Tummy Tuck Reviews
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“1 MONTH POST OP - AWESOME”

Worth It
Spent: $8,500 in Waterford, MI

Comments (30)

Updated 19 Jul 2011

Posted 7 Jun 2011

Scheduled for June 15, 2011 - 42 yr old female, gained, lost, gained and lost and kept it off now for 5 yrs - want the reward of a flat hard belly. I am nervous but keeping my end game in the forefront. Any tips on diet BEFORE surgery to ward off bloat and discomfort After surgery?

Updated on 8 Jun 2011:
Okay so after reading so many blogs last night - pain - swelling - drainage issues etc, I barely slept, scared all day today, called the nurse, she wasn't there but did answer an email. A couple of ladies here have reassured me with their stories of recovery not being as bad as I imagine. I went out and bought extra firm waist cinchers tonight. I have it on now, it's not that bad. I'm going to sleep in it and see how I do. Does it compare to the compression garment? Does anyone out there know?

Updated on 10 Jun 2011:
Tomorrow is my pre-op appointment - went the bank on my lunch hour to pick up a certified check - WOW - it's coming up fast now - next wednesday is my big day - been up and down all week nervous excited scared thinking i shouldnt spend the money.... I just cannot wait to see how I feel not thinking about my tummy all the darn time! What freedom I imagine : )

Updated on 14 Jun 2011:
Okay Ladies I'm adding my before shots.....

Updated on 15 Jun 2011:
okay let the healing begin! I am about 6 hours out of surgery,pretty sore, and too tired to write. pain is not unmanageable. ate some cereal, fruit and now trying to get comfy for bed. more tomorrow

Updated on 18 Jun 2011:
Okay Ladies I'm back! 3 days post-op. Feeling okay already. Not quite standing straight up yet but definately showing improvement daily. I do not have any drain tubes to mess with so I'm sure that is helping my mood. I weighed myself this morning, I'm up 7 lbs! I know it's all water and fluid but I hate seeing those numbers on my scale. My tummy looks VERY TAUGHT TIGHT AND SMOOTH, except for the rippling around the stitches, which I am told will smooth out soon. I will take some more pics later.

Updated on 19 Jun 2011:
Day 4 post op - it is getting better - different for sure. Lower back hurts from hunching over, seems like I have a wavy kind of look over my ab's right now, doc said this will smooth out soon. belly button seems okay as well, supposed to go to work on Wednesday - I don't think I'll be ready yet - but we'll see. Yesterday I was up 7 lbs today down 2.5 so that's good. sleeping alot and a little emotional today but not bad.

Updated on 20 Jun 2011:
Day 5 Post Op - TT and Flank Lipo - feeling pretty good today. No pain meds so far, tummy feels very tight, wishing I felt normal with tiny tummy - in time all in good time. Happy to be off the pain meds mind is starting to clear up and I can adequately assess my own progress. Lipo areas feel more tender then the TT. Heading for a shower today, had one on Saturday, it was fine, no stool needed, just be careful is the mode of every operation right now. I want to get out of the house now that I'm not in an opiate daze. We'll see how that goes this afternoon. A little emotional if I think too long about what Ive actually put my body thru, but I know it's gonna be worth it, I waited this long - a couple more weeks is nothing for the rest of my life a smooth flat tummy. Take care ladies hang in there and thanks for being here for me!

Updated on 23 Jun 2011:
Well Ladies here they are my first "after pictures" so happy with results been eating mostly pineapple and fresh veggies and some sugar free ice cream sandwiches mmmm goood weight is down 2 lbs from pre surgery woo hoo soooo haaappyy HANG IN THERE GIRLS IT'S GETTING BETTER EVERYDAY

Updated on 10 Jul 2011:
3.5 weeks post very happy - small issue with suture rejection - doc took out the offending stitch and put silver nitrate in th 1/4 inch gap (scream ouch burn) had some pain above the area - about 5 inches - hurting and burning but seems okay check out new pics



Updated on 19 Jul 2011:
One Month post op feeling and looking better than ever! Doc finally found the last stitch that was causing issues - now I almost completely closed up - sooooo happy with my flat tummy - it was worth every minute. Today was my first day back at the gym - did an hour on the treadmill - incline of 6 and 3 mph - seemed so slow - that's okay! I'm not going to ruin anything by going to fast too soon -

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Comments (30)

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ashleyyy 8 Jun 2011
MY TT IS JUNE 15 TH ALSO! good luck!
Shellybee 8 Jun 2011
good luck to u - are u scared?
Angiemcc (Community Manager) 9 Jun 2011

Your big day is coming right up. I hear all different things about tummy tuck recovery. Usually I hear that you'll feel more discomfort than pain, and that the pain feels like you did 1,000,000 crunches rather than a sharp pain. Evidently, the drains are the most annoying part of the whole process, but you should get those out after a week, depending on how you're healing.

I hope it all goes well for you. Here's what some doctors have to say about tummy tuck recovery. Think positively and keep posting. We'll give you support!

CyootiePye 14 Jun 2011
Im June 15th too!!!! Arnica Montana a couple days before (we only have one) helps bruising and swelling. Also, pineapples before and after reduce swelling!!! Went to the store yesterday and bought four huge ones!!!! I was much much more nervous last week. I got so worried that my chest started hurting, and i was worried that soething was wrong and that i wouldnt be cleared for surgery! After i calned down, i was fine. Getting the house ready for me and my painful body, but i dont think it'll be that bad..I HOPE IT WONT!!!!! good luck! Its about 6 of us on here that are having out tts tomorrow, we MUST keep each other updated....i think ill start a thread for us....
Shellybee 14 Jun 2011
Sounds good - I was more nervous last week as well - now I just want to get it done so I can enjoy the rest of my life and not THINK about how I look! It will be WONDERFUL not to fight with the clothes hanging in my closet anymore. Best of Luck Best Results and God Bless
deniseisdone 14 Jun 2011
Hello! I just wanted to comfort you. I just had my tummy tuck surgery on last Thursday (June 9th). I am happy I had it done and yes I was nervous. I do have some swelling which I have eaten some pineapples. You will still have some swelling no matter what. The big thing for me is WATCH OUT FOR THE COUGHS!!! The are unexpected sometimes. My pain is mostly from discomfort. Please be active. The more active you are the faster your recovery will be. I'm not talking about exercise, but I'm speaking of getting out the bed and move around. I'm already getting around pretty well. I'm not standing up completely straight, but I'm getting there. This is an investment in my eyes and I invested in myself. I'm loving my decision. Good luck to all of you on this site!!!! Stay positive.
CyootiePye 15 Jun 2011
I'm waiting on the approval for the forum, then we should be set to go!!! Good luck today, I'm scheduled for 1:30p, so excited!!!
spunkygirl 14 Jun 2011
The first 7 days of recovery are the toughest. Take your pain meds on schedule is my biggest tip! They will help with pain obviously but you will also want to sleep. I was scared of the drains befoe surgery but they ended up not being anything other than a pain when dressing. Lots of maxi dresses!! Do nothing for 7 days except get up to pee, eat and get water. It allows your body to focus on healing. Drink lots of water it helps with swelling. Make ure to have lots of pillows for under your legs and back :)
I actually love my binder-yep I'm in the minority. I am 5 weeks post op today and I still wear it everyday and night. It makes me feel secure and helps keep the swelling down. My PS said I could move to the stage 2 garment but I am just not ready yet.
You are going to do great! Keep us posted and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 14 Jun 2011

We will be thinking about you tomorrow and sending good thoughts your way.

Shellybee 15 Jun 2011
Thank you, I am pretty groggy, but really just uncomfortable right now, I doze and wake about once an hr. cant to see the tummybegone result.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 15 Jun 2011

You just rest now!   Update as soon as you have more strength.

Shellybee 23 Jun 2011
Hi Kimmers25! Wow what a difference a week can make in a girls life! I cannot believe how fabulous my tummy looks and feels at 8 days post op. I am more than thrilled and blessed. my sutures are doing great, belly button is perfect standing nearly 100% straight, all bodily functions are functioning and the mood is up today. thank you so much for being our ROCK -- you rock sister!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 23 Jun 2011

Hurray!  You turned the happy corner!   Your pictures are amazing and your tummy completely flat.  You rock!

So now if you look this good on day 8 post op just imagine what you are going to look like at 6 months post op!  Whoa:)

Keep posting monthly pictures.  It is so much fun to watch the changes taking place.

georges 20 Jun 2011
i am 7 days TT post-op. a few comments. take narcotics only as needed (prn), not as scheduled. don't feel that you need to toughen any pain out, but know that regular consumption of narcotics causes constipation, and you do not want to be straining post-op. i took senecot (softener with laxative) to combat this (i remember having a terrible time after my last c-sect, so i prepared) and 2 tabs worked beautifully. regarding compression garments, i recommend the full-length kid. i have the one that stops right under the breasts with bra straps and the one you slip on like a cotton sport bra--the latter is so much more comfortable. both have the girdle which is tight and attached leggings. buy the full-length kind, not the one that stops mid-thigh. chances are you are getting lipo in the hips or between the thighs and having a girdle pinch you in the thighs hurts!
helenes transformation 23 Jun 2011
Looks great!!
Barbie892 23 Jun 2011
Helly Shellybee, your "before" tummy pics remind me of mine. LOVE your new after pics - you look fabulous! It just keeps getting better and better and you will ROCK with that hourglass shape.

Congrats and take care!
Barbie892 23 Jun 2011
Ok that was supposed to be HELLO....anyway you look great!
newbelle 23 Jun 2011
Wow, you look fantastic already. You dont seem to have any swelling at all and you seem to be standing pretty straight too. I seem to have swelling and a lot of pain in the muscle repair above my belly button so i find it hard to stand straight still. You were so nice and slim to start out with so you just look incredible now. SO great!!!
Want to be thin 23 Jun 2011
Holly crap I wish I looked as good as you! You look awesome!!
sommiebreezie 28 Jun 2011
wowskies..you look awesome. YOur only post op 13 days and you look that good..no swelling at all that I can see...you go gyyyyrl :)
Shellybee 12 Jul 2011
Thanks Sommie - I feel pretty good too - if this last little stitch issue would heal up I'd be off and running - probably God's way of slowing me down so I don't undo my results. Lots of Pineapple, strawberries, fresh spinach and asparagus are key for swelling. Just think of New Years Eve dresses this year woo hoo belle of the ball we will be : )
newbelle 10 Jul 2011
Wow you look SO incredible!! Seriously. You had your surgery the same day I did and you are so nice and flat on your tummy. Funny how we are all so different because I'm so swollen still. I hope my tummy will look like your eventually. Hope your feeling GREAT. Take care. :-)
Shellybee 12 Jul 2011
Thanks Newbelle! I ate alot of Pineapple - 2 or 3 whole ones a week (still do - at least 1 ) took over the counter water pills, wrapped that binder pretty tight and drank a ton of water. I know it helped alot. Plus limited the proteins so that I could the system moving without too much trouble. Asparagus is a good direutic as well. As my husband and doc keep telling me PATIENCE.... I just want it perfect yesterday is all... am I being unreasonable? hahahah anyway friend take care
WKYAmy 10 Jul 2011
Shellybee - I also had an issue with a stitch. Mine was an internal one - I have an opening the width of a pencil...so, I get to pack it with gauze 2x day. The doc says its pretty deep. It is definitely a slow healing process, but the doctor doesn't seem too worried. From what I have read, I am expecting 3 weeks for this to heal up and close. This happened to me at 3 weeks post op, Surgery on June 14th. I am pretty swollen on that side, but still very happy with my results. My waist is down 3.5 inches so far without lipo. I had very severe muscle repair, I was separated about 4 inches in some places - very excited to see results at 6 months.

Good Luck to you and your pics are awesome!
Amy
Shellybee 12 Jul 2011
Thanks Amy - I am excited for you too - all will be worth it I am sure of it. Did your doc do the silver nitrate thing? I hope this closes up soon - I was feeling so sexy and pretty and now I have this little hole that is ooozing yuck - it's small not even as big as the eraser on a pencil, hubby says I am way ahead of most and to get over my perfectionist expectations.. (he knows me pretty well)anyway - I'm praying for your speedy healing - I figure by the holidays we are going to be 2 sharp looking women :)

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