POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Tummy Tuck - North Carolina
ORIGINAL POST
44 years old. 2 children and one gallbladder...
K1966January 22, 2011
WORTH IT$6,000
44 years old. 2 children and one gallbladder removal. Weight gain and self neglect. As all of you women know, we put everyone (even the dog) before ourselves, especially when our kids are little. My situation was complicated by a husband's health issue; diabetes. But light at the end of the tunnel really does exist. Kids are now 14 and 18. Husband is 5 years out from a kidney/pancreas transplant. So I began my journey two years ago. Lost the weight, got in shape. Spent the last year trying to work off the pooch with no success. Enter .... the tummy tuck. So with that comes a new found excitement for Summer and maybe a bikini minus the muffin top!
Replies (10)
January 23, 2011
I haven't taken pictures yet, but I will. I am so thankful for this website! It's really comforting to read about others and their experiences.
January 26, 2011
Hi Kristi,
I am responding to you because I too am a 44 year old from the good old year 1966. I've had three children by c section and have been working out lately getting in the best shape of my life. Since Feb. 2009 I've lost 20 pounds and still want to loose a few more but for the most part am there but I have that little flap that hangs over and I know no matter how many situps and crunches I do, it will not go away. I've been reading and learning about tummy tucks and am pretty sure I'm gonna take the leap in the near future so I can have that bikini bod I haven't seen in so long. Please write me back and let me know if you did anything or if your about to. I haven't read the details on this site so forgive me but would love to hear your advice and comments. Thanks my fellow birth year buddy! Look forward to hearing from you. Chrissy
I am responding to you because I too am a 44 year old from the good old year 1966. I've had three children by c section and have been working out lately getting in the best shape of my life. Since Feb. 2009 I've lost 20 pounds and still want to loose a few more but for the most part am there but I have that little flap that hangs over and I know no matter how many situps and crunches I do, it will not go away. I've been reading and learning about tummy tucks and am pretty sure I'm gonna take the leap in the near future so I can have that bikini bod I haven't seen in so long. Please write me back and let me know if you did anything or if your about to. I haven't read the details on this site so forgive me but would love to hear your advice and comments. Thanks my fellow birth year buddy! Look forward to hearing from you. Chrissy
January 25, 2011
Kristi,
I am one week post-op. I'm 47 and my kids are about the same ages as yours. I waited a long time because I always needed/wanted to be available for my kids too. But once I set my mind that it's my time, my family has been wonderful helping with house, getting rides, etc. I also took some weight off first and got in better shape just to prepare for this. I think it really paid off. It's not easy, but its not as bad as I expected. I think you will do great! Good Luck!
I am one week post-op. I'm 47 and my kids are about the same ages as yours. I waited a long time because I always needed/wanted to be available for my kids too. But once I set my mind that it's my time, my family has been wonderful helping with house, getting rides, etc. I also took some weight off first and got in better shape just to prepare for this. I think it really paid off. It's not easy, but its not as bad as I expected. I think you will do great! Good Luck!
January 25, 2011
Thank you for your note. I'm excited, but nervous. I only hope everything goes well.
So how are you? 1-7 days? I'm all ears! I love this blog!!!!
So how are you? 1-7 days? I'm all ears! I love this blog!!!!
January 26, 2011
I love this blog too! it really made me feel so much better and calmed my anxiety. I had surgery on Friday, so I'm on day 5. I was terrified of anesthesia, but I had so much reassurance that it would be fine, and it was. My pain has never been real high and was managed with the pain pump and pills. Everyone is different but the pain really is manageable and its really more discomfort. I feel like I'm doing great and the Dr. said today that I'm doing better than he expected and can take a shower tomorrow - yay! I was very nervous, I almost cried and walked out of my pre-op appt when I was alone and thinking too much. But after that appt, I got my prescriptions filled, my supplies together and started getting my laundry caught up for the family. As my date got closer and I was prepared, I became calmer and was more excited than nervous. I worried some about my age, because I thought I should have done this in my 30's, but it is not an issue. Its actually better for me that I waited so I could feel comfortable that my family could manage without me for a few weeks. If you have any questions, just ask. I really love that I found this site, I was on here daily after I found it and I found so many answers and people who were facing the same fears and excitement.
UPDATED FROM K1966
14 days pre
Two weeks from today! I can hardly stand it. I was...
K1966January 26, 2011
Two weeks from today! I can hardly stand it. I was flopping between exhileration and fear. Now, I'm just flat out ready to go. If my PS called tonight and said I could come tomorrow, I'd be even happier.I do wish I could afford the breast lift and implants though. That's my only regret. Cost wise, I can't do it all at the same time. But the girls are a little droopy now with the weight loss. I figure I'm around a B- and would like to be a perky C. Not big, just proportioned. I envy the women who get the Mommy Make-Overs.
Replies (6)
January 26, 2011
Has the dr said anything about being concerned with the tightness and if you should stay bent over or try to slowly stretch it out? I've read some feel like they're going to pop a stitch! Ouch!
January 26, 2011
Dr. says tightness is normal and should try to stretch it out slowly over a couple of days. Everyone says stitches will not pop but it does feel like it. The mind is a powerful thing! One thing I like to do is lean on the kitchen counter to take pressure off my back and get nice deep breath. That seems to stretch out the abdomen a little and I can stand a little straighter (at least it feels that way).
January 26, 2011
How are you today? Give me the scoop! Lol. I'm living vicariously though you since you're already post op! ;o)
January 27, 2011
Kristi, I'm really good. I took my first shower last night and it wasnt' as worrisome as I thought to get in and out of garment and change bandages. I was thankful for the all sits I always hated a boot camp, it gave me the ability to wash my hair without tilting back too far. I even shaved my legs! feels great! After being a little gassy, I was able to go to the bathroom yesterday morning, not pleasant, but again manageable (too much info maybe, but a big concern around day 5) Drink LOTS of water and eat good foods to help that along :) I'm getting a little bored and feeling irritated that I can't do more, but overall feeling uncomfortable on a scale of 1-3. I only take 1/2 pain pill at night to help sleep comfortably. You are 2 weeks out!! exciting!! I was ready about that time too. You should also ready the blog for "My Journey - Birmingham, AL" she is a day or 2 ahead of me and does a day-by-day that is real helpful.
January 27, 2011
I'll check out her blog too. Thanks! I bet a shower does feel great about now. Are you walking around much? The only down side to having this done in Feb is that it's so cold out. Doesn't exactly promote getting outdoors for a walk! Lol. I'm afraid I'll go stir crazy!!! What's your take on self progress? Do you feel like you're doing about the same, better, etc than others?
January 31, 2011
oops, I just say this post, sorry I didn't reply sooner. Shower feels good, but I'm guarded keeping my back to the spray and barely soaping up the belly. yes it's terribly cold, but walking from room to room and sitting in different chairs was about all I wanted to do the first 2-3 days. I walked up the stairs every day too since I sleep upstairs and everything else is down. By day 4 I did want to go out and I stood on the deck for a few minutes. Day 5 was my post op appt and I got to go out for that - woo hoo! It actually felt good! 7 days out I went to the furniture store with my husband and day 9 it was a trip to Home Depot. Day 10 I actually drove the kids to youth group. Day 11 I'm home alone and doing a little laundry. So, most of my walking is done indoors and it feels good, but you'll be amazed at out tired you get. Also the stitches holding my drain in place are pinchy at times and slow me down. I hope getting the drain out, tomorrow I hope, will get me moving a little faster. Progress wise I feel I'm at the higher end, but not as fast as some. Some ladies don't have the garments, some have more than one drain, some are in better physical shape, etc. I do know my PS let me shower a week earlier and drive sooner than he lets most people. I feel like I'm a week ahead of where I thought I would be at this time. I think you have to listen to your body, if it's tired, rest it and if you have some energy, do a little something. You can't really have a specific timeline for progress, but I think if you are within 2-4 days of other people than you are probably moving along at a good pace. I'm excited for your 10-day countdown!
UPDATED FROM K1966
10 days pre
10 days away! I'm so excited! I have read...
K1966January 30, 2011
10 days away! I'm so excited! I have read through alot of blogs and due to my impatience thought I would just ask everyone to answer short and sweet...
How many drains did you have?
What day did the first and second come out?
Who showered before drains removed?
How many drains did you have?
What day did the first and second come out?
Who showered before drains removed?
Replies (5)
January 31, 2011
I had two drains.
First one came out 2 days after surgery
Second one came out 9 days after surgery
I showered the day after surgery with both drains in. Ok per my doctor.
February 1, 2011
I had three drains. One of my left side, one on my right side and one right up the middle to the top of my abdomen. First and second came out 11 days PO and my third (its still in) should be removed by the 13th day PO. Showered right away and used a long necklas to pin my drains up.
February 7, 2011
Kristi,
You're a day or two away? I hope you are excited! I'm on day 18 and this weekend I went to a cheer competition for 5 hours, church the next day and grocery shopping with hubby. I'm standing straight now too. Keep us posted on how you're doing. I'll be thinking about you. Best wishes for easy surgery/recovery!
You're a day or two away? I hope you are excited! I'm on day 18 and this weekend I went to a cheer competition for 5 hours, church the next day and grocery shopping with hubby. I'm standing straight now too. Keep us posted on how you're doing. I'll be thinking about you. Best wishes for easy surgery/recovery!
February 7, 2011
I am SOOOO ready. I'm working today and a half day tomorrow. You'd think I was going overseas because I have done pretty much all the grocery shopping for the next two weeks! Lol. Just trying to make this as easy as possible. I can't wait until I can say I'm 18 days out! You need to send me some pics!!! I love seeing progress!
February 8, 2011
funny! I did the same thing and I noticed alot of other women did. I think we are afraid our family will not eat if we are not there to fix it :) sorry I don't have pictures, I took a before pic and I wouldn't mind posting it here, but I just didn't want it on my camera or floating in cyber space to come back and haunt me so I deleted it. My new tummy looks like most everyone else's. It's cute, tight and with a really big incision that will hopefully fade in time. I'm swollen under the belly button, but I don't mind as it looks a whole lot better than the saggy skin I had! You will be saying "18 days out" before you know it! It goes faster than you think it will.
Welcome to RealSelf Kristi!
It is now your turn so no looking back. As women we do put everything and everyone before ourselves. Human nature I guess!
Congratulations on the weight loss and getting healthy. You will be very happy in the end and so glad that you did all of this for yourself. The muffin top will not go away on it's own so you are heading in the right direction with this surgery.
I look forward to reading your posts as you go through the process. Please let us know if you have any questions.