Tummy Tuck: Stories

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

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.

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?

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!

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!

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.

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

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 ;)

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

June 19, 2012 Hello everyone, it's been 1 month & 2 days since I've had Brachioplasty, incision of back folds, and lipo procedure. The surgery was almost 6 hours, nearly 10 lbs were removed from my back and 5 lbs from my arms. Today is my 1st day going back to work, I am feeling great! Still healing and recovering, of course. My surgery was performed by Dr. Lindsey East Jefferson in Metairie, LA 504-885-4508 He did a fantastic job considering where I came from!

I am still not doing my normal exercising routines (elliptical, zumba, jogging) however, I am walking 3 times a week for 30 mins. The incisions on my back are tight & I have a tab bit of pain occasionally. I am no longer wearing the garmets, my stitches are desolving on their own. I am now been allowed to only use Palmers coconut butter w/Vitamin E oil on my incisions twice a day massaging 2-3 mins. Feels a bit awkward bc I am numb in those areas. Overall, I can not wait to see my final results in 5 months w/exercise.

Again, as with my Tummy Tuck on last year, A strong support system & my belief in God is what got me over the hump!! I could not have made it through without those persons HE has placed in my life...I am Abundantly Blessed & Covered!

Until next update, check out my photos & continued Blessings to you.