I Am So Nervous for Tummy Tuck on 11/1/10 is This Normal - New Bedford, MA

Yes my belly button had/has the red ring around it.  This is where the stitches were placed.  My is fading more and more every month so no worries.

ok good, thanks for the reassurance!

When did you start working out again?

I started back at the gym at six weeks but only doing light treadmill.  It hurt and I had horrible swelling.  Then at 12 weeks I started adding light weights back in to the routine.  Only up to 10 pounds though.  At that point I was able to do some lunges, arm exercises and increased the treadmill to the dreaded hill mode.  I was also running again at 6 mph for 30 minutes at a time. 

My doc did not clear me for any Abs until six months post op.  Even at that point I went slow and easy.  Try different things and if they hurt or pull your abs just don't do it.  You know your own body so just listen to it and go slow.  I had  my trainer work with me on a modified ab program to ease me back into the workout.  That really helped me because I had no idea what I should or shouldn't't do. 

I am now back to my booty kicking boot camp classes and loving it. 

great thanks. I have a treadmill so I will try that first. I swear to God i've gaine weight in the past week. I miss working out so much.

I know it is really hard just sitting around waiting for the healing to finish.  When you are use to working out on a regular basis it is so hard to just do nothing.  About makes you crazy.

Just try some treadmill and that really helps.  It will get you moving again and make you sleep better too.

I started noticing the scar fading at about 12 weeks.  But everyone is different so don;t base it on that.  Some just take a little longer than others.  Just keep up on the oils and it will happen. 

My tummy is smooth and blended now - I did have a little trouble with that early on but that straightened out.  I wonder if your is just from swelling and fluid retention?

Hi Kimmers,
Just wondering where I find your pictures? I never did get to check them out. I did not take any pictures. I haven't been on in a about a month, things are going well. Did you find that your upper stomach gets tight and sore, almost like a twinge sensation when it gets sore? I also ended up with a tiny dog ear, doctor said I may be able to rub that out but I don't think it's going to go away unless I go back in to have it fixed. Overall I am happy with my results.

Hi Salem,

Yes my upper stomach was very sore for a long time.  It just takes weeks for all of that to heal.   Do try massaging the dog ear pretty firmly and that may help.  It is worth a try..

Here is the link to my profile and pictures..

http://www.realself.com/review/madison-wi-full-tummy-tuck-lipo-excellent-results

I ended up finding the pictures after I wrote to you, OMG!!! You look fantastic!!! You should be very proud of yourself! Heck, I don't even know you and I'm proud of you! LOL!! Good job!

Thank you Salem.   I still do not believe it myself; it is all totally crazy to me.   It is funny because when I go into a store clothes shopping I always go directly to the size 16-18 racks.  My brain still has me large. 

It takes a long time to build confidence up and realize the changes.  Boy I sound like a mental case...LOL

It has been a long hard road but all worth it.

I can understand that if you wore that size for a long time. And no, you do not sound like a mental case! LOL!
I have another question. I bought the Mederma gel instead of the cream. Do you know if there is a difference? I do know that it is kind of drying and man, have I have been extremely itchy!!

I did the same thing at first and hated the Gel.  It didn't give me any moisture and I was all flaky from it.  That is when I changed over to the cream. 

It is making me flake too. Also, my scar is still a dark purplish color, doesn't seem to be fading much, i'm starting to get a little ansy about it. And my daughter said my upper stomach doesn't look as tight as it did. Did your stomach losen up a bit too?

Hi Salem,

Yes your skin will losen up a little bit.  It is so tight in the beginning and then as you heal and settle you will notice a little more skin.  But at least we don't have hanging muffing tops now!!

I do a ton of leg lifts every day which helps in tightening the tummy.  They are killers but seem to work well.

I'm totally fine with it being a little looser, just don't want it to get big again! I can't wait until I can start doing stomach excersises, but I know that won't be for at least another 3 months or so. January 15th will be my 3 month mark so I am hoping by March I can start working out somewhat normally. Thanks for all your advice and always responding, you are such a big help to me!