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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Tummy Tuck

UPDATED FROM LadyBlu
1 year post

1 Year and 2 Months Post Op...

WORTH IT
OK, so this wrap-up has been long overdue. This will be my last entry, as I don't have the time to monitor/update/reply to everyone's inquiry. I do appreciate all the support I've received from everyone!

So... 14 months out and I still think having the tummy tuck is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Positives: Well… just look at the pictures! The Negatives: (1.) Having a flatter tummy accentuates my huge breasts even more, so I've decided to have a breast reduction, perhaps later this year. (2.) My front is flat and tight; however my back NEEDS WORK! I've got alot of back fat and bra rolls that I'm eventually going to have lipo'd. I can't tell you how much I loved the way I looked in my form-fitting dresses this past summer… turned around to see myself from the back… and frowned. The body should be flat and smooth all over. (3.) You really-do have eat better and incorporate exercise in your life. Although I'll never go back to having the belly I had before the tuck, I can still gain weight and accumulate fat on top of my "new" belly (thus forming, a “pot belly”. Not to mention, if I don’t make a lifestyle change, I can also gain weight in other areas, such as my arms, thighs, and of course... BACK FAT, ugh.

More pictures for you to enjoy… again, thank you all, and good luck on your journeys!

LadyBlu's provider

Nia Banks, MD, PhD

Nia Banks, MD, PhD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Overall rating
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Answered my questions
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After meeting with many doctors throughout the Washington, DC area, I'd come to the conclusion that it was important for me to find a reputable surgeon near my home, and through my research I found Dr. Banks. Her office is conveniently located relatively close to home, which makes followup visits very convenient. I had a great consultation and I felt confident my search for the right doctor for this procedure had finally came to an end. The procedure went very well, not to mention, for surgery so invasive, my quick recovery was almost surreal. For the first time in my life, I have a flat tummy!! She did an amazing job with the placement of my incision - a concern I had prior to surgery; needless to say I am very happy with the outcome, and have shared my experience and referred her to others.

Replies (42)

Honey you look absolutely gorgeous! Those results are excellent!
Thank you so much! Now I have the rest of my life maintaining it, lol. It's worth it though!
It's definitely worth it!
I totally agree!
You look amazing...tall, curvy n sexy...a great combination...you go girl
Awww, thank you, thank you!!!! My PS said, "Girl, that body is ALL YOU... I just helped uncover it!" It's amazing how you look at yourself after all the "layers" have been peeled-off!
YOU GO GIRL!!!! WHEN I SAY YOU ROCKING THAT!!! Your RESULTS are SOOOOO amazing!!!!!! OMG!!!
Thank you lady! God bless my surgeon, lord knows this was one long ass journey! lol
Your results are amazing and you are a new woman! So happy for you!
Thank you very much!!!
Mzphatbooty refered you to me I am 266 current I am set to have a TT on June 23rd and am doubting myself I too have pcos I have this huge belly I am 5'7" and over weight still of course but just not feeling it right now since the TT do you find I easier to lose weight or at least maintain if I may ask what is your current weight or at least stats ??
Read my last blog entry, as I mention the importance of diet and exercise after surgery. Nothing becomes "easier." If you expect to maintain your results, you're going to have to continue your meds, stop eating [RS bleep], and work your ass off in the gym. Most, if not all of us PCOS girls suffer big bodies because we fail to do this. It's no-different after surgery. Surgery isn't a "cure" for anything... Its merely a shortcut to get excess skin/fat off. You've got an entire lifestyle change ahead of you. If you've never practiced any diet/exercise discipline before, then yes, it will be hard for you. BUT YOU CAN DO IT. This is my answer. Good luck.
I do exercise and I have a lap band so my diet is strict just can't get under the 260 mark my excess skin that hangs hurts my back to the point of difficulty to exercise be on and off steroids so I was just wondering I am on meds for the pcos as my doc don't treat it with the hysterectomy he says that would help but that's it so thank you
UPDATED FROM LadyBlu
3 months post

Can't Believe it's Been Three Months Already...

Still wearing scar strips... scar is breaking-down very VERY slowly. I'll continue to wear the strips for as long as it takes until I'm satisfied with the final result of the scar. Still got some lower-belly swelling (above the pubic area), at the end of the day is the worst time. I'm back in the gym and going harder than ever. I want more surgery, liposuction of my back and bra rolls (this excess fat is affecting the way my flanks are looking, and I've already had THAT area lipo'd); however I'm hoping to stick to rigorous gym workouts to diminish the fat and tone-up those areas. Next year I'm going to consider breast reduction; the tummy tuck accentuates your breasts and butt. I was already super top-heavy to begin with, now my boobs just look insanely large, and it's time for them to go! New photo of me uploaded!

Replies (93)

Wow, wow, wow! I want to be you when I grow up! You are looking completely different - what a transformation - did I say WOW! Your determination is a shining light! I love the way you have embraced who you are and how you want to be the best for 'you' and not aspire to be someone else... that is truly amazing! Thank you for posting your update - I wish I had seen this before today! Congratulations! x
Thank you so much... I'm smiling as I read this! I love this site. The support and encouragement I've received from all of you helped me TREMENDOUSLY!
FANTASTIC girlie FANTASTIC!!!!! Its such a transformation it really is..what an amazing surgeon.. I'm debating on having tummy tuck and reading all these super outcomes xx
It was the best decision I ever made. It wasn't one I made overnight. I'm glad I researched and had multiple consultations from different surgeons. I'm so happy!
Looking Fab!!!
Thanks so much!
OMG girl you look good!!! Can I ask what size jeans are you in?!?!?
Thank you thank you! I'm wearing Torrid jeans in either a size 20 or 22 (can't remember which). I do find their jeans run small though. I haven't gone-down any sizes, because I haven't lost a significant amount of weight in other areas as I have my midesection, but I just look a hell of alot nicer in my clothes now. All of my dress slacks are size 18. My blouses and dresses fit the same, with the exception of the waist, which needs to be taken-in. The clothes in my closet range from 14 - 18 (up to 22 in jeans that are cut smaller) and XL - 2X, it all depends on the fabric and cut. I went to a seminar at my doctor's office earlier this month, and I spoke about my experience and showed my pictures... I was told I look smaller in person than I do in the pictures. Love that!
Well your looking stunning!! I was going to torrid and see what they have but I'm gonna wait a few more weeks before I buy new jeans
Actually, those jeans in the picture are new and I don't care for them. Torrid's jeans are low to medium rise, and I constantly have to pull them up... I hate that. I prefer a "classic" rise or high rise in my jeans.
Ok cool my waist is so small but hips are bigger so i will probably have a problem with them be big in the waist.
Yeah, I've noticed with a few of my pants, the waist is roomy, however I can't go a size down because my legs are bigger. I recently purchased belts (for the purpose of keeping my pants secure) for the first time EVER!
I will wait and see what size I can get into once more of the swelling goes down. Not sure if I would be a big belt person but who knows. I love the jeans at a store called Rue 21 I hope I will be able to fit into them.
Rue 21? Is it a physical store or are they online?
It's a physical store not sure if you can also buy on line. Not sure what size they go up to? I've been in there 2 times with my girls and thought their jeans were cute but was heavier then and didn't really look for me.
Wow! You look great! I feel you about the breast reduction. I'm fortunate enough that I'm getting mine done in August. Can't wait to be a C cup!
I envy you! I shopped for new bathing suits and found a ton that I loved... unfortunately because of my boobs, I can't wear a THING. I have to wear a bra underneath because bathing suits offer no support for me whatsoever *sigh*. I have to order my bras (I wear Pacnache, Fantasie, Curvy Kate and Elomi) because they're all manufactured by UK companies, as they manufacture bigger bras. I'm a 38 JJ/K. :-(
Your results are awesome. You have a serious hourglass figure. Loving the last sexy jeans pic!
Thank you so much! Now I'm focused on working-out so that I can protect my investment!
UPDATED FROM LadyBlu
2 months post

I've been trying to add new pictures for the last...

I've been trying to add new pictures for the last 3 or 4 hours, but apparently the format here on Real Self has changed, and I cannot... sorry everyone!

Replies (31)

You look so fantastic! What a waist you have!! I'm so jealous! Keep up with the working out and with summer coming, the food will follow. I've been eating more then I should, but I'm pretty good about keeping my food diary and that helps a lot, keeps me more honest and on track! Can't wait to hear about your next update and I'm so happy your seroma is resolved!
Thanks so much lady!
You look great!!! :) Keep up the good work!
Thank you!!!!
u look great
Thanks so much!
Hunny I live. ..... You look Spectacular
Thank you lady, it was the BEST decision I've ever made!

You look amazing

Thank you!!!!