Tummy Tuck: Stories

I am 37 year old , mother of 11 and 2. I had complicated c section 2 years ago with terrible scar in the lower abdomen. I went to my ps for scar revision. He found out I have a small umbilical hernia and abdominal muscle also separated. He suggests I should have abdominoplasty done. Finally I got the date scheduled which is the friday before thanksgiving. Because I am full time working with my own business. Choosing this time I can take off one week to recover. I am 5'6" and 136 lb. I gained 60 lb during my 2nd pregnancy and still 20lb over my pre pregnancy weight. I ll stay in hospital over night. I requested perticular anesthesiologist, circulating nurse, general surgeon who will perform ther hernia portion and of course my ps who had great reputation in the area. I am very nervous. Especially which the experience of last. C section that I almost died during c section. But I determined I need to have it done. My friend told me I look perfect in size 4 dress , nothing need to be done. But I am the one look at myself in the mirror , I hate that scar. The small porch really doesn't borther me that much. If the hernia need to be fixed, I agree with ps,s recommendation. I'll keep update.

I went to general surgeon's office today and the surgical consultation for hernia repair part. Due to my terrible experience in the past during section. He asked me to get medical clearance. He said if I can't get clearence, I better live with the scar. I bet nobody wants any complications intraop.

Due the surgery date coming up, I got an appointment with internal medical doctor for medical clearance yesterday. It went well and I got the clearance letter. Finally I am good to go. Very nervous. I am counting dates.... I am coming to this forum more often and read other people, experience and tell myself, it will be ok, not big deal. I guess it's type of self directed psychotherapy... I am going to Halloween party tonight. I will be snow whites evil stepmother. It will be fun.

I went to PS office and paid balance today.I got some post op instructions. Sort of nervous. I started to block off the calender on my office schedule. I have 10 days time to recovery before back to work. I am worried if I can make it smooth and easy as it can be. I've read some people's post op experience. I hope I can recover well... 2 more weeks to go....

Interesting enough,today I told one of my good friends that I am going to have tummy tuck. He,s like: why? I think you need to see psychiatrist, not plastic surgeon. U look normal. Then I explained to him how the scar revision end up changing decision to tt. He,s like: ps of course wants to cut u open.that's his specialty.

Anyway, it's hard for someone else to understand. No wonder most people keep quiet about their plastic surgeries. I have a coworker came in with swollen eyes after 2 weeks vocation. Apperently she had blepharoplasty. She will answer all questions: i never had anything done. Its natural. Lol How about ur guys experience? Do u tell people u had tt done? So 3 out of 3 people I told about my plan thought I am crazy even I told them I have hernia . My hb doesn't care.....

Its very complicated feeling that excitement and anxious at the same time. I think I am ready to go. I bought all the vitamins, protein powder and homopathic treatment medications and started to take following the instruction. Ps told me the surgery will schedule 5 to 6 hours. One hour for hernia repair by general surgeon, rest of the time is his surgical time. I told my friend who will be the anesthesiologist in the case: don't read magazines or play puzzle games during my surgery which I know that was her favorite activities in the or. I am very excited the day is coming.

sorry ladies I have been quiet for the last a few days. I am still in shock and adjusting all the changes. Thank you for you all encouragement. The most bizzar situation happened to me. I was fully prepared for the surgery which supposed to be tomorrow. Unfortunately, on monday, ps texted me that sorry he had to postpone the surgery because the general surgeon doesn't feel comfortable. I said omg, this is the only week I am available and I already taken the thanksgiving week off. I called him. He told me is on vocation one day after my surgery for a week. General surgeon doesn't feel comfortable if he is not around. I said I knew u on vocation when I scheduled the case. But that's the only available day I can do it. I don't care u r out later. He said the general surgeon is gonna call me. If I can persuade him. He can keep the original schedule.
Later of the day, the general surgeon called me. He,s like: this is pure elective case. How do u feel comfortable if he is not even around postoperative? Have u heard or seen flap infection, hematoma? The hernia is very small. I'll never repair it if I am you. If I am u, I would seriously reconsider ur decision for the surgery. U look good Mel. Even the scar is not bad. U don't need this...
I was in shock and still in shock..... Two surgeons and one of them chickened out. If I persist, The complications might happen. I am off tomorrow and next whole week. Its so last minute cancelations. Now my hb and my mum started to advise me: if. Dr...doesn't want to do the case if ps not around post op means it's not risk free surgery. Just forget it..
Now nobody around me support me about the surgery anymore and I started to get scared of it as well. Also it's so impossible to find another week to have it done. It sucks.....
I don't know what else to say. Good luck ladies the future tummy tuckers.