Mommy Makeover: Stories
Write a ReviewNew Pics PO 3 weeks! TT and BL - Fort Wayne, IN
- Jess2523
- posted 1 year ago
- updated 1 year ago
- Worth It
- Cost: $10,500
- Brian J. Lee, MD (Fort Wayne, IN)
I've recently turned 30 and am 5'10"...
- 19 Jan 2012
- 1 month pre
I've recently turned 30 and am 5'10" and 150lbs. After giving birth to and nursing my three gorgeous children I was left with a ton of stretchmarks both above and below my navel and my breasts are a very droopy and deflated D cup. I have always been a bigger girl and over the past year and a half I've lost over 60 lbs. I thought losing the weight would make me feel better about myself, and it does somewhat when I have my clothes on, but when I'm undressed I feel like I almost look worse now than when I was heavier. My breasts are even more deflated and my stomach hangs like an empty plastic bag, especially when I bend over. I try to avoid letting anyone see my stomach, I don't even like to be naked in front of my own husband anymore.
My husband is amazingly supportive and tells me all the time how beautiful I am and that I am too hard on myself, but he also sees how unhappy I am. I feel guilty for spending so much money on myself and for all the slack that he'll have to pick up while I'm recovering, but he keeps telling me that we'll all benefit when I'm happier. I feel lucky to have such great support.
Having the lift and TT is something I have wanted for a long time, but never thought it would be possible. After talking to my husband about it and finding out that he didn't think I needed it (typical sweet husband response :), but that he understood how important it was to me, we figured out how to make it work. I had consultations with three different PS before deciding as I wanted to make sure I made the right decision and was completely comfortable with my Dr.
I called yesterday to schedule my surgery for Feb 24th and pre-op appt for Feb 6th. It all seems so real now and I'm both excited and nervous! I have been all over the site for the past couple of months gathering information and I would love any advice anyone has especially about recovery time and what I need to have ready/do beforehand to make things go as smoothly as possible. Pictures coming soon!
I can't believe it's almost exactly a month until...
- 23 Jan 2012
- 1 month pre
I'm adding some before pics, even though I absolutely hate them. I know how helpful pictures are and I just can't wait to be able to look back at them and see how far I've come!
Feeling a little uneasy today. I left RealSelf...
- 24 Jan 2012
- 1 month pre
Had my mammogram yesterday, it was slightly more...
- 28 Jan 2012
- 27 days pre
I just can't wait for the 24th to get here! It...
- 31 Jan 2012
- 24 days pre
Exactly three weeks to go! I am so excited I can...
- 3 Feb 2012
- 21 days pre
We had plans to take the kids to an indoor water park at the end of March for their Spring Break, but now it looks like I won't be up for that. Feeling a little guilty about ruining their vacation, but luckily we hadn't told them about it yet.
A few months ago before I knew I'd be having surgery I signed up to run a half marathon May 5th. That will be 10 weeks after my surgery, do you guys think it's doable? I'm not exactly a world class runner, but I've been running off and on for the past two years and this will be my third half.
I had my pre-op appt this morning. Spent most of...
- 6 Feb 2012
- 18 days pre
After that, the PS came in to see if I had any questions and to take my pictures. I asked about the exact incision placement and I was worried I might end up with a vertical scar from the tummy tuck as one of the other surgeons I consulted said I would need one. He assured me he should be able to get rid of everything below my belly button and leave only a horizontal scar and that he would keep it low enough to be hidden in underwear/bikini. I'm feeling really good about my decision, though I did get a pretty big lump in my throat writing out that huge check! Now I just wait for the surgery center to call me about a week before and give me my surgery time. PS said the surgery should be about 4 hours.
Hope the next 2 1/2 weeks fly by and good luck to all my surgery date buddies, I know some of you had your appts today, too!
I forgot to mention my PS also recommends taking a...
- 6 Feb 2012
- 18 days pre
Two weeks exactly until the big day. I've been...
- 10 Feb 2012
- 14 days pre
One week from today! I can't wait, one minute it...
- 17 Feb 2012
- 7 days pre
We told my mother-in-law Monday night about the surgery. I was really worried about how she would react and that she would judge me and think I'm vain and selfish. Turns out she is completely supporting my decision. I couldn't believe it. She says she wishes she would have done something like this when she was my age and she doesn't blame me one bit. Just goes to show you people can certainly surprise you when you least expect it.
I'll update when I know my time, and I wish all the other ladies whose surgeries are coming up the best of luck. It won't be long and we'll all be looking back at our before pictures unable to believe how far we've come!
I'm actually starting to get some things done...
- 21 Feb 2012
- 3 days pre
Everyone around us seems to be sick, including my friend's kids and she is supposed to watch my kids during the surgery and my mother in law who was going to take them for the weekend. My husband asked me last night what our backup plan was and I honestly don't have one. I'm trying not to let it completely stress me out, but it is a bit. Guess it's just a wait and see situation.
Still no call with my surgery time either, I'm calling them today. I can't take not knowing and not being able to plan.
I just called and my surgery is at 9:45, I have to...
- 21 Feb 2012
- 3 days pre
Tomorrow's the big day, it seems absolutely...
- 23 Feb 2012
- 1 day pre
Well, I made it :) I'll try to describe today...
- 24 Feb 2012
- On day of treatment
The recovery nurse asked me what my pain was on a scale from one to ten, ten being the worst pain you've ever felt. Right when I woke up, I was at about a seven. It felt more like a burning pain along my incision lines. They gave me something through my IV and within a few minutes I was back down to about a 3. I was already in the binder with gauze underneath and tape under that. My breasts are also taped around the incisions, wrapped with gauze, with a surgical bra over all that. I haven't been able to see anything yet. My surgeon came in and said everything went great and that he was really able to keep my incision low and get a lot of the stretch marks, sounds like he got rid of even more than I thought he could. I'm so excited about that. Also, he said my breasts lifted really well. He warned me they'd look a little flat across the bottom at first, since he overtightens them to account for the stretching that takes place over the first week or so.
I have two drains in my stomach and none in my breasts. My husband just helped me empty them and I'm draining about twice as much on my right side as my left. I would say right now my pain is about a 1, but getting up and down out of the recliner is a little difficult and slightly painful. It's so hard to not use your abs or push up with your arms. My legs are definitely getting a workout. Walking isn't too bad, but I'm definitely hunched over like a little old lady :) I'm keeping ice on everything, 30 minutes on, 30 off. I have to say ladies, bags of frozen peas are a godsend! They stay cold longer and they conform right to my breasts, definitely recommend picking some up.
I get to take a shower on Sunday keeping my back to the water and my follow up appointment is Wednesday. I'll try to talk my husband in to taking a couple pictures when it's shower time.
My husband has been absolutely amazing! He's keeping track of all my meds and drainage amounts and getting me absolutely everything I need. I'm so lucky to have him! So far things are going great *knock on wood* I hope everything went well for everyone else going today!
Things are still going pretty well, a bit more...
- 25 Feb 2012
- 1 day post
Slept better last night, only got up once to take...
- 26 Feb 2012
- 2 days post
My mother in law had the kids buy me some beautiful roses and make me get well cards while I was in surgery, so that was nice to come home to. She took the kids to her house last night just to give us a little time to relax. It's been hard not being able to hold my 2 year old and I know he doesn't understand why. I just keep telling myself it's only temporary.
Looking forward to showering today, but also kind of nervous about seeing what's under all these layers. My drains haven't really bothered me much at all so far and my binder has felt pretty comfortable, so I'm a little worried about taking it off and not getting it back on the right way. My husband said he'd take a few pics for me then, even though he seemed to think it was kind of odd. I just know how much it helps to be able to see what to expect and I want to be able to see improvement as time goes on. He's still doing an amazing job of helping me and keeping track of everything for me. He has just been great, I couldn't ask for a better helper. Hope everyone else had a great night!
So I've been feeling pretty good today. Honestly...
- 26 Feb 2012
- 2 days post
After the shower, we took a couple pictures. I'm really trying not to judge them now, I know it takes time for things to settle down. I'm pretty happy with how low and straight my TT incision is, it's my breasts that looked strange to me. My nipples don't seem centered, and the left one is really swollen all around my aereola. Like I said I'm trying not to base too much on how they look now. I know only time will tell what the final outcome will be. Overall, I'm happy with how my recovery is going so far. I'm getting my strength and appetite back a little more and I'm going to start trying to space out the pain meds. I've been taking 2 stool softeners at night, but I think tonight I'll try 3 and if that doesn't help some MoM tomorrow. I don't want to get things too backed up.
So, it's PO day 4 and things are going pretty well...
- 28 Feb 2012
- 4 days post
I've been taking stool softeners every night since the surgery and a half dose of MoM yesterday and a full dose today around lunch time. I was starting to worry, but it finally kicked in just a bit ago. I feel much better getting that taken care of. My husband has still been amazing and hasn't complained once about helping with everything. I know it's starting to get to him and I feel bad that he's having to do so much, but I just keep trying to remind myself to take it easy so it will all be worth it in the end. I don't want to do anything to compromise my recovery, but it's getting harder to not do things myself. I have my post-op appt tomorrow morning, so I'm really hoping to get my drains out, but keeping in mind that it's not very likely so hopefully I won't be too disappointed.
Hope everyone else is having a great recovery and good luck to all the ladies going soon!
It keeps saying I rated my procedure as Not Worth...
- 28 Feb 2012
- 4 days post
Had my first post op appt today. Doctor seemed in...
- 29 Feb 2012
- 5 days post
PO Day 9: Things are still going well, not much...
- 4 Mar 2012
- 9 days post
Things are still going well, not much pain at all now unless I do too much or move the wrong way. It's getting harder to take it easy, but I know it's still really important. I haven't taken anything for pain for a couple days. My breasts have random shooting pains and when I try to reach too far or pick up something I shouldn't they definitely let me know. My tummy tuck incision is a little tender towards the edges when I touch it and sometimes when I move the wrong way it feels like it's ripping open, but thank god it's still nice and closed. There have been a couple times when I've had to move my binder and make sure it hasn't pulled open because it feels like it. The entire middle part of my abdomen is still pretty numb, probably a 4 or 5 inch column all the way up to my ribs and down to my incision. Things still feel pretty tight, and I'm walking a little bent over but it's not nearly as far as in the beginning. I know I'm still really swollen and I can't wait for that to go away.
Tomorrow is the first day I'll be on my own since my husband has to go back to work. My older two will be in school most of the day, but I'm pretty nervous about being alone with our two year old. Not sure how we're going to work out nap time since he's still sleeping in his crib and I'm not sure I can get him in to it on my own. He's also so rowdy I'm kind of scared of him ;) He's just so used to jumping on me and climbing all over me, I'm nervous he's going to hurt me. I guess we'll see what happens. Wish me luck!
I'm uploading my 7 day post op pictures. I hesitated putting them up because I thought they didn't look as good as I wanted. I realized this site is all about full disclosure so I shouldn't edit the way things are going. I should have some new pics today as well that I'll try and get up soon. Hope everyone is doing well!
Took a couple more pics today at shower time. I'm...
- 4 Mar 2012
- 9 days post
PO Day 12: Well, it's been a crazy week so far....
- 7 Mar 2012
- 12 days post
Well, it's been a crazy week so far. My husband, who has been doing such an amazing job taking care of me and our three kids while I'm recovering, hurt his back on Sunday night. He could hardly get out of bed and I felt so bad for him. So, with him hurt I didn't have a choice other than to step up and take care of things. Needless to say I did far too much on Monday and ended up in quite a bit of pain and with a lot of swelling. Driving was much harder than I expected, turning the wheel was hard on my chest and looking side to side was hard on my tummy. Thankfully he's feeling better and the past couple days my mother-in-law has come over to help out. I'm still pretty sore and swollen so I'm trying to take it easy the next few days.
I have a question for all you ladies, I'm having a problem with my binder. I've tightened it as much as possible and there's no more room to pull the velcro over farther, but it's not tight enough. I have a lot of swelling down low under my incision and into my pubic area. I'm not sure if I need a different kind of compression garment or a smaller binder. I'm planning to call my PS office today and I'll ask them, but I wondered if anyone had a recommendation.
PO Day 16: I can't believe it's been over two...
- 11 Mar 2012
- 16 days post
I can't believe it's been over two weeks already. Things are still getting better day by day. I'm feeling much more like myself, but I still get tired easily. I tried to sleep in my bed the other night, but it only lasted about ten minutes and I was just too uncomfortable. I was trying to lay on my side, but it hurt my boob and it started to feel like my ab muscles were sliding down towards the bed. So I guess I'm stuck in the recliner a bit longer, which wouldn't be so bad except I miss my husband :( I've been wearing some spanx like high waisted panties over my binder which helps a little, but I'm still so swollen just above my incision and in my pubic area I look 3 or 4 months pregnant from the side. I can't wait for the swelling to go away. I keep obsessing thinking it might be a seroma, but it doesn't seem to act like what I've read about them. I don't go back to my PS for a week and half so I guess we'll see what he says then. So far my breasts have been the least bothersome, but the past week they've really been bugging me. Feeling sore and with random shooting pains. Last night they woke me up for about an hour in the middle of the night. Not sure why they're bothering me so much, maybe because I'm doing more. I'd do it again in a second though, they look so much better than before! I'm definitely still trying to take things easy, but I'm starting to go a little stir crazy. I'm taking the kids to a movie today so it will be nice to get out of the house.
PO Day 19: So today feels like a good news/bad...
- 14 Mar 2012
- 18 days post
So today feels like a good news/bad news kind of day. Good news is I'm not feeling as much pain during the day and I'm able to do a bit more. Also, in the morning I can see my ab muscles! I was so excited this morning to see the outline of them towards the sides of my stomach. That is definitely something I never thought I would be able to see. It makes me really excited to see how things will look after all this swelling is gone! Bad news is the reason I saw them was I had to strip off my binder and everything this morning so I could scratch. My back, stomach, sides, pubic area were all so itchy this morning it was making me crazy!! My skin is so dry it's ridiculous and not even where my incisions are, my whole abdomen all around them. So I scratched like crazy, lotioned up, and put everything back on and that seems to have helped for now. I've also been having a tough time sleeping the past three nights. Monday I got to go out on a date with my hubby and way overdid it. It was so nice to get out of the house and spend some time with him, but I cleaned up the house and then we went to dinner and then did a little shopping so that night was pure misery. My whole stomach felt like it was literally on fire and my boobs were throbbing. Yesterday I didn't exactly take it easy like I should have and last night I took two Vicodin for the first time in a while. They helped me fall asleep, but then I was wide awake around 3am and just couldn't seem to get comfortable. Maybe I'll give the bed another shot tonight, my poor butt needs a break. So I'm really trying to focus on the good news and things ARE slowly getting better, I just wish there was a way to make time go faster for all of us so we can put all the swelling and pain behind us!
3 weeks PO: Still feeling a little better every...
- 16 Mar 2012
- 20 days post
Still feeling a little better every day and I'm pretty close to waking upright, my shoulders are still a little hunched. I've really been trying to remind myself to take it easy because I really paid for overdoing it earlier this week. It's hard when I feel almost back to normal, but I still can't do all the things I think I should. I had to remind my husband yesterday that I still need some help around the house, I just can't do everything myself yet. I did sleep in our bed for a whole night, it was nice to get off my butt. I woke up with my ab muscles pretty sore though. I think I'll stick to alternating a few nights in the recliner with a night in bed. I'll post some 3 week pics tonight after my shower. I still have the tape on my boobs, is that normal? At my surgery my PS said after a few showers the tape would start to loosen up and I could peel it off. Well, it's been more than a few showers and it's still pretty stuck. The pieces under my breasts have started to peel up just a little at the edge, but the pieces around my nipples are really stuck on there still.
Putting up some new pics, honestly can't see a lot...
- 17 Mar 2012
- 21 days post
My Doctor: Brian J. Lee, MD
My rating:
Because of your input, I am changing some of my post operative protocols to incorporate many of your suggestions.
Thanks again for taking the time and effort to educate us all.
Brian J. Lee, MD, FACS
I will say taking it off was nervewracking, but it went OK. I think I was afraid my incision would split open!