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“Questions for Those Who've Already Had a Tummy Tuck - Tampa, FL”

3coolcats

Not Sure
Spent: $5,300 in Tampa, FL

Comments (32)

Updated 29 Jan 2011

Posted 20 Oct 2010

Hello, I am scheduled to have a tummy tuck on Nov. 5, 2010 and have a few questions for those of you who have already had them......

1) In reading many of these reviews, everyone seems very happy w/their results about a year after the surgery - but what about 5 or 10 years after the surgery???? My P.S. says I shouldnt need to repeat the procedure again if I maintain my weight, but I think everyone gains 5-10 lbs around the holidays (it seems kind of unavoidable) I don't know if I want to go thru with this if the results only last a year or 2........
2)My PS says it will take 2 wks to recover from a TT, but how long did it take before you started up strenuous aerobics/weight lifting workouts?
3)How long did it take for your scar to fade?
4) Is there anything yyou wish you had known or asked before you had your TT?
5) I had a vertical Csection 4 years ago and recall great difficulty getting in and out of my bed for several weeks. Did you sleep in a bed after your procedure or should I invest in a recliner?
I greatly appreciate any advice or thoughts you're willing to share with me!!!!!!!!

Updated on 29 Jan 2011:
Still not sure if it was worth it...... My tummy is definitely flatter than it was but has a somewhat odd profile (appearance from the side) where my upper abdomen protrudes slightly then indents at my waistline and still a little protruding in the lower abdomen. This could have something to do with my build however - I am only 5'4 and very short waisted. The incision is a little higher than I would've liked and does show in some of my swimsuits, not perfectly straight with small dogears on one side giving a "lumpy" appearance and I also appear to be getting some stretchmarks above and below the incision because I still believe too much skin may have been removed. (My doc did say he could correct the dogears in his office but I don't know if I want to go thru being cut open again & repeating the healing process.) I guess I should not have expected perfection, but unfortunately I am a perfectionist. Overall my PS did a pretty good job, his price was the lowest of the 3 quotes I received, and my appearance is better than it was beforehand.

Updated on 29 Jan 2011:
Still not sure if it was worth it...... My tummy is definitely flatter than it was but has a somewhat odd profile (appearance from the side) where my upper abdomen protrudes slightly then indents at my waistline and still a little protruding in the lower abdomen. This could have something to do with my build however - I am only 5'4 and very short waisted. The incision is a little higher than I would've liked and does show in some of my swimsuits, not perfectly straight with small dogears on one side giving a "lumpy" appearance and I also appear to be getting some stretchmarks above and below the incision because I still believe too much skin may have been removed. (My doc did say he could correct the dogears in his office but I don't know if I want to go thru being cut open again & repeating the healing process.) I guess I should not have expected perfection, but unfortunately I am a perfectionist. Overall my PS did a pretty good job, his price was the lowest of the 3 quotes I received, and my appearance is better than it was beforehand.

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Comments (32)

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ritrit 20 Oct 2010

Hi. Im 3 weeks out from an extended tummy tuck in orlando.I would definitely invest in a power recliner, it really helped me. I slept in it for 9 days until my drains came out. As far as exercise, my doctor told me I could begin taking long walks at 3 weeks and full exercise at 6 weeks. That has been the most difficult part for me because Im paranoid about gaining weight.I usually work out 6 days a week. Also, I found that my c-section was more painful than the tummy tuck. I was really only in severe pain for 45 minutes until the percocet kicked in. Im so thrilled with my results so far that any discomfort I had is a distant memory. Good luck and Im sure you are going to love your new body.

3coolcats 20 Oct 2010

thanks for your (quick) input!

debi'stime 20 Oct 2010

I'm 1 week post op and happy I made the decision to do it. I slept in a recliner for the first 4 days then made it to my bed (with my head & knees elevated). Tonight will be my first night sleeping with a flat back with my knees elevated -- big night here :-)
My PS also told me today that I can start walking and pay attention to what my body tells me but certainly no weights for at least 6 weeks.

Good luck!

Ortizlj38 20 Oct 2010

I am 2 weeks post op today and I agree with ritrit. If you don't have a recliner, I would invest in one before surgery. I slept in mine for about 10 days and then I moved to me bed. I don't have any issues sleeping in my bed anymore; although,it was a little uncomfortable the first couple of nights. have plenty of pillows to prop your knees and back, for the first few nights on your bed. I have not started any exercise program because my doctor wants me to wait until he sees me on my 4 week post op (Nov 5th) I have a friend that had her TT over 5 yrs ago and she still looks great. I still have about 25 pounds to lose until I am completly happy. It will be very important to eat a clean diet while recovering because you will not be able to workout. I didn't the first week and I paid for it. I ate icecream, cake, pudding and other junk, which defeats the pupose of the surgery, lol. I am back on my clean diet and feel so much better. I am not bloated or uncomfortable.

1: Stay hydrated. I can't stress this enough. This will help you to keep your swelling down; not to mention you will need the water to avoid constipation.

2: Take your meds. I took my percocet as directed whether I had pain or not. I also took colace and milk of magnesium. Take your antibiotics to avoid infections while your drains are in.

3: Buy comfy night gowns. They are ugly and remind me of my aunt that walked around the house all day in them, but they will come in handy. Buy panties around 3 times bigger than you use. My drains were around my pubic area and the large panties made it more comfortable.

Recovery is not as bad as it seems as long as you follow you PS orders and allow your body to heal. Remember, you are under going a major surgery and it will take time to heal. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't see a flat stomach right away. You will have some swelling that will come and go. There are days that my stomach looks flat and others when the swelling kicks in. Wearing your compression garmet will help keep the swelling down. Your scar will be long but it will fade. Stay encouraged, if you do become discouraged post your thoughts we will keep each other's spirits lifted. I am so happy for you!! Congratulations for making a decision that will make you happy. Keep posting!! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

3coolcats 22 Oct 2010

thank you so much! that was really helpful info and I plan to take all your advice ( as well as my Drs) :) Here's to a flat tummy!!!! I can't wait!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 20 Oct 2010

I am six months out and here are some answers for you...

You definitely don't want to gain weight after this procedure because you can ruin the work if you gain too much. My doc told me that I really had to focus on the diet and exercise to keep the good results. He wasn't't a kidding! Watch the sodium intake because you will puff up. Drink a ton of water which will relly help you.

This healing process is much longer than two weeks. It takes months! I can't stress that enough. I realize everyone heals at a different pace but this is a tough process. Don't even think about weight lifting or any crazy workouts for weeks if not months. My doctor did not clear me for any ab work until six months. Even now he asked that I take t easy from months 6-12. I just started my ab work last week and I am now swelling a little bit again. Oh and am I ever sore...Just be patient and know that if you allow yourself to heal properly you will have awesome results in the end. Don't rush anything because you do not want to destroy the great job your surgeon is about to do.

The scar will fade over time but you will need to do a little work on it. At two weeks post op I started using the Palmers Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil three times a day. I then changed over to Mederma Scar Cream for three months three times a day. Now I am using the Bio Oil twice a day. My scar is flat and smooth, no raised areas, minimal redness and fading well. My pics are on line. You will be amazed at what the massaging with oils and cream will do for you.

Before the surgery I wish I would have know how long it was going to take to heal. Also wished I had known how long the swell hell would last.

I rented a hospital bed to sleep in for the first two weeks. I could not have done it without this. It was a life saver and helped me elevate and get as comfortable as possible at night.

You will do great; just go in with realistic expectations, plan for a long recovery and keep your chin up. The surgery is so worth it and in the end you will be happy you did this for yourself.

Angiemcc (Community Manager) 21 Oct 2010

These are excellent questions! You might want to consider posting this in our tummy tuck forum.

Also, check out Kimmers' Tummy Tuck Survival Guide here. It'll give you a lot of information about what you really need and how you'll feel post op.

I've heard that recliners and hospital beds are really, really helpful for a lot of women.

And a little personal experience...my mom had a tummy tuck about 7 years ago. She's still happy with it, her stomach muscles are still tight, though she has gained a layer of fat over her abs. That said, she's in her 60s.

Hope this helps!

For more discussion about tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and getting our bodies back, see our Facebook page, Moms Who Want Their Bodies Back.

ritrit 22 Oct 2010

Hi! I just remembered another tip that was really helpful, keep plenty of cough drops on hand. They came in very handy during the night. I also have a question for Kimmers, how long before you got to your final size? Im having a hard time staying out of the malls but I dont want to waste my money if Im going to get smaller. Thanks

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 22 Oct 2010

I know the shopping is so fun!!! Please wait though because it took me five months to get to my final size. It just keeps getting better and better each month. I am just over six months and the pants I bought a month ago in a size 6 now have some slack. I will absolutely jump for joy if I end up in a size 4! Yahoo. I never in my dreams thought the swelling could have lasted so long. My doc did say that I will continue to notice changes for up to a year.

chinababe60 3 Nov 2010

My Mum had a tummy tuck over 30 years ago, she is now 77 & her tummy is as flat now as when she had it done! At the same time she had BA. Her body is in better shape than mine at the moment. She looks great.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 3 Nov 2010

That is nice to hear that after 30 years her tummy still looks good. That would be wonderful to have it hold out for the rest of my days!

chinababe60 8 Nov 2010

I agree. I am so looking forward to having op & wish it was 1 dec now.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 9 Nov 2010

Your day will be here soon.

3coolcats 12 Nov 2010

Yes, my day has come & gone. It's finally done! Today is 1 wk post op. Got my drains out yesterday. My tummy is definitely flat now (could it possibly be too flat???) the scar and belly button looks good, however the skin is now so tight I can't stand up straight. Is this normal??? I'm afraid my PS removed too much skin. Will it stretch out over time? I'm not in pain so much from the incision but severe lower back pain/muscle strain from having to walk around hunched over all the time. I feel like the hunchback from Notre Dame. Someone PLEASE tell me this is normal and will go away with time (hopefully not too much......)!!!!!!!!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 12 Nov 2010

Totally normal!!! You will be hunched over for a couple three weeks and the tightness will last for a bit longer than that. You want tight...trust me on this. It will relax over time and you will be standing straight quick enough. As horrible as it feels now you will be happy about it in the end.

Like ritrit said...kepp taking the meds and that will help.

ritrit 12 Nov 2010

Hi. congratulations! Yes, its totally normal. Im sure your doctor didnt take out too much skin it just feels that way. Are you still taking your muscle relaxants? They really help. That tightness lasts for a long time but it decreases every week as the tissue starts to soften. Im over 6 weeks post-op and I still have tightness and swelling, especially after activity. The binder should help with the back strain, are you wearing one? Im still using mine when I exercise and at night. I wanted to burn the darn thing but I guess I still need it for a while longer. Im sure you will feel so much better in a week or two. Take it easy and heal well.

3coolcats 21 Nov 2010

OK, so now its almost 3 wks out and I am standing straighter, however I still feel like this has permanently affected my posture and not in a good way. I have always had narrow sloping shoulders, naturally large heavy breasts and a kinda flat butt. (an Italian peasant look I inherited from my grandma). The surgery seems to have accentuated or intensified all of these things. Although everyone tells me I appear to be standing straight, my chest is slouched in (I never used to slouch before) my shoulders appear to be more stooped, I swear my breasts are hanging about 2 inches lower on my chest than previously and my butt appears flatter than before. I never felt I needed a breast lift before, but now I can see I am in desperate need of one although I can't afford it. I think I feel really bad about this because my doc never explained that these were possible outcomes of the surgery and in all the research I did beforehand I only heard of 1 other person who experienced these things (so I thought the chance of it happening to me was pretty slim.) I don't really know what I could have done differently to have prevented this...... I guess I should have asked the doc beforehand how much skin he planned to remove. If he had told me 6-7 inches I would have told him no, I only want 3-4 removed. So if you are considering this procedure, this might be a question you want to ask. Also ask what are the chances of this affecting your posture and/or affecting the appearance of other body parts? Unless you have a Jlo booty and breasts high up on your chest (or plan to get a lift or augmentation along w/the TT) you will really want to give this some thought..........

ritrit 21 Nov 2010

Hi. Im sorry that you are having a bad day. I hope it helps it helps when I tell you that this is totally normal and I felt the same way. Im almost 8 weeks post-op and its only been a week that I have been able to stand totally straight without the binder on. I know I could use a serious breast lift and I never thought I had big thighs but now that the big tummy is gone I am seeing my body in a different way.In a few weeks you will feel more comfortable in your skin and you will appreciate your new body more . Trust me, it will get much better. Try and look at the whole picture when you look in the mirror. Dont focus on what you think isnt perfect. Im sure you still have some swelling, plus it takes time to adjust to the new you. Try and think positive. Im sure you look great!

Billiam 27 Nov 2010

Although I'm still a a day away from my TT (Monday, Nov 29th), I can tell you that what you are likely suffering from is the tightening of muscle, not the skin. Most people, TT or not, are not stretched and lengthened enough on the front and sides of their torsos. That's why people hunch over so much as they get older: their abdominal muscles contract more and more and their back muscles aren't strong enough to counteract.
When you feel up to it, look into some stretching exercises that will help you lengthen your front and sides (I am an enormous fan and devotee of Yamuna body rolling: www.yamunabodyrolling.com).
Good luck!
Billiam

3coolcats 28 Nov 2010

Thank you Billiam - I really appreciate your suggestion and will check out that website. Good luck with your tummy tuck!

East Northport 1 Dec 2010

hi i am new to this and just went for a tt consultation today. dont want anyone at work to know what i will be doing. i guess i need to take two weeks off, but what do i say at work?

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 1 Dec 2010

Just say that you need some abdominal or female surgery and leave it at that. Just hold back on any details.

There will always be prying people but you are in control of this one.

East Northport 1 Dec 2010

thank you, do you think two weeks is enough time out. I feel that i am to old for this.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 1 Dec 2010

Ah you are never to old for an improvement!!

I really recommend a minimum of three weeks off totally. And if you can swing it take four. I was off for just under 4 weeks and was so glad I didn't rush it. It really hurt and the swelling was awful for me.

You just plain get tired and worn out.

East Northport 1 Dec 2010

is it anything like a c-section, i had 3 of them.

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“Questions for Those Who've Already Had a Tummy Tuck - Tampa, FL”

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