Tummy Tuck: Stories
Write a ReviewTook the Plunge. Date Set for April 18th - New Jersey
- i am mine
- posted 2 years ago
- updated 2 years ago
- Worth It
- Cost: $7,950
- Dr. David Rayfield (New Jersey)
So, after spending weeks reading every post on...
- 26 Feb 2011
- 2 months pre
So, after spending weeks reading every post on this site and 3 years of depression I finally took the plunge and set the date, made the appointment and most importantly put down a hefty deposit:)
A little background on me.. I am 26, I have always been fairly happy with my body... I am 5'2" and would hover around 135 or a pants size of about a 6/7. Then 3 years ago that all changed... I became pregnant with my first and only and boy did that change my world in more ways than one. Due to prior issues maintaining pregnancies I was put on a pretty intense dosage of progesterone... That was when it all started to go down hill. During those lovely 9 months, I gained a total of about 75-80lbs. I don't think when your pregnant, especially for the first time you realize that you only push out about 6-10 of those 75lbs... the rest is all you! So, needless to say my body was a hot mess. About 2 years ago I got down to my pre-pregnancy weight and was disgusted to see the look of my stomach area was just as bad as it was 50lbs heavier, atleast to me. That sent me into a massive depressive episode... What was the sense of being so dedicated to a diet with zero reward? I just didn't care anymore and the weight came back like a bat out of hell. I am now at about 167.
I scheduled my TT for mid-May because I am a full time student and that is when my semester is over and I also am hoping to drop atleast 20 or more lbs to achieve the best results I can. My PS said to me, he knows I will have excellent results from the procedure but, he is concerned with how I will look at the rest of my body if I dont lose some weight first... and, I appreciate him pointing that out to me. He also told me that at the weight I am at now, I would need to have "extensive lipo" I forget the amount he quoted but, when I asked him to dumb it down he said the equivalent to "4 cans of coke"... he said there is risk with that must liposuction of having a "rippled" appearance so that is another reason I am determined to drop as many lbs as I reasonably can in the time I have left (ahem 79 days... 2 hours, 35 minutes and 17 seconds LOL!)... So, that is my story for now. I would like to post more about my concerns and what not, but I feel as if I am babbling a bit so, I will save it for later... After all I have 79 days to obsess so I've gotta spread it out! ;)
Okay... So, I literally have over 2 months of...
- 3 Mar 2011
- 1 month pre
Okay... So, I literally have over 2 months of waiting... and, I may have not mentioned I have the patience of a 4 year old. Ugh! Couple of questions I have for anyone who may be reading these ramblings of mine.....
Has anyone out there used silicone sheeting? One of the PS I consulted with gave me a booklet for some, and after reading the reviews they seem to help amazingly... however, obviously that is from the official website so, it would be pretty stupid if they said it works "alright" Lol... Would love to hear from some real people who have used this with positive or negative results?
ALso, I have some concerns about the scar... some pictures I am seen show the scar forming almost a "ledge"... that looks rigid and pretty strange... Now, is this a result of swelling above the scar area? I have seen results in the "not worth it" especially where this seems to have been a permanent result in a few cases. I find the scar itself is a small price to pay... however, I will pass on the scar shelf.. Any advice or expertise in this area??
I am so excited for my day to come but at the same time I am a little worried I am maybe putting to much faith in what my results are going to be. I know I am notgoing to be walking down the runway in the next Victoria Secret fashion show however, I would love to knock an ex or two on their asses at the beach;) Ahhh... I am going crazy and I still have 74 dayssss. Help ladies? Who wants to play the licence plate game;)
Has anyone out there used silicone sheeting? One of the PS I consulted with gave me a booklet for some, and after reading the reviews they seem to help amazingly... however, obviously that is from the official website so, it would be pretty stupid if they said it works "alright" Lol... Would love to hear from some real people who have used this with positive or negative results?
ALso, I have some concerns about the scar... some pictures I am seen show the scar forming almost a "ledge"... that looks rigid and pretty strange... Now, is this a result of swelling above the scar area? I have seen results in the "not worth it" especially where this seems to have been a permanent result in a few cases. I find the scar itself is a small price to pay... however, I will pass on the scar shelf.. Any advice or expertise in this area??
I am so excited for my day to come but at the same time I am a little worried I am maybe putting to much faith in what my results are going to be. I know I am notgoing to be walking down the runway in the next Victoria Secret fashion show however, I would love to knock an ex or two on their asses at the beach;) Ahhh... I am going crazy and I still have 74 dayssss. Help ladies? Who wants to play the licence plate game;)
Alright... So, I think I am getting to that point...
- 11 Mar 2011
- 1 month pre
Alright... So, I think I am getting to that point in my waiting game where I am already second guessing my decision. As I mentioned earlier I ideally need to lose about 20 lbs minimum by the time of my TT. I started at 169 about 2 weeks ago... and I have been working my butt off and, I am weighing in now at 162. I know that is pretty great considering losing a pound isnt as easy as you'd think however I am just so scared I am not going to be at an idea size by May. The clock is ticking and realistically I KNOW I should have waited until I was already at my goal weight, however as I am sure many of you ladies can understand the money and timing came together and I just felt like I had to jump on the oppertunity. Now the deposit is made,and I am so scared that I am too heavy to get any kind of good results. Dont get me wrong ANYTHING is better then what I presently have lurking under my shirt... however, I have seen some womens before pictures that are comparablewith my body now.. and I feel as if 50% of them have RIDICULOUSLY good results and the other half looks... well, lets just said I would be disappointed. I wish my Pre-Op appointment wasnt such a long time from now because I want to show him some of both and have him tell me which results he feels I should be able to obtain.
Ugh... tick tock!
Ugh... tick tock!
HELP! I hope people are still reading this... I am...
- 12 Mar 2011
- 1 month pre
HELP! I hope people are still reading this... I am having a MAJOR dilemma in my TT plan. Okay- I put my deposit down for May 16 because that is when my semester is over (I only take one class on campus all others are online and so, its not much of a big deal there) and also I figured it would be a decent amount of time to shed some pounds... as I mentioned before. BUT.... The resturaunt where I work has been closed for a few weeks, and when she does re-open it is literally going to be only Fri & Sat.'s until the season picks up... (I live on the Jersey Shore so, it really picks up in the summer around here)... Now, I am struggling with the idea of whether or not I should move up my TT to alot sooner, so that will allow for me to get right back into making money once business picks back up.. Instead of wasting all of this time working maybe once a week... for a private party. (Making literally nothing) and then being out essentially when the resturant is in full swing.
I am thinking to call my PS office and find out if they have any suggestions.. as I really did want to lose some weight first... I am concerned with the results, even though I know 2 months isnt going to make THAT big of a deal, weight wise. So, if anyone is out there reading this.. please tell me what I should do! To move up the date... or not.
I am thinking to call my PS office and find out if they have any suggestions.. as I really did want to lose some weight first... I am concerned with the results, even though I know 2 months isnt going to make THAT big of a deal, weight wise. So, if anyone is out there reading this.. please tell me what I should do! To move up the date... or not.
Ignore my ramblings from the 12th:) I have sorted...
- 15 Mar 2011
- 1 month pre
Ignore my ramblings from the 12th:) I have sorted it all out... kinda. Meeting with the PS on Thursday, but I have a job interview for a 2nd job set up for Sunday so, hopefully I can sock some $$ away now so, I wont feel so guilty about taking off in the summer. Just now struggling with the guilty of accepting a job when I know I am going to have to take a considerable amount of time off in exactly 2 months. Obviously I do NOT plan on telling them it is elective... anyone else "fib" to their employeer and just say "I need to have abdominal surgery" ???
Also, uploaded some befores... I was going to wait til I have "afters" but here they are.... hope no one is eating:D
Also, uploaded some befores... I was going to wait til I have "afters" but here they are.... hope no one is eating:D
Sooo.... I changed my TT date to April 18th....
- 26 Mar 2011
- 23 days pre
Sooo.... I changed my TT date to April 18th. Anyone who may have read my previous ramblings will know that it is due to my place of employment being on a "pre-season" close.... Which was really aggrivating but hey, perfect excuse to move that date up with guilt free time off!! So, April 18th is the big day. Pre-Op is the 4th. Time is moving so fast and so slow at the same time... If that makes any sense! The only down side to doing the TT sooner is there is not much more time to drop those lbs! But, I talked with my PS and he said with the amount of weight I am looking to lose it will only enhance my results.... so, hopefully I will be pleased with my decision. I am thinking to ask my PS about a little inner thigh lipo... nothing extensive. I dont know what he will say because he already mentioned doing a sufficent amount on my tummy. I am most worried about the lovehandle area so, I will take chunky legs over a mushroom cloud tummy any day! Nerves are kicking in a bit but, I still don't feel like it is actually going to happen. I dont think it will feel real until I'm in the OR. 23 days:)
So..... Does anyone here know if having your...
- 30 Mar 2011
- 19 days pre
So..... Does anyone here know if having your period will effect surgery? I just realized that I am probably due to get my period a few days before surgery... what the BEEEEEP!
Less than 2 weeks to go!!! Only recieved 2...
- 6 Apr 2011
- 12 days pre
Less than 2 weeks to go!!! Only recieved 2 perscriptions at Pre-Op... one is Percocet obviously... and the 2nd is another is an antibiotic. That is it though... Is that weird? There are so many ladies on here who have mentioned a pharmacy worth of pills they were given post op.... Just wondering. Also, did anyone shave "down there" before surgery... I have read conflicting info on whether or not you should shave before hand... because of risk of infection? I forgot to ask, and I am not sure if its worth a phone call.... so if anyone has any input I would appreciate it:)
Okay.. well, tt was yesterday... and I'm still...
- 19 Apr 2011
- 1 day post
Okay.. well, tt was yesterday... and I'm still in the hospital in a decent amount of pain. I give you ladies credit... because as of now idk how I'm gonna do this! Will update more.once I'm home and at a real computer
Okay- so, here I am 2 days po.... and, I am...
- 20 Apr 2011
- 2 days post
Okay- so, here I am 2 days po.... and, I am feeling alot better then I was the day after surgery. I think the anesthesia was my LEAST favorite part... I hated how it made me feel for hours and hours after.... also not a big fan of the morphine. Talk about nausea.. wow! But, I am home now in my recliner. I have 86ed the percocets but, will keep them on deck in the event the pain gets unbearable. I am taking Ibprofren 400 and think I will ask if I can alternate with Tylenol every few hours since you cant take the Ibprofren frequently at all. Definatly exhuasted but having a serious hard time getting any rest in the recliner... Idk how you ladies do it. I am SUPER hunched over (seriously almost 90 degrees) but, I also suspect this has to do with the dressing under my compression garment.. it is a but of a tape like binder. .. from my under my breasts to my hips... its awful. I am going and getting that off TODAY thank god. I am thinking that tape thing is causing atleast 50% of the discomfort I have... I hope thats not just wishful thinking. will try and get a few shots today at the docs if I dont pass out.... Also minimal drainage but alot leaking out of drain site..? Anyone else have this? I will ask today just kind of freaking me out... Its not "gushing" but its always wet on my skin there....
- 20 Apr 2011
- 2 days post
Here's my second update of the day- just...
- 20 Apr 2011
- 2 days post
Here's my second update of the day- just wanted to say I went to the doc. and got whatever it is you call what the put under your binder removed and WOW what a difference.. I feel like all that foam and tape was really hindering my movement... mostly the tape. It took up my entire tummy... I dont think I have heard of anyone complaining of this, but it looks sort of like a shower curtain with adhesive on one side. But, that beast is off and I am shocked at how much less hunched over I am. At one point I was completely upright however, I didnt have much steam to stay that way for long. Sleeping is a bit rough as I am usually a side/tummy sleeper so that would be my biggest complaint as of now... the stiff neck from sleeping in the recliner. I am using a travel pillow which helps, but I miss sleeping like normal! Oh and, I am not sure if I mentioned already but I have not taken percocet today, and only took 1 yesterday I feel like relief very minimal as compared with the way it makes me feel... very depressed. So, I have been taking Ibprofren 400 every 6hrs or so, and a .25 xanax as needed. MUCH better for me, but whatever works for you DO IT! :)
6 days post op... I'm feeling great other then...
- 24 Apr 2011
- 6 days post
6 days post op... I'm feeling great other then the exhaustion. I did too much yesterday and got super puffy... all part of it, I know. I haven't been taking pain meds since the hospital post op day 1... and I prefer it that way. The percocets make me feel really down and I just dont like it, personally. I can laugh now which is great... and coughing isnt quite as painful but, still hurts.. and I have been fighting off the same sneeze for 3 days now but, I made that mistake once and I am not ready to try that again. YIKES!!! In short- Showers are probably the biggest pain in the ass so far, but SO WORTH IT! Its crazy what a difference it can make in you mood, just as the other women have noted. But be careful... I did find myself getting a little lightheaded. I try to decompress for 15 minutes or so before hand and let me say... I never understood why people said it felt weird to have the garment off but OH MAN... I dont want to say it feels "gross" but, I will say I hope it gets better. Well, I think thats all for now... not an exciting update pretty much all the same things everyone else says but thats that. Oh, and I have been putting out minimal drainage so they come out tomorrow which I am nervous that the swelling will be bad after that... but, I cant keep them in forever! We will see..... Ok- thats all until I can think of something else--- Posted 2 more pics!
Something crazy I have noticed from my pics is the...
- 24 Apr 2011
- 6 days post
something crazy I have noticed from my pics is the mole I had on the very top of my rib area is now more towards the middle and slightly to the right... Maybe the shift to the right is just swelling?! If not thats kind of stange to think about!!
9 days post op... Feeling great! Swollen, and...
- 27 Apr 2011
- 9 days post
9 days post op... Feeling great! Swollen, and actually slightly lopsided... one side has a nice womanly curve.. the other side straight as an arrow. Trying to keep my sense of humor. As long as I can get to the beach at SOME POINT this summer I think I can hold it together:) I have noticed I can stand up straight and have been able to since about 2 days post op, but my body seems to automatically hunch over... I will randomly notice my back hurting and I am wonder why the hell I am walking like a 90 year old? Its only been 9 days and I have to train myself to stand straight again.. Oy Vey! Lets see.... what else... Showered alone today for the first time. So, theres a mini milestone:) I am wondering how long until I can shave "down there"... I had my drains placed in my pubic area and so, I still have tender semi-healed holes. Infection is something that scares me something fierce. Also, belly button was feeling a little stingy after shower and I thought it looked a little white-ish around the stitch line...Hopefully just a sign of healing. Will ask tomorrow at my appointment. Anyone have expierence with this? Sneezed today and it hurt but it didnt take me 20 minutes to recover... Wooo Wooooo! Feeling really optimistic and HAPPY I did this.. lets hope it stays that way:):):)
Photo Update
- 28 Apr 2011
- 10 days post
11 days post op and 2 complaints.... Steri Strips...
- 29 Apr 2011
- 11 days post
11 days post op and 2 complaints.... Steri Strips are off, and I find that when I take off the binder the tank top I am wearing underneath gets sort of "caught" on the scar... at one point I had to pull it off and it let out a drop of blood. Has this happened to anyone? Also, I know this can be totally normal but 2 areas of "lumpiness" from the lipo one is right under my breasts in the center.. in that sensitive area.. it feels rather large and I am trying to massage it but, it tends to get sore very easily. You cannot see it from the surface it just feels really gross... and I have some other "hardness" I wouldnt say large lumps but just hard mass feeling in my right lovehandle area. Swelling I hope is to blame here, as it changes daily... This is also the side that was looking "straight" that I mentioned before... and also, the side that was putting out much more fluid when I had the drains so most likely I will be playing the waiting game here. Feeling fantastic other then that.. Sleeping pretty well concidering. I have a system down now so that helps. Nothing is painful, apart from my lower back when standing too long. I go back to my PS on Monday and he will decide if I am ready to stop wearing the binder and switch to something a little more comfortable:)
- 1 May 2011
- 13 days post
Quick update- Went to PS today got the green light...
- 2 May 2011
- 14 days post
Quick update- Went to PS today got the green light to kick the binder to the curb if I want... he said "if you like it, wear it if not toss it!" Woot woot! So, I went to Target and got a pair of high waisted "spanxs" and also a body suit style as well... I really want some compression in the lower regions as, the swelling in my public region is really creepy! Will probably still wear my binder for bed, as it does become a little bit of a safety blanket. Bittersweet little contraption! Also, picked up some Mederma and Palmers and he said, I can absolutely start that now as I am all sealed! Exciting because my incisions has been so dry feeling.. it felt really good to get some moisture on it! Says he cant believe I am only 2 weeks post op... although I feel like I could stand to have alittle more stamina.. I get a little lightheaded and achey when I try and stand for too long... The target trip was exhausting and my mother was with me and told me I looked like a waddling question mark... I dont even notice how my body slowly starts curling in after a few minutes. I dont go back to PS for 6 weeks!! I have been going twice a week now so that was surprising.. but, I suppose its a good thing! Also, put my jeans on today and they did fit... however I dont think I will be wearing them just yet since the waistband is right at the incision and I dont want any unnecessary friction. Thats all I can think of for now:)
Mini bitchfest- Although I am feeling pretty good....
- 4 May 2011
- 16 days post
Mini bitchfest- Although I am feeling pretty good.. I would like to say, I might pay another $8000 just to be able to crack my freakin' back!!!! And, my belly button looks ridiculous because of this swelling... its crooked and barely open and gives my whole belly a weird look. Also... while I am complaining already I am not trilled with how high my... erm.. "hairline" is now, and its strange to be how the scar makes me appear really short waisted now.. I have always been the opposite so, its just odd. I am over the swelling and, I promise I will try and make this my one and only completely negative post because I know I will be trilled soon enough... but, "soon enough" better hurry the frig' up!
Photo Update
- 14 May 2011
- 26 days post
5 weeks post op! Where did the time go?? No pain,...
- 24 May 2011
- 1 month post
5 weeks post op! Where did the time go?? No pain, occasional tightness... FINALLY sleeping flat and as of 2 nights ago on my side... Still feels a littls funny for some reason so I hug a pillow into my tummy. Swelling was minimal until the last few days I have been a little too lax on the diet... Nacho's & Stir-Fry in the same day, who the hell thought that was a good idea?! So, I am in a sodium induced puff-session. Other then that I am feeling good. One thing I keep forgeting to mention is it appears I have a HUGE dimple where my right drain was, in my public region... I know swelling could be contributing but, it doesnt look like its going anywhere. The left side is minimal but, it kind of looks like a vampire bit my vajayjay! Just thought that was note worthy to see if anyone else has had this. Its not something I am overly upset about and it would not make me regret my TT in any way but, it does a little strange.. but, if that is my only "complication" then we are in goood shape!! Lets see other than that... everything is back to normal... I guess that is all for now! Pics later:)
My Doctor: Join to view doctor's name
My rating:
Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times
Comments (76)
Sort byMore Tummy Tuck Reviews
I am 26 yr old married mother of 2. I have a hernia and dislacerated muscles to be repaired...
How should I start? Well, I am 28, 5'8, 138 pounds. I was very big when I was younger. ...
21 years old Recently lost 45 pounds and stuck at 145. My doctor told me that my stomach...
Looking good!
You look so good!!!! =)
I have left the house twice since surgery, once for an appt with the PS and then a couple days later we went to my in-laws to hunker down during all the crazy storms we had here in Alabama. No damage to our homes or communities but utter destruction not to far from us. So, so sad.
I'm itching to get out of here but can't think of anything I have to do till Wed when I go back to the PS.
I need to get the hell out of this house! I dont even have a PS appt to look forward to for 6 weeks:( I have been dying to go shopping but, then I think who the hell am I kidding! Im gonna get there and be to damn exhausted from the walk in the store from the lot... Im gonna have to walk back to the car and nap Lol! Plus, I dont think I will want to try anything on either... I'm just going stir crazy and trying to come up with excuses! I actually drove to the grocery store yesterday, parked and said, wtf am I thinking and left. I think I may be going insane over here- slow torture! Pretty good other than that though Lol. How are you? Swelling? Walking normal? Lol
I also had lipo and like you I have bumps right under my armpits almost at my breast. What I do is that under the warm shower I massage it and what also helps is a compression garment that comes all the way up as a shirt that keeps it nice and flat from compression.
Super excited to see that you went through it. Thanks so much for sharing what you were going through with recovery. I'm 5'4 130 and have two children, both delivered by c-section. Terribly nervous about going through with my TT. I go in for an eval on May 5th. TT is scheduled for May 12. I'm more worried about the recover period. I'm taking 10 days total off and need to go back after immediatley after. Hopeing I have enough stamina to return w/o anyone noticing that I went the TT.
Can't wait to hear more updates!!
JR
I too am a shortie. I am 5'3 and weigh 133 currently and am 39 yrs old. It took me quite some time to get to this point. After childbirth I couldn't get down past 157. My beautiful daughters are 17 and 11. Yes, on top of the surgery stress I am having my daughter managed to survive driving with her permit and live to pass her driver test and get her license. If that didn't kill me, this surgery is going to be a breeze..lol! I really started watching what I ate and began working out at least 3x per week. What jump started me was the treadmill programs. I started with interval intensity training programs and then added hand weights while on the treadmill. Thats when I started losing weight.
I am scheduled for May 5th (yay!!), but I am feeling very scared. I am not scared of the recovery. I am scared of the anesthesia part. My PS has given me 5 Rx's. The list is Vicodin, Reglan (for nausea), Duricef (antibiotic), Flexril (muscle relaxer), Colace (constipation). I am not one to take pills so this will be a challenge for me.
I also have not told anyone at work so this should be interesting when I return from my 2 week vacation of spring cleaning and relaxing with a flat tummy and new boobs...lol!
I wish everyone well and a speedy recovery because we will all need to be able to strut our stuff this summer. Hang in there all it will all be worth it in the end!!
BTW your pics look fabulous!
Do you mind me asking what you do? 2 weeks is pretty ambitious.... Best of luck to you, mama!
I woke up this morning a decent bit less swollen and took a pic. My right hip was still swollen and bumped out but my left hip wasn't I got a first glimpse of what my silhouette will be and I was very happy! My lower belly is still swollen like a pouch and my stretch marks are still bad, but to have a smooth flat stomach is wonderful! Oh, my incision is just a smidge higher than I would like, but I'm thinking that when the swelling is all gone, it'll settle a little bit lower. Over all, I'm happy!!!!
I hope you're having a peachy recovery Friday!!
I hear ya about the weird feeling when you take the binder off. I nearly passed out the first time I took mine off for a couple of minutes while cleaning myself up some. I feel safe with it on and like I might come undone when it's off.
your tummy looks so great! Did you get any lipo done? I'm so happy for you. I've been showing your pictures to my husband cause we're so close in size. Hopefully my results turn out good. :)