“TT + Lipo - New York, NY”

Hello Everyone!

I have been on this site for a few weeks now and I am so glad I found it.

I am 32 y.o, 5'1 and 143 pounds. I am also a single mom of a 2 yr old boy. I decided to get a TT+Lipo a few months ago after I saw that no matter how much I exercised and ate well this bulge was not going anywhere.

When I was preg I went from 132 to 180 pounds and so far I have lost about 40 pounds. I would like to get back down to 130 pounds but I don't think that's happening anytime soon lol I am tired of sucking in my tummy in pictures and when I am sitting down around people. I want to be able to wear a bikini and feel great about my body instead of hiding under 1 pieces and big sweatshirts. I am young single and would like to eventually get back into the dating world and feel good about myself. I have also been going through a range of emotions from guilt (costly) to what the hell am I doing is this going to be worth it etc. *sigh* I guess it comes with the territory.

I already went to my pre op on April 6th and I left feeling very excited but at the same time nervous. I am scared about the anesthesia and the pain and of how I am going to look afterward but my PS has a great reputation I've seen his work and I have spoken to people that have gotten procedures done with him so I feel very comfortable with my decision. I will be keeping a diary on here about my days before and after surgery as well as pictures so I will def keep all of you ladies updated.

TTYS!

Updated on 12 Apr 2011:
Just 7 days to go! I cant wait to get this over with!

So far I have brought extra strength Tylenol, Gauze, a bedrest to put on my bed for sleeping upright. I have to fill the prescription and also get Mederma and Bio Oil. I have been thinking about getting the Arnica tabs but have to talk to the PS about taking that first.

If you guys can think of anything else that has helped you post op pls let me know.

Updated on 14 Apr 2011:
Tomorrow will be 4 days left until my TT & Lipo.
I cannot wait to get this over with and see my new tummy and waist.

My PS gave me the go ahead with the Arnica so I started taking them. Hope this helps with all of the bruising that will come.

Updated on 18 Apr 2011:
Tomorrow is the big day! WOOHOOO I cannot believe that it's finally here!

I could barely sleep last night tossing and turning very anxious I just want everything to go as smoothly as possible. I keep thinking about the belly button don't want it looking all weird either. I am still waiting for word as to what time the surgery will take place but it def is going to be early in the AM.

I will try and update as soon as I can.

Updated on 19 Apr 2011:
Hello Ladies!

I am writing to you all from the comfort of my couch and about 6 pillows lol

I went in this morning at 8:30am on the dot. I was very nervous they had me change into a cap and gown then the PS came in to mark me up. The pulling and tugging while he was measuring and inking me hurt but just for a little. The anesthesiologist then came and gave me once over told me to go to the bathroom beforehand. I think I lasted a good 5 in the bathroom with my hand on the door knob not wanting to come out! Eventually I did and walked into the OR to some R&B music ahaha.. I layed in the table an IV was inserted on my forearm and 2 min later I was seeing double.. I only remember saying "OHHHH DOC I AM FEELING IT!" lol I was GONE!
I woke up in what seemed minutes in the recovery room. No nausea THANK GOD was a bit uncomfy. My mouth was super dry so I was given lots of gatorade and it has remained dried all day its just getting better now. Moving out of the recovery recliner to a wheelchair was hell then from the wheelchair to my awaiting ride ugh!
I got home had some soup and immediately took my Vicodine I do not wanna feel ANYTHING! I'm such as wuss. I have one drain which I already cleaned up and I have been taking my meds every 4 hours the antibiotics start tomorrow. Honestly the only discomfort I feel is a but of tugging at the incision site and my upper abdomen. Mostly soreness. Tomorrow I go back to the PS for my 1st pre op and to change bandages so grateful for that.

One thing that I advise all ladies to get is bed pads I was draining really bad from back for a bit and there was blood everywhere. Also straws for sipping liquids so much easier.

I will update soon!

Updated on 21 Apr 2011:
Post Op Day 2:

Hello everyone! Yesterday I had my 1st post op with the PS he took off the gauze and bandages boy was the smell bad. All that pooled up old blood that was on the pad they put under the girdle was pretty bad. Of course he only left the surgical tape across the incision on and he put some gauze into the belly button area it was bleeding a bit when he removed the bandage.
Today I am not draining so much its been below 10 all day so far I go back to the PS on Sat to see if he can remove it. Hopefully he can I want a shower SO BAD! I am all bruised and sore especially below the armpits and along side my breasts. That area tends to get really hot and itchy.

When I was with the PS he showed me a pic of the fat he suctioned out! 1 liter and a half!!! My jaw was on the floor I couldn't believe it and that was from the back only. He said he would give me a pic so as soon as he does I will post it ahaha. I am keeping up with my meds I set up a reminder on my phone I am eating well grilled chicken lots of fruits and veggies, gatorade, water and ginger ale helps with the gas. I pooped today YAY right after I took a Colace so it really helps. I always keep my binder on tight I only removed it for like 5 min to rest from it a bit but it felt so weird to be without it. My feet were starting to swell a bit last night but putting them up has helped a lot.

Sorry If I'm rambling just trying to remember as much as I can lol I havent taken any pics but I will soon promise!

Updated on 22 Apr 2011:
Post op Day 3

Woke up with a bit of headache felt a bit more foggy in the head.. Couldn't shake it its already getting uncomfortable on my neck sleeping upright so what I did is that I removed the bed rest I was sleeping on and just decided to stick to two elevated pillows behind my head and I remembered having a Boppy in the closet of when my son was a baby so Im using that to support my head. I knew that would come in handy one day. It feels so much better on my neck and head maybe this will be the solution.

I am already off the Vicodin and on extra strength Tylenol. I only take the Tylenol when feeling achy. I had to milk the drain cause nothing was coming out but it seems like I'm done with all the draining for now. Tomorrow I go back to the PS for another post op and hopefully they will be taking it out.

I added a pic :)

TTYL!

Updated on 24 Apr 2011:
Day 5 Post Op:

Ugh How badly do I want this drain and binder to come off! That wont happen till Tuesday which feels like months away!

Yesterday (day 4) I had an appt with the PS. The lipo sutures came off and thats about it. Really uncomfy to have the binder off it feels like my insides are gonna come spilling out. I was told that I need another binder for Tuesdays appt for when the drain comes out. Something with a panty so I had to go out and buy one.

I want to take a long warm hot shower I wanna be able to walk upright my back is killing me! Sorry if im whining its just one of those days AND it's the time of the month. Great!

Updated on 26 Apr 2011:
Post Op day 7:

FINALLY had my drain removed and I was scared with very good reason.. It hurt like HELL! Good Lord! I didn't know that what is actuallu inside of you is wider than what comes out of you so of course as its coming out its tearing that hole even wider UGH!!! that area was burning for a good minute but then it was over and I'm alive! lol

They also removed my belly button sutures didnt feel that at all since that area is completely numb but I finall get to take a shower in 24 hours HALLELUYAH! I am trying to find a comfortable girdle the one I have right now is squeezing the hell out of monstrous thighs.

TTYS :)

Updated on 28 Apr 2011:


Updated on 29 Apr 2011:
Post Op Day 10

Today I went back for another post op to check how I'm doing with swelling. I have very minimal swelling and I am feeling pretty good. I am still hunched over which I pray to God that by Monday it will be better I start work and school again next week.

Today he removed the tape from my incision and one part of the tape got caught on a scab so when he pulled that scab came off and there was a piece of skin hanging open so it started to bleed pretty bad. He put some nitrate stuff to stop the beleeding and put on a band aid I thought he would put back some tape on it but he didn't.. I was a bit upset about that because i have taken a lot care for something like this not to happen and he was just too quick in taking off the tape.

Today my mom goes back home and shes taking my son with him. I feel sad it will be only me in my apt now and I will miss my boy a lot but I cannot care for him right now :( I got used to having the company and the craziness at home again. I have to remind myself that it's only for the benefit of my healing.

I go back for another appt. in 2 weeks

Updated on 2 May 2011:
Post Op day 13

I have been feeling pretty good! I am still a bit hunched over I am trying everyday to stand up a bit straighter since I go back to work this week and don't wanna go out in public walking like a hunch back. Its tough though as soon as I feel some pulling I stop. Hopefully this will all end soon its really taking a toll on my back.

Updated on 4 May 2011:
Post Op Day 15

This is my first day back at work and I was a bit nervous coming out of the house. But I made it into work in 1 piece :) and I found a seat on the train YAY! lol

I am still walking a bit stooped but when I got out of bed this morning I found myself standing up straighter. The light stretches and trying to keep my back against the wall a few times a day has been helping me. I also didn't have to use a chair to shower this morning. At times I would get tired and needed to sit down for a bit but nope didn't need it this morning :) It is soooo good to see myself improving little by little each day. I still find myself looking at my incision with a little mirror just to make sure that nothing is coming apart but I guess with time that will stop.

TTYS :)

Updated on 5 May 2011:


Updated on 10 May 2011:
Post op 3 weeks!

Wow this time has gone by so fast!

I am still I would say about 97% upright. Still feeling very tight around the incision line I'm telling you my PS pulled my skin so tight its crazy..

Today I am finally wearing jeans and it is so loose from the waist I had to wear a belt which I hardly ever wore before. I have no swelling even though there are days where above my BB it does get a little swollen but not so much. I weighed myself to see if I had lost anything since surgery and I lost 6 pounds!

My incision is very itchy and peeling and so is the skin around my tummy and lipo areas. I still have those hard areas on my back but those wont go away until I get a massage at the 1 month mark.

Aside from that I am feeling pretty good have a follow up with the doc on Fri. Hopefully I can start using scar therapy by then.

Updated on 22 May 2011:
4 weeks Post op

On the 19th I hit 1 month. I am doing pretty good I am already standing upright and started to do more around the house. Today I will finally take care of my 2 yr old on my own I have missed him so much. I didn't get clearance for that until 6 weeks but I cannot wait any longer I just have to be careful with lifting him in and out of the car.

I have 2 concerns regarding my TT. One is that my BB is not centered I noticed this from the very beginning but thought I would give it time. Well its been 1 month and it's still the same so i will bring that up again I just would hate to be cut again and have to go through the whole BB healing even though mine healed quickly.
Another concern that I have is that I had muscle repair and the left side of my abdomen is more raised than my right. My right is flat and the left is more out have no idea why I hope this isn't something that has to be revised either. I have a pre op in another week so hopefully I will hear something good.

Updated on 7 Jun 2011:


Updated on 7 Jun 2011:
7 weeks post op

I've head my moments of did I need to get this done now? now I have this scar and its a bit difficult to hide I cant just wear any bikini was it worth it etc.. I have my days.

I still have swelling which seems to be more pronounced on my left side then my right. I told my PS about my concern regarding the BB and he told me that he would check it in 1 more month. He didn't seem too concerned but I know my body that BB is not centered.
last week I had my 1st massage and it was so uncomfortable but at the same time good. I will be going for a 2nd week within the next two weeks. Cannot wait to get back to the gym I have been given clearance but waiting to get a bit more money so that I could renew membership in the meantime I'm going to start up some Bikram yoga for stretching and also to loosen me up more I feel so stiff.

Aside from that all is well I wear my binder still at night to help with swelling and still wearing compression garment for awhile.