Tummy Tuck: Stories

I had a tummy tuck five weeks ago. I have had three children by c-section and my pregnancies caused a lot of stretch marks and flabby skin that would sag over my belly button and incision. Before I had children I was over weight so after my first child I decided to get the weight off. So I lost about 65lbs which gave me even more saggy skin.

No matter how much I would work out I just couldn't get the sag over my c-section scar to go away. I have been very self conscious of my tummy area for the last 12 years.

So I saved my money and when I was told I needed a hysterectomy, I decided to do the tummy tuck at the same time. I am very happy that I did it. It looks great!

Although if you are thinking of having a tummy tuck be prepared for a long recovery time. I am five weeks out from my surgery and I am still very sore on the inside (but I also had a hysterectomy). I am still wearing my compression garment. When I try to go without it (because it really is annoying trying to get your clothes to look right when out in public) by an hour or two I feel like I'm falling apart and need the support. I am still swollen, some days more than others.

Over all I'm very glad that I had the tummy tuck. I actually went out and bought a bikini for the first time since my husband and I were dating. It's an exciting feeling that I don't feel like I need to hide myself from him anymore.

I would have to say that the very worst part of the surgery was getting my three drains removed. It was extremely painful! I don't know if it was the location of the drains or what. I seem to think that I have a pretty high pain tolerance but after the nurse pulled the first one out... I got very nauseous, hot, shaky and thought I was going to pass out any minute, then I had two more to go. Then came the last one and OMG I think my body went into shock. It hurt so bad that I didn't even know how to react. The nurse then said "I'm so sorry, I didn't want to tell you that the last one is always the worst". I'm not telling this to scare anyone out of a tummy tuck but just to let you know that you might have to go through quite a bit of pain before you get the beauty of it all. After it's all said and done...I would do it again in a heartbeat... phew glad that part is over though.