Tummy Tuck W/ Lipo...excited and Terrified! - Voorhees, NJ

I'm 35, married and a mama of an 11 year old son. I have had the jelly belly ever since my pregnancy...I still say I'm carrying around some 11 year old baby weight! Lol! Also, when I was 19, I had a tattoo of my then boyfriends name done on my lower abdomen (dumbest thing I have ever done), needless to say, it has to go, and my doctor assures me it will be gone! I am very excited, but of course very nervous too. I am dreading those damn drains most of all, I hear they are a nightmare. I was happy to hear that the doctor started using a medication called Exparel, which is supposed to keep the whole abdominal area numb for about 72 hours, so that is a little comforting to know. I am happy that I found this site, reading about all of your experiences will certainly help me be better prepared.

This belly has got to go! You can see the tattoo, at least it became unreadable after my pregnancy stretched it out. Getting nervous and excited, but can't wait to join the flat side!

The big day is coming up fast...excited and nervous!!! I think I have everything that I need for recovery. My husband has taken off of work for a week to help me, have all of my prescriptions, plenty of loose fitting clothes, and Milk of Magnesia. If any of you ladies have any other suggestions or advice, please share! Also, this is a bit awkward to ask, but I am wondering if I should buy some underwear that I can just throw away after wearing, or will I not even be able to wear any at all?

Only five more days until my surgery!!! I am well prepared, but my stomach is starting to do somersaults!!!

It's Friday morning, just got a call from the surgery center...6:15am on Monday it is!!! Can't believe how close I am!!!

Oh my gosh!!! I am down to the wire here, and getting scared!!! I already have anxiety problems, and today I was reading about possible complications (although rare) that can happen under general anesthetic. Some people have reported waking up during the surgery, or worse yet, awake and aware but because of the paralytic medicine, could not speak or move, but feel everything!!! Horrifying!!!

My TT is tomorrow, my excitement about the procedure and the outcome is being pushed aside by fear and anxiety. I keep thinking that maybe I am being selfish, putting my life at risk, and what would my husband and son do without me. I suppose deep down I know everything will be okay, but I am really having trouble looking at the bright side at the moment. Has anyone else been through this?

Well everything went very smooth with the surgery, but today I feel like a truck ran over me a couple of times. I go back to my doctor on Thursday, and until then I do not plan on looking under this compression garment!

It has been three days, and pain is worse now! My hip bones feel like they are on fire, I'm bloated, and my back is killing me. I see my doctor today at 3, and I can't wait to get this compression garment off, even for a second!

Feeling a little bit better every day, going through some highs and lows, which I suppose is normal. The drain is really getting on my last nerve, I will be so happy when that comes out on Tuesday, but I am so scared of having my belly button stitches removed! When the doctor cleaned that area out last Thursday, it was the creepiest feeling, so I am dreading the stitch removal!!! I just keep telling myself "it will all be worth it soon."

Still swollen, but on my way. This evil drain is the only thing still hurting me!

I had my other drain removed today as well as my belly button stitches...what a relief! That drain was really the only thing really bothering me, so happy it is gone. Aside from the tightness and soreness that I expected, I am feeling pretty good!

I could not be happier with how things are moving along! I feel so much better about myself! It's amazing how you learn to love your compression garment, during my first week I was crying at the thought of wearing it over the next 5 weeks, now it makes me feel secure. No real pain anymore, just tightness, and maybe a little sore around the hip bones.