POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Anchor Tummy Tuck Schedule March 21, 2011 - Fort Bragg, NC
ORIGINAL POST
Three years ago I weighed 327lbs. I lost 125 of it...
Rory76March 19, 2011
WORTH IT$10,000
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.
Replies (7)
March 22, 2011
Hi Rory,
Congratulations on your weight loss and also for paying it back! Amazing:)
Thinking about you and hope you are doing well and staying comfortable. Update us when you are able.
March 22, 2011
Ok. I survived it.. :D. I am very glad to be home in my own bed.. As far as pain levels I am certain the nurse exaggerated when she used the word "discomfort".. but this is day 2 and I am able to make it to the bathroom on my own. I am trying not to push to hard (I have a tendency to believe I can do anything at any given moment no matter the later damage I cause)
Thank you for all the well wishes.
Kimmer your articles have saved my sanity the last few days before surgery..Army doctors are not always so good with giving you a lot of info. :)
Thank you for all the well wishes.
Kimmer your articles have saved my sanity the last few days before surgery..Army doctors are not always so good with giving you a lot of info. :)
March 22, 2011
Hurray you are home!!! Glad to hear all went well and you are on the road to recovery!
I know..minor discomfort my butt...it hurts like hell. Now you must rest, medicate, stay hydrated and be a good patient.
Keep me up to date on how you are doing. Hugs:)
March 22, 2011
WooHoo...we are tummy tuck buddies, I guess. I also had mine yesterday! I'm doing pretty ok so far, but can't wait to get back up and running around. Have you seen your doctor yet? I have a 3:30 appt this afternoon and can't wait to see my belly!
March 22, 2011
I don't have to go in till Thursday.. Its taking everything I have not to peek. Lol. I can tell the panni is gone and that is good enough for now.
I have make it out to the couch and I feel a hundred times better not to be couped up in my bed. Sitting still is not my favorite thing.. how is your pain? Mines is a lot better then it was this morning.
I have make it out to the couch and I feel a hundred times better not to be couped up in my bed. Sitting still is not my favorite thing.. how is your pain? Mines is a lot better then it was this morning.
March 22, 2011
Actually sitting feels better to me than laying down...but maybe that's because I don't have a recliner. And I've been taking Vicodin but I think I'm allergic to it because it makes me itchy, VERY itchy! I'm staying at my dad's house while I recover so my kids don't push me to do something I shouldn't...but this involves alot of stairs. :( I'm currently waiting to see the doctor...I'll be sure to take a pic while the binder is off to show you what my belly looks like. Happy Healing!!
UPDATED FROM Rory76
2 days post
So today was a dressing change.. I was completely...
Rory76March 23, 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.
Replies (5)
March 23, 2011
oh hun i'm so sorry that you are not happy. I am not sure exactly with a pannecultectomy is but sometimes doctors do slightly change whatever surgery he was originally supposed to do depending on his findings at the time of surgery. You say you still have loose skin on top of the abdomen and I dont understand why the doc didnt do the proper / full procedure that would help eliminate this. I mean, that's one of the reasons why people have a tummy tuck. Did you have the dressing change at the docs office? Definitely talk it over with him as to how you feel. Hopefully though the end result will be much better than what you see now (From what I have been reading on, it will be). Regarding your pain, call your doc office and tell 'em you need something stronger! Take care of yourself. I heard drinking pineapple juice helps with swelling and inflammation and oh Arnica which is a herbal pill totally safe to use at anytime. I'm booked for April 4 . .
March 23, 2011
I am so sorry its not what you thought. What were his reasoning for changing the surgery? Just know it will get better.
March 23, 2011
Are you sure? Did you speak with the PS about this? I'm hoping for the best for you!!!
March 23, 2011
I have an appointment in the morning.. he better have clear answers as to why it is this way.
March 24, 2011
I saw that you wrote your doctor was an “Army Surgeon”… does this mean he is a general surgeon or is he licensed to perform PS? I did not think that a panniculectomy was something that Cosmetic Surgeons did as they are typically not done for esthetic purposes... more for practicality and hygiene, as I am sure you know.
I am sorry you are unhappy with your results. I am hoping for your sake it is just a matter or swelling and there is loose skin that your doctor will fix this for you... that is if you even want to see this doctor again. Best wishes.
I am sorry you are unhappy with your results. I am hoping for your sake it is just a matter or swelling and there is loose skin that your doctor will fix this for you... that is if you even want to see this doctor again. Best wishes.
UPDATED FROM Rory76
3 days post
Went in for post open wound care.. The PS...
Rory76March 24, 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. :)
Replies (14)
March 24, 2011
He is an actual PS. The army has them to help repair wounded warriors and dependent who need reconstructive care.. I am not sure why at this time he chose to only do part of the surgery he explained to me, but I will know this morning..I am going for my dressing change.. I am trying to be ok with what was done. I have a lot more positive outlook this morning since I was able to sleep all night. :)
March 24, 2011
I'm so happy you're feeling better now. I'm sure you will look fabulous when all is said and done!
March 24, 2011
The dressing change and being allowed to shower made all the difference in the world.. :) How are you feeling Sammy?
March 24, 2011
You're allowed to shower?! I am sooo jealous...hopefully I'll get the ok to shower after my appointment tomorrow.
I am doing ok, I guess. Lots of ups and downs...thankfully there have been more ups today. This binder is so annoying and makes me very itchy. And I miss my husband and kids so much--staying away from them has been more difficult than dealing with the pain. :(
Still wishing for a fast forward button so I can see the end result and be back to my everyday life!
I am doing ok, I guess. Lots of ups and downs...thankfully there have been more ups today. This binder is so annoying and makes me very itchy. And I miss my husband and kids so much--staying away from them has been more difficult than dealing with the pain. :(
Still wishing for a fast forward button so I can see the end result and be back to my everyday life!
March 24, 2011
P.S.- Goof for you for being able to sleep all night...I haven't had a great night's sleep since pre-surgery.
March 24, 2011
When we found out I was doing this surgery we ordered a reclining couch.. it was delivered yesterday.. the whole thing reclines so we slept on that last night and I only had to get up once. The shower was lovely (wore me out a bit) and kimmers advice for the work out band to hold the drains did the trick. Soon you will be able to shower I am sure.
I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to be away from your family but I think you made a good choice.. you know you better then anyone if leaving is what it would take for you to heal then enjoy it.. because I can tell you an excited 5 year old wrapped around you is not pleasant at all..When do you plan to go home?
I cannot imagine how hard it is for you to be away from your family but I think you made a good choice.. you know you better then anyone if leaving is what it would take for you to heal then enjoy it.. because I can tell you an excited 5 year old wrapped around you is not pleasant at all..When do you plan to go home?
March 24, 2011
We are thinking I'll stay at my dad's for two weeks. My son is three and is pretty good about understanding that "mommy has a boo-boo", but my daughter is only thirteen months and doesn't really take no for an answer when it comes to her restrictions with me.
I was looking into renting a hospital bed, but somehow got distracted and never got around to it. At this point, it doesn't even make sense to bother since it's only getting easier to move around. Each night I wake up to pee and then take FOREVER to fall back asleep...I can't wait til my bladder goes back to normal so I can sleep through the night again.
How's your pain today? What are you taking?
I was looking into renting a hospital bed, but somehow got distracted and never got around to it. At this point, it doesn't even make sense to bother since it's only getting easier to move around. Each night I wake up to pee and then take FOREVER to fall back asleep...I can't wait til my bladder goes back to normal so I can sleep through the night again.
How's your pain today? What are you taking?
March 24, 2011
The first 2 nights I had a horrible time with sleeping cause of the up and down to go pee. Last night was only once. Today it is more normal.
My pain is not nearly what it was yesterday. It seemed like the tegaderm (sp?) was pulling on the incision site. Once they removed that today I as able to move more freely and that has helped a tremendous amount. Yesterday I as taking percocet on schedule not a second late but today I only had to take it once. I think I got so excited about the shower and the freedom of movement I got a little ahead of myself and decided I could handle going to walmart. Lol. Not quite ready for that. I can't take the huge motrin they gave me so I am onl gonna take 2 normal ones.
My PS used internal stitches, glue and a layer of steristrips to hold it together.. Then moved my belly button up. (That doesn't look great yet lol) I am taking montana arnica on schedule and that seems to keep my bruising to a minimun but I look like I swallowed a basket ball. What did you think when yu saw your tummy without the dressings?
My pain is not nearly what it was yesterday. It seemed like the tegaderm (sp?) was pulling on the incision site. Once they removed that today I as able to move more freely and that has helped a tremendous amount. Yesterday I as taking percocet on schedule not a second late but today I only had to take it once. I think I got so excited about the shower and the freedom of movement I got a little ahead of myself and decided I could handle going to walmart. Lol. Not quite ready for that. I can't take the huge motrin they gave me so I am onl gonna take 2 normal ones.
My PS used internal stitches, glue and a layer of steristrips to hold it together.. Then moved my belly button up. (That doesn't look great yet lol) I am taking montana arnica on schedule and that seems to keep my bruising to a minimun but I look like I swallowed a basket ball. What did you think when yu saw your tummy without the dressings?
March 24, 2011
I am sooo in love with my new and improved belly...I keep undoing the binder to peek at it! LoL Although, I haven't seen my belly button yet, so I'm anxious to see that tomorrow. When I went for my post-op on Tuesday my belly button started bleeding when he took the bandage off, so he stuck a piece of gauze in it...I'm hoping that looks just as good as everything else.
Actually, I am still taking the pain killers at night...my insomnia is more about being home sick than anything else.
Actually, I am still taking the pain killers at night...my insomnia is more about being home sick than anything else.
March 25, 2011
Don't worry..you will be home before you know it. I am the same way and don't like to be away from home and my family. It is not a great feeling I know but just focus on the healing right now.
The more you relax and rest the quicker you will heal. You will have your life back to normal in no time at all. And with the bonus of the beautiful new tummy.
Hang in there:)
March 24, 2011
If its taking forever for you to fall back asleep and your not taking the narcotic pain killers anymore I would suggest asking your surgeons nurse if you can having a sleeping pill to get a solids night rest.. Sleep is very important to your healing.
Today's your big day! Congrats on losing all that weight on your own. Amazing!
Please let us know how your surgery goes. Thinking about you.