THRILLED I Actually Did It!! - Southlake, TX

I have always been tall and of a normal weight. After having my second child via repeat c-section, I lost the weight quickly but noticed a small "pooch" under my belly button. My skin was not saggy/loose unless I bent over, but it bothered me. When I went to see Dr. Obaid, I was originally interested in a mini-tummy tuck. But he took the time to explain to me why the result I deired actually required a full tummy tuck and a little lipo on my love handles. Initially, I was concerned about having such a long scar, but he promised I would be able to wear a conservative 2 piece and no one would know.

During the time leading up to the surgery, Dr. Obaid, Melissa and the entire office staff were helpful, patient, and understanding. On the morning of surgery, I was a little nervous, but Dr. Obaid put me at ease. As he drew all over my soft tummy, he assured me that he would try to get it tight enough to bounce a quarter off of it--music to my ears!

After the procedure, I wasn't sure what to expect other than I would wake up in a bent position with a sensation of being extremely tight through my middle. True! Since I am usually a very active person, it was a huge adjustment for me to have to consciously plan my movements, all while flexed at the waist. The first couple days were a blur...I highly recommend having help so you can rest as much as possible. The post op instructions including moving every hour to prevent blood clots. Even though it was a pain (literally and figuratively) to get up and move around, I really feel like it helped speed up my recovery. Several of my friends said that they thought the tummy tuck was actually easier than their c-sections. I disagree for a couple reasons. After a c-section, you stay in the hospital for the first few (and toughest days) with great pain meds and constant support. You are able to ease back into the routine. After a tummy tuck, you go home the same day (or maybe the next) with your entire set of core muscles sewn so tight that you can't stand up. Plus, you have two drains that are sewn into your pubic area that were by far THE WORST part of the ordeal. They weren't painful unless the clips slipped off my binder, which jerked at the sutures that were holding them into my skin. Going to the bathroom with those hooked on to the binder, getting up and down out of bed (difficult!), and getting dressed were extra frustrating with two yucky drains in that area. I recommend sleeping in just panties and wearing a skirt during the day so the clothing doesn't push on the drains and irritate the skin where they're attached. As soon as the first drain came out, I noticed an immediate improvement. And a few days later, when the second drain came out, I was a new woman. Seriously-I felt amazing....still bent at the waist and tight, but a million times better.

The other thing I was not prepared for was the back spasms. Since I am tall, I have a long torso and typically pretty good posture. Having to walk bent at the waist created pain far worse than the actual surgery. I would recommend taking the pain medicine as directed and definitely the muscle relaxers. The pain has gotten better each day--both in my back and my abdomen. I am only 2 1/2 weeks out and already so comfortable that I am back to work and business as usual.

Even though my abdomen is still swollen (and will be for several more weeks), I am AMAZED at the result. The first couple days I panicked, thinking, "What did I do to my body?!?!?" Now, 2 weeks later, I am thinking, "Why didn't I do this sooner?!?!?" Dr. Obaid's scar is extremely thin and low. I even did a trial run with a pair of low-cut/hipster thong panties...and you can't see the line!!! The other part I was concerned about was getting a natural looking belly button. His stitching is incredible--I can't see anything around the belly button and it looks natural already.

I can't say enough about Dr. Obaid, Melissa, Lily (when she takes out your drains, you'll understand why I love her so much!!!), and the entire office staff. They are professional, available, friendly, patient, and so helpful. If you're thinking about whether or not you really want to do this, I highly recommend going in for a consultation. You won't be sorry!!!