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“One month post-op and feeling good! New Pics Too! - Mastic, NY”
Spent: $7,000 in Mastic, NY
I will be 30 this year and I really miss my pre-pregnancy body. I had a c-section and it has really done a number on my lower half. Nothing fits anymore or at least to my liking and I am so sick of looking at the clothes hanging in my closet and wishing I could wear them confidently again. The truth is I am sick of being ashamed of my body. It has been four long years dealing with this extra skin and bad self esteem and now with the support of my husband, I am really going change my life. I am fortunate, I know not all people can do this for themselves. So I am going to make the best of this by going to the gym daily, taking my vitamins and watching what I eat. I am determined to do all I can on my part to get the best result.
I am just curious if any of you ladies have any Pre-Op tips for me? Supplies I would need?
Updated on 1 Mar 2011:
Updated on 1 Mar 2011:
Well I finally got the 'Before' pics up, it was really not as bad as I thought. It is strange to see myself from that angle, just used to looking down and grabbing at the flab with negative thoughts.
Now it is all positive thoughts, a little anxiety and a lot of anticipation.
Updated on 14 Apr 2011:
I just went for my 2wk pre-op and settled a lot of my fears. Like the Arnica/Bromelain debate. Arnica is not needed cuz it is for bruising and I won't be bruised. Vitamin E is forbidden! No binder for this TT, yey me! My scar will be super low, actually below my cs scar. No medical clearance necessary cuz I am under 40, just bloodwork needed. I am excited, nervous, and anxious. MIL will be here next thurs to help prep the house. She will be staying 3 weeks, hope that is long enough...Until then, I will count down the days.
Updated on 28 Apr 2011:
Hi ladies, well it went really well. Feeling no real pain yet, just discomfort from backpain, gas and swelling. Can't seem to get much sleep, feeling a little dopey too. DH was a star at the hotel, draining every two hours, helping me up and down. Day one almost down, just want to get some sleep!!!
Updated on 4 May 2011:
Well it has been a week since surgery and I feel alright. Off all pain meds except Tylenol PM to sleep. Ohhhh to sleep... Saw PS yesterday and he says the incision looks good, and I am going to look really good when all this swelling goes down. Sure doc, when is that????!!!!!
Still have both drains in, doc says they have to stay in till >20ml drainage per day. Today one was 60ml! Oh I just want them out so I can sleep in my own bed and on my side. I am in my son's bed cuz all the pillows I need in order to sleep on my back would most definately smother my husband in the night!!!
MIL is a big help, I couldn't do this without her. Really.
Anyways, I am taking this day by day and tomorrow will be better. Thanks ladies, you all have been a tremendous help both pre and post-op. Without this site, we would all be clueless.
Updated on 4 May 2011:
Updated on 4 May 2011:
Updated on 29 May 2011:
Well it has been a month now and everyday is getting better and better. Finally got both drains out and I plan to have a ceremonial burning of that god-awful fannypack along with the granny panties later this summer. Still cannot fit my regular clothes due to the swelling, but I am seeing it lessen everyday. I am happy. Although I would kill for a Zumba class, PS said to wait two more weeks before getting back to the gym :(
Updated on 29 May 2011:
Updated on 14 Jun 2011:
List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others
Updated on 10 Mar 2012:
It has been one year now and I feel great. Best decision of my life. Now if only I could lose those last 10 lbs....
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
Helpful review?
My Doctor: Mark D. Epstein, MD
My rating:
Dr. Epstein is a skilled plastic surgeon who performed my abdominoplasty with absolutely stellar results. I am very happy with my flat tummy and I am only six weeks out, which is my recovery halfway point. Prior to meeting Dr. Epstein, I had a consult with another PS whom I felt was more of a sleazy salesman than a caring physician. A girlfriend who had a BA a few years back highly recommended Dr. Epstein and thank god she did! My first consult with him was thorough, informative and reassuring. A polar opposite to the PS I met before. I felt as if he really listened and cared about what I wanted and also gave his honest medical opinion and realistic expectations as well. There was no up-selling of unnecessary lipo or some pricey product pitch like I found with other surgeons. He was straightforward, knowledgeable and professional, something you really come to appreciate while standing naked on a pedestal. I left the office feeling very confident in choosing Dr. Epstein. The surgery went well, from what I remember… My stomach looks flat and amazing and the scar is super low and healing well. I love to show it off in bikinis and tight shirts. I am 6 weeks post-op and feeling better every day. I have had very little discomfort and I credit Dr. Epstein as he does not use those uncomfortable binders or steri-strips, thus making recovery much more comfortable and more tolerable especially in the beginning when relief is needed most! My biggest complaints were normal, mostly back-pain and those annoying drains staying in four weeks which felt like FOREVER! Each post-op visit went extremely well with no complications and I felt as if the staff had my best interest in mind. I would highly recommend Dr. Epstein and his staff for your next procedure.



Congratulations on being able to do this for yourself.
You will feel like a totally new woman when this is over. It will give you the confidence boost you need to feel better about yourself. I consider it to be the best thing I ever did for myself and do not have any regrets. We are worth it!
I look forward to following your posts as you go through your process. April is a good month to have a tummy tuck. The weather is nicer, summer is around the corner and all the new clothes in your future.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Please skip the tanning bed! It is horrible for your skin. You do not want to end up looking like leather woman in a few years....and the skin cancer...Eeks!
I work in health care and some of the things I have seen from skin cancer would make you cry.
Sorry I don't mean to be such a mother hen! Have you ever tried the spray tans?? They work pretty well.
Good luck with your tuck...=) Just in time for swimsuit season!