Tummy Tuck Reviews
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New Me - TT w/ muscle repair, flank and back lipo on 4/19---NO REGRETS!!! - Jalisco, MX

Worth It
Spent: $3,500 in Jalisco, Mexico

Comments (77)

Updated 7 Jun 2011

Posted 4 Apr 2011

I am 31 year old mother of one.. I have finally managed the courage to do this.. I will be having a TT, arm and flank lipo on April 15th.. I am doing this for myself and nobody else.. I hate the way my clothes fit and the way I have to buy for clothes that do not reflect who I am.

I have never been thin, I am 5'5,wt185 and size 14. I have tried for many years to loose wt and the older I get the harder it is.. I was about 150 before had my son, when I delivered I weighed 230 pounds which was pretty devistating.. It was hard to loose the wt, but I did it. I have been at this wt for the past 4-5 years and I cant seem to loose anymore. I do body combat 3 times a week and walk every other day.

I want to feel good in the clothes that I wear, I am not expecting to look like a VS model.I dont feel like the body I see in the mirror is mine. I know I can and will never be a size 5, I am realistic about that fact.I was born big boned and I will always be that way.

I have never had surgery of any kind, no broken bones NOTHING.. Soo, this is super scary for me.. The thought of getting cut open was just not at all what I wanted.. I had gone in for a consult for lipo, but due to my stretch horrible stretch marks and diastasis the PS advised that it wouldnt be practical. He told me that I would not be happy with the results, that I would have sagging skin and would probably be more unhappy with my body afterwards.

When he said TT my heart sunk, I didnt want to get cut or go under general anesthesia. After he explaines the procedure and the recovery I felt more at ease, it took me 4 months to finally decide that I needed to do this.
I know that many people say its the inside that counts, but not if the outside is making me so unhappy.I hate putting so much effort into hiding my body. I feel that this will make me happier with who I am and help me be more confidant in myself and my career.. I want to feel comfortable in my own Body.....


Updated on 5 Apr 2011:
So, offically 10 days till the big day.. So anxious and nervous, but excited all at the same time.. My pre-op is on Friday.

Updated on 6 Apr 2011:
Uhhhh 9 days to go, I feel like the anxiety is getting worse. Have my pre-op Friday. Have gotten some very nice messages from everyone. THANKS GURLZ!!!!Nobody knows I am getting this done except my really good friend who is going to help me out while Im down.. This site is GREAT.....

Updated on 8 Apr 2011:
Ok, well today was my pre op appt with my doc.. I had to change my surgery to Tues the 18th due to my friend not being able to get time off to be with me.. :( A little bummed but its best, I cant do this without her help.. But, other than that everything is great.. Im ready for this and looking forward to the new me....... 10 days to go....

Updated on 9 Apr 2011:
9 days left and I'm getting excited.. I picture myself looking good.. I know it's gonna be tuff at first, but I'm sure it will be worth it. NO PAIN, NO GAIN!!!!

Updated on 10 Apr 2011:
Waiting, I feel like all I can do is think about my surgery.. April 19th will be here sooner than I expected... :/

Updated on 11 Apr 2011:
8 days and counting.... Getting excited, just hope I can handle the pain... Can't wait to meet my new body!!!

Updated on 12 Apr 2011:
7 days to go.... Today I kinda had a mini anxiety attack just thinking about surgery.. I just keep thinking about all the pain and the fact that my body will be cut open and a chunk will just be sliced off.. : / I am having a hard time sleeping and i just keep thinking of everything that could go wrong....

Updated on 13 Apr 2011:
I have decided I will not watch anymore YouTube TT videos.. I think they are contributing to m no sleep and anxiety...
6 days to go.....

Updated on 15 Apr 2011:
4 days to go....... :/

Updated on 18 Apr 2011:
Tomorrow is the big day.. So much to do, so little time.... I just hope that my anxiety doesnt kick in, I have been ok up until now..

Updated on 22 Apr 2011:
Day 3 post op.. The worst thing today is the nausea and the swelling in my feet.. My feet look like water balloons.. They hurt a lot.. Waking helps some.. But otherwise, the back pain from walking hunched over.. No pain in my incision, eventhough this morning when i got out of bed i forgot i couldnt use my abs and i felt a burning sensation.. Its gone away but it was pretty painful.. No BM yet, i havent been able to eat much do to the nausea.. Just taking my antibiotics and pain meds makes me want to vomit.. So, its saltine crackers and juice for now.. I cant wait to get out of the compresion garment, its so uncomfortable and annoying... Cant wait to see my belly.....

Updated on 23 Apr 2011:
post op day 4.. The nausea is pretty bad, I got a hold of my PS and he gave me somtg for nausea. Hope it kicks in fast... I want to eat somtg besides crackers and juice. Doing well otherwise. I WANT THE BINDER OFF, it is driving me insane.. ttL

Updated on 24 Apr 2011:
pos op day 5. I feel fine just tired of wearing the binder. Took it off for a bit today, it wasnt so bad.. I want to walk straight, sleep on my belly and stop the meds. Nausea is a little better today.. Had BM today, it was kinda painful.. :/

Updated on 25 Apr 2011:
Post op day 6. Feel pretty darn good today, I did a load of laundry, pcked up around the house a bit and did fine. Helpd my friend make lunch, felt ok just for some back pain. I have an appt with my PS tomorrow, hope all goes well. I want the drains out... Took a drive to starbucks, finally some fresh air. I sneezed in the car and that was pretty painful, I felt a horrible burning sensation on one side of my incision. Im scared for tomorrow's appt but anxious to see my belly....

Updated on 2 May 2011:
Post op day 13.. I am feeling great!!! I have no pain, I can sleep well.. Went back to class today, sitting in lecture for 8 hours wasnt as bad as i thought..I still have swelling and bruising , but so far Im SUPER HAPPY with my results.. I look at my before pics and cant believe how I lived with that ugly belly... SEE YA UGLY BELLY.... I didnt think I would feel this good just two weeks out, its great.. I cant wait till the swelling is completely gone.. I cant wait to go shopping... I cant wait to start exercising...I AM VERY HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYY.... YAY to the new MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE>.......I love my PS... He has been so great, he said I was the best patient he has had..(thats what he probably tells all the girlz) :)
NO REGRETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2WEEEKS!!!!!!! Yay, if you would have asked me two weeks ago I would have never thought i would get thru this... I HAVE.... I feel SOOOOOO GREEAAAATTTT.... I have some swelling and bruising still, but I dont regret this at all.. I am itching like crazy, but I know that is a good sign.. My incision looks really good.. Its completely healed, its not raised or oozig at all.. It looks pretty good.. I am so happy, It will only get better...

Updated on 4 May 2011:
15 days post op... Feeling FANTASTIC, just wanted to post a new pic...

Updated on 10 May 2011:
3 WEEKS TODAY.... WOW, time has gone by so fast.. I feel FANTASTIC and I am loving my new body.. I still have some swelling, but IM HAPPY.. I started lymphatic drainage massage today and it felt great.. It was so relaxing and it will help with the swelling, I hope.. Drinking lots of WATER, VERY IMPORTANT LADIES.. My incision is completely healed and its very thin. I have been using Vit E on my incision every night... I am forever greatful to my PS for a job well done... I started walking today and it felt great...

Updated on 17 May 2011:
OMG!!!! 4 Weeks Today.. Feel Great. Still have some swelling, especialy at the end of the day.. Just wanted to post some pics.. Good Luck to all..

Updated on 24 May 2011:
5 weeks.. Yay!!!! NO REGRETS.... LOVE MY NEW BODY......................I dont think I have ever looked in the mirror so much, I just cant believe what I see..

Updated on 3 Jun 2011:
Week 6--- Feel Great!!! Still some swelling but its getting better... NO REGRETS......

Updated on 7 Jun 2011:
Week 7... Feeling great.. No complaints NO REGRETS..............

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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2 days out.. Feeling fine , great pain control.. My doctor is awesome . I haven't seen my abdomen yet and I won't try until I go for my follow up on tuesday... Only complaint is the back pain, being hunched over... I'm so happy I had this done. The pain is nothing like I expected... Will post pics soon..

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Comments (77)

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Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Apr 2011

Hello,

How exciting!   Almost your day and soon you will have your new body.  I think it is wonderful that you are doing this for yourself.  You go girl!

Nervous is normal with this procedure....or any surgical procedure for that matter.  You will do well and soon be home and on the road to recovery.  So how did you find your doctor?   Do you live in Mexico or are you going there for the surgery?

Keep us up to date on your process and let us know how you are doing. 
NuBody4me 6 Apr 2011
Hi,
I am actually an International Medical student here..So, yes I kind of live here.. Instead of going home for spring break I will be taking advantage of the two weeks and having this procedure done. I never intended on getting my TT done in Mexico, due to the horrible stories people are always talking about. I did a lot of research before scheduling my procedure. My PS is board certified and I made sure of it, his office was very helpful and they gave me copies of his medical degree and all his credentials. I verified all his credentials and he is in good standing. He was very professional and straight forward with everything. I talked to a few patients who have had surgery by him and they were very happy with his work. He is a very well known PS in this area and I feel very comfortable with him..
Him and his office staff were very have been very helpful with all the millions of questions that I have.
I feel that people cant be scared by what they here on TV about plastic surgery in Mexico. Things go wrong in he US as they do here. Just do the research...
I am mostly scared about pain and not being able to care for myself.
NuBody4me 6 Apr 2011
Hi Kimmers25,
Do you recommend an abdominal binder or a full body stretchy thingy? haha I dont know what they are called..
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 7 Apr 2011

Well you have definitely done your research...good job.  You will do just fine and come through this with flying colors.  

The pain will be managed with meds so you will be good.  Expect some pain and swelling but know that this is all temporary and will pass.  The first week is the worst and then it will start to get better each day after that.  What you really need to brace yourself for is the swelling which hangs around for a while.   If you go in telling yourself it is all temporary and will end; you will be just fine.  It is more annoying than anything. 

Is there someone who will be staying with you for a couple of weeks?  You will really need some help the first 4-7 days but should be fine after that. 

The muscle tightening is really important for the nice final result.  You will be glad you had this in the end. 

I am not a good person to ask about the binder since I did not wear one after 3 days post op.  The other ladies on the site who have worn this will be able to answer that question.   I was a fortunate one and did not have to wear this device.  My doctor is not big on these at all so I was more than happy do ditch mine quickly. 

Keep me up to date on how you are doing.
bigbelly37 2 Oct 2011
did you have to loose any weight before the procedure because i cant ive been trying for years and im around the same weight you said you are but in the u.s if you over weight they wont do it if i was not over weight i would not want it done im good with my weight but my tummy is crazy due to me paving four 10 lbs babys if someone knows a ps that does not require weight loss please let me know asap i want mine done befor 5/2012
A New Me 2/28/2011 6 Apr 2011
Good luck with everything! You will do fine!!
NuBody4me 6 Apr 2011
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
Bronx8569 6 Apr 2011
i really wish you good luck and successful recovery. i have also been thinking about getting lipo because after i had my daughter, i feel like i am trap in a body that isn't mind. so i finally contacted 2 doctors and i have my consultation on April 11 but i am so scared and nervous.
Baltimore2444 6 Apr 2011
You will be just fine. Being nervous about the unknown is normal. Just go into the surgery with an open mind, and believe in your PS and you will do just fine. You will be sore for a short time however the pay for the pain is so worth it. Wait until you see your new body. Good luck with everything.
Salinas9986 17 Jun 2011
im going to make an app. but im scarred ,what if something goes bad.on the operating room.
h3diva 6 Apr 2011
dont be nervous i had mine a month ago and I was soooo scared but once you go thru with it you realize it was bigger fuss that it actually is I know every patient is different but in my experience I never felt any pain i did not even need tylenol,also had my surgery done in mexico they have great drs,but just be sure about his credentials,if you can make sure to by 2 or 3 compression garments and get ready for your new fab body,good luck!!
NuBody4me 6 Apr 2011
Hi h3diva,
Thanks for the advice.. I have done all my research.. How was ur experience? What time of compression garments did you get?
Baltimore2444 7 Apr 2011
I purchased flexi garmets the one's that fasten like a bra in the front they have been working great for me, and they are very comfortable.
Chyck 11 May 2011
where did you get the garments?
Salinas9986 6 Apr 2011
Best of luck. You are brave . I want a TT but I am too scared. I will pray for you. Best wishes,God bless you. Keep us updated. :)
NuBody4me 6 Apr 2011
Thanks Salinas9986!!! It was a tuff decision, but sometimes we have to stop and realize that we need to do somtg for ourselves...
kumama 6 Apr 2011
You look like you will have great results when done. 31 (or any age) is too young to live hating your body!
Cat80 6 Apr 2011
You have come to the right place for TT support. There a bunch of great ladies on here. We are all excited to see our new bodies after surgery. I have mine on the 19th. Good luck and keep us posted!
Bronx8569 6 Apr 2011
Thank you so much. Are u having it done in nyc, and if so can I know where or the doc's name cos I want to make sure I go to someone who is very skilled at the procedure
Bronx8569 6 Apr 2011
Thank you so much. Are u having it done in nyc, and if so can I know where or the doc's name cos I want to make sure I go to someone who is very skilled at the procedure
time2dance 6 Apr 2011
i am same time as you, im so nervous, i posted my updated 6times, anyone knows how to delete them. Sorry ladies.
Lovemyself11 8 Apr 2011
Good luck!
NuBody4me 10 Apr 2011
Thanks!!!
Beautyme 9 Apr 2011
good luck girl.....i have mine on this month 25......im so nervous about it......
NuBody4me 9 Apr 2011
Hi Peekskill ,
I know it's really scary but we need to think positive. We need to picture ourselves looking and being happy.. Life is to short to go thru it unhappy over the way we look.. We can do this... Just picture yourself in that cute outfit you have always wanted to wear.. Do you have any pics up??
Well good luck!! Keep us posted..

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