POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Year and a half and no regrets!
ORIGINAL POST
My motivation in doing this was to look as active...
WORTH IT$5,500
My motivation in doing this was to look as active and fit as I feel. I have worked out faithfully for over 20 years, through two pregnancies, one which was a twin pregnancy. I could never get my pre-twin abdomen back despite being a group fitness instructor for 20+ years, a recreational triathlete, physical therapist assistant and overall active person.
UPDATED FROM TT_for_twin_mom
My TT was one week ago today and I am already...
My TT was one week ago today and I am already feeling prettty good. I had a full TT with an inverted T incision. My PS said I had a 2 cm diastatis recti above the umbilicus and 4 cm below from my twin pregnancy. I could always feel that separation at my belly button with my fingers doing ab exercises but was surprised it was so much! She had to do the T incision because I didn't have as much skin above the belly button to stretch down. It is very small, maybe 3/4" and I still have some stretch marks below the BB anyway. I'm very pleased with the result so far at day 7.
Immediately upon waking in recovery I just felt a little stinging sensation in my abdomen, but nothing terrible. For the first two days post op I took 2 Lortab every 4-5 hours, by POD 3 I was stretching it out to every 5-5.5 hrs and weaning down to one Lortab. By POD 4 I was down to one Lortab every 12 hours and switching over to Aleve. Now POD 7 and only taking Aleve and/or Tylenol. I think using ice packs a lot helped with the discomfort a lot. Really being bloated from constipation and the back muscle aches from being bent over were worse than the surgical pain for me. On POD 5 I had one drain removed and the other will likely be removed in two days. I am getting around better each day and standing a little taller. I think my experience in physical therapy has helped guide me through my recovery. I also have followed my PS instructions to the letter. As instructed, on my surgery day I got up 5 times after getting home, and 7 times each day thereafter. My PS wanted me to wait on a shower for a few days more than usual as I would follow up at POD 5 because I had surgery close to the weekend and live one hour away from her office. Showering does take a lot out of you for sure. I used my grandmas shower bench which has come in really handy for showering, dressing, putting on makeup, etc. I also used her rolling walker for a few days to help out with the back strain from walking so bent over. It's also been helpful to carry things on with a simple plastic grocery sack. I took a walk for about a block today and am making sure to rest and continue icing as well. I'm trying to be very cautious not to overdo it, as this is my nature. I don't want to prolong my recovery and want to get back to exercising ASAP, but following my PS plan exactly.
A few things that have been so helpful for me: Shower bench, reacher and walker from grandma (Don't buy, try to borrow as you'll only use them for a very short time) the compression garment from my PS (great abdominal support and keeps the edema down), ice packs, recliner and wearing loose sun dresses which was an idea I got from someone on this site.
Immediately upon waking in recovery I just felt a little stinging sensation in my abdomen, but nothing terrible. For the first two days post op I took 2 Lortab every 4-5 hours, by POD 3 I was stretching it out to every 5-5.5 hrs and weaning down to one Lortab. By POD 4 I was down to one Lortab every 12 hours and switching over to Aleve. Now POD 7 and only taking Aleve and/or Tylenol. I think using ice packs a lot helped with the discomfort a lot. Really being bloated from constipation and the back muscle aches from being bent over were worse than the surgical pain for me. On POD 5 I had one drain removed and the other will likely be removed in two days. I am getting around better each day and standing a little taller. I think my experience in physical therapy has helped guide me through my recovery. I also have followed my PS instructions to the letter. As instructed, on my surgery day I got up 5 times after getting home, and 7 times each day thereafter. My PS wanted me to wait on a shower for a few days more than usual as I would follow up at POD 5 because I had surgery close to the weekend and live one hour away from her office. Showering does take a lot out of you for sure. I used my grandmas shower bench which has come in really handy for showering, dressing, putting on makeup, etc. I also used her rolling walker for a few days to help out with the back strain from walking so bent over. It's also been helpful to carry things on with a simple plastic grocery sack. I took a walk for about a block today and am making sure to rest and continue icing as well. I'm trying to be very cautious not to overdo it, as this is my nature. I don't want to prolong my recovery and want to get back to exercising ASAP, but following my PS plan exactly.
A few things that have been so helpful for me: Shower bench, reacher and walker from grandma (Don't buy, try to borrow as you'll only use them for a very short time) the compression garment from my PS (great abdominal support and keeps the edema down), ice packs, recliner and wearing loose sun dresses which was an idea I got from someone on this site.
Replies (4)
September 12, 2012
ice packs helped me out too, i will b 4 weeks po on the 14th and i notice when i m on my feet more, ice on my incision helps, and nothing elastic on ur tummy...i hav to tell ya, i m a gramma of 3 and my daughter had identical twin girls, she is a marthon runner and so much like you...............keep er going girl.........:)
September 13, 2012
Thanks! What are you doing as far as activity/exercise at this point? Good to know to expect swelling weeks down the road.
September 12, 2012
I am also from Utah and just scheduled my surgery for 9/26/2012. I enjoyed reading your post. I am also extremely active and the thing I'm most worried about is recovery time. You look great...hope your recovery time continues well.
September 13, 2012
Thanks! Yes, me too on the recovery time. I really am surprised at how smoothly this all went. I'm starting to get the workout itch as I feel better and better. I have thoughts of "maybe I could do some yoga poses for legs" or "maybe some sitting arm exercises." I won't though until my PS gives her blessing! Good luck to you and be sure and post pics and progress. Looking at and reading about moms who are active really helped me get a good perspective on how I might do and what to expect.
UPDATED FROM TT_for_twin_mom
POD 8: Really feeling my energy coming back both...
POD 8: Really feeling my energy coming back both yesterday and today. Did some errands today including a trip to Wal-Mart. Who knew pushing a cart with a sticky wheel would be so taxing on the abs?! Going to go lay down and ice the belly before kiddos get home from school. I think I stayed out of the CG a little too long yesterday and notice a bit more swelling today. Tried to get into some of my jeans, no go, too much swelling. I'll keep to the sun dresses. Starting to miss working out. Planning to start more moderate walking speed and distance next week. For now I guess my trip around the Super WM and the errands will have to do. Still very pleased with the overall process and results so far. Not sorry I did this one bit.
I forgot to mention my stats on my original post. I am 5' 4" and 142 lbs pre-surgery. Not planning to weigh myself anytime soon. Maybe when I'm back at the gym. I gained 25 lbs with my first pregnancy and 50+ with my twins. I stopped weighing at the 200 lbs mark and then went into labor 10 weeks early. I also forgot to mention that I have a super supportive husband, kids and parents who have helped me out a ton!
I forgot to mention my stats on my original post. I am 5' 4" and 142 lbs pre-surgery. Not planning to weigh myself anytime soon. Maybe when I'm back at the gym. I gained 25 lbs with my first pregnancy and 50+ with my twins. I stopped weighing at the 200 lbs mark and then went into labor 10 weeks early. I also forgot to mention that I have a super supportive husband, kids and parents who have helped me out a ton!
Replies (0)