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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

12 weeks later, I'm so happy, I don't even remember the pain!!!

ORIGINAL POST

Hello RealSelf Peeps! I am a mother of 3, ages 16,...

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Thedream1977March 14, 2012
WORTH IT$6,950

Hello RealSelf Peeps! I am a mother of 3, ages 16, 11 and 3, all delivered naturally....the most that I weighed during pregnancy was 254! I am 5'8, approximately 185 lbs. I have always been on the thick side but regardless of how much I weigh, give or take 5 on either side, I can never hide my stomach without looking like I'm hiding my stomach if that makes any sense! LOL! I am married to my high school sweetheart who has no problem with my stomach (well that's what he says) and can't understand why I am willing to put myself through the pain...anyways, he is FINALLY accepting it and willing to support me!

Anywho, I go to my second consultation tomorrow....I have to get 3 estimates before I accept any and then I have to check reviews/references! So, are there any questions that are a must during the consultation?! I have a few that maybe you all can give me the REAL answers for! 1. How many days will I need 24 hour care? 2. How soon after the surgery will I be able to drive? 3. Is it realistic to think that I can start a new job about 3 weeks after the surgery (a desk job)? 4. Those with small children, how were you able to interact with them after surgery, how many day post surgery will it take to be able to? 5. Is it realistic to think that I can go to a dance competition 2.5 weeks after surgery (not to dance, I'm a "dance mom"?

Thedream1977's provider

Yukihiro Anthony Nakamura, MD, FACS

Yukihiro Anthony Nakamura, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thedream1977

Thedream1977 rating for Dr. Nakamura:

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Replies (11)

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Madison5269
March 15, 2012
Hi, welcome!! Good for you to be going through with it! You will be so happy. My hubby loved me with my old belly, but of course, 11 months post op, thinks I look great! Ok, answers to your questions: You will need to get as much help as you can at least the first week of surgery. Each day you will feel better. Take the help. You, as a mommy do so much every day, so this is your time to accept the help. It will only get you healing faster! I personally drove 1 & 1/2 weeks after surgery, carefully, just the kids to school. You should be fine with a desk job 3 weeks after surgery. I went back after 2 & 1/2 weeks & my job is on my feet, running around for a few hours. You will find you will get swollen & tired, so be aware & still take help! My kids were 9 & 11 when I had my surgery & were sad for the first week that I was not myself, but they were very sweet & helpful. I just sat with them & watched TV & just hung around them! You will most likely be fine watching at the dance competition after 2 & 1/2 weeks. Just remember to rest when you can & take help when you can. Also swelling is awful the first few months - so don't be discouraged. This is very serious surgery, but the results are all worth it! Keep us posted & good luck!
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Thedream1977
March 16, 2012
Thanks Madison5269 for the tips! My surgery is scheduled for March 26th!! I'm super geeked!!!
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sexy12
March 19, 2012
your comment help me alot because I am have my surgery on april 11,2012. I am trying to get everything in order.
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Thedream1977
March 19, 2012
Awww, thanks! We will probably never be 100% prepared for what's to come but why not give it a shot!!!
Sugar1973
March 27, 2012
Your post helped. I am scheduled for the 19th of April. My ex husband is going to take my children for the first week post op....I really hope that I'm able to get back on my feet as soon as possible.
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Thedream1977
April 1, 2012
You will do fine, the first 2-3 days are the hardest!
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tmama
April 7, 2012
I am 4 weeks out from a full tt and lipo , my ps still wants me on limited activity, I had one drain and it was taken out on day 10. But then I started draining from my bb a lot , he said that the fluid built up and found its own way out, he put me on 1500 mg of antibiotics a day, I am still having some drainage, but not near as much. Has anyone else had this? I found laying on the couch was the only way I can sleep, my ps told me that he made my stomach so tight that I would not be able to stand straight for a long time, I am still sore, but not real pain, still some swelling, I am a very active, mother of three and all this laying around is killing me, but don't want to do anything to mess it up! I get up and walk around, walk to the mail box and put the clothes, one pieces at a time, in the washer and dryer, but that's it. May go crazy before this is over!
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Madison5269
April 7, 2012
That was one of the hardest things for me was all the laying around & not being able to chase my kids or be active. I hated that! But with each day, you will feel better, stand taller & slowly get back to your old self. Yes, it takes time, but will happen. Definately be careful not to force standing up straight too soon, so you don't pull at your stitches & stretch your incision! Take care!
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Thedream1977
April 7, 2012
Hey tmama! I'm not sure about thr drains, my PS doesn't use them. It could be because I only had a TT and no lipo...today makes 13 days PO for me and yes I feel some pulling like in my chest area but that's because it tucked it tight (I mean that's what I paid for, lol). I'm able to walk straight and the only limitations that I have are heavy lifting and no working out (unless it's slow walking).

My PS doesn't want me to baby my recovery...he just said to rest when my body tells me. I'm driving, shopping and even doing a casino date night with the hubby tonight!
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tmama
April 8, 2012
Thanks DonsGirl, I just found this site, I have been going crazy laying here all day, I have one friend that tried to talk me out of it, but I think she was just scared for me. I think my ps main reason for me to do nothing,is because of the fluid coming out of my by. He is trying to get me to be still so the skin will attack back to the muscle. I o back and see him Wednesday , so maybe he will let me start doing more. Thanks again.
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tmama
April 11, 2012
Went back to the dr today, said I could start driving and adding a little more activity. Still draining out of my bb, but he checked the pocket in there today and it was a lot smaller, I have to stick a cue tip down in the hole 3 to 4 times a day to keep it open and draining until it closes. Yuk, but doing good! Hope everyone else is making it alright and healing good!!
UPDATED FROM Thedream1977

I am so excited, I called today to pay my deposit...

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Thedream1977March 16, 2012
I am so excited, I called today to pay my deposit and set a day and they said that someone canceled for March 26th, so the day is mine!!! I'm both excited but very nervous! So what do I need to do to prepare myself?! Are there staples that I need to purchase and have on hand? What should I wear? Do I need to get a pedicure and manicure since I will be shut in for a couple of weeks? What type of food did you all eat the first few days?

I'm taking pics in a few minutes and will post them shortly!!!

Replies (4)

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LadyTeri
March 17, 2012
Good luck on your day! I'm have both a TT & BR on 4/18. I'm so excited, nervous, scared, happy,... all of the above! We women are so strong. We can do this and come out of it feeling wonderful about ourselves!
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Thedream1977
March 17, 2012
Thanks LadyTeri! I actually wasn't expecting it to happen this soon! But I'm ready, I hope that I'm bikini ready by mid July!
Sugar1973
March 27, 2012
good luck, april 19th for me
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LadyTeri
March 17, 2012
Girl, I'm with you on that! My sister just said the same thing to me tonight!
UPDATED FROM Thedream1977

So, during my initial consultation the dr stated...

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Thedream1977March 17, 2012
So, during my initial consultation the dr stated that he does not do drains...when he said it, I didn't question it because I figured that he was the professional!

Is there anyone out there that had this same experience? If so, how did that work out for you?????

Replies (2)

Lap_ntp
March 18, 2012
I just had my tt on tuesday. No mani or pedi, you can't have polish on in the operating room. Stay away from foods high in sodium, they are bad for the swelling. Mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, protein and water. My youngest turned 3 a couple of days before my tt, and she was scared of me. I think mostly because of the drains, which you won't have. Everyday is a small improvement... But I think the recovery is a long process.
Lap_ntp
March 18, 2012
I wore a sundress, I didnt want anything rubbing on my waist, it worked out fine.
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