“Best Decision Ever!”

The decision to have a tummy tuck was for me. I want to look in the mirror and see the person I feel like I am inside. I am athletic but the loose skin and excess belly & back fat did not reflect my very active lifestyle. After only 3 weeks post surgery I already feel like my reflection shows who I am inside.

Updated on 5 Feb 2011:
10 Post-op tips from my personal experience:

1. If you can afford the surgery you can afford to purchase TWO compression garments. I bought one nude and one black.

2. I organized my prescription meds in a "breakfast/lunch/dinner/evening weekly pill organizer" the day before the surgery. This way my husband knew quickly & exactly what meds I needed or could have based on the time of day.

3. If you get sent home with a urine catheter - TRUST ME - this is a GOOD THING!

4. Put old sheets/bedding on your bed for the first few days or risk ruining your linens. Same with pajamas.

5. Take stool softner as reccomended

6. Discuss your expectations for the kind of post-op care you desire with your spouse or person caring for you the first 3-4 days. I told my husband I wanted to be babied instead of just assuming he would. He did awesome!

7. I didn't have much appetite. I straw-sipped protein shakes and fruit smoothies and drank as much water as I could (when I was awake). Again, catheter was key!

8. Doctor said the fatigue during the first 6 weeks of recovery is similar to the fatigue during the first trimester of pregnancy - she is right! Sleep/rest when you feel like it.

9. My whole body benefited from the extra (medically-induced)sleep. I kept extra cream on my face and hands and my skin looked so rested.

10. Do not whine and complain about the soreness, discoloration, fatigue, physical restrictions, itching, numbness, etc. Trust it will all be worth it in the end. It is YOUR decision to put yourself through this surgery and recovery. Stay positive and enjoy the transformation. It is best for those around you and YOURSELF!