“ Feeling Fit! ( New PIC) ”

Greetings All,

My name is Jo and I live in Tampa, FL. I’m scheduled to have a TT procedure on 10-07-11. Over the years I’ve been a yo-yo dieter, but last year, (after I had a breast reduction), I was determined to lose weight and keep it off. I started eating right and exercising steadily (5-6 times per week). I’ve finally conquered my weight and have lost a total of 60lbs.

I’m 49, but am now back down to my High School weight and my weight has been stable for the past 6 months.

I want a TT because I’ve worked hard to get my body back and I’m in great shape, (except for the excess wrinkly skin on my tummy). I’ve been saving money in a me fund and I’ve decided that now is the time to do something for myself, so I’m going to take some of my savings and get my body back.

I don’t expect to look like a 20 year old, but I want to be the best me that I can physically be.

I have great surgeon, but I’m still afraid of possible complications. However, I refuse to let fear dissuade me. I want to thank all the Realself members for sharing their journeys. You all have helped ease my nerves more than you’ll ever know.

Updated on 11 Aug 2011:

Ladies,
I need your advice. My surgery is scheduled and I have an excellent surgeon. However, after doing more research I thought it best to consulate with at least two more surgeons. Well, I went and saw the second surgeon today. He has excellent credentials and fabulous pictures of his past work. He was very relatable and spent a lot of time answering my questions. His fees are comparable to the first surgeon but include an overnight stay in the hospital. Both surgeons are listed as Consumer Research Council’s Top Plastic Surgeons and they both stated that my procedure should only take a couple of hours. So my question to you all who’ve already undergone a TT, is staying in an overnight facility worth changing surgeons for?

Updated on 20 Sep 2011:
Hi Ladies,
Unfortunately, I've had to postpone my TT. I have some side issues to deal with. Once those are settled, I'll reschedule my procedure. Good luck to you all.

Updated on 1 Nov 2011:
Hi Ladies,
Had my pre-op today and it went very well. I love my doctor and his staff! I will be getting muscle repair but no lipo. My doctor said that lipo increases the risk for complications, but if necessary we can do later. He also stated that I have no reason to be scared and that the only issue that I may have is with the scar (I’m African American and our skin tends to keloid). However, my doc doesn’t charge for revisions and the scar can be fixed later if necessary.

My entire TT is only scheduled for 2 hours. Oh, since I’m over 40 I have to do an EKG!

Have I said that I love my doctor’ staff? His nurse recommended that I get it done at a place that only charges $25 dollars verses the $122 dollars that the surgery center charges. I got a prescription for Dilaudids and anti-nausea meds. I already have flexril for muscle spasms which he said I could take if necessary. I didn’t even flinch when I paid the $5000 surgeons fee. I’ll pay the $2250 surgery center fee on the day of the procedure. This really feels right and I am at peace with my decision.

By the way I got on the scale today and was down to 152.5 (that was after breakfast and a 3 mile run). As of today, I’ve lost 63 pounds since I started my healthy lifestyle in 2008. I’m so proud that I texted a new pic of me to family and friends and got great responses. I promise to post pics before my surgery!

Also,the nurse measured me for my compression garment and I only need a medium. My waist is 28 inches and my hips are down to 37.5. I'm hoping to be a brick house(36-24-36)after my TT! LoL!

Updated on 8 Nov 2011:
Hi Ladies, time sure is flying. My EKG results came back. Everything is fine! I got my binders in the mail a couple of days ago and I picked up my pain meds. I'm really starting to get antsy. I just want this over and done with. My hubby is getting tired of looking at tummy tuck before and after pics!

Oh, my weight is holding steady at 153 and my eating is under contro1. I feel good but it is still hard for me to picture myself as slim. I'm still suprised whenever I look at myself in the mirror.

Updated on 11 Nov 2011:
Ladies, please pray with me that by this time next week I’ll have undergone a full tummy tuck with no complications, amazing results and am resting comfortably with minimal pain.

Updated on 12 Nov 2011:
Alright Ladies,
I'm ready! My recent college Grad just got a job with benefits with a great company. So, I'm taking that as a sign that it's O.K. to spend this money on myself! Time to invest in me again and complete my transformation. I told my hubby that once I get my sexy new tummy, I'm going to be walking around the house wearing only yoga pants and sports bras (I think he's looking forward to that!).

Updated on 17 Nov 2011:
Hi all, I am so excited, tomorrow is my day! I’ve done really well with my diet and as of today I’m down to 152.4, my BMI is now 22% and my size 10 jeans are a bit loose. I think this is a great weight for me. I can already see some muscle definition in my stomach, so I’m hoping it is tight and flat after my tummy tuck. Today I’m going to do my Thanksgiving shopping, go for a nice 3 mile walk, and have dinner with my hubby. I’ll post updates on my surgery and recovery as soon as I can. Please pray that my surgery is a success and that I make a full and complete recovery with minimal pain. Thanks for all your prayers, support and encouragement!

Updated on 22 Nov 2011:
Hi Ladies, I had my surgery as scheduled on 11-18-11. Today is day 4 post op and so far so good. I went into the operating room around 9:00 am and was home in my recliner by 1:00. My stomach is nice a tight, the scar is low, I have a cute belly button and as an added bonus, my bra fat is gone! I would rate the pain a 5 out of 10 but the anesthesia left me as weak as a new born babe and I haven’t had much of an appetite. I’m slowly getting my strength back and am force myself to eat protein, fruits, and veggies. Well that’s it for now. I’ll update more later. Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes.

Updated on 23 Nov 2011:
Greeting All and Happy Thanksgiving!

I had my 4 day post op visit yesterday and the P.S. says everything looks perfect! He and his nurses have treated me like I was their only patient. I forgot to mention but he called himself to check up on me the evening after my procedure. I’m totally off the narcotic pain meds and only taking Tylenol as needed. Last night I was able to sleep in my bed for 6 hours straight and I am feeling great today! I’m eating right and walking around the house every hour for 5 minutes. I’m standing straight and tall and feel like I’m about 80% of my normal self. I just want to add that my husband has been wonderful! He is the best nurse I could possibly have and has anticipated and catered to my every need, He is truly my prince.

Updated on 29 Nov 2011:
Alright ladies, I’m 11 days post-op and I got my drains removed today. My doctor has released me for exercise and said that I can start running today. However, he did say that it would be better for me to run on a treadmill or workout on the elliptical verses running on pavement. So far this journey hasn’t been half as hard or painful as I thought it would be. I don’t even mind having to wear my binder 23 hours a day. I know I promised pics as soon as the drains came out, but I just bought a digital camera today, so now I have to figure out how to use it. Anyway for those of you still on the fence about a TT, I say if you can afford it, GO FOR IT!

Updated on 20 Dec 2011:
Hello Ladies, I’m 41/2 weeks post op and I’m feeling good. I’m back in the gym and slowly regaining my pre-op fitness level. I’m able to walk 4 mile or run for thirty minutes on the treadmill without pain or discomfort. I would have to say that after the first three days my recovery has been pretty easy. However, I’m withholding my worth it rating till I hit the two month mark. I’m still a work in progress but I’m happy with my results so far. What I find amazing is that even though I’m still swollen I can now wear a size 6 versus the size 10 I was pre-surgery and I didn’t have any lipo! Anyhow, here are the pics I promised. I hope you all have a great Holiday Season!

Updated on 24 Dec 2011:
Happy Holidays Ladies! I’m 5 weeks post-op and my recovery is going very well. I’m working out 5-6 times a week for one hour. I usually run, walk, ride the spin bike, or workout on the elliptical machine. It feels great to be back in the gym and I can hardly wait to be able to do crunches or get back on the rowing machine (my PS says I have to wait till my 6 week mark). I’m trying to eat right and I would say that I’m successful 80% of the time. My stomach is looking better and better each day and my swelling is minimal. So far I have no regrets and I pray that everything continues to go well for me and I wish the same for all of you too!

Updated on 31 Dec 2011:
Hi ladies and Happy New Year! I am 6 weeks post op and aside from some extended family issues, doing great! My PS has released me to do any excercises I want, including crunches! My weight is down to 150 and I'm officially in a size 6. BTW height is 5'10'. I brought three pairs of pants and they all fit perfectly. I've been very active during my recovery process and I ran three miles yesterday which felt awesome. After my run/walk today, I will take off my binder and only wear it while excercising. Other than losing weight, this tummy tuck was the best present I've ever given myself and so far it is well worth every penny spent! Now I have to work hard and apply my scar cream and silicone strips to ensure my scar doesn't keloid.

Updated on 12 Jan 2012:
Hi ladies, tomorrow I’ll be 8 weeks post-op. My tummy is coming along just fine and I’m back to my regular workouts and I’m able to do crunches and sit-ups. Please pray with me that everything continues to go well for me and my family. Thanks and blessings to all of you!

Updated on 14 Jan 2012:
Greetings all, I Just passed the 8 week mark and I'm feeling great! My next mission is to get rid of all the granny panties in my underwear drawer and go out and get some sexy undies!

Updated on 7 May 2012:
Ladies, I am going great. My weight is still stable and I just ran mt first 1/2 Marathon. Having a TT was the best gift I could have ever given myself.

Updated on 31 May 2012:
Ladies, I'm feeling great and training for a full marathon.
No regrets about the TT and for the first time in my life I have a body that I'm proud of. I wish you all blessings and happy healing.