compression garment on and my scar was uncovered. I got nervous that it was going to get infected and frantically starting looking for my CG. When I woke up I thought I was going to cry because it felt so real.

I knew I'd start dreaming about the TT as time got close but this one was more vivid that I imagined. I can say that my tummy looked flat in my dream so I was happy about that :-)

Anyway I hope I can keep my emotions in check over the next few weeks! Hope you all are doing well out there.

My kids have known for a while that I was thinking...

  • 1 May 2013
  • 23 days pre
My kids have known for a while that I was thinking about having a TT but I finally told my parents yesterday. They were very supportive, which was a little surprising but I feel so much better now. I felt like I had to hide it and now that it's out in the open and I can talk about it I'm hoping I will relax a little bit. One thing though....when I told my youngest daughter about my surgery date she started crying because one of her best friends lost her mom last year on that date. So of course it made me cry and now I'm stressing about that! I'm trying not to consider it a bad omen and I pray the lord takes good care of me on that day (and each day after) so I can be here for my kids for at least 60 more years. Thanks for letting me get that out.

8 more days!

  • 16 May 2013
  • 7 days pre
I'm trying not to think about the tt too much because when I do the "what if" thoughts start to creep in. I know just about every one of us on here has had those thoughts but they can be so frustrating. I know physically I should be just fine and I try to focus on that but I still get worried by the unknown. I've put off doing some of my shopping and preparations (I've always been a procrastinator) but I guess I will get to it soon. School is pretty much over for the semester for me and my oldest daughter (we go to college) and my other 3 kids have 2 more weeks to go. I will be much more relaxed when I'm 2 weeks post-op and loving my results and time off from work!! I appreciate any and all prayers and good thoughts that come my way though...hint hint ;-)

Tomorrow is the day...

  • 23 May 2013
  • 1 day pre
Nerves are a mess, my stomach is in a knot and I'm not sure if I'll be able to sleep tonight. I was hoping I would be calm today but not sfar. Trying to relax but feeling antsy. I have to be at the surgery center at 10:15 and my tt is scheduled for noon. I will try to get some pictures of my tummy with all the doctors markings. I wonder if he'll take pictures of the skin he removes? Anyway I'm going to go and try to watch some t.v.

Home and resting!

  • 24 May 2013
  • Day of treatment
I am so happy to report that I made it through surgery. It went well. I'm not too groggy. In some pain but so far I've only taken a soma for the muscle spasms i was having. The incision burns but it's not too had all. I can't wait to see my results. My first post op is on Tuesday.

Great review?

Shahriar Mabourakh, MD, FACS

My Doctor: Shahriar Mabourakh, MD, FACS

I picked my PS because I like him and his staff. I was referred to him by 2 friends. One had a TT w/Lipo and the other had an Augmentation/Reconstruction. They both highly recommended him. And I loved that he wants to keep my scar low and below my hip bones.

Comments (43)

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Never too late 24 May 2013
keep us posted
Erinbraz 24 May 2013
Good luck!! You're going to look amazing!!
Miaanbb 23 May 2013
Hope all went well. Welcome to the club
Silversunshine 23 May 2013
Good luck!!!!!!!!
Kat1977 23 May 2013
You are going to have amazing results! I was a wreck before surgery-convinced something terrible was going to happen to me-but I was completely calm the morning of and walking to the OR and of course everything went fine! Sending positive thoughts your way! :)
MommaOfFour 23 May 2013
Thank you for the kind words and positively! It helps :-)
Mommy2BooX2 23 May 2013
Thinking happy thoughts for you--your story I very much relate to. Can't wait to hear how it went! :)
MommaOfFour 23 May 2013
I appreciate the happy thoughts :-D Thank you!
Mira Mira on the wall 21 May 2013
Your gonna look amazing! You got it.....Sending positive healing vibes your way!
Silversunshine 18 May 2013
You are almost there! I'm praying for you! It's going to be incredible!!!!
MommaOfFour 21 May 2013
Thank you. Yep only 3 more days. I love following your progress on here and I hope I can be as up beat and mobile as you are already. You're an inspiration.
Luvmy3js 17 May 2013
Nice review. Can't wait to follow your journey. Hoping for a fast recovery
motheroftwins 16 May 2013
I am excited for you!! I will do this until January so I am living vicariously thru the women here!
MommaOfFour 16 May 2013
I'm getting excited but still nervous and I'm such a procrastinator so I have a TON of stuff to do before hand. I have lots of cleaning and shopping I need to get done since I won't be able to do that stuff for a week or so after surgery. Only 8 more days! Good luck on your surgery in January. I"m sure it feels like a long wait but I bet it goes by fast for you. I know time has flown by for me.
Silversunshine 13 May 2013
I'm excited for you!!!!! The countdown is on!!!
Anna_17 3 May 2013
I wish you the best, if the date bothers you and is something that wont let you rest at the back of your mind just change it if it will make it any better for you, it is already very stressful with the surgery, you will look fantastic, you got such a good frame! look forward to your after pics!
MommaOfFour 8 May 2013
Thank you. I'm better with the date. My daughter is feeling more relaxed so that helped me. She was very sad at the memory of the date but she's better. I had my pre-op on Monday and I think I'm feeling good, for now :-) Best of luck on your upcoming surgery. I also look forward to seeing your after pics.
Anna_17 8 May 2013
You will be having fabulous results!
Mommy2Two 25 Apr 2013
I thought I'd pop over and see your pre-op pics again. I can't wait to see your post-op pics! You are going to love your new tummy! Dr. M did a great job with my tummy. The scar is thin and flat and no puckering at all.
iwantmybodyback1980 24 Apr 2013
Hello TT sister I'm having the same procedure on the same day it's very exciting ;-)
MommaOfFour 24 Apr 2013
Yes it is exciting! I read your profile, congrats on getting some of your weight off. I've put on 4 pounds in the last month...I think it's nerves. What time is your surgery scheduled for? Mine is at 12:00 pm. I have to be at the surgery center at 10:30 am. I sure hope I get some valium because I'll be a bundle of nerves all morning. You are so good for getting your supplies early, I haven't even bought all the things I need yet, I guess I'll do that on payday. The only thing I've purchased is 2 compression garments and 4 baggy dresses for lounging around in. Well thanks for posting on here. I will be checking up on you as time gets closer :-)
iwantmybodyback1980 24 Apr 2013
MommaOfFour, I don't have the time yet I was told I'll find out on may 9 when I go for lab work and to pay for the facility. I was told that I would be his first patient that day so I'm assuming its early morning? I'm really trying to lose weight very hard when you have thyroid problems but I'm not going to stress about it as long as I'm eating right and working out I'm on the right path
MommaOfFour 24 Apr 2013
Yes eating right and exercise is the best. The weight will come off eventually. And I believe once you get the TT you will have the added motivation and ability to workout even harder.
Sdgal81 28 Mar 2013
Please post some post op pictures up:) I'm planning to have one a year from now:)
MommaOfFour 28 Mar 2013
I will definitely post some :-) Tomorrow will be 8 weeks to go before surgery. Yikes so nervous! But I tried on clothes the other day at the mall and my rolls showed in everything which made me so frustrated so I'm also excited and ready.

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