“TT and Lipo - Carol Stream, IL”

I felt the same way before my surgery which was almost a year ago. I had undergone 2 C-section, including tubal ligation before this surgery and for some reason I was so scared for this surgery. I actually made the will, arranged my hubby's name on all properties, gave him passwords to all of our accounts, etc... I actually went to church the night before, confessed and received communian... The suregery went well and I didn't feel the pain at all until I came home. But it wasn't that bad. Though, I'm not really pleased with the result, I'm so relieved that I prepared myself well for it. Just take a deep breath and think positive. This will change your life for the better!!! You'll be happy that you made this decision. Thinking of you that day!

I was thinking about Mexican food (my fav!) the night before but after reading your previous posts I think I'll move the bye bye tummy party up to Saturday night!

Thank you for your encouragement! I'm keeping my eye on the prize which is getting rid of this tummy. This seems to be helping with the nerves. I too had a tubal ligation and didn't think it was terrible at all. Would you say the pain is about the same or substantially worse? I do remember sneezing was HORRIBLE as was getting out of the bed for a couple of days. I had the most problem with my body getting rid of the gas they filled my stomach with. It gave me phantom left shoulder pain which was intense. I'm hoping this won't happen with this surgery.

Why are you not happy with your results??

I'm not happy with my surgery b/c I look worse than I did. I thought that I died after the surgery b/c of excrutiating pain. I had to take off the whole month post-op and now I had to go throu another operation. I know I won't be able to live as this so I'm willing to take the risk to have my body back the way it was. Dont get me wrong. I don't regret having children but those 2 pregnacies did mess me up terribly. Each time, I gained almost double my weight (from 100 lbs to 187 lbs)eventhough I starved my self to death but still, having twins both times is no fun. I was lucky to go back to my original weight (more of less 10lbs) but the surgery made me look ugly in another way. I don't want to exercise any more b/c what is the point. I'll find the right surgeon and have another operation done.

This may sound like such a dumb question, but what do you mean by your anesthesiologist and surgeon didn't prep you well? They didn't tell you how intense the pain will be afterwards?

I saw Dr. Sigalove last night for my pre-op visit. Only 5 days to go! :) Definitely getting excited now! The only bummer is I won't know my surgery time until Tuesday afternoon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 7:30 a.m.!
Spending this weekend getting everything I need. Speaking of, should I get some kind of gas relief medicine? The doc didn't mention anything about that and I forgot to ask! He did recommend Dulcolax for constipaption but I think I'll go with the MOM. What about underwear? I've read that it will be more comfortable to wear a larger size but how much larger? I'm normally a 7. Do you think a 9 would be enough??

He came highly recommended. He is the head of plastic surgery at the hospital where I'm having the procedure. Nice man too! VERY compasionate and patient with my gazillion and one questions!
Like Kimmers said....we'll get through the pain and have an awesome tummy for the trouble! Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing about your experience!

I'll have a pain pump. I hear it really helps! Keeping fingers crossed. :)
I had my prep op testing done on Friday. EKG too because off high blood pressure. Unless my blood work comes back abnormal I should be good to go!

Are you also having lipo? Im going for full tummy tuck and lipo of flanks and back.

Yes, lipo of the flanks and back like you. The doc is doing standard lipo procedure. He said he'll make two small incisions in my back, one on each side and that I'll be pretty bruised up.

Hi everyone! Ok, so let me start by saying IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!!! I had my procedure on Wednesday the 12th so I guess you would say I am three days post op? Feeling GREAT! I'm up and around, and besides feeling tired and a little sore I can't complain. The pain wasn't even close to what I had imagined! Actually I kept waiting for it to get worse and it never did. I woke up from surgery around 1:30 p.m. Pain level was a four but I kinda figured that was related to the anethesia. The anethesiologist (sorry about the spelling!) said my doctor had me under more of a local sedation versus heavy. He said it helps with the nausea in recovery. He also was pumping me with pain meds and anti-nausea medicine through out the procedure. Anyway, got home around 4:30 p.m. still feeling great. Ok, getting up and down off the couch wasn't easy but it wasn't excrutiating. I was sore and yes, the muscles were aching but a pain pill really knocked whatever discomfort I had down to almost nothing! I did have to take two pain pills around 10:00 p.m. to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Thursday morning was a little bit rougher. The lipo areas were VERY sore and bruised but again, not a stabbing pain, just really sore. I kept up on my schedule of pain meds, walked when I could and tried to sleep. Friday my pain pump was removed (YIPEE!) and I got to see my tummy for the first time. HOLY CRAP. I honestly could not believe that was me! I'm still very swollen but could already see the difference. Tears of joy. It was really overwhelming. Today is Saturday and I had my first shower. Completely exhausted after that but again, no pain just so darn tired. I got the chance to really study myself in the mirror and have to say thank God my pubic area won't look like that forever! YIKES that is swollen! Miami - you are going to do just fine! I'm the biggest baby around when it comes to pain and I'm being completely honest when I tell you that for me it wasn't bad! My advice would be to stay up on your pain meds. I set an alarm to make sure I didn't miss a dose. Be sure to clip your drain tube to you. I didn't and the first time I got up that thing dropped and man did that hurt! Oh, same thing with the pain pump if you have it. Be sure it is attached to you before getting up. Use your legs and arms to get you up and down. It takes a little practice but once you get it down it really does make it easier. I feel like I'm rambling but if there is anything I missed telling or anything you'd like to know specifically PLEASE ask! I'm excited to share my experience. Oh and last little tidbit. The doctor removed 3 pounds of skin and fat. Yipee and kinda gross all at the same time! I'm not at home so I didn't get to upload photos but I'll do that soon. You all won't belive the difference! :) Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. It all made a world of difference!