POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
16wks Tomorrow...doing great!
ORIGINAL POST
I'm a 5'3" 111 lbs healthy mother of 3. At 41 yrs...
WORTH IT$7,340
I'm a 5'3" 111 lbs healthy mother of 3. At 41 yrs old I know my child bearing days are done. After having my last two children from my second marriage I managed to shrink back to my normal "petite" size..all but that annoying muffin top that at times can really make you feel depressed.
My T-shirts don't even fit right which in turns leaves me selecting a larger size just to hide my belly, so two years later I'm here.
My procedure is scheduled in a few weeks, with my Pre-Op being this Friday. Questions?? Yes I have a list, from Medication,CG,Scarring,Mons Area,and even Sutures.You can never ask enough questions when having any type of surgery let alone something that will impact your life forever. I'd have to say I have a very low tolerance to pain but the remaining permanent scar is something that seems to scares me most. I have read several stories here and they have eased my anxiety for the most part. I know I have a journey ahead,but not once have I second guessed my choice. I think when it really comes down to it..you're either ready or not and believe me I'm ready..guess I'll get back with the details to follow soon. So glad this forum exists :)
AlexandraElizabeth's provider
UPDATED FROM AlexandraElizabeth
12 days pre
Pre-Op today and everything went well as I near my...
Pre-Op today and everything went well as I near my surgery date I feel more and more confident that everything will turn out great if not better than what I'm expecting. Going in and addressing my concerns and having a sensible, honest answer makes all the difference in the world.
A lot of what I researched and selected to address myself was pretty much discussed in my visit today. I don't do well with gas sedation and hate the nausea feeling after waking up from it, my doctor is using TIVA anesthesia and the chances of that happening are very slim..also I will be given phenergan minutes before coming to so I'm really counting on that to help. I mostly discussed the whole process with my nurse(who by the way was very thorough) but my Doctor was also available for a few questions I felt more comfortable asking him directly. My background is medical so for the last two weeks I have been researching medications, referring to what they prescribe and what works well for me, watching youtube videos and educating my self with the terminology of the many techniques, supplies used, etc..for this procedure..I would NEVER say doing things such as this could make it worse, in my case I feel very confident and ready to begin the journey. Since I have had heart palpations in the past I'm scheduled for a EKG on Monday and hopefully I'll get clearance for low risk. If not my surgery may have to be post-poned. Keeping my fingers crossed. :)
A lot of what I researched and selected to address myself was pretty much discussed in my visit today. I don't do well with gas sedation and hate the nausea feeling after waking up from it, my doctor is using TIVA anesthesia and the chances of that happening are very slim..also I will be given phenergan minutes before coming to so I'm really counting on that to help. I mostly discussed the whole process with my nurse(who by the way was very thorough) but my Doctor was also available for a few questions I felt more comfortable asking him directly. My background is medical so for the last two weeks I have been researching medications, referring to what they prescribe and what works well for me, watching youtube videos and educating my self with the terminology of the many techniques, supplies used, etc..for this procedure..I would NEVER say doing things such as this could make it worse, in my case I feel very confident and ready to begin the journey. Since I have had heart palpations in the past I'm scheduled for a EKG on Monday and hopefully I'll get clearance for low risk. If not my surgery may have to be post-poned. Keeping my fingers crossed. :)
Replies (10)
August 11, 2012
Kanore, reading you last comment, just be sure to let you PS know EVERYTHING..at that point he/she should let you know what would be BEST for you. I would opt for the walker, everybody adjusts differently and even though standing up is something that will gradually happen it wouldn't hurt to have a walker assist you. Only you know your body, what you (it) has gone through and if you feel you're ready for this then go for it. Take care and I wish you the best!
August 14, 2012
AE: Thanks for the reply. The doctor who saved my life ten years ago made the referral to the PS and he will be assisting in the surgery. The sepsis and peritonitis I developed required many surgeries to keep ahead, sort of like damage control. My abdomen was opened from strenum to to just above pubic bone. The disease destroyed the tissue and skin so I had months and months of trying to grow skin to close the abdomen. They would pack the open wound with material that helped granulation (skin growth) and slowly but surely there was new skin. As the skin was growing I had a large plastic adhesive cover over my tummy and then a plastic removable thing. A person could look I at my insides. I also had a colostomy which was removed a year later and so many drains I lost count. My doctor did tell my family I was not going to make it and every time I see him he always gets a big grin and tells me he can't believe I am still kicking. Because the new skin and the mess the infections caused he promised me that one day there would be a scar revision and a belly button. I have feared having another surgery but really tired of losing weight and nothing moves from the abdomen. I went in to see the surgeon about the promised scar revision and was shocked when he said I should also have A TT at the same time. That will make all the lower scars gone and I will have one narrower scar from sternum to belly button. Insurance company approved it within 4 days. Wish I could do boobs too but can't afford that yet. Now my unrealistic fear and bad dream is that my boobs will sag so much I will not be able to see my belly button. I am scared of the surgery but so confident in my doctors that I can hardly wait. Now that I finally made up my mind to do this I feel like I am just wasting time till surgery. I have told my friends that I am having a scar revision but only a couple people know about the TT. I want to see their reaction when I am finally up and around with a flat belly. Really surreal to me still.
August 12, 2012
Oh, you are a few days after me! I am scheduled for the 17th and just so excited. I would definitely rather have a scar than a belly! I have never had a tattoo before, but I will give the scar 1 year and I am going to use everything recommened to make it fade, but I thought of a tattoo to cover it. Hell, if I can be "married" to a scar, why not a pretty tattoo to cever it? But no hasty decisions here, I know I have to give it time, but it is an option. Well, keep us posted, this is a great place for support and advice!
August 12, 2012
SiclianPrincess..Wow!! next week for you..it'll be here before you know it. I wish a speedy recovery for you. I've thought about the Tattoo option as well..but then again..no one will see my scar except for me and my husband. Are you having drains or will it be drainless?? Hopefully you'll do great with the swelling also. My main concern post op will be the pain. I have a very low tolerance for pain, soreness I can deal with. I know you may not be up to posting so soon after but please let us know how you are. Take care.
August 13, 2012
Had my tt and breast aug on 3rd Aug 2012. All I can say is go for it ladies. Awesome experience and manageable pain with painkillers.would do it again. All the best to those having theirs soon.
August 14, 2012
Good luck Alex!!! your day is almost here!!!!!! btw I meant to tell you before that you have a very nice curvy frame so no doubt you are going to look hot with your new flat tummy...:)
UPDATED FROM AlexandraElizabeth
8 days pre
Busy week for me..whew!! Getting last minute...
Busy week for me..whew!! Getting last minute things, cleaning, preparing pre-cooked meals..I know it doesn't seem like much but I have to pat myself on the back it's not easy knowing I'll be down and unable to tend to my kids the way I normally do. I'm driving my husband crazy leaving lists of things to do. I know he'll be great with the kids but mother's instinct gets the best of me. My anxiety is pretty much controlled right now (although my husband would say different) but I'm almost certain it'll spike come the night before. Daily I've been reading how other procedures have gone so well..I'm wishing the same for mine. Anyway Congrats to all who made the choice and are loving their new Tummy can't wait to join the club. :)
Replies (10)
August 14, 2012
I'm five days post op and very pleased.
I had a nausea patch the night before surgery and phenergen in my IV also. Never had any nausea. To control pain I was given morphine. Percocet, and Valliuium.
I had one drain removed yesterday and the other should be removed tomorrow. I was most worried about the drains but they are no big deal at all. They don't hurt. You just have to pin the bulbs to your garments and keep track of drainage. My husband did that for me.
You will be sore so take your Meds on time. Don't skip or you'll be sorry. I rented a hospital bed and it was a smart move. I can sleep with my head up and feet a little elevated like a recliner. Buy twin size long sheets for the bed. Pillow pets are great for propping up your arms and the look cute too :-)
Drink water and hot tea only. Popsicles. Pudding. Yogurt, apple sauce things that are soothing and light
My tummy feels hard and numb in places which is normal. Incision is long but not as freaky as I thought well worth the low scar. My tummy flab is gone! My PS removed 2 lbs of tissue and skin that would of never responded to any exercise. No more bulge!
Good luck to you and no question is silly ask anything!
I had a nausea patch the night before surgery and phenergen in my IV also. Never had any nausea. To control pain I was given morphine. Percocet, and Valliuium.
I had one drain removed yesterday and the other should be removed tomorrow. I was most worried about the drains but they are no big deal at all. They don't hurt. You just have to pin the bulbs to your garments and keep track of drainage. My husband did that for me.
You will be sore so take your Meds on time. Don't skip or you'll be sorry. I rented a hospital bed and it was a smart move. I can sleep with my head up and feet a little elevated like a recliner. Buy twin size long sheets for the bed. Pillow pets are great for propping up your arms and the look cute too :-)
Drink water and hot tea only. Popsicles. Pudding. Yogurt, apple sauce things that are soothing and light
My tummy feels hard and numb in places which is normal. Incision is long but not as freaky as I thought well worth the low scar. My tummy flab is gone! My PS removed 2 lbs of tissue and skin that would of never responded to any exercise. No more bulge!
Good luck to you and no question is silly ask anything!
August 14, 2012
Hi BB! 5days and drains out...that's awesome!! Mentally I feel READY to take this on..I know it's a MAJOR SURGERY and won't bounce back right away but I feel very confident in my Doctor and his methods for getting me healed and well soon. I will be given Phenergan thru my IV as well as Zofran to take home the last thing I need is to be using stomach muscles to throw up..OUCH!! Hopefully that will work. I also rented a hospital bed, I just couldn't see me being able to sleep in a recliner..at least the first month. I purchased the diaper pin from Babies R Us for the drains I feel safer with those compared to the regular saftey pins. Funny that you say Pillow Pets..I have 2 small boys they each have one so looks like I'll be borrowing theirs for a while. Every time I read how someone else's experience turns out so wonderful I get more and more excited!! I can't wait, of course I know I still have a good 6 months to get through I strongly feel I won't regret the decision I made for myself. I'm so happy for you BB enjoy your NEW Tummy :)
August 18, 2012
Great that you'll have pillow pets! My pain control in the hospital was morphine, Percocet and Vallium. Vicodin and Vallium once I got home. After day three at home I was just Advil. I've been doing small walks only. Mainly I rest in the afternoon then walk again in the evening. I tried to sleep in my own bed with my husband. Failed. I couldn't get comfy so back to tha hospital bed. It does help get you at the perfect angle and raises your legs some. I'm a side sleeper and have yet to sleep on my side. Just keep reading and educating yourself. Also! Buy Queen Helene cocoa butter sticks (like huge Chapstick) for your scar. My dr swears by it but won't allow me to use it until 3 weeks post op. it's found in the ethnic hair care sections of most drug stores. Smells wonderful!
August 14, 2012
Hi!!! Congrats to you!! This is seriously the best thing you will do for yourself! You will look great! Did your Doc say you had an umbilical hernia? I had one and it looked similar to you - mine ended up being the size of a softball! Crazy right!? Anyhow, I am so glad you're educating yourself! I feel like that helped me a ton! I just couldn't read or watch enough! The surgery nurse even asked if I was in the Med field. LOL! I'm not - just OCD about this type of thing! =) Prepping meals and planning ahead will help you to relax! I told hubby - I know he'll do great and can handle the girls but all the prep makes me feel better! Good luck hon! Can't wait to see your results!!!
August 14, 2012
Hi Soon! Congrats to you girl..you look wonderful I bet you are so Happy!!! and OMG yes girl I will be having my umbilical hernia repaired as well I didn't even realize I had a hernia until I went in for a consult. That's what really did it for me I figured if I'm gonna repair one may as well repair it all..lol. Yeah I know exactly what you mean about not being able to get enough info..i find myself constantly looking up something new everyday..my background is medical so that's helped me a lot as far as the meds are concerned..I know my body and how it reacts so I feel pretty confident in taking this journey. I can deal with soreness, pain on the other hand is something else but I think I'll be okay..just hoping i wont experience too much of anything but I know that's wishful thinking..lol oh well thanks for the support, I'll post new pics soon..can't wait. :)
August 15, 2012
Yep,that's exactly why I did mine. If I have to have surgery might as well get what I want with it! =) Well you sound very prepared so that's awesome! I hope all goes smoothly for you Congrats and Good Luck!!
August 15, 2012
u have beautiful skin ..ure body looks great this tt will only be a plus....ure gonna love ur results i can almost guarantee it..good luck to u !!
Replies (10)
I know it's a long process to see the final results and I know I have a journey ahead of me, Lord knows I have no patience, but I feel nothing but motivation and good vibes for the decision I've made. I have my family's support (which helps) but all in all I'm in this for ME! Thanks for your support ;)
PlantStrongMom, I wish the best for you and your outcome as well..it's not always easy making a decision to have this done I mean you research, get recommendations, think about it and yes time will pass but I always say there's a time a place for everything and when you feel that time is present..you go for it, at 41 or 48 you'll still look fabulous and the only person who needs to be happy is YOU!! Good Luck and keep me posted.