“Glad i did it!”
Tummy tuck: Worth it
Pain: Mild
I had my tummy tuck 3/27/09.I am 52 yrs old and weigh 170 lbs. I see the doctor today for my first post op visit. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2004 and lost 80 lbs. I have loose skin in my stomach area. I also have loose skin in my thigh area. I managed to deal with my loose skin issues by wearing lots of lycra, altho I was never completely happy with my appearance. I have managed to keep off the weight until I had a historectomy in 2007 and started gaining weight right in my stomach area.
I decided to have the tuck and am glad I did. I found this site in the middle of the night because I couldn't sleep. Not due to pain but I find this binder and the drains to be very uncomfortable. My drain has pulled a little loose and is draining into my underwear. I have to wear a maxi pad. My doctor inserted a pain pump during my surgery which along with my pain meds have left me virtually pain free. I make sure to take my pain meds every 4 hours. The only pain I am experiencing is around the drain insertion site. How long do you wear the binder? I thought the binder would be more of a bodysuit type thing. Is that the type you eventually wear long term?
I am so happy I did this. Its only been 3 days but the first time I sat down and could actually see the top of my thighs without a stomach in the way was the best feeling ever. I was nervous about having the procedure done but my doctor and his staff were great and immediately put me at ease.
If you are thinking of doing this ask lots and lots of questions. I am considering having my thighs done and have started my research into that.
Updated on Mar 30, 2009:
Hi,
I am looking for advice on compression garments. I am currently wearing the type that wraps around the abdomen. It constantly rides up my torso and I have to readjust it . I have seen on some websites there is a type that is more like a body suit but I have heard this type is very hard to get on and off. Any suggestions would be great. Also, has anyone had problems with congestion after their surgery? I have to constantly cough to clear my throat which needless to say is very uncomfortable. Its making my stomach very sore.
I saw my doctor today and my incision is healing fine. I know its going to be a while before I see the full results but so far I am liking what I am seeing. I waited sooo long to do this and I want to make sure I do everything possible to make my surgery a success. As soon as I learn how to upload photos I will post some
Mar 30, 2009Comments and replies (10)
59 posts
30 Mar 2009
CP, My experience is very similar to yours. Very little pain and very happy with result, so far. Same problem with drain leaking and irritating. I'm hoping Doc takes it out tomorrow when I have my first post-op visit. I had full TT on 3/26, one day prior to yours. I'm walking, talking and dreaming of a shower!!!
59 posts
30 Mar 2009
Thanks for the good wishes! If they don't remove my drain (only have one) I think I'll shoot myself...flat tummy and all :) I took a shower today so I saw myself naked for the first time since surgery. My incision goes well past my hip bones on both sides. He must have done that to remove some of the 'love handle' skin. I'm still bent over a little bit, too, so it's hard to say what the final result will look like but I don't seem terribly swollen. What about you?
6 posts
31 Mar 2009
YEA! The dreaded drain is gone. Mine will probably stay in until next Thursday. I have a lot of fluid draining which I hope will help with swelling later. As for the concerns regarding my upper ab I am just being anxious. I'm sure it will be fine.
35 posts
1 Apr 2009
there are some binders like a Spanx, that you can buy they fit the whole body , i have one that buttons at the bottom like alittle onesie, strange, but it works, it has sleeves and everything, and it it very comfortable, and i dont have to worry about it riding up or down my torso. you could even check walmart, they have some compression garmets that work very well, if you want one like the spanx brand, go to target, they have a cheaper version of it there, but its made by the same people.
6 posts
2 Apr 2009
I went to the doctor today to have my stitches removed from my belly button. I asked the nurse about differnt types of binders. She told me I have to wear this for a month. I was wearing a 12" binder. Because I have a short torso we went to a 9" binder. this is working out much better. She also told me after the month isup I should just wear some type of support. She said it should be tight but I should still be able to slide my hand beneath the waistband. She suggested something like spanx. Thanks Judy for your suggestions. I will certainly check both Wal-mart and Target. More than likely I have something already that would work. I bought so much spandex attempting to hide my stomach I can open a store :)
381 posts
7 May 2009
For anyone interested in reading more about Cherita's tummy tuck experience, check out her interview posted on our blog: Sale-rack dress was the final straw to getting a tummy tuck