Tummy Tuck Reviews
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“Help, my TT is Tomorrow and I'm Scared! - Virgin Islands”
Firewoman
Worth It
Spent: $3,500 in Virgin Islands
Spent: $3,500 in Virgin Islands
In less then 24 hours I will be recovering from the procedure I have wanted for years. I have saved for it and changed my mind at least three times. I have been 250 lbs plus two seperate times and have the stretch marks and flabby belly to prove it... But I am so nervous; nervous about the hospital, the procedure, the recovery and the final outcome!
I am having my tubes tied and a hernia repaired along with my TT, so I have no idea what to expect. I am 32 years old with three kids (14, 11 and 5). I have struggled with my weight and self esteem for years, I eat well and exercise daily (or try) and still am not happy with my stomach. I am a firefighter and fear that my recovery will be hinder my job performance (I am taking 4 weeks off). My husband and my co-workers think I am nuts and tell me daily "you look fine for having three kids".
I have read the pros and cons and most of the posts about everyone's experiences and I am still on edge.
Any advice including things I should buy would be appreciated.. :)
Updated on 29 Jan 2011:
Well it has been 2 months since my procedure and I have never felt better! My scare is still pink, I am hoping that will diminish soon. I still have a little tightness but overall I feel like a new woman. I am going to resume weightlifting this week and more intense cardio.
This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself!
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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My Dr. has been great thus far, I will let you know more after the procedure. He is wonderful!
Comments (38)
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"You look fine for having three kids" isn't exactly what we want to hear, is it? Your nervousness is totally normal. And it's fine and good to read about everyone else's experiences, but when it's really YOU going through it, it's different.
Have you sifted through our tummy tuck forums at all? Kimmers wrote a great post called Tummy Tuck Survival Guide that you should check out.
Thinking of you today! Please let us know how it went and how you're feeling/healing.
This is a great thing you are doing for yourself..and well deserved. You need to be happy with your body and only what you think matters.
It is a long recovery so that is wonderful you have a month off. Although it will take longer than a month to totally heal you will just need to see how you feel at that time. Everyone is different in the healing process but you do have a physical job. Maybe prepare yourself for some light duty for a while.
I am thinking about you and hope to hear from you soon with an update on your progress. You will do wonderful and also have a great support group out here on RealSelf.
Have a speedy recovery! Yeah for You!
Follow your doctor's instructions and let yourself heal. You will be much happier if you do.
Keep us posted.
Well I slept last night! It's getting a little easier but I still feel helpless. I have a doctors appointment today to finally see whats under the bandages, I can't wait. The worst part right now is the back pain from being bent over. I will post pictures soon,
A firefighter? Even a greater accomplishment. You TT pales in comparison!
Glad to hear you are doing so well. I also remember that first look of my tummy and was so excited. I am happy that you like your results and glad you came through just fine.
Rest, drink your fluids, take it easy and keep us up to date as you go.
Standing up and walking is much easier, and I am much more mobile. The drains are becoming annoying but I realize how important they are. My stomach is completely numb to the touch but according to what I have read this is normal.
I have decided to make a complete lifestyle change, revising my workout schedule, eating habits and kicking bad habits that I have (ie. smoking and drinking). I think this is the motivation I needed to make these changes. I live in paradise and am blessed with great health so I need to appreciate it and pass on good habits to my children..
That is wonderful news! You will feel so much better in the end making all of the changes. It will also help your healing process.
The drains are annoying and get old really fast. I remember the first shower I took after my final drain came out and it was heaven.
Yes the numbness is normal and will last for a long time. I have talked to some women who have had this even three years after surgery. Oh well it will be fine.
Yes you do live in paradise - we love visiting there! I can't get enough of St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
I definitely will let you know - Thank you! We like to try different islands each trip.
I officially hate the drains but it serves a purpose; I can't wait till Tuesday to get them out. I am feeling a lot better but still hunched over. I am afraid to stand up straight. I am easing off the pain meds slowly. My mom has been a great help.. I CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE A REAL SHOWER! I am also afraid to get the stiches out. I am glad i didn't get lipo with my procedure, that is gonna make me work harder to achieve the best results possible.
Can anyone suggest what to use to minimize the scars (I heard vitamin e oil).
Will you be posting some before and after pics? Hope so...
For the scar treatment try this routine...and yes I am a little obsessive about this!!
Palmer's Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil for several weeks, then change to Mederma Cream for 12 weeks followed by Bio Oil for another several weeks. My scar looks excellent after this routine. Massage the scar 2-3 times a day very firmly to smooth and lessen the scar.
Works like a charm!
Sunshine I did try the silicone for a short time and did not like it at all..
For your pictures log into your account then go into your profile and you will see the "edit" tab. If you still have trouble just let me know.
@ Kimmers- Vitamin e, Mederma then Bio Oil, is there a particular order?
You are in the stage I call Swell Hell. It will come and go for weeks and you will have good days and bad days and it will get better. The best thing to do when you swell is to sit down, relax and kick your feet up. Also drink plenty of fluids which will really help. You can try ice packs but make sure that you don't put them directly on the skin. They do feel good.
Your body has been through some major tissue trauma with this surgery and everything is settling and healing from the inside out. Unfortunately swelling is all part of the process but it will get better. Rest as much as you are able.
Now with the oils use them in this order:
1. Palmers 2-3 times a day for 8 weeks
2. Mederma 3 times a day for 12 weeks.
3. Bio Oil 2-3 times a day for 8-12 weeks.
Massage the scars very firmly because this helps to smooth them.
I am over 7 months out and I continue to use the palmers on my entire body after every shower. I then use the Bio oil just on the scars. It has helped tremendously and my scar looks wonderful. It is smooth, flat and most of the redness is gone. It just continues to get better month after month.
Hang in there girl; the swelling will end.
I have bio oil and have been using that until I find the Palmers.
Great prescription Kimmers, I look forward to seeing some good results.
I am not sure what retailers you have in your area but I have found the Palmers at Walmart, Walgreens, Target and CVS Pharmacy.
Just go ahead and keep using the Bio Oil for a while and that will be perfectly fine. You can switch it up in reverse order if needed. I think what makes this work is the persistence in using the oils and massage.
How are you doing girl!!