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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Going on 7 Months Post-OP and Feeling Strong and Fit! ( New PIC)

ORIGINAL POST

Greetings All, My name is Jo and I live in...

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JoBibbi
WORTH IT$7,250

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.

JoBibbi's provider

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam)

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

JoBibbi

JoBibbi rating for Dr. Greenwald:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
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Replies (6)

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August 5, 2011
Thanks for posting your story Jo. Congrats on the weight loss. Fantastic !!! You deserve to have this procedure and believe me you will be thrilled with the results. Post some before pics and keep us posted on your feelings as you approach D Day. Try to stay on the positive reviews and just know that your fears are normal. Best of luck. Look forward to following your journey here on Realself.

Regards
Robyn
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August 5, 2011
Robyn,

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I'll post before pictures soon.
August 5, 2011

Thank you for posting your review!   You are going to do wonderful!

August 6, 2011
Can't wait to see pictures of the new you!
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August 7, 2011
Jo, I know you will be so glad you did this when it's done. I, like you, was not trying to regain my 20's body, but hey, believe it or not, I think it's not unimaginable that my tummy looks as good now as it ever did. Yours will too. Good luck!
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August 8, 2011
Hi Marinemom,

Thanks for the good vibes. I saw your pics, you look fabulous!
UPDATED FROM JoBibbi
2 months pre

Ladies, I need your advice. My surgery is...

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JoBibbi

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?

Replies (18)

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August 11, 2011
Jo, regarding the overnight stay. I personally do not like to stay in the hospital if it can be avoided, especially an otherwise healthy person. Mine was done in the PS surgical facility, fully accredited, etc., I have to say, it was so nice to come home, I had everything all ready, recliner, all meds, you name it, and I paid for homehealth care to spend the first week with me. She was there from the moment I got home until 10 each night. After the first 3 nights, I was able to get up on my own and take my meds. I know other women have stayed overnight, but it depends on the docs. Good luck.
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August 12, 2011
marinemom,

Thanks for responding so quickly. I'm going to stick with my original surgeon. He did a great job on my breast reduction and is rated on the top 100 doctors in America. So, I'm going to trust in him and stop worrying so much.
August 12, 2011

My opinion is no.  It's not worth changing surgeons just for an over night stay.  You pick the surgeon based on how you feel about them.  Are you comfortable with them and do you trust them?   And if everything else check out with credentials etc.  

Personally I would rather be at home and away from any hospital or facility germs.

Trust your gut and first reaction and go with it. 

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August 12, 2011
Kimmers25,

You always give such great advice. I'm going to trust in my decision and in my original surgeon. Thanks again for all your time and efforts. We are lucky to have you looking out for us. Your family and circle of friends nust feel blessed to have you in their lives.
August 13, 2011

Ahhh you are sweet:)

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August 13, 2011
Wow, and here I am thinking YES YES YES, take the overnight stay !!! Are hospitals really that BAD in the US ?? I agree about not risking the germs etc. but theatres are sterile environments and surely your wards are clean ??? I spent 3 nights in hospital after my surgery and had the best care ever. Your second consult sounds like it went really well ?? Oh well, I see you have decided to go with your first PS - it really is a "gut feel" thing so you must have made the right decision for yourself :) Good Luck Jo ....
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August 13, 2011
Thanks Robyn, I was only thinking about the overnight stay because of the pain management. The second consulate went very well. However, the first PS did a great job on my breast reduction so I'm going to stick with him. Most hospital in the U.S. are surperb but there is always the risks of catching an infection from another patient. Plus, as long as I get some good meds I think my hubby and son will take great care of me.
August 20, 2011
Hi Jo, Can you tell me which surgeon you chose? I am about to go to a few consults and want to interview a few good ones. Please let me know so I can investigate for Tummy Tuck! Thank you Clare I.
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August 24, 2011
Hi Clare,

I chose Dr Dan Greenwald. His practice is called Bayshore Plastic Surgery and his office suite is located in the Channelside District of Tampa.
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August 13, 2011
Robyn, I think the undertone is that if you are healthy otherwise, it's not worth the risk of getting some kind of germ/infection from a sick person who may also be in the hospital. It does happen and more than you probably are aware, I can't speak for the theatres you have there, but I can say that I would never stay overnight in the hospital unless I had to. many of my friends whom are nurses echo this feeling. But in the end, you are right, your instincts about the surgeon are the deciding factors! So glad you had such a great experience with yours!
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August 13, 2011
Oh my gosh, ladies...I feel like I have been punched and beat-up in my tummy area. I am sooooo sore today, walking all hunched again and in some pain. I took 2 extylenol and laid in my recliner and took a 4 hour nap. I feel like crap! Gee, I am a bit taken back b/c this is really the first day I have felt bad since the surgery. I took my temp no fever, so I will manage until Monday when I go to the ps. office. 18 days post op today.
August 14, 2011

Good days and bad...

If you look like, feel like and think you have been kicked by a horse, drug through the dirt, and then backed over by a truck....you had a tummy tuck:)

Those days are so frustrating.  As you heal everything tightens up inside and makes you ache.  Just kick your feet up and give in to it.  It's your body's way of telling you to go slow.  It all passes.

 

UPDATED FROM JoBibbi
17 days pre

Hi Ladies, Unfortunately, I've had to...

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JoBibbi
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.

Replies (16)

September 21, 2011

You take care of yourself and we will be here when you are ready.

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September 21, 2011
Thanks Kimmers! Hopefully, I'll be back on in a month or so with a new surgery date. Love and blessings to you!
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October 5, 2011
Having just gotten my TT, I would definitely recommend the overnight stay!! My doctor changed her mind about the outpatient and had me stay overnight and I am so glad I did! I had constant support for 24 hours, IV antibiotics and nurses to help me get up and use the restroom.

Hope you get your new date soon! Best wishes
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October 5, 2011
I'm going to follow the advice of my doctor, whatever he recommends I'll do. My TT is now schedule for 11-18-11. I pray I won't have to postpone it again. By the way, you look great! Congrats!
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October 14, 2011
Hello Ladies,

All side issues have been resolved and I’m now scheduled to have my TT on NOV. 18. I’m getting excited! I’ve maintained my weight loss and have even toned up some more. My size 10 jeans are even a little loose. I’m hoping to fit into a size 8 after recovery!
October 16, 2011

And you will...because you are determined and driven:)

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October 16, 2011
Thanks Kimmers, you are always so positive. We need more people like you in this world!
October 17, 2011

:) :)

xoxoxo

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October 16, 2011
JoBibbi, I was in a size 10 prior to surgery, now, 3 months post op I am down to size 6 and some 8's. You will be there too. :)
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October 16, 2011
Marinemon,

That's great! Thanks for the encouraging news.
October 20, 2011
Hi Jo, Thx for warm welcome on November tummy tuckers- will be seeing u around the forum and following your journey to that new flat bellyyyyyy!!