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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

32 Years, 2 Kids and a Flabby Tummy Later... - South Africa, ZA

Name: 32 Years, 2 Kids and a Flabby Tummy Later... - South Africa, ZA
Item: Dr Schalk van Heerden
Author: VanessB

ORIGINAL POST

I picked up over 35 kg with my eldest son (now 10...

VanessBAugust 19, 2014

$45,000

I picked up over 35 kg with my eldest son (now 10 years) and my baby is now 4 years old and I picked up about 23 kg.
But since my first baby my tummy never looked the same. I have stretch marks from under my boobs to under my knees! The more weight I loose the more flabby my tummy gets! I get so embarrassed when my tummy by accident sticks out when I'm reaching for a top shelf, ,, the kids will ask why does my tummy look like that?
Im still about 6 kg away from goal weight. I'll try to loose the weight by the time I go in for surgery.
I'm seeing the Dr S van Heerden on 9 October. I would like the surgery to be done in December as I am a teacher and the December holidays are the longest. (I'll have 5-6 weeks to recover).
what would you girls recommend I buy for my long stay in bed? eg: books, food, organize that I have made meals in the freezer so hubby can just take it out? special clothes?

VanessB's provider

Dr Schalk van Heerden

Replies (17)

Eliemma

August 19, 2014

Hi my name is carol I am 55 . I had my TT done 2months ago , I am also from S . A....I had my T T done by doctor Gabriel Doucas ..he is a very good doctor , looked after me very well . For the frist week I did not worry about food ,I slept most of the time .good thing is to walk around a bit .becarefully what you eat as you pick up weight very easy .. I had no pain ,only my back hurt a bit after the operation ..best of luck and it is a great feeling having a tummy and not that apron in front of you .. I feel excited for you took me 35 years to have it done

VanessB

August 21, 2014

Thanks for ur reply! Where in S.A are u,? Im in Pretoria.. how long befor you went back to work? Im a teacher.. so I think a good 6 weeks will be enough?

VanessB

August 22, 2014

What type of clothes do you wear afterwards and for how long until you can wear normal clothes.

Dream Cruiser

August 23, 2014

Welcome Vanessa, the RS community has been wonderful for learning all about TT's from women that have been through the experience. There are lists of things you may need, what is best to eat after surgery (protein and drink lots of fluids). Everyone on here shares their ups and downs, it has helped me with my complete dedication to proceeding with the surgery in September. I only have 2 weeks off work, so that will be pushing it, but am sure 5-6 weeks should be just fine. Again, welcome... And keep asking and reading on RS.

VanessB

August 23, 2014

Thanks alot! Will keep reading and make my lists.

Cmb82

August 26, 2014

That's great you will have 5-6 weeks to recover so you can go back to work looking and feeling great. Easy meals for your hubby is a great idea. Mine doesn't cook at all and I wish I had prepared some things for him. I Have been living in yoga pants and tank tops. I can fit my jeans but with the binder on, it's a little Uncomfortable if I wear them too long. If I'm home, yoga pants or loose pajama pants are all I need. I haven't been reading but I have been watching a lot movies and shows on my phone. It helps keep the boredom to minimum. I look forward to your updates!

VanessB

August 26, 2014

Thanks girls!!! Love ur replies and will start cooking in November! ! Did ur dr gv u a binder? Was it included in ur fee?

Capergirl

August 26, 2014

My dr doesn't want me to wear anything until my drains come out, it's crazy how things are done differently, I've done my own research on the binder and there are mixed reviews. I just wonder if I would still be as swollen if I was wearing a binder. I feel confident in my PS so I trust what he says.

Dream Cruiser

August 26, 2014

Cape girl, you are correct, all these different PS's have different methods, some want binders, some don't, most use drains, a few don't....go figure. By the way girls.... I love, love South Africa....got married in Kruger. My husband worked out of White River for a couple of years.... Love it! Did I say that enough?

VanessB

August 26, 2014

S.A is a beautiful country :). Does ur dr suggest a special oil or something that u can apply on ur scar?

Dream Cruiser

August 26, 2014

Wish I could answer that, but my surgery is yet to come....bio oil has been suggested, also silicone strips on the scar...I have both, so will see which one works best for me. No scar therapy for 3-4 weeks at least though after your surgery, apparently the scar has to be completely closed before massage or scar therapy begins.

UPDATED FROM VanessB

4 months pre

tummy disaster

VanessBAugust 26, 2014

Here are my before pictures

Replies (4)

VanessB

August 28, 2014

Dr van Heerden cant help me in December. . So looking at other options.. has anybody hear of Dr Nicolette Landman? Dr Annandale and Dr Claassens?

Dream Cruiser

August 28, 2014

Oh my, that is too bad your first choice is not available. Am sure will find the right doc for your surgery at the right time

VanessB

August 28, 2014

Thanks Dream Cruiser. . Am praying about it and for the right surgeon!

dallasMOMx4

September 1, 2014

I don't know any specific doctors over there, but Google "drainless tummy tuck" and look for a PS who uses that procedure. My TT was drainless and it's a much easier recovery- at least judging other readers' reviews! I had little pain and negligible swelling. Many PSs have been using drainless for years and I think that overall the complications rate is lower than the TT using drains. Good luck

UPDATED FROM VanessB

3 months pre

P.S Appointment number 1!! Dr N. Landman

VanessBSeptember 3, 2014

I have an appointment with Dr Nicolette Landman tomorrow morning!! if I'm happy with her I'll have the op with her, although I don't know anyone that has been to her, but heard good things about her.. Another Dr, that I have an appointment with in November is Dr Annandale, my friend had her boobs done a couple of years ago,, so big decisions to make.
My family thinks I'm wasting money and that its not necessary !! :( but I'm determined to go through with it, as I am the one living with it!

Replies (8)

sumaya09

September 3, 2014

Hi There I am based in JHB and I went with DR CHETAN PATEL in Sandton clinic. He is AMAZING!

sumaya09

September 3, 2014

BTW the amount he gies you will incl your hospital stay, the whole procedure including the anaesthetist. Will also include all your consults before & after op, as well as your surgical garments. I had a mommy makeover with lipo of the flanks. I was slowed down for about a week but after that back to cooking and doing normal stuff. NO PAIN at all!

VanessB

September 3, 2014

Ok.. thanks for tip about drainless T.T.. will do research. . Cant wait for my consult tomorrow. . How much did Patel charge u?

sumaya09

September 4, 2014

Hi for breast reduction with lift, full tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo it was R58 000. Remember this includes everything, I did have drains for 7days. They were not a hassle at all because the whole area is kind of numb so it bother me. Trust me his definitely worth even just going for a consult. I got a quote from a Doc in Rosebank for R120 000, but he was so cold and just robot like. Where are you based?

VanessB

September 4, 2014

shooo weeee,, R120 000!! that's day light robbery!! I phoned ur doc yesterday but cant see me this year,,,, it is a bit far to drive too,,,oh well,,, did you sleep over?

sumaya09

September 4, 2014

Yeah his a very busy guy, also does reconstructive hand surgery. He does the procedure at a private clinic called MEDGATE in Roodepoort, you sleep over for 1 night so you can be monitored. Yeah that other doc was smoking something, R120 000 might as well buy a new car!

sumaya09

September 4, 2014

Hi again, you can all Dr P and speak to Terri. They do have space still for this year