Tummy Tuck: Stories

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Almost 6 months, pictures added. No big change but back in control

I am a 48 year old breast cancer survivor . Prior...

  • 8 Oct 2012
  • 1 month pre

I am a 48 year old breast cancer survivor . Prior to my diagnosis I was going to consider a breast lift, cancer surprise and I had mastectomy and implants. I an feeling great and love my PS., now I am ready for a TT. I am a bit scared, but want to feel sexy and joythful. Currently scheduled for nov 7. Trying to cram on exercise and good nutrician in the next bee weeks. I am 5'2" and 140lbs. Will post pictures soon. You stories have all be so inspiring!!

Hi girls, tomorrow it is my turn, I am feeling...

  • 8 Nov 2012
  • 1 day pre
Hi girls, tomorrow it is my turn, I am feeling like a 5 year old on christmas eve! Just took measurements and my pictures, will need to post them when my kids are available for tech help. I could be up all night looking at all the wonderful pictures you all have posted. More later, get the last of the laundry done.

Today is my 3rd day post op, saw the PS and he...

  • 12 Nov 2012
  • 3 days post
Today is my 3rd day post op, saw the PS and he removed the dressings, so just steri strips and of course the drains. My pain is minimal if I am sitting or lying down, walking is another story. I am so hunched over, and he wants me to stay that way until friday (my next appt). The compression garment is full length, bra to my knees, hot and itchy. Hope all are doing well.

So today I am one week post op. Drain are out! I...

  • 16 Nov 2012
  • 7 days post
so today I am one week post op. Drain are out! I have a great deal of swelling (baby bump look), I did not look this way befor surgery and looked better when I had my appt on monday. My PS thinks I am not resting enough, this could be true (I am not good at sitting still). My PS knows me very well as he had done multiple breast procedures on me related to my cancer. I was planning on working some next week and looks like I will need to readjust my schedule. I am going to stay in bed as much as possible for the next few days and hope I start to look better. I am not having much discomfort, more back pain from walking hunched over. Wish I could get in my bath tub and soak (of course this is not an option). May go and get a massage of my arms, legs, neck and head. Feeling alittle grumpy, which is not like me, grrr.

Ok, so I posted a few of my shoots from today, not...

  • 18 Nov 2012
  • 9 days post
Ok, so I posted a few of my shoots from today, not the best quality, from my lap top. I swear I am the most technical illiterate person in the whole world. My 14 year old son helped me, kind of awkward asking him. Anyhow, I will later post some pre ops, they are on my camera, so that will be a new challenge. The ugly sports bra is for the fat grafting I had to my breasts, which looks great, at least I am happy about that! I had a smaller midsection prior to my TT, maybe pulling the muscles together and swelling explain the bloated look? As my husband tells me, it is just 9 days, and I am not as young as some of the ladies here. I did put on some jeans to go out to breakfast this am and they zipped, so that is good. I will need to go to the office for a few hours in the morning tomorrow, so we will see how that goes. Must tell you I am so thankful for this site, comparing notes, talking each other off the ledge, etc., really helps.

Tomorrow is 4 weeks, still compressing and feel...

  • 6 Dec 2012
  • 27 days post
Tomorrow is 4 weeks, still compressing and feel like my tummy sticks out, but look down and it's fairly flat. I am back to gym, no cardio or core, just isolated arms and legs, thank God for my trainer. Back to ps on Monday.

PS was pleased with my progress , tells me it will...

  • 10 Dec 2012
  • 1 month post
PS was pleased with my progress , tells me it will take months for final results. I continue with CG and may gradually increase activity. I guess this is good, but surprised that long until next visit unless I have problems.

I see slight improvement every day, crazy though,...

  • 12 Dec 2012
  • 1 month post
I see slight improvement every day, crazy though, but this time of the day I feel like I should look down and be 9 months pregnant, I guess it is the tightness. Still get up and takes a minute to straightness if I sit to long, I assume that is normal. Pictures today in the my old higher cut panties, maybe time for me to shop for some that are lower cut as my incision is at least 1-2 inches below on these! If I develop the same passion I have for shoe at VS, I may need to get a second job! Good luck to all you having surgery this month.

So here I am at 6 weeks, just seems like no...

  • 22 Dec 2012
  • 1 month post
So here I am at 6 weeks, just seems like no difference since last picture. I thinking I am expecting too much. I need to remember I am older and final results make take months. Saw surgeon yesterday and he was pleased. Did yoga this am and felt ok. Merry Christmas to all.

7 weeks yesterday, expecting to be flatter and...

  • 29 Dec 2012
  • 1 month post
7 weeks yesterday, expecting to be flatter and still feel tight and full (maybe to much fruitcake). PS is satisfied , see him back in 3 months for pictures. He says activity to tolerance? Still sore with trying a plank for 30 seconds. So not going to do core yet.

Thank you all for cheering me up! I am laughing at...

  • 29 Dec 2012
  • 1 month post
Thank you all for cheering me up! I am laughing at myself, got to tell you what I just did. I am wearing a crotchless CG, today I had panties over (sometimes I go commando), went to bathroom and totally forgot I was wearing panties! Only I could pee my crotchless CG! Resting this afternoon and enjoying laziness!

Hello all of my favorite peeps in TT land! I am...

  • 6 Jan 2013
  • 2 months post
Hello all of my favorite peeps in TT land! I am now 8 weeks post op and feeling good, my latest pictures are in jeans, I wore these before surgery, by much happier with fit now. I need to shop for newer jeans, but have been so busy with work and holidays. I continue to lift weights, still not much intense cardio or core. Only pain is if I try to run or engage my core with lifting, thank goodness I have a great personal trainer who has accommodated my needs. I really think being fit prior to surgery has helped in my recovery. Advice to those considering a TT would be get in shape before surgery and realize surgeon is not a magician. More later.

Also noticing more waist definition from immediate...

  • 6 Jan 2013
  • 2 months post
Also noticing more waist definition from immediate post op. still some swelling and feel bigger than I look at times, goal to lose 10 lbs in the next 3 months, I think that will get me there.

Well it has taken me 2 months to stop the CG and...

  • 11 Jan 2013
  • 2 months post
Well it has taken me 2 months to stop the CG and binder! Did plates class last night and even some of the core moves. Today I am a little sore and stiff but ok. Hope to run tomorrow. I will also post new post op pictures in the am!

Well I am just over 9 weeks, and things are going...

  • 16 Jan 2013
  • 2 months post
Well I am just over 9 weeks, and things are going well! I added new pictures taken this am while dressing, I looked in mirror and was happy at the tummy looking back. Lets face it most of the time I am in clothing so how I look dressed is most important. I still have fullness and mild swelling late in the day but improving. Gained about 4 pounds since TT so need to get serious about a diet. Back to the gym and running, I do have some soreness/burning after activity but tolerable. I am not doing crunches, but planks and light core. Hope all are well!

Hi girls! I am 12 weeks post op today. Feeling...

  • 1 Feb 2013
  • 3 months post
Hi girls! I am 12 weeks post op today. Feeling good about results, although it is easy to try and find minor imperfections. I am back to all my activity at the gym, including crunches with weight, etc. I feel tight and sore but in a good way. I have been over eating which is typical for me in the winter, trying hard to do better. My 49th bday is this weekend so I am sure I will overindulge. My waist is measuring abit smaller even with my weight up a few pounds, no loose skin and scar low, flat and thin. I have had no spitting stitches and really doing nothing for scar but lotion. Have a great weekend!

So I am on vacation skiing this week and lots of...

  • 13 Feb 2013
  • 3 months post
So I am on vacation skiing this week and lots of swelling. No new pictures but you can see from my last I had very minimal swelling. I skied all day today and actually had abdominal discomfort, frustrating! I plan to ski thru Sunday, I hope my new ski pants will still button, grrrr.

Sharing a picture if my belly button, I love how I...

  • 24 Feb 2013
  • 3 months post
Sharing a picture if my belly button, I love how I hardly have a scar, perfect innie and perfectly centered! Oh it is the little things I love.

I am now over 4 months post TT. I am grumpy and...

  • 19 Mar 2013
  • 4 months post
I am now over 4 months post TT. I am grumpy and mad at myself. I have gained 9 pounds in the last few months! I am so mad at me, I need to get a grip and put down my fork, I see most of the change in my legs, but also full feeling upper tummy, certainly hope not to ruin my results. I was to see my ps next week, I am calling in the am and rescheduling for next month. I would be embarrassed to go back at this point.

Ok girls, I don't want to be left out. I am now...

  • 19 Apr 2013
  • 5 months post
Ok girls, I don't want to be left out. I am now just over 5 months. Can't believe I just stopped everything to take pictures of my tummy sitting, lol. There is a reason none of the post op pictures our docs take are sitting, that skin must bunch up, and not so flattering. My butt and thighs also expand, yikes ! I am feeling good about things, finally back on diet track and have dropped a few pounds, but soo hard, best to you all!

Ok, now almost 6 months post op. feeling better,...

  • 5 May 2013
  • 6 months post
Ok, now almost 6 months post op. feeling better, back in control of my diet. I go back to the ps later this week. I feel like I eventually could use some lipo of my love handles, but don't want any loose skin. I still have a lot of tightness in my upper ab area centrally at mr, pulling sensation with weights doing incline crunches, etc. anyone else with tight feeling this far out? I am heading to the beach in a few weeks with moms group. I am thinking I might try a modest bikini top and board shorts, hoping I won't chicken out...

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Comments (326)

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WildFlowerInOC 13 May 2013
Wow, Buffy! You look beyond fantastic! I am so happy for you, and just congratulate you on your journey, especially how bravely you endured through your battle with breast cancer. What phenomenal results and yay for you and your sexy figure. woo hoo! :D
BuffyR 13 May 2013
Thank wildflower, sometimes I am not so brave, but hoping to be around for a long time enjoying my flat tummy. Being a cancer patient means a lot of poking, probing and nakedness. Great to have a body I am comfortable to expose, lol,
BuffyR 15 May 2013
Thanks, life is good!
Talented 12 May 2013
Hi Buffy! Just checking in and saying hi! I signed up for Heaven Can Wait 5k and would like to wear your name on my shirt when I run. Would that be OK with you? Everyone around me is wearing my name, and I am so honored. And LUCKY! Would love to pass some of the love on for you. This is my 3rd year to do the race. It's pretty awesome and full of support. I'm feeling great and hope to be able to run it non-stop. So far I can go about 2-2 1/2 miles non stop, so I have a ways to go. And yeah, the swelling comes on, but it's worth it!
BuffyR 13 May 2013
Wow, I would be honored to have you do that! When and where is the race? Buffy is an old college nickname . Can't wait to hear more details!
Talented 13 May 2013
Hi Buffy! The race is the first Sunday in June in Bend Oregon. My family is real involved since my diagnosis and runs the aid stations. The first year I was in the hospital and my husband went to it, ran it, put my name on a pink Fire Truck and drove back home the same day (350 miles!) to sit with me after surgery. A year later, I ran it with my husband. Us cancer survivors wear blue hats and we all get high fives and congratulations all along the course. It puts me to tears every year with all the attention. I am honored to wear your name! It will be awesome to feel your presence while I'm running, knowing how close we are in life stories! It's really a feel good day, and an amazing turnout.
BuffyR 15 May 2013
Talented, all I can say is wow! I am so honored. It is amazing the bond cancer survivors share. My life has truly been enriched by many people that I have met on my journey. Unfortunately a few have not been as fortunate as you and I. People like you and your family offer hope to those along the way. I can only imagine how touching it must be to be a survivor in this race! Keep me posted.
Kricken 10 May 2013
Girl, I just read your story and saw the pix. That body is smokin hot! Yeah your right, 48/49 is the new 20/21. I wanna be at least 21 so I can still drink! And a bikini would look much better on you, but I'm still happy to be wearing one at all! And as for the survivor in you---- I'm just in awe of you and talented. You girl are my heroes.
Talented 10 May 2013
Awe Kricken...just love you girl!
BuffyR 13 May 2013
Love!
Imasweetie10 7 May 2013
Buffy, you look great! You could definitely wear a bikini proudly!! And you should. Congratulations on your success story.
BuffyR 12 May 2013
Thanks sweetie!
Melisrw78 5 May 2013
Hi you look awesome! I hear ya about wanting love handle lipo. My friend who had hers 2yrs ago said its her complain spot also but that's it's just lose skin. It probably bothers us and noone else notices it. I'm still very tight! I still hunch and have to consciously make myself stand up tall. I never anticipated it being this long of a recovery. Who new. I think you can go bikini all the way! Xoxoxox
Talented 5 May 2013
HiBuffy! You sure should get a bikini top and sport it proudly! You look fabulous! If you saw your picture on someone elses bio, you'd think " thin and gorgeous"! and that's exactly what you are! Go for it, just watch out for all those men that'll be staring at you!!
BuffyR 5 May 2013
You are sweet, I am going shopping next weekend for a "two piece". The only men looking maybe senile, but why not. The girls I am traveling with are all much younger (we started our family late), but I still have a better tummy than several of them, plus we do not allow cameras on our trips!
SweetMahogani 5 May 2013
You look great standing & sitting in my opinion. I am looking forward to my turn on the flat side. Congrats on your great results!
BuffyR 5 May 2013
Thanks and good like, will be looking for your pictures soon.
Silversunshine 2 May 2013
Looking great!!!!!!! Hugs!!!!!
Talented 27 Apr 2013
HiBuffy! You look and sound fantastic! I am also a breast cancer survivor, (May 2010) double mastectomy, expanders and then implants, tattooed nipples ~ and then the TT on 3/18! I love this site, talking to all of us that have been through these things, relating perfectly to all the ups and downs, sharing our lives. No one better to understand than those that have walked in our shoes. Congrats on being a sister survivor, and con rats on your Beautiflat (my own word) body! You look gorgeous!
Talented 27 Apr 2013
Con rats? Really? CONGRATS! Silly auto correct :)
BuffyR 29 Apr 2013
Nice to meet you! How old are you? Did you do chemo? I hope you are doing well. I am better than ever, in many ways. Cancer was a wake up call for me. I used my plastic surgeon that did my reconstruction for my TT . Going thru all the breast procedures, really gave me the opportunity to know him and his work. My husband thinks I have a crush on him, lol he is cute, but very young. Do you have pictures posted? There are several of us cancer sisters, all living life to the max, we are so worth it!
Talented 29 Apr 2013
Hi Buffy, I am going to be 60 in August, but my mind is still in my early 40's! I was diagnosed 3 years ago in the very early stages. I elected to have double mastectomy rather than radiation due to family history ~ didn't have time to mess around! I'm doing great also. Yes, it certainly is a wake up call. I also used my PS for my TT that did my reconstruction. I adore him, and I do have a crush on him! He's the only other man that has played with my boobs besides my husband!! LOL! I can't post pictures as hard as I have tried ~ including sending some out into cyber space! Old phone and the first iPad without a camera. It's frustrating because I am so happy with my results and would love to share them. When I had my TT, I had to have reconstruction on my reconstruction, and I think that pain was worse than the TT! We are definetly worth this! I am so grateful to be able to enjoy this life! You know exactly what I mean!
BuffyR 1 May 2013
Exactly!
petitemom 21 Apr 2013
You look great. I think our bodies look very similar. Enjoy your spring and summer. Take care.
marski1974 19 Apr 2013
Are still wearing compression? If not how long did you wear it for?

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