Tummy Tuck: Stories

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A Gift to Myself: New Tummy! - Hickory, NC

Hi everyone. First off I love this forum and have...

Hi everyone. First off I love this forum and have found so many inspiring people and their stories are very helpful. Thanks guys!

I am 28 yrs old and a tummy tuck is my birthday gift to myself. I deserve it. I have no children but all the years of being overweight had really done a number on my belly. Always been chubby I finally lost the weight through pure diet and exercise and a good dose of sheer will and determination! 4 years later and I'm left with sagging skin on my tummy. I hated it. I was nice and slim until I bent over and the skin just flops down. No matter how clean I ate or the hours at the gym it just wasn't responding. Also a previous abdominal surgery(splenectomy that left a long vertical scar) didn't help! So...here I am...its the night before surgery and I'm on here to share my story with you all.

I'm scheduled for March 30th and am super excited! I will post up pics soon.

Wish me luck :)

Finally! Whew...I feel great despite the bit of...

Finally! Whew...I feel great despite the bit of pain I have. Its tender at the drain site and I am very annoyed it :)

I'm 3-4 hr post-op and will see my ps tomorrow. So my pain level is 6. Pain meds are helpful so I am making sure I'm taking it. I will post of pics soon.

I am now 5 days post op and I'm feeling great. I...

I am now 5 days post op and I'm feeling great. I went into this expecting a rough and painful recovery from all the research I've done and by reading the reviews on here. However I have to say that so far...I've been doing great. The first two days were the worst. It was difficult getting in and out of bed and I just couldn't get comfortable. I slept most the time but got up and moved around quite a bit so I won't get stiff. My back was sore from hunching over but I'm already standing up straight. All those deadlifts at the gym really paid off! Actually all the weight training I do has helped me bounce back. I am down to taking pain meds once in the morning and good ol' ibuprofen so its not the meds that's keeping me going. I even drove today and got some light grocery shopping done! I'm still being cautious moving around but besides that I feel pretty normal.

My abdomin is really itchy and tingling. Trying not to scratch is so hard! My biggest complaint are the drains! I despise them. The drain holes are tender and just wiggling them hurts. Can't wait to get them out.

Hello everyone. Today I am 18 days post op. Here's...

Hello everyone. Today I am 18 days post op. Here's a few pics of my belly so far. So far I have barely any swelling. So glad! I usually have a lil bit of swelling in the evenings right along my belly button if I over-exert during the day.

I'm still wearing paper tape along my incision and old vertical scar because as it heals its sensitive so it just feels a bit better. My PS had to make tiny little incision along my old vertical scar to help it stretch when he redraped the skin. I chose not to revised that scar til a later date. Let me know what you guys think! :D
Great review?

My Doctor: Gregory Swank, MD

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Dr. Swank is excelllent. He's patient and answered all my questions. Very profressional and yet genuienly cares for every patient. He's upfront about realistic expectation and doesn't give you false illusions to sway you. I think he's great!

Comments (9)

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 7 May 2011

You look amazing!!  WOW
Wisconsin 5 May 2011
Hi dear!
How are you? Hope u are recovering well!
chickiediva 5 May 2011
Hey babe! Ohhh countdown for u! End of May will be here before u know it.

I'm recovering very well. Last week to sit pretty at home. Back to work next week and full on gym time. YAY! My tummy doesn't feel weird anymore. Lol...it feels like its mine again and not an alien!

Can't wait to go back to work. Going stir-crazy!

So are u getting nervous now that its May? Lol..
chickiediva 4 Apr 2011
Thanks ladies for all your support!! I don't have any before pics to post up. Will have to get from my PS and then I'll have them up for sure.
Cleveland1029 4 Apr 2011
I am amazed you were able to type on your surgery day! Rest and take your pain meds, and post some pictures when you are up for it!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 3 Apr 2011

How are you doing now?  I hope you are resting comfortably and loving your results. 

Keep us up to date on how you are doing.
Angiemcc (Community Manager) 31 Mar 2011

Wow, you posted the day of your surgery! I've head several women say that the second or third day is hardest, so take care and rest, rest, rest. Looking forward to seeing your pics!

longhorn 30 Mar 2011
Glad to hear you are doing well. Time to rest and recoup. Good luck
Sharon at RealSelf (Community Manager) 30 Mar 2011

Good luck today, chickiediva! I'll be thinking happy, healing thoughts for you. :)

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