POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Tummy Tuck + Large Volume Lipo - 18 Feb 2011 - Pennsylvania
UPDATED FROM Beakidding
16 days post
Posted some new pics. Feeling very, very good at...
WORTH IT$16,000
Posted some new pics. Feeling very, very good at 16 days post op. I still have a lot of swelling, but really no pain. After a long day I have pulling and pressure at the main incision site, and have to take it easy. Tylenol is helpful. I'm using an antibacterial RX cream on the incisions. I am so itchy! Palmers lotion is the best (and the cheapest). My doctor still has me wearing the binder 24-7 and for that I am glad. The binder is annoying, but gives me extra confidence. Without it, I'm afraid I'd bend weird or lift something too quickly and cause some damage. The binder reminds me to take care.
Everyone is asking me what I've done. The changes are very noticable now. Most people ask me if I've lost weight. I can honestly tell them yes, about 15 lbs. A few of my closest friends and family know about the surgery. I'm not sure yet if I'll tell anyone else. It's not really a secret, I just don't want people to judge me. I know this sounds harsh, but cosmetic surgery isn't exactly common-place where I live. But, I always knew it would be right for me, and I am a big advocate of enhancing appearance to promote self-esteem. My biggest critics dye their hair, had braces on their teeth, wear make up and Spanx, so I take their opinions and comments in stride. And if ever they decide to have surgery themselves, I'll be right there, cheering them on.
Everyone is asking me what I've done. The changes are very noticable now. Most people ask me if I've lost weight. I can honestly tell them yes, about 15 lbs. A few of my closest friends and family know about the surgery. I'm not sure yet if I'll tell anyone else. It's not really a secret, I just don't want people to judge me. I know this sounds harsh, but cosmetic surgery isn't exactly common-place where I live. But, I always knew it would be right for me, and I am a big advocate of enhancing appearance to promote self-esteem. My biggest critics dye their hair, had braces on their teeth, wear make up and Spanx, so I take their opinions and comments in stride. And if ever they decide to have surgery themselves, I'll be right there, cheering them on.
UPDATED FROM Beakidding
8 days post
I've finally added pictures. As you can see...
I've finally added pictures. As you can see from the before shots, I was not within 20lbs of my "ideal weight" prior to surgery. At a little over 5 feet 2 inches, I weighed approx. 195 lbs on 2-16-11. I understand there were/are risks to having this surgery at thie weight. However, realistically, I know I will not be losing a tremendous amount of weight after surgery, so redundant skin probably will not be an issue for me. I was not looking to become a size 4 overnight. I just wanted to fit comfortably into my current size 16 clothes - in other words, no muffin-top, no cinch marks on my belly when I undress.
The post op day 4 shots show a lot of swelling (and wow, check out the bruising). I'll keep adding more photos so you can track swell hell progress with me. Enjoy!
The post op day 4 shots show a lot of swelling (and wow, check out the bruising). I'll keep adding more photos so you can track swell hell progress with me. Enjoy!
Replies (3)
February 27, 2011
Wow! Such a difference! Before this websight I had no idea such results were possible. You are gonna ROCK!
February 27, 2011
Thanks so much! I'm really excited because every day (as the swelling goes down) more changes emerge. I finally tried on some of my clothes - everything is too big in the waist!
February 28, 2011
I am not scheduled for lipo. My dr. said I really don't need it. I am surprised because most people seem to get it. I just dont want to be disappointed by the results.
March 1, 2011
I think it depends on the distribution of fat in the hips, waist, stomach. If you have a low percentage of extra body fat in these areas, then the lipo isn't necessary. That's good news! Your recovery will be a lot easier without the extra stress from the lipo. Good luck with your surgery.
March 1, 2011
Hi there,
I'm scheduled for my tummy tuck on April 7th. Your story caught my eye because we look (your before) very similar. I wish I had a crystal ball to know my outcome, but perhaps you can be my window into what its like & like you I pray that all that it takes to go through this is worth it!
I am very interested on how you feeling now that it has been nearly two weeks. Are you mobile and able to have some norm in your life yet? How is the pain management and bruising?
I would love some recent pictures if you’re up to it. :)
Thanks!
I'm scheduled for my tummy tuck on April 7th. Your story caught my eye because we look (your before) very similar. I wish I had a crystal ball to know my outcome, but perhaps you can be my window into what its like & like you I pray that all that it takes to go through this is worth it!
I am very interested on how you feeling now that it has been nearly two weeks. Are you mobile and able to have some norm in your life yet? How is the pain management and bruising?
I would love some recent pictures if you’re up to it. :)
Thanks!
March 1, 2011
I'm so glad I can help. At 11 days post op, I am feeling great! Today my doctor removed the last of my dressings and I got to see my scar for the first time. I was surprised at how big it is, but it looks really good. I was also surprised with how quickly the bruises are fading. I should warn you that I happen to bruise very easily, so maybe the amount of bruising I had wasn't normal. No matter, it is almost gone now. I still have a little swelling, but every day it gets better. My pain is very easily managed with extra strength tylenol now. I even went back to work full time yesterday. I get a little bit tired by the afternoon and end up walking slumped over to take the pressure off of my belly. The only mistake I made at work was to try and carry my computer bag from the car to my desk (the walk from parking lot to building is about 1/4 mile). I could only carry it about half way. Luckily, my carpool buddy took pity on me and carried it the rest of the way.
Now that the dressings are off, I'd like to post some new pictures. I'll try to post some tonight.
I know what you mean about the crystal ball. I couldn't envision what my results would be like. It didn't matter how many pictures I looked at or stories I read. I was so anxious before surgery. I was somewhat reassured by my doctor and his excellent staff. They told me to expect a flat belly and more of an an hourglass figure. They said I'd drop about 1 to 2 pants sizes. Honestly, I didn't believe them. But so far, so good. I think they might be right!
This website is an excellent resource. Keep reading and posting. The info you'll get here is top notch.
Now that the dressings are off, I'd like to post some new pictures. I'll try to post some tonight.
I know what you mean about the crystal ball. I couldn't envision what my results would be like. It didn't matter how many pictures I looked at or stories I read. I was so anxious before surgery. I was somewhat reassured by my doctor and his excellent staff. They told me to expect a flat belly and more of an an hourglass figure. They said I'd drop about 1 to 2 pants sizes. Honestly, I didn't believe them. But so far, so good. I think they might be right!
This website is an excellent resource. Keep reading and posting. The info you'll get here is top notch.
March 2, 2011
This is a great review. I just sent you a message, please post a response to help us, soon to be's out. Thank you so much for sharing!
UPDATED FROM Beakidding
4 days post
Ahh bliss!! I had a lovely shower at my post-op...
Ahh bliss!! I had a lovely shower at my post-op appointment today. It was wonderful. They removed the drain (very happy about that) and all outer bandages/foam sponges are gone! I got a little glimpse at my new torso and belly button before the binder was put back into place. Even with all of the bruising and swelling, there is a pronounced difference in my shape. Doctor said they removed almost 17 lbs of skin and fat during the operation. The entire staff was pleased with my progress. They told me that I was "a perfect patient"!! To note: if you've had or are preparing for this surgery, you may already know about this little "surprise". For everyone else, here it is: after a tummy tuck, your crotch gets so swollen. It can even turn purple! Nothing to be worried about, perfectly normal, just a little alarming.
I'm particularly happy right now because I've had my first post-op bowel movement and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I'll admit that I did take a laxative and a stool softener this morning to "grease the works" and that probably made the whole process better. I took a pillow with me to press against my belly during. This really works, try it!! I'm cutting down on the intense pain meds because they are making me a little constipated. Very grateful for them when I needed them, but I think I can get by with just some extra strength tylenol every other dose now.
My appetitite is not the greatest. I only want to eat water ice, italian ice, icees, slushes and popsicles. I'm still so thirsty from the anesthesia. I was advised to add some protein to my all sugar water diet :), so I had some chicken for lunch. It was delicious!
I have vitamin K cream to rub on my bruises. There is also a lot of vitamin K in peanut butter. Looks like the next couple of days will be dedicated to moisturizing my skin and eating my daughter's favorite lunch-time treat..pb&j.
I know I keep promising photos. I swear they are coming. I need my husband to help me crop and upload, I am afraid of the mess I will post if I don't get a little help with that.
I'm getting pretty tired, so I'll rest a bit now. Everyone have a great day!
I'm particularly happy right now because I've had my first post-op bowel movement and it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I'll admit that I did take a laxative and a stool softener this morning to "grease the works" and that probably made the whole process better. I took a pillow with me to press against my belly during. This really works, try it!! I'm cutting down on the intense pain meds because they are making me a little constipated. Very grateful for them when I needed them, but I think I can get by with just some extra strength tylenol every other dose now.
My appetitite is not the greatest. I only want to eat water ice, italian ice, icees, slushes and popsicles. I'm still so thirsty from the anesthesia. I was advised to add some protein to my all sugar water diet :), so I had some chicken for lunch. It was delicious!
I have vitamin K cream to rub on my bruises. There is also a lot of vitamin K in peanut butter. Looks like the next couple of days will be dedicated to moisturizing my skin and eating my daughter's favorite lunch-time treat..pb&j.
I know I keep promising photos. I swear they are coming. I need my husband to help me crop and upload, I am afraid of the mess I will post if I don't get a little help with that.
I'm getting pretty tired, so I'll rest a bit now. Everyone have a great day!
Replies (5)