My TT Voyage - Louisville, KY

My Doctor is Dr Geofrey Durham-Smith. (502)895-5850. On Kresge Way. He is really sweet. I looked him up before my tt. He was the president of Ky plastic surgery Association at one time. I think he is from Australia. He has a soft accent. My lap band doc gave me his name. What ever you decide good luck! Would love to see your progress in pictures when you have it done.

Small world...the one consult that I have had is actually in the same place but on the second floor. I might go see the one that you had but ultimately I think the one that I had already seen was wonderful and I cant wait until I have mine done. I have to wait until February before I can have mine done. I took some before pics today but will post them in a week or two. I am so happy that your surgery was a great success and you do look great.

That's really awsome that we ended up not Only in the same town. But our doctors are in the same building! I had the surgery in the Baptist East Hospital. They were the greatest team of people. All of them were very friendly. I hope your experience is the same when you have yours done. Will you be staying overnight one night. I did.

I am new to this and I typed this message in the comment section instead of replying....Yes he told me that I would be staying the night. I am just curious if you got a pain pump? What supplies and everything did you get for your recovery time? I have read so much that I could fill up my house with stuff. Did you have to have a garment? This is exciting because you are the first one that I have found on here that is close to me.

Thanks!

Hope you will be staying at Babtist. No I didn't get the pain pump, but I never did hurt bad either. He gave me a perscription for dilaudid,(it's stronger than morphine) I just tore it up a couple days ago.. never filled it. I was uncomfortable enough that I took tylenol. When I woke from surgery I had the first binder on. It's kinda like a back brace that wraps around and velcrosed on. At my one week check he gave me my tt garment. It's tight from under the breasts all the way down, and has snaps between the legs. But I didn't have to go purchase either on, the tt doctor provided them. I have a hint that may help you. The 2nd garment with the snaps, he told me to leave it on all the time so I wore cotton panties under it to keep me clean feeling. And changed them a couple times a day to keep the incision and me clean. I did shop for a couple weeks worth of easy to make food and snacks. My husband does not cook at all. So glad I had snacks. lol.. One thing you may want to get for after the real tight garment is those spandex underpants. I got mine 2 sizes too big so I can pull them up to my breast bone. They still feel good to wear when my tummy gets bloated. I still have some swelling from the tt, I got them at Walmart for under 3.00 a pair. I started wearing them 3 weeks post op. Now these I did buy 7 pair, so I don't worry about wearing any others under them. I still haven't taken any more pictures to update, but will soon. Have a great day.

I will be at Baptist East and I think he mentioned a pain pump because he is going to fix my abdominal muscles but I was so nervous at that consultation that I think I didnt hear too much information...LOL. I think I might call your PS tomorrow and get a consultation. I am elated that your surgery was great and that your results so far look good. I was looking into getting mine done at the end of Feb., 2013 because I wont have the money until the beginning of February and I have to pay 3 weeks before the surgery date. I want to pay and have it done like the week afterwards.

I was lucky that I could do the financing and didn't have to come up with all the money at one time. Now all I have to do is try to get it paid off asap. Once that was approved they told me that the surgery would be in 3 weeks. I'm lucky that I didn't have to wait any longer. Just because of my nerves. I was really scared, and I have had several surgeries in the past. The past ones were always health related, I guess this one was different because I did have a choice. But I am soooooo happy I went through with it. I am not a small person but it looks and feels so much better. I would do it again without a second thought.

I would rather not do the financing because I dont want that extra bill a month. If I pay it all upfront, then I am not in that debt and free from the financing and the large kangaroo pouch. I have had other surgeries before as well and health related was the issue, this one like you is a choice. I started going to zumba last August 2011 and watched what I ate and everything and this pouch has got to go. I am going to look at you as my mentor if that is okay with you because you are the only person that I have seen on here that is this close to me. By the way, I live in Lawrenceburg so I am 45 minutes away.

Pretty town, I haven't been there in years, but was at one time. I am in Louisville, not really close to Babtist East but... it is only about a half hour drive, so not to bad. I would have liked to pay up front like your doing, but I know me, lol and saving is just too hard for me. I plan on having it paid in at least 2 years. Hopefully sooner. Sure I will mentor, if I can offer any advice from my experiences, that would be nice. From what you said you lost weight and now have the apron like I had? I never thought I would have a tt in my life. But, I started riding a bike daily in June and kept getting a bad rash under it. I am just starting to ride again a little. It is amazing now that my upper leg and tummy don't touch lol. That is one of the most big changes. Along with me having to buy new clothes. Almost all my old pants were too big. I mean really big. Like I said before I'm not a small person, I had been in plus sizes for a long long time. My new tops and pants are no longer in plus sizes. I guess one of the perks is shopping with my sis, we won't have to go to two departments any more.lol.

What all did you purchase for the post-op? Yes I lost a good deal of inches and yes my belly connects with the tops of my thighs and I abbsolutely HATE it. I have wanted this since my last child was born in 2000. I am wearing a size 12 now and I would love to be a size 8. I have NEVER wore a 2 piece bathing suit and summer 2013 I pray that I will be able to. I love the fact that you are able to throw out the old you and shop for the new new you....YOU GO GIRL because I want to shop after mine in TN during the kids spring break

For sure I think that you will be in a size 8 after your tummy tuck!!! I went from a 20 in plus size to a 16. And will probably go down at least to a 14 when all the swelling goes down. Because of my scoliosis my spine had be fused after a car accident that caused me to go from 5'9" to 5'3". Unfortunately I lost all 6 inches in my mid section. So I will never have a small waist because I am kinda stocky due to that. But I am still in awww of the work my tt doc did. I'll never wear a bikini, but I am very tempted to go into a high cut 2 piece. Lol. Had my first child at 19. So I guess I was 18 the last time I wore a 2 piece. I'm 53 now. So that's a long long time to cover up. Dr Durham-smith told me about this OTC stuff to help with healing and to help with the scar. It's called scar guard. I have only seen it at Walgreens and its 30.00 a bottle. It's about the size of a large bottle of fingernail polish. I started using it on week 3. I could really see the scar get smaller and softer fast. That's a lot of money for a small bottle but I would get it again. Since I put it on myself I'm sure I wasted some. If you have someone that will put it on you there would be less waste I am sure. Maybe find it on the Internet cheaper? That's 1thing I would get. Other than that. Easy to make food. Or cook and freeze food that you can reheat. Make sure you have lots of pillows. Right after surgery you have to walk like a 80 year old. Slightly bent. And can not lye in either side or tummy. You have to lay on your back only. Half sitting. Pillows to hold your upper body up and more under the knees to make sure you don't pull on the incision. No working or lifting at home. You have children, let them do most everything. You need to recover.

I have 4 children, 3 of which are adults now and only have 2 at home. My 12 year old daughter said that she will be my nurse. My family thus far has been supportive. I can understand wanting and needing this tummy tuck and you look good. Dr. Durham-Smith did a wonderful job. I am going to look for the scar guard and if it works, then the price is not an issue. I drink ViSalus shakes for breakfast and lunch now and I will do that even after the surgery and for dinner, I will get my mother to bring me something to eat. I have even made of list of people that will come by and help me if need be if one of my children can not be here. I am not looking forward to sleeping on my back because my back stiffens real easy. I started looking for pillows this morning and will get plenty of those. I was in the middle school when I last had on ANY bathing suit and I just came back from a cruise and was afraid to wear one but I will definately wear one on our next one.

It sound like your in a good place with help from family and friends. That's great. What is the ViSalus shakes? Is it something that I can get to help with my weight lose goals? I think your positive thinking is going to go a long way, sounds like your pretty prepared. I hope you get to go on that cruise in the next couple years. Wish I could get my old man to do something like that. He is one of those that's scared to get on a plane. lol. I too have 4 children, my only daughter is the oldest (34) and my baby is 24. All 4 were almost 10 lb babies. I have looked at a lot of the before and after pictures from other tt patients, most of them look really good. All of them are improvements from their before pics. I paid close attention to the incisions and I agree with you about the job my doc did. The cut is very uniform and fits perfect under bikini underwear. (LOL, I know it's silly, but my first time shopping after surgery, that's what I got. Haven't had any bikini kind since I was young). Some of the ones I saw (not many), the incisions are wavy or uneven. Considering by deformities from my spine he did do good. Only thing I wonder about, is, he said he didn't think I needed to get the muscles done, again I think it has a lot to do with my pump, and I do respect his decision. I just wonder what the difference would have been. I asked him that and he said, on me, it would not make that much difference. I am a bit of a whimp too, he said the pain would be less not having them done. Can't change it now, but almost wish I would have had him do it too. Oh one more thing, I have a grandson that's almost you daughters age :-)

Visalus shakes are wonderful. They provide you with all of the nutrients that you need in a meal. You can go to www.bodybyvi.com and look it up and if need be, I can get you some. I drink one for breakfast, have a small snack, drink another for lunch, then have another snack and then eat a healthy meal for dinner. It feels me up. It taste like cake which is even better. My oldest daughter is 26 and she has 2 boys(9 & 11 months). I also have a 20 year old and my one son just turned 18 on the 10th of this month. We just got back from a cruise in October and we ported from Miami and it was wonderful in the bahamas. Ready to go back but I am going to wait until I get my sexy back and then I am sailing off again. If he wont fly, you can always drive to your port and then set sail. You would love it, especially with your new body. I think I am going to buy my first bikini underwear from Victoria Secrets when I am on the flatside. :-).I am getting ready to go to my zumba class now :-) BTW.....the shakes along with healthy eating with the one meal and snacks along with exercising WILL help you meet your weight loss goal.

Never thought of Victoria Secrets! That's an awsome idea. I may just go online and check it out. I am going to check out the shakes too. Thank you for that info. The exercising I have been doing. Started riding a bike and using a treadmill. Love love love my bike. I go between 10 and 25 miles a day. Was going daily, but tt surgery and the weather has slowed me down. Just started riding again a week ago. PS told me I could start again taking it easy and wearing the binder or girdle just when exercising. Want to get another 30 to 40 pounds off still. Hope you had a good time at your class!

If you decide on the shakes, I mix mine with almond milk, frozen berries and a single pack of oatmeal....very wholesome with fruits and grain. Also helps with the BM. I am going to join a gym or buy me an elliptical machine after I am healed so that I can add to my zumba class because it was Amazing tonight. I am thinking of adding a burn class to it. Keep up the good work because I want to be like you in 3 months

Thank you. I sure hope when you get it done you will post pictures. It's so interesting to see the changes. Make sure you have someone take those before pictures. I don't think family and friends actually believed me how bad I needed this until I pulled out my phone and shoes them the befores. I saw my pain doc yesterday. First time since tt. He was one of those who thought my tummy was not THAT bad. Lol. And he saw it every 7 weeks to refill my pump! But he didn't see the whole thing on refill days. But when I showed him the before and after pictures, his jaw literally dropped. He said he had no idea how big that apron was, on me. So that's one example of why I think it's so important to have the before pictures.

I have already taken my before pics with my phone and I am going to put up my description and my before pics on here once my classes are done and I can actually sit and think. Yes, it is easy for people to say that you dont need something such as this because they normally only see us with our clothes on. I dont care who accepts this or who dont, I am going to do this and do it for ME. :-) I cant wait to show people my before pics when they doubt me and of course I am keeping this a secret from the people that I work with because it is none of their business and when the time nears and I need to put in my time off, I am going to tell them that I am having surgery for an abdominal hernia. I drive a school bus so I am sure I will have to be off for 4 weeks.

That's great you took the pics. already. Today I was talking to my old man, he asked me how many inches I lost. Holy Cow. I forgot to measure! I'm really mad at me for not measuring now! The surgery did not take off much in pounds, my bet is if I taken measurements that's where I would have noticed real big changes in the numbers. Just thought you may want to take them on yourself for comparison afterwards. You said you can't wait to show your before pics. after surgery. Really funny to me is before the tt I did everything to hide my tummy, oh my I couldn't imagine showing my before shots to anyone. Now that I have the after pictures, I show everyone (friends and family) the before and after. Lol. Responses from them are really funny. Most did not have a clue. When you said you want to do this for ME! That is so true. All I can say is.... (YELL)...GO GIRL!!!). No one could make me feel bad about this. It was the right thing to do for sure. I just took 5 yard size black garbage bags to the Salvation Army. 4 of them was my big clothes. I've had to keep some of the smaller big clothes or I wouldn't have but a few things to wear. Honestly....I love it and (when i lose a little more weight) cannot wait to give more away. After some more shopping. Lol.

I am going to put my profile up tomorrow after I go to my PCP to get some follow up BW done and I am going to weigh myself. I will take my measurements before my surgery day so that I can have a comparison. I am more concerned with the inches and never about the pounds. I have developed alot of muscles while doing zumba and muscle weighs more. I do all that I can to hide my muffin top or flabby belly. I wear big shirts and do not want a top that is clinging to my body. I cant wait to see the looks on people's face when they see my after. By the time I go back to work when I have mine, it will be right around spring break time and prayerfully it will be warm weather and I can have on some smaller clothes and I want to see how many people will notice. I want to be able to clean out my whole closet and throw EVERYTHING in a bag and take to good will or throw away. I also plan on going to TN for spring break and do some retail therapy. LOL. BTW, you are really coming together in that last pic. So proud of you

Thank you. You are right about muscle weighing more than fat, when I started riding my bike I thought the weight loss was too slow, and everyone told me, even though I already knew it, that muscle weighs more. The shopping for the new clothes is so fun. I honestly never enjoyed shopping for myself in the past due to the size I was in and I had to get everything loose to hide my body. Now being out of plus sizes is just so nice, going into the dressing room at Kohl's a few days ago was not disappointing at all. Nothing was too tight around the tummy! Most of what I tried on fit or was a little loose. I think when you get this done, if someone does not notice, they must be visually impaired. I just got off the phone with the YMCA, I am going there Monday to check out the gym and pool. They have water arobics and personal trainers to help me target areas I need to work on. Not 100% sure if I'm going to join yet, but I think it might be a good idea during the winter months at least. Also the tt docs office called and let me know that medicare approved my tt so they paid 1100.00 on my tt bill! After my other ins. pays, I will only owe about 3000.00. That's still a lot but I had thought my part was going to be 4100.00. Soooo that will help me pay this bill off asap. Good incentive, because I told my husband when this is paid for I am going to get another procedure done with my ps. lol It's just a little thing.. I inherited my dads dropping jaws, I don't know yet what needs to be done (not going to get a full face lift, nothing that dramatic) but I would like them to be gone. Hopefully something kinda minor. That's it... no more plastic surgery after that lol. Don't mind getting older and showing it most the time. But I hate my jaws hanging like an ol dog.

I have never wanted to shop for myself and right now I still dont want to shop for myself, but once I am on the flat side, I am already planning a trip to go shopping. I am tired of hiding behind big baggy shirts and pants that make me look like I have a pants full of air in the rear of them. I might get into water aerobics after I am cleared for it because that is good for the muscles as far as strengthing them. I actually called your doctor's office and made an appointment for a consultation just to see what he has to say and my appointment in the 20th of December. That is good that medicare paid some of it. That really is extra money to go shopping with...LOL. You know they say that once you have one cosmetic surgery it starts a trend and a habit and you have more...LOL. I would love to also have my thighs lipo but I already know that is more of any extra cost but maybe I can get that done in like 2 years if I save up my money.

Yes it may take me a year or two to pay off my tt. That's when I'll get the other done. I know how you feel about the shopping. Most of my larger clothes I got rid of were from online shopping. Since I did do some shopping at Kohls and know what size to get now. I did do some online shopping there the other day. Ordered a couple more pair of jeans. And shirts. Still hope by next summer they will be to big. That is if I lose more. I'm real pleased that your getting a second opinion. I wish I would have, only to see what another ps thought. Still wonder if I should have had the muscles done. To late now, and when I look at the before and after shots. I honestly can't say I'm disappointed. It is still new enough to me that even taking a shower is still cool. You know not having to lift the apron? And then no powdering under it. Not any more that is. I didn't make it to the YMCA today. My son told me to check out some other places too. So maybe in the next few days. I watched a couple videos of Zumba. Wow. Wow. It looks hard. You must be in pretty good shape to do that. Keep it up.

That is why I am going to pay for mine up front because I dont want that kind of debt. I want to pay for it myself as a late birthday gift to myself as that day is next week and I will pay for my sx in 2/13. I want to get another opinion and I am completely sold on the idea of getting my muscles done as well. There is no talking me out of that one. I am so excited to hear his opinion and yes I cant wait to be able to my bath and not having to lay all the way back and raise up the mounting ball of blubber(that is what I see) when I wash. Zumba has really helped me mentally and I have to tell you that ViSalus has also helped me with my shape and energy to be able to do some of the things that I were not able to do 3 years ago per say. I think you would benefit from using the ViSalus in your weight loss journey.

I think I will order the ViSalus and at try it. You getting the second opinion is a good idea so that you will be able to compare what the two docs say. I think if I had been more informed about all of it before I may have made different choices. I don't know... Considering I have 2 implants in my tummy, I might be lucky I had a doctor that would even do it. Another one may have just turned my down. Good thing you and others don't have to deal with all that. I can see how the Zumba may help mentally as well too. From what I watched on You Tube you really let go and shake and move. If you have stress built up, that should de-stress anyone.

You can go into zumba stressed from life in general and come out with a renewed mind and a fresh outlook. You may be lucky that you had one to do the surgery because some others may look at the other surgeries that you have had and think that you are too much of a high risk. I thank GOD that you were able to get it done. I want to try kickboxing once I am on the flat side and completely healed. I would also like to try going to a bootcamp. I am on a "sexy and I know it" mission. :-)

Your right, had I went to another ps, they may have turned me down all together. With 3 major back surgeries and now, 2 years in remission from the big C. I have thanked GOD for many things in the past few years. I guess I should add this to my list. You won't believe what I found out today... I made it to the YMCA and joined. So they gave me a list of classes and times. Zumba is on it!! I had never heard of it before you told me, and now it's within reach to do. lol isn't that funny. I'm not sure when, but at some point will try it maybe. I did go to a spinning class. Wow, I thought since I ride a regular bike so much this would be a breeze. huh uh. It kicked my tail. Most of the time you are standing on the bike riding. Before my tt surgery I couldn't even stand and ride a reg. bike. After tt surgery it has become a lot easier to stand and ride. But the class was 45 minutes of really going at it. It was a good work out and I look forward to the next time I go. Now tell me about the bootcamp and the sexy and I know it mission. Is this a place you go to? Or is it a goal you set for yourself? Just curious.... Before I left to go to the Y today, I was stressed. Had a headache too, but after the work out, stress gone, headache gone. The Y doesn't have kick boxing but they do have Tai Chi, pilates, zumba and more so maybe try something at some point. Right now just the spinning class. 2 more weeks til you get your second opinion. I look forward to see what he says. Have a good one.

GOD has you here for a purpose that is for sure. You have survived many battles while on the battlefield. I thank GOD for that. You should go to a zumba class at least just to watch and see how it is done there at the Y. I know all about the spin class and I have it in my mind that my va-jay jay would be no more good if I had to ride that bike like that :-). You will really feel the full effects from the spin class tomorrow. Bootcamp is where they do alot of intense exercises until you can feel the burn anymore. The "sexy and I know it" is my mission that I am on now and until I am completely healed from being on the flat side. Yes, once you do this kind of exercising, you have no more worries or cares and any stress that you were under will be gone for sure. I am going to compile me a list of questions to ask when I go on the 20th. Do you have any questions that you asked or that I should ask him?

I read your post about Zumba. I started classes in January and love it. It is the most fun cardio that I have ever done. I take several different instructors' classes every week and it totally ramps up the work out because each instructor uses different routines. It can take a few classes to learn them and feel comfortable doing them but it is worth it. For the first few weeks I try to get behind someone that is good at the routine and follow there movements if I can't see the instructor very well if it is a large class. I miss going to class so much and can't wait to get back to it.

HOORAY!!!! I found someone else that enjoys it as much as I do. It really does make you feel stress free and oh so wonderful. I am due to have my TT in February 2013 and I know for sure I will miss my class because the group that I am in have become my family.

I will check out the Zumba.. With your occupation I would make sure you let either tt doc know what you do. I'm sure your going to ask about recovery time and I would mention to them what you do. I'm sure that's a hard position at any time. But driving and bouncing may make it a little more difficult to recover. I love that saying people write, "flat side". It really makes me think when I'm out shopping now. I see all these women that have the tummys tucked into the front of their pants. My gosh that was me such a short time ago, never thought I would be on the "flat side". Amazing what can be done with the skill these doctors have. Plastic Surgeons get a bad wrap I think. This is life changing, And for someone like me with kind of a low self exteme, this one ps has changed the way I feel about life. I don't want to hide myself. I don't look in the mirror now and feel even worse. Hey I don't and never will have the body of most you ladies. But the shame is gone. And that is worth everything. I wish I could let the ladies in the stores know, that it's worth the pain, it's worth the money, it's worth it. 6 month's ago, I didn't even think it possible to get a tt. Not for me. Now I think anything is possible.....

I told the first PS that I drive a bus and he said minimum 3weeks. I am just more concerned about the bumps in the road or going over railroad tracks but I can take care of that with a pillow and maneuver over it slowly and in between routes I can rest which is a total of 6 hours. I know what you mean about tucking in the belly and I have a little bit of being ashamed of my body. I know that this will be taken care of and I am one of those that likes to advertise and promote new things and this TT is one that I will be shouting from the roof tops.

I miss my classes too, but think how great we will look when we return 6 weeks later in our gym clothes. That will be a great day.

Hey Kentucky girls, I just want to say that I lived in Lexington/Georgetown for 25 years, just moved over a year ago to Kansas and getting ready to move to St Charles Mo next month it is such a small world.

Yeah you will need to be careful on those bumps and tracks. I am sure you know what your doing if you can drive one of those big things, you can control a lot of the bumps. I think I have learned enough about you to say GO GIRL when you shout off the roof tops lol I must have been half asleep with some of my spelling. When I talked about low esteem. You being able to rest for part of the day is going to help a lot. I think I was at about 4 weeks when I started feeling pretty good. The pain wasn't to bad, it was more just being really tired. Wanted to sleep more. You being younger and more fit will help you in the long run I'm sure. I have a spinning class in the morning, I can't wait. Think I will try to do like you said and at least watch a Zumba class next week. I think there is one on Tuesday during the day that I will try to get to..They have some day and some night classes. I am more a day person. I don't like driving after dark.

It is a small world, what is the chances...Have you had or going to have a tt? If so, when? Mine was Oct 18th,7 weeks ago today. Wow it doesn't fee like it's been that long. But still have some numbness in my tummy, ps said that feeling would gradually return, and it is... just not all the way yet.

I had my tt with muscle repair 4 weeks ago yesterday. I have numbness and tightness esp. when I over do it like I have today. I love my new tummy, I had 3 c-sections 20 some years ago plus being overweight made me have that apron. But it is gone and I am happy. I just got my last drain out ( I had 3 to begin with) Tuesday. I still am draining fluid from one of the sites but that is better than getting a seroma.

I can already imagine that one especially since no one other than my instructor knows that I am doing it....

Wow...it is a small world.

I had 2 drains, one came out after 1 week the other one after 2. I'm sure you will agree it was awsome getting them out! You had them even longer than I did. I didn't have any c sections, but still had the incision from a couple surgeries that required me to get cut in the same area. And you know after you get that area cut it acts like a band and when you gain weight the apron lays right over that band. I gained a lot of weight after 4 babies and 3 back surgeries. Finally lost 80 lbs. even now I need to lose more. Still going from plus sizes into reg. misses after the tt is really cool.

I am on the search now for a pillow or something that will absorb some of the bumps when I go over those tracks. I use to drive a smaller special needs bus until this year and now I am driving one of those big huge metal buckets that is called a bus...lol. I want to shout it out now that I am going to do this but I dont want the negative comments that can come from some people so I am trying real hard to keep it to a minimum. I start my route at 6:52am and done an hour later. Resting during the day is my "me" time as it is now and I love every minute of it. So if I am released to go back after my 3 weeks (not holding my breath on that) then I will come home and get back in bed like I do now and lay in it until it is time to go back. I dont like driving in the dark either. I am by the way 42 years young, 43 next week and I wish I was more fit than what I am now. I can do 2 hours of zumba as I have before for about a month and that will wear you OUT for sure. I also use to do zumba 6 days a week. I miss those days. You have to let me know how the zumba class goes once you get a look at one. I cant wait until you see how different it is compared to what you seen on youtube