Full TT with Muscle Repair - 36 Yr Old Mother of 3, Getting Rid of the Belly Bulge (Full Review) Seattle, WA

I began my weight loss journey in February of 2012, at the weight of 184 (I’m 5’4”) after having three beautiful, healthy, and large babies (8#6oz, 9#2oz and 9#10oz). Prior to having children, my weight was consistently 130-135. When I decided to make a change to lose the weight, I utilized a few weeks of Weight Watchers and then added in Beachbody workouts. I was able to consistently stay at 160 by early 2013. I knew that I could do more and in July 2013, I launched head-on into a workout and food program and was able to drop another 11 pounds and 12 inches in just a few months. Even at my smallest, I still had the belly bulge. Inches of extra skin and fat that would not budge combined with a distended abdomen, made it all very disheartening. I knew deep down that the only way I was going to lose all of that was with a tummy tuck. I had often judged those who had chosen to get plastic surgery. I felt that God gave you the body you have and that you should take care of it and be content with it. After a couple of my friends went through body contouring and mommy makeovers, I did more research and personal seeking and decided that I would like to get a tummy tuck. In March 2014, my husband surprised me with an early birthday present, a tummy tuck. My consult was in April, pre-op in mid-June, and surgery in early July. At my pre-op appointment, we met with Dr. Salemy once again and also with a nurse. She went through all the important information, measured me for my garment, and gave me my prescriptions. I ordered my garment almost immediately and filled the prescriptions that following week. Unfortunately, my garment didn’t fit, so I ordered the next size up and also opted for the high-back version. The back fat on the other version was just too much! The XL arrived and I tried it on. It fit, I guess, as good as a compression garment that covers nearly ¾ of your body can. With two weeks until surgery, I ramped up my workouts so I could be as strong as possible. I think that paid off! Two days leading up to surgery, I ate a soft diet as suggested. On Wednesday night, I had my daughter take the last “big belly” pictures (posted here) that I ever wanted to see so I could have before pictures. Then my husband and I drove to Seattle and checked into the Sorrento Hotel. It is a very old and unique hotel; however, I don’t think I would suggest staying there if you want to get rest before or after a procedure. The floors are very old and creak a lot, so if there is a guest in the room above you, you are bound to hear them. Unfortunately, that was our experience and I didn’t sleep much the night before surgery (not that I would have anyway). The bathrooms are also very small, which could prove difficult with certain surgeries I assume. The day of surgery finally arrived! We arrived at 7AM, and were greeted by my nurse. I should have known by the sparkle and kindness in her eyes (since that was all we could see) that we would become close. She brought us back to a small exam room where she asked if I had any questions and then she instructed me to change into my gown and she even gave me my very own party hat (a.k.a. surgery hat). I knew it was going to be a good day. Next, Dr. Salemy came in and I could tell he had his game face on. His demeanor was more excited and intense than I’d seen in the other times we’d met. This comforted me. After he created his roadmap on my jiggly tummy with purple pen (of course I had to have my hubby take a picture), I turned my gown around and waited for the anesthesiologist. Up to this point, I still didn’t know if I was going to use spinal or general anesthesia. I was fearful of general anesthesia because I have dental implants and crowns and I’d heard there is a chance for them to break, and I wasn’t interested in all the other side effects. When the anesthesiologist came in, he promptly answered my questions, and made me feel comfortable with spinal anesthesia. I was worried about possibly being aware during surgery, but he assured me that wouldn’t happen. My nurse came back in and led me back to the operating room. As we passed through the recovery room, I thought to myself that it was so strange to be walking into an O.R. I laid down on the table that was draped with hospital pads and JJ covered me with a warming blanket (it’s like 32 degrees in there, I swear). She put the pneumatic compression cuffs on my legs and the blood pressure cuff on my right arm. The anesthesiologist then put a tourniquet on my left arm and started prepping my hand for I.V. During delivery of all three of my children, I had to have an I.V. and it always hurt A LOT. I was worried about this and of course, made it known. He gave me shot of Novocain to numb the area, then slid the I.V. right in and I didn’t feel anything. They then asked me to roll to my right side and tuck my legs. JJ gave me some happy juice in my I.V., I felt the cold betadine (or whatever anesthetic was used to clean my back), and I was OUT. I woke up as the nurses were putting on my garment. I was not in much pain. They rolled me into recovery and brought my husband in to be with me. He was amazed that it only took under 3 hours start to finish. They gave me some anti-nausea meds, crackers, and pain meds. Within 20-30 minutes, she was helping me into the wheelchair and she wheeled me out to the parking garage and into the car. My right foot was still a little sloppy from the spinal. We pulled in the hotel valet, I got out and shuffled to the elevator and to our room. We were back in the room and I was in bed by 11AM. Talk about efficient! My hubby helped me walk down the hall and back every few hours and he went out to get us food. We kept up with the anti-nausea, pain meds, and valium as prescribed. The pillow propping was a new adventure, one that you’d think we’d perfect in the coming weeks… The day following the surgery was Independence Day. Dr. Salemy agreed to meet us (along with 2 other patients) in the lobby since the building was locked for the day. What a guy to schedule surgeries knowing he would have to come in on a holiday! Just before leaving the hotel, I felt sick to my stomach and actually did get sick. That is NOT fun after a tummy tuck, and another reason I chose to veer away from general anesthesia. As we pulled into the parking lot at the office, I got sick again. As we met Dr. Salemy, he could tell I was not feeling well. He had also brought his adorable daughter with him. We all piled in the elevator and as we entered the office, he took me right back and saw me first. He made us feel important and cared for. He changed my bandages and said he’d see us in a week. We made the hour drive back home, and thankfully I never got sick again. The days after that are a blur, but what I do know is that having a caregiver (or two) is almost imperative. Most sites say you need someone with you for 72 hours. Ha! I have my husband and my mom home with me for two weeks and I don’t think I’d have it any other way. My mom cooked and kept the laundry up and my husband was there to support me. My meals were small because I didn’t feel like eating much at a time. That gradually increased with time. I had a one-week follow up where he removed the last drain and applied tape to the scar that we would need to replace twice a week. That night after returning home, I felt sad. I remember standing in our bedroom hugging my husband, and just crying….for no reason. He comforted me. The next day was worse. I had some alone time at home as my mom and husband ran our kids to various activities, and I was a blubbering mess! I don’t suffer from depression and usually have it all together, most all the time. So when I read about the potential of post-op depression, I figured it didn’t apply to me. Boy was I wrong! I felt alone, helpless, hopeless, and sad. I didn’t want to call the office because I didn’t know what I would say and I didn’t feel like it was a medical issue. That Friday evening, I sent an email through the contact link on the website. On Sunday evening, Dr. Salemy called my cell phone, while on vacation, and left me the nicest, reassuring message. It was a good thing I didn’t see him call because I was crying at that point and wouldn’t have been able to talk, I’m sure. He reassured me that it was normal, but that he was also concerned and wanted to make sure I was okay. He said he would have the office call on Monday. Well, that gave me the confidence to call on my own. I called bright and early on Monday morning and was put on hold by the receptionist. The person that picked up my call was my nurse. I almost cried right then. We talked for over 25 minutes about all my concerns and what I was experiencing. She assured me that it was normal and that she would check on me the next day, which she did. Over the next few weeks, we would exchange phone calls and emails. I felt completely loved on and cared for. The depression subsided by week 5. I stopped using narcotic pain medication on day 6 and stopped using valium on day 7. I don’t know what prompted me to discontinue them, but I think I figured I’d have to stop at some point, so might as well do it. The downside to that is that I replaced it with ibuprofen. I believe that caused some stomach issues I will discuss later. I wish there was a timeframe we could be given as a guideline for it, but I know that everyone is different. I’m glad I stopped them when I did, but am wondering if it would have been better to continue them a bit longer. When I got home the day after surgery, I had lost 5# and weighed 155. Up through 6 weeks post-op, I stayed between 152-155. I was happy about that because a lot of patients complain of gaining weight during the weeks after surgery. My swelling wasn’t terrible. I think that was, in part, because I used Arnica Montana and Bromelain which help with bruising and swelling. I kept waiting for what I’ve heard other patients call “swell hell” and around week 3-4, I think I experienced a little of it. This was also the time that I returned to work and was walking to exercise, and having to sit at my desk at home to do homework as well. I would describe it as feeling like your belly is extended and it’s hard to breathe, in a sense. Your garment and clothes feel tight and you just need to get out of it. Heat, food, and activity level make a huge difference with swelling. The biggest issue I had was with my stomach. Around week 3, I had some terrible stomach issues. There was one night that I was literally up all night with stomach pains. It wasn’t vomiting or diarrhea, but terrible cramping. I, of course, talked to my nurse and tried some probiotics and also weaned off of ibuprofen. Within a few days, I stopped the probiotics and just tried staying off the pain reliever, and things improved. I still don’t know if it was an imbalance of my gut flora from the antibiotics or issues with ibuprofen. Around this same time, I had a few spitting stitches. While my nurse sent thorough instructions about getting them taken care of, and my husband did a great job, Dr. Salemy suggested I come into the office. I think he felt with the various issues I’d had that I could use some reassurance. I was so thankful for that. They got me in and he was able to look at my scar and let me know everything looked perfect and he’d see me at my 6 week appointment. As I prepare for my 6 week follow-up in just a couple days, I can look back and say that my experience was a good one. I had a few bumps along the way, but nothing compared to what could have happened. The staff at Dr. Salemy's office is compassionate, loving, caring, and thorough. I have never felt looked down upon nor uncomfortable. I am happy with my results so far and know that it will only get better once I can exercise again. Most of all, I have my perfect belly button! My whole experience with Dr. Salemy was amazing. I would do it again in a heartbeat. While the first few weeks are tough, they do pass. My before and after pictures speak for themselves and I'm excited to improve beyond where I am at 6 weeks. A few tips/tricks: --If you have two vehicles, plan to drive the one with the smoother suspension once you can drive. I normally drive our Dodge car, but I found our Toyota to be much nicer on my tummy. --Buy two garments! Oh the time and stress that would have been avoided if I’d had two garments, especially when I first returned to work. --Wear your garment exactly as your surgeon instructs. They know what they're talking about. --Get a wedge pillow for your head and your knees. Make sure you have enough pillows to be stationed in your living room and bedroom. --Drink enough water! Have someone specified for water duty or keep a pitcher beside you.