“Anchor Tummy Tuck Schedule March 21, 2011 - Fort Bragg, NC”

Three years ago I weighed 327lbs. I lost 125 of it with diet modifications like clean eating and portion contol. I have a large flap of skin and loose shin and tissue above my belly button. Because of this skin my mobility is impaired. I cannot run unless I'm spanx'd to death which is just not comfortable either. I am also now a certified personal trainer, my way of paying forward my weightloss, but who would trust a trainer thaat looks fat? Not me.. so I decided its time for me to do something for me. :) I go in Monday... I am writing this on Saturday.

The pros of this are limitless.. the cons are just the down time... am I nervous? Heck yes but I know I am in great hands. I will upload before and afters when I get home.

Updated on 22 Mar 2011:


Updated on 23 Mar 2011:
So today was a dressing change.. I was completely unprepared for what I saw.. instead of the anchor cut that the PS and I discussed as the only chance I had at good results, I basically received a panniculectomy.. I am distraught. My pain is not under control and I would have never gone through with this if he would have told me prior to surgery that he just wasn't going to bother doing the surgery we had talked about. I understand there is bloating and such and the results cannot be judges for weeks but with all the loose skin on my upper abdomen I am at a loss.. sorry for such a negative post..but I had to vent my despair.

Updated on 24 Mar 2011:
Went in for post open wound care.. The PS explained his choice of not doing the full surgery.. He fixed the drain that was hurting.. I ammuch better now.. thank you all for your support. :)

Updated on 25 Mar 2011:
Ok today is day 4 post op.. My goals for today are to be pain killer free, take my second shower, check on my garden ( point at anything that needs to be weeded) and maybe fold some more laundry ( no I am not able to get it out on my own lol) and make dinner. Day 4.. my lower back is killing me from being stooped over and sleeping in weird ways, my drains are in the dang way of everything, and I would like for the colace to work but other then that my only" discomfort" as the nurse deemed it is in my hip area.. feels like something is pulling..other then that it is a billion times better then day 2. Wish everyone well in their healing or decision making process. :)

Updated on 26 Mar 2011:
Ok on to day 5.. Yesterday went ok. I ended up having to take a pain killer when I got a tickle in my throat leading to a coughing fit.. new note to self Avoid that ever happening again!!! I will be keeping halls refesh handy for quite awhile. I am increasingly frustrated will my "balls" the drains are always in th way. (My drain insertion points are on the insides of my thighs) I am very very very hopeful that they will take them out Tuesday. So maybe today will be a no painkiller day. Sleep is still on and off but its also improving..I was able to walk alot more yesterday without being exhausted....My new belly button is ummmm something but even with my pot belly and that i now have i am content with the results I think.

Updated on 27 Mar 2011:
Lets see day 6.... boredom has set in. But at least yesterday I was able things around the house like dishes and dinner. A little more each day..Not in any real pain which is a huge plus. The is just alot of stretching sensation. :)

As far as the blues goes.. I am having to look at my before pictures often so I can remember where I started. It at least stops the tears about whays less. I have to remember to be grateful.

Updated on 29 Mar 2011:
Its been a week since surgery. I got my drains out today!!!! Its so much better. :) My movement has improved a tremendous amount. I had a visit today and it went ok. I am just impatiently waiting to be able to sleep normally and then the bavk pain will go away. I drove myself to the appointment today. The freedom helped the blues. My swelling is down. I still get tired quickly but its understandable.. Healing more each day. :)