“My Personal Decision Transition - New Orleans & Baton Rouge, LA”

On Tuesday, May 24, 2011 I had a full Abdominalplasty (Tummy Tuck) & the pain was like WOW!!!! I asked the nurses "Why did they wake me"LOL. My stitches were removed last Wednesday, June 8 Yayyyy!!!

It's amazing how much we utilize our stomach muscles for until the day you wake up from a 6 hr surgery!! Thank God for an Awesome Support System, otherwise, I would not have made it. The swelling takes 3-6 months to fully go down from what I was told. I guess I was expecting to see instant results (NOT)! I returned back to work this Wednesday, June 15 & I am glad to not be sitting around the house becoming addicted to Court shows!

The Compression garmet is becoming a pain, Mine almost looks like a body magic, if anyone knows about that. I wear it 23 hours a day, at least. I tried the binder but it did not work for me.

I have now been cleared to walk, ONLY! No Zumba classes or getting on my elliptical(sad face)So I walk for about 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. I want to lose more weight as the swelling goes down. I never push myself, of course, your body will tell you when you have.

Prior to surgery, I could fit a size 12 in clothing because my legs are small. Unfortunately, I had to get a size 18 because of my waist & that "Hangman or kangaroo pouch" that hung over my vagina. Now my waist is a 14 due to swelling of course but the "Hangman & kangaroo pouch" is GONE!! I find myself constantly rubbing down there, like where is it LOL

Overall, I am happy! My Surgery was actually $6700 but I factored in the cost of medicine & the Hivamat massage treatments after. I just cannot wait until the day I throw this compression garmet away!!

Best of luck to all who has or will be having ANY Cosmetic Surgery! Be Blessed

Updated on 20 Jun 2011:
It's almost my 1 month post-op! Every week I see a change, the swelling is going down little by little. Although, I find irritation sometimes oozing in & around my naval area now. Getting that checked out ASAP! I have been massaging my incision with Vitamin E oil twice a day and it's becoming more comfortable w/touching it w/o thinking it would hurt.

Is it just me or does anyone else find themselves guarding their stomach when going somewhere or in a crowd? I notice that I do that quite often, as I do not want anyone to elbow me accidently.

Updated on 20 Jun 2011:
You know, I told quite a few ppl, family & friends. After my surgery, it was like "let me see" "Why this, why that" I believe that is what drained me physically & emotionally, I began feeling unattractive & closed myself in.

Did anyone else feel this way?

Updated on 20 Jun 2011:
Oh by the way, I am the Mother of 2 Beautiful children 11 & 7 yrs. young. I said what the heck, I am 28 & I'm not getting any younger. I did this for me!

Updated on 23 Jun 2011:
1 month Post-Op, here I am Yayy!! Time did not pass by fast to me, maybe because of the hard relationship break-up I am going through or the "Post-Op Blues" feeling unattractive, sad, longer days, etc. However, I Thank God I made it this far!

Updated on 30 Jun 2011:
5 Weeks today Yayyyyy, with each passing week, I am feeling & looking better! Maura (Patient Care Consultant), at my Doctor's office checks on me quite often throughout the week regarding my progress. Which is a big help & goes hand & hand w/the healing process.

As for as the swelling goes, yes, I am still a bit swollen. Still wearing the girdle not the wrap around compression garmet. Hoping as the swelling decreases my weight will too, I walk 2-3 miles at least 4 times a week. This Saturday, jogging will be added to my exercising routine. Can't weight!

Best of luck to All of you that come across my profile! Chat soon.

Updated on 27 Jul 2011:
Well, Well, Well you guys, On Sunday, July 24th was my 2 months post-op. I am still swollen but I am feeling better & better each week. I am walking, jogging, doing Zumba, & enjoying this transition.

It's still a bit difficult for me to wear pants w/buckles because of the pressure it puts on my stomach. I find that when wearing the compression garmet I look bigger instead of flatter. Has anyone else noticed that?

I constantly look in the mirror & ask my Family if they see a difference (stupid question, but I Love the responces) Most Definately, there is a difference. I can see my Vagina now LOL! I did not have lipo so my love handles show more to me & that is what I am working on to lose.

They say Plastic Surgery is addictive...Hmmmm

Be Blessed Y'all xoxo

Updated on 6 Dec 2011:
December 5, 2011

Hello all, 6 months has passed and I must admit I do see a drastic change, the "hangman" is gone down there lol. However, PLZ PLZ PLZ do not have a tummy tuck w/o having Lipo on your love handles, they are even more detailed!!! I am not as pleased as I would like to be so I will consult my Dr. really soon. Happy Holidays everyone, be Blessed ;)

Updated on 21 May 2012:
May, 21, 2012

Hello everyone, I am ow 4 days post op from brachioplasty of arms, icision to back folds, and lipo on sides/buttocks. I am still in pain & alot swollen. This surgery was not as bad as my Tummy Tuck last May, however, this was still very painful. My ars are vert heavy & my back is reall tight. I am still wearing my drainage tubes, usually 65-70 cc's every 8 hours.

Before & after pics are uploaded. Good luck everyone!

Be Blessed