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“Don't Know Yet, but I Hope Its Worth It! - Memphis, TN”
Spent: $6,200 in Memphis, TN
I have had 2 children by c-sec, the last was 9lbs, now I'm close to 50 yrs old and my tummy is a mess! I am within my ideal weight range, but need MR and I have a little bit of extra skin. Dr. A said I might have to a small ver incision because there might not be enough skin to put down to lose the old bb. I really don't want an extra scar so I hope he can do it without one! I have to say that so far he seems to be the perfect choice for me. I'll let you know as we precess!
Updated on 22 Dec 2010:
Getting ready to go to ps appointment, I think its just to have pictures taken, but I'm not real sure. I do have a few more questions to ask and I am planning to ask to see his photo albums again. Now, after the shock of hearing that I might (most likely) have a ver incision to close my old bb has worn off, I have more questions and want to see pictures of his other clients with the same incision.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Updated on 23 Dec 2010:
So my appointment went well, had pictures taken, which is really weird. Anyway I asked more questions about the vertical incision and he explained it more and I think I understood things a bit better. I did ask him to try and just stitch the old bb hole and not go all the way up to my new bb. He said he would try, he explained that a lot of the time when there isn't a lot of extra skin to pull up enough to see the upper muscles that need repair that you have to cut up to the bb to have enough room to work. I know I'm not explaining that very good, but I understood what he was saying, he is just better at explaining that I am! Lol I really don't want a scar all the way to my new bb.
I'm attaching pictures of the drawing he did, the dotted line is where my u/wear was sitting and the solid line is where the incision will be.
Updated on 29 Dec 2010:
When Tuesday for my pre-surgery blood work. Was having second thoughts as I walked the halls of the hospital! Its a scary place. That has pasted and I'm nervously waiting my date. Two week from yesterday! OMG
Updated on 4 Jan 2011:
One week from today!!! Getting nervous, but really excited!
Updated on 8 Jan 2011:
Only 3 more days! I went yesterday and picked up my rx, 355.00 Wow! The first time I called to get the price for all of the meds (not including otc ones) it was close to 900.00. I just about died! Then I realized I could use my insurance so it knocked it down quite a bit. Without insurance one of the meds (Arixtra for blood clots) alone was 562.68, crazy. Now all I need to pick up is the Hibiclens, soap to use for 2 days before surgery.
I am still going back and forth from scared to excited! But seeing Gail's post today about her experience has boosted my confidence and helps me think I can do this!
Updated on 13 Jan 2011:
Just wanted to update you guys. Everything is going good so far. I like the way my belly looks!! Dr Aldea is great and did some really good work!!
The pain has been pretty tolerable, no better or worst than I expected.
Just got back from ps and that was bad at all. I thought it would be hard riding back and forth, but it was fine.
I have pictures 1dpo that I will get uploaded soon.
Updated on 14 Jan 2011:
3 dpo and I'm doing pretty good. Very tight, but thats to be expected I guess. I'm going to post pic from 1 dpo,but they aren't very good. I'll try and get better ones today. All in all I'd say the pain is not awful, just tight and sore.
Updated on 16 Jan 2011:
2dpo pictures
Updated on 20 Jan 2011:
9 dpo and I'm going to see Dr. A today. He said he was going to take one drain out and then after the weekend we would see about taking the other one out. I hate these things! But I must say he has figured out a way to deal with them that is as good as it can get. They are still a pain in the booty, but at least this keeps them out of the way. I'm going to post a picture or two so you can tell what I'm talking about. He put the drain on a strip of velcro and put it around my leg right below my knee and above my calf. Putting it there allows it to be a little loose because it can't slide down because the calf is bigger than the area below my knee. Works great! I wear knee socks and pull them over the velcro so it doesn't stick to my yoga pants or sweats and it keeps the plastic bulb from sticking to my skin.
No laughing at these pictures. LOL!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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My Doctor: Peter A. Aldea, MD
My rating:
Dr. A is great. He answered any questions I had in great detail. He never rushed me out the door, always wanted to make sure he had covered everything that I had questioned. I would recommend him to anyone!



Thanks so much for posting your story and photos. You look like a great candidate for a tummy tuck. (Your mid-section actually reminds me a lot of mine! Ahem.)
Anyway, looking forward to hearing how your surgery goes. Keep me/us posted.
Very exciting! You will be glad that you did this for yourself.
I look forward to seeing your after pictures and reading about your journey. Blog away and we will all be here to support and cheer you on.
How did you find your doctor?
That is excellent! You must feel really good about your decision. It is always great to speak to another patient who first hand experienced his work.
Good for you!
I keep getting those doubts, is it really worth the risk, am I wasting money, etc. Then I'll past a mirror and see my belly hanging over my jeans and think, hell yes it going to be worth it!!! I only go through these same feeling about a million times each day! Lol
Totally worthi it! And you are worth it :)
Best of luck to you!
You are going to do wonderful and come out with a nice flat tummy! I will be thinking about you :)
You must be going in today or tomorrow.
Best of luck - we'll be waiting on the other side for ya. :)
Thinking about you and sending warm wishes and prayers your way!
You are going to do wonderful tomorrow. I will be waiting to hear your update.
Lookin good:)
My PS suggested the binder for 4 weeks, and that will be when I see him next. I start work next Thurs, and will wear the binder with a loose blouse. I have Spanx, but I always found it hard to get into. I don't think, that with my limited abdominal movement, that I want to attempt Spanx yet.
When I go to the PS, they have sample of suitable garments to show, but the nurse forgot when I was there on Monday. So, until then, I'll use the binder, and then maybe shop for something a little less bulky after that. The nurse did comment that lots of people treat the binder like a security blanket, and wear them long after the 4 weeks recommended.
Heck, I am sleeping with a couple pillows each under my head and knees. My back would kill me if I slept flat on it, and I never do. I just wish I could find a way to get comfy sleeping on my side again.