POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
3 years 4 months post TT & 1 & 1/2 months since final dog ear removal
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 39 year old mom of a 9 & 11 year old. I...
WORTH IT$9,300
I am a 39 year old mom of a 9 & 11 year old. I exercise regularly & eat healthy most of the time. I am 5'3" & 115 lbs. I am going for a full TT with muscle tightening & a bit of lipo.
After pregnancy, my skin never went back and it has a saggy, wrinkly hang. I also have lower belly pooch (I always had a small pooch, even at age 13!).
After 3 years of looking into this, I have decided this was the year for me - my 40th birthday is coming in May!
I am very excited, but today I started looking at the reviews of people who said it is not worth it. Now I am freaking out!! I love my body (except for the sags) & am so afraid that I will end up not waking up, having nerve/vessel damage, looking worse, not healing, having a horrible looking belly button or scar. I love the hourglass shape of my figure & would be so upset if I lost that. I know he is just tightening the front, but what if that somehow effects that curvy look I like about my hips & rear? What if I get those strange hollow parts in the front hips (I think they call it the Ken doll look)? I should stop looking at those reviews, but I cannot help it!
I am trying so hard to stay in a positive frame of mind, but the what-ifs keep coming back!
I will post before & after pictures & keep you posted on my recovery. Even though I am nervous, 91% of people said it was worth it, so, I plan on going through with it! I just have to keep looking at all of your beautiful after photos now!
Madison5269's provider
Replies (8)
March 22, 2011
Hi Madison,
Please don't focus on the negative things you are reading. While it is great to prepare yourself with all information don't let that stuff get you down.  You have done your research, have an excellent doctor and will be fine.Â
Every surgery comes with a risk but the doctor will take great care of you. Soon you will be posting your new body pictures and feeling wonderful.  Just think about the bikini shopping you will be able to do soon. Â
I can't believe how close we are in size..another "Fun Size" Woman. I am 5'1" and 120. Since we are such little people we are not able to hide the muffin tops. So they must go.Â
Keep posting and stick with me...I will calm your nerves:)
March 22, 2011
Hi Kimmers, I cannot thank you enough for your kind comments! Like I have posted before, I am so happy to have found this site - it has prepared me so much for this surgery. It is nice to have such support!
You look so great & are such an inspiration! Thanks for all of your pictures & great advice to help us ladies who are about to have our surgery!
2 1/2 weeks! I will keep you posted!
You look so great & are such an inspiration! Thanks for all of your pictures & great advice to help us ladies who are about to have our surgery!
2 1/2 weeks! I will keep you posted!
March 23, 2011
You are so welcome:)Â Â I look forward to seeing your results which I know will be awesome!
The count down has begun...
May 18, 2011
Hi Madison
I did my surgery 2 days ago and am so miserable right now. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?! I am 47 and have 3 kids 9 down and I thought I was 100 percent sure, but now I am wishing I had tried for one more baby before doing this. I feel so sad and everything hurts. I also feel like I closed that baby door forerver and I am still fertile, I should have spent the last 6 mths trying. I really thought about the operation, but don't think i was really prepared for the weird belly button etc.
I did my surgery 2 days ago and am so miserable right now. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?! I am 47 and have 3 kids 9 down and I thought I was 100 percent sure, but now I am wishing I had tried for one more baby before doing this. I feel so sad and everything hurts. I also feel like I closed that baby door forerver and I am still fertile, I should have spent the last 6 mths trying. I really thought about the operation, but don't think i was really prepared for the weird belly button etc.
May 18, 2011
Hi New York, Do you know that I was feeling the exact same thing & still feel very sad that I did not have a 3rd child. I also used the same words "closing the baby door forever". That was very hard for me, moreso after I got my TT. I was very sad & emotional & the hard part was my surgery was in the same hospital, a few floors down from the maternity ward & it really hit me that day. That day I was so choked up about that & not nervous about my surgery!
My husband & I went back & forth for years & he finally told me he is "too old" to have a baby. He is 49 & I just turned 40. My problem is that I just love having little kids & mine are 9 & 12 & it went fast. So I know just how you feel.
I hate my scar more than I thought, but I realize it will fade & the awful swelling that I am experiencing - now at 5 weeks, more than ever!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is just such a long recovery. I am still uneven, swollen, could never walk around in a bikini now. But I know I have a lot of healing ahead of me. From what I hear, the final results are so beautiful that we will be so happy then! I heard by around 4 months post op your true body will show. So don't worry, 4 months will come before you know it.
You are normal to have all of these up & down emotions. I felt regret, guilt, what did I do?, happy, sad again, happy, frustrated, impatient, etc. Read the reviews & posts from the ladies on this site, ask them questions & share your recovery. Just stick with us, because the caring, nonjudgemental ladies on this forum have helped me so much that I don't know how I would have done this without their tremendous support.
My husband & I went back & forth for years & he finally told me he is "too old" to have a baby. He is 49 & I just turned 40. My problem is that I just love having little kids & mine are 9 & 12 & it went fast. So I know just how you feel.
I hate my scar more than I thought, but I realize it will fade & the awful swelling that I am experiencing - now at 5 weeks, more than ever!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is just such a long recovery. I am still uneven, swollen, could never walk around in a bikini now. But I know I have a lot of healing ahead of me. From what I hear, the final results are so beautiful that we will be so happy then! I heard by around 4 months post op your true body will show. So don't worry, 4 months will come before you know it.
You are normal to have all of these up & down emotions. I felt regret, guilt, what did I do?, happy, sad again, happy, frustrated, impatient, etc. Read the reviews & posts from the ladies on this site, ask them questions & share your recovery. Just stick with us, because the caring, nonjudgemental ladies on this forum have helped me so much that I don't know how I would have done this without their tremendous support.
May 23, 2011
I was happy to read your positive comments because this surgery threw me into a total funk bringing up old issues or something. Even though 47 and blessed with 3 gorgeous kids, I also felt very sad at closing that baby door. Wonder if other women felt that. I also started my period a week early day after surgery so was paranoid i miscarried or something - they did do urine pregnancy test which was NEGATIVE, but still I went in with big swollen boobs and came out with period etc and it really threw me off. i'm hoping for light at end of tunnel becasue right now I just hate it all and think I look weird etc!!!!
UPDATED FROM Madison5269
17 days pre
I am feeling so much better now about my surgery!!...
I am feeling so much better now about my surgery!! I think I just had a bit of anxiety the other day!! Thanks also to the kind advice & support of the ladies here!!
I am putting myself in a positive frame of mind & getting all of my questions ready for my doctor when I go to my pre-op next week. I feel very prepared & very happy! My birthday is in May & I feel that I am so ready for this. 2 & 1/2 more weeks!! It is going very fast!
I am putting myself in a positive frame of mind & getting all of my questions ready for my doctor when I go to my pre-op next week. I feel very prepared & very happy! My birthday is in May & I feel that I am so ready for this. 2 & 1/2 more weeks!! It is going very fast!
Replies (18)
March 23, 2011
I'm scheduled for mine next Monday and I can relate to everything you are saying! I'm nervous as well.
But at the end of the day when my nerves get the best of me I keep thinking of keeping my eye on the prize and a month or so after the surgery I will be so glad I did it and so will you!
But at the end of the day when my nerves get the best of me I keep thinking of keeping my eye on the prize and a month or so after the surgery I will be so glad I did it and so will you!
March 23, 2011
I much like you, started reading some of the negatives and decided that was not smart cuz I too started second guessing my decision. You look good now and your gonna look fabulous after!!!
March 23, 2011
You'll do great! I had mine and was surprised at how well it went. For me it was more discomfort of the tightness then actual pain. I was only on the heavy pain meds for a few days and then on Extra Strength Advil. Now, just sort of a year and a half out, TOTALLY worth it.
May 23, 2011
I was happy to read your positive comments because this surgery threw me into a total funk bringing up old issues or something. Even though 47 and blessed with 3 gorgeous kids, I also felt very sad at closing that baby door. Wonder if other women felt that. I also started my period a week early day after surgery so was paranoid i miscarried or something - they did do urine pregnancy test which was NEGATIVE, but still I went in with big swollen boobs and came out with period etc and it really threw me off. i'm hoping for light at end of tunnel becasue right now I just hate it all and think I look weird etc!!!!
March 23, 2011
Hi Madison
Dont listen to the negative comments! It is normal to feel nervous and have second thoughts going into surgery! We are around the same size, I am 5'2" and 115 lbs (118 Lbs the day of my surgery 5 months ago)I am totally happy with my results. And I would do it all over again if I had to! Good luck with your surgery! Looking forward to seeing your after photos!
Dont listen to the negative comments! It is normal to feel nervous and have second thoughts going into surgery! We are around the same size, I am 5'2" and 115 lbs (118 Lbs the day of my surgery 5 months ago)I am totally happy with my results. And I would do it all over again if I had to! Good luck with your surgery! Looking forward to seeing your after photos!
March 24, 2011
Thank you so much shaz74. I appreciate your support & kind comments.
2 weeks from tomorrow! I am excited!
2 weeks from tomorrow! I am excited!
April 1, 2011
I am scheduled for April 15th and I am so nervous! I had my pre-op today, but when I came home I still had so many questions. I'm going to read through the pre-op booklet and then call the office to speak to a nurse to get my questions answered. I agree...stay informed, but stay away from the bad comments...it will only freak you out more. I know that happens to me!
April 1, 2011
Good luck! I cannot believe April is finally here! One week from today I will be in the OR getting my surgery!! Many mixed emotions, but definately very excited! Can't wait until I am posting about my recovery!
I wrote lists of all the things I need & questions for my PS. I called the nurse yesterday with more questions. All set!
I wrote lists of all the things I need & questions for my PS. I called the nurse yesterday with more questions. All set!
April 3, 2011
Hi Madison,
Thinking about you and know you will do wonderful! Â
Your day is almost here so you will soon have your beautiful new tummy. Keep me up to date:)
April 4, 2011
Thanks Kimmers! I will keep you updated. I am nervous which is normal, but very excited! I cannot believe it is almost here! Thank you for all of your support. I feel like I am going in prepared & I also feel like I am not at all alone!
April 4, 2011
Thank you for your kind thoughts and words. It would have been very hard to go through this without all of this amazing support!
By the way, your 1 year pictures are beautiful!! You look awesome!! You must feel so happy!
By the way, your 1 year pictures are beautiful!! You look awesome!! You must feel so happy!
April 5, 2011
Thank you Madison!  I feel really good and totally happy with my results. My doc did a really good job for me:)
UPDATED FROM Madison5269
2 days pre
I cannot believe that my turn is finally almost...
I cannot believe that my turn is finally almost here!! The weeks have flown by since I have scheduled this surgery back in February. I spent so much time on this forum and cannot thank you all enough for sharing your feelings, advice, fears, recoverys, photos & well wishes. This forum was just the thing I needed to prepare for this surgery!
Of course, naturally, I am nervous, but I feel very very excited & can't wait until it is my turn to post about my recovery.
I have started taking my magnesium citrate laxative which has kicked in pretty well. I will take the rest of the bottle tomorrow. I am so proud that I have actually eaten so healthy this past month! That has never happened to me before! I usually eat healthy, but will also eat a large package of gummy bears in 2 days, extra bread & carbs, etc... It feels so nice to eat all clean & fresh foods leading up to this. For the past day & up until my surgery I have had to just eat white bread, meats - no veggies & fruits and I am missing my healthy diet! I know I will continue good eating from now on after my tt!
I spent the past few days cleaning the house -today I dusted everywhere, I changed the bedsheets, got food ready, made lists tomorrow I will vacuum. All the things I need are ready for when I get home - my books, comfy clothes, medication, tissues, videos I want to watch.
I am so ready!!
Of course, naturally, I am nervous, but I feel very very excited & can't wait until it is my turn to post about my recovery.
I have started taking my magnesium citrate laxative which has kicked in pretty well. I will take the rest of the bottle tomorrow. I am so proud that I have actually eaten so healthy this past month! That has never happened to me before! I usually eat healthy, but will also eat a large package of gummy bears in 2 days, extra bread & carbs, etc... It feels so nice to eat all clean & fresh foods leading up to this. For the past day & up until my surgery I have had to just eat white bread, meats - no veggies & fruits and I am missing my healthy diet! I know I will continue good eating from now on after my tt!
I spent the past few days cleaning the house -today I dusted everywhere, I changed the bedsheets, got food ready, made lists tomorrow I will vacuum. All the things I need are ready for when I get home - my books, comfy clothes, medication, tissues, videos I want to watch.
I am so ready!!
Replies (14)
April 7, 2011
You are going to be blown away at how awesome you will look. You have waay less hanging skin and muscle separation than I had and I think I look amazing :P You're going to look even better. The first couple weeks will suck, but power through. It's worth it!
April 7, 2011
Thank you so much WendyL!! I can't believe I am getting rid of my sags & wrinkles in a few days! I will definately update as soon as I can!
April 7, 2011
You already look good..your pics don't compare to my saggy ugly c-section. Please don't listen to any negative posting. I could tell you that my csection surgery was 10 times more painful. My tummy tuck lipo surgery was a piece of cake. I was back at work in 7 days. Also You might want to start taking arnica tabs and bromelin tabs for swelling and brusing now before your surgery....Stay positive!!
April 7, 2011
Thank you so much Carmingia for the great advice & wishes! I appreciate it so much! I will start taking arnica & bromelin tabs & definately stay positive!
April 7, 2011
Good luck tomorrow!! I am heading in here in about 3 hrs!
April 7, 2011
Good luck! Can't wait to hear about your recovery!! Thanks for the good wishes!
April 7, 2011
Good luck tomorrow Madison! We are both up! Here is to beautiful flat tummies and a quick recovery! Hugs!
April 7, 2011
Good luck & hugs to you too Blondie! I am so excited!! Bikinis for us this summer!! Wishing you a quick recovery & looking forward to your updates.
I will be in the hospital overnight, no computer access, so I will update when I get home!
I will be in the hospital overnight, no computer access, so I will update when I get home!
April 7, 2011
Hey Madison.... the day has come! Good luck for tomorrow - I am really excited for you. I am exactly one week behind you, so shall be watching your recovery carefully. If you get a chance please tell me what you know about diet preparation. I hadn't thought of starting the laxatives before or doing anything but removing red meat from my diet... what else will help with digestion problems after - anyone can reply here. thanks can't wait to see your 6 pack emerge :)
April 7, 2011
Hi DreamingofT! Thank you so much for your warm wishes!! I am so excited for you too! Next week will be here so fast! I will definately post my recovery. I will be in the hospital overnight, so if I am feeling up to it, I will post on Saturday!
My PS told me to cut out any fruits/vegetables, onions, garlic (which are blood thinners), alcohol, green tea (also blood thinner), fiber, Vitamin E. The diet that they told me to go on 3 days before surgery is basically white bread, meat like chicken or fish, rice. The laxative he told me to take, you can buy at any drug store like CVS, Walgreens - it is called Magnesium Citrate. It is in an 8 oz. bottle, like seltzer. I drank half yesterday & the other half today (start 2 days before surgery). Don't go anywhere if you can avoid it because that stuff kicks in for up to 6 hours afterwards and even this morning I really had to go #2! You can also take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C the week before.
I heard that after, you can only tolerate very small meals at a time because you fill up very fast. Today I bought tons of veggies & fruits & I have lots of soup I made ahead of time in the freezer. That should be good & healthy for healing!
Again thanks for your wishes & I will update you when I am home! :)
My PS told me to cut out any fruits/vegetables, onions, garlic (which are blood thinners), alcohol, green tea (also blood thinner), fiber, Vitamin E. The diet that they told me to go on 3 days before surgery is basically white bread, meat like chicken or fish, rice. The laxative he told me to take, you can buy at any drug store like CVS, Walgreens - it is called Magnesium Citrate. It is in an 8 oz. bottle, like seltzer. I drank half yesterday & the other half today (start 2 days before surgery). Don't go anywhere if you can avoid it because that stuff kicks in for up to 6 hours afterwards and even this morning I really had to go #2! You can also take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C the week before.
I heard that after, you can only tolerate very small meals at a time because you fill up very fast. Today I bought tons of veggies & fruits & I have lots of soup I made ahead of time in the freezer. That should be good & healthy for healing!
Again thanks for your wishes & I will update you when I am home! :)
Hang in there! If it makes you feel any better, there could be circumstances you don't know about with some of the tummy tucks that went wrong (ie, unskilled surgeons, not optimally healthy patients, etc.) Certainly, there can be complications, but I have read hundreds upon hundreds of tummy tuck reviews and major problems are definitely the exception.
Have you read Kimmers' Tummy Tuck Survival Guide? You should check that out. Please keep us posted on how you're feeling, make sure you've done your homework with your doctor and are very confident in him, and take lots of deep breaths. You'll do great!
My surgeon has 21 years experience, is board certified & has performed surgery on my friend & 4 people that she knows, all of whom are happy with their results. I feel very comfortable with him.
I do have a list of questions & I find that going on this site has prepared me more than I can imagine.
I am promising myself to stay positive, eat healthy & exercise so that I go into surgery in the best shape. A positive attitude is very important & I do have one in life, so I just need to apply it to this situation!
I will keep you posted!