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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

4 week update- told I can go without my binder - West Des Moines, IA

Name: 4 week update- told I can go without my binder - West Des Moines, IA
Item: David L. Robbins, MD, FACS
Rating: 5
Author: Lttlelady226

ORIGINAL POST

I finally scheduled my surgery, only took me 4...

Lttlelady226February 13, 2013

WORTH IT$7,500

I finally scheduled my surgery, only took me 4 years. I am 28, range between 123-125 pounds, 5'2, and have had 3 children. I gained roughly 45 pounds with the first two pregnancies, and 20 with the 3rd. Apparently my skin has absolutely no elasticity. I have long stretch marks that look like a tiger scratched me and a permanent belly bulge that will not go away no matter what. Even at my lowest weight of 118 it was still there! Everyone I know says that I am skinny and there is no reason to waste my money. What they don't understand is that I hate it. In the mornings when I am getting ready I change my pants 7-8 times, and change my shirt multiple times. I finally get so frustrated I throw on a hoodie or a jacket and keep it on for the rest of the day. I could be sweating to death but it doesn't matter that sucker is staying on, I can't handle the pooch. It makes very very self-conscious. I finally decided that I am done having children and it is time!! I am extremely nervous, I have had a BA and Lipo of my flanks. My Dr. did an amazing job but for some reason I have this fear that I am going to have a horrible new belly button or my scar is going to get infected and be thick and red. My pre-op appt is tomorrow and I have a list of questions already for my PS.

Lttlelady226's provider

David L. Robbins, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Lttlelady226 rating for Dr. Robbins:

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Replies (3)

B.B.

February 14, 2013

Littlelady226 This will be the BEST thing you have ever done, not only for yourself, but for your family as well. You will be so much happier with yourself afterward that they will appreciate the difference this will make in your life. Believe me I had all the same fears you are having now, and I almost talked myself out of the surgery SO many times. Thank God I didn't back out. I had my surgery on Jan 17 and I could not be happier with my results than I already am. Even though I still have bouts of swelling and I am still treating my scar, (which by the way is very small) the difference not only in the way I look, but the way I feel about myself is worth ALL of it. I am one of the lucky ones, I suppose. I really didn't suffer alot of pain or problems with my TT. I don't know if I'm just that lucky or if it was the tremendous skill of my PS. I really didn't suffer much pain at all, certainly not like some of the stories I read on this board. I am back at work( I went back after 10 days) and doing just about everything I did before my surgery, (including driving, shopping, going out for dinner and having sex)!!!. Just do your research on what experience your PS has had doing this procedure and read up on the things you will likely need for the recovery period, like stool softeners, or smooth moves tea, Neosporin, bandages, Tylenol and elevated pillow systems for sleeping. Keep reading this site and ASK QUESTIONS! You'll find this is one of the best places to get real, non-biased information on what you might need or can expect from your recovery. Believe me, this is truly the BEST THING I have ever done for myself. I wish now that I would have done it years ago. You won't regret it for a minute! Good Luck and see you on the flat side!!!

Kimmers25

February 17, 2013

Hey Girlie welcome to the tummy tuckers.

Jus418

February 26, 2013

Good luck tomorrow!!! Remember to walk walk walk and stay hydrated.

UPDATED FROM Lttlelady226

2 days post

Had surgery Tuesday 2/26. Went in around 9 and got...

Lttlelady226February 28, 2013

Had surgery Tuesday 2/26. Went in around 9 and got to leave to go home about 1. On the way home my pain meds were wearing off and I was in serious pain. Once I got home and my meds kicked in there was barely any pain. The nurses said everything looked great.
The best way to describe how I feel is just tight. When I get up to walk around I am a little stiff but still able to move. I think my drainage output is relatively low. Almost everyone's reviews said the drains suck but my dr put them on the ends of my incisions and they haven't been a problem for me. My awesome boyfriend had to leave the room and lay down for a second when the nurse was showing him how to empty them!! It was a little funny.
I have been sleeping in my recliner with a pillow behind my back, a pillow on my stomach (makes me feel secure) and a pillow under my legs. So far so good! I didn't sleep well the first night but last night was much better. Except last night my big tabby cat jumped on my lap while I was out of it. I gasped and jumped forwarded. Ouch!!!!! I was in tears but now it feels much better. This morning I was quite nauseous and call the PS office in a state of panic because I was terrified to throw up. They called in a prescription right away. Thank The Lord!
I am not showering until tomorrow (Friday). I just want to keep this binder on as tight as the office had it. I will post pictures as soon as I take it off.
I am glad that the surgery is over, the anticipation was killing me. It really hasn't been as bad as I had prepared myself for, so that is a bonus.
Thanks for reading!

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM Lttlelady226

4 days post

POD 4- I was doing fantastic, stopped all Vicodin...

Lttlelady226March 2, 2013

POD 4- I was doing fantastic, stopped all Vicodin and am hardly having any pain. I finally decided to take a shower. As soon as my boyfriend took off my CG it felt like my whole stomach fell on the ground. I got into the shower and had to get out before I was done. I got very lightheaded and couldn't see. I went straight back to my recliner!! Wow, I wasn't ready for that experience. I thought I would have no trouble because I was feeling so great.
Everything is very tight. My incision looks very thin and I think my belly button will be very cute. I am kind of disappointed in how many stretch marks are left and how high up they are. I know that my PS said that the ones above my belly button he wouldn't be able to get rid of but I guess I didn't realize they were so large!! I know I need to give it some time but I am just in a funk right now. Probably because of my not so pleasant experience in the shower!

Replies (2)

Drab2Fab

March 2, 2013

I used a shower chair for my first 3 weeks post op. It made it so much easier! Removing the CG so early on does make you feel light headed. I was afraid to attempt to shower without the chair. But you look great!! Happy healing :)