j-taylor

Growing Up... Welcoming the 3rd Decade - Calgary, AB

OMG!! Fot, it is gonna be sooo tough -no lie! But I send you strength, you CAN do this!! Just keep telling yourself what is of utmost importance in your life. You are having the TT for YOU --you gotta quit for YOU! ...easier said than done...I sooo know! I gain 10lbs almost as soon as I quit smoking, each and every time. And I am miserable already, then I feel fat, and I just keep stuffing my face... til I get fed up and start smoking again. It's a vicious cycle, but I think I may have it figured out this time LOL. I had my TT Apr 4th and my PS actually refused to do it if I was still smoking. I actually considered lying to him, but I couldn't handle the "what if". What if I spend all this time and money and emotion, and I botch it over cigs? What if I get necrosis and I am the only one to blame for an irrepairable tummy? Anyway, PS said smoke free for min 6 wks before and 4 wks after surge... I started quitting in Dec, but I couldn't break my 2 cigs/day (before n after work in car) until Feb... the very day of 6 weeks prior! And let me add, I had all intentions of starting again in May... but I didn't... YAY me!!
I can relate to your (nico-inducing) stresses as well. I was dealing with some heavy child and husband issues pre-op as well. I had to remind myself hourly why I was quitting, how important TT was to me, and tell myself that it was only temporary...I've been through worse shiz in life...As I'm sure you have too.
Stay strong Girl! I'm here for ya :)

Hi Fort,

Let me be honest (with no harm intended)... it does look like you swallowed a bowling ball! It is clear to see that that poor tummy of yours is not porportionate to the rest of your body. And also, in all honestly, you can work your little tail off (w/o pre-existing limitations), but there is no way that tummy will shrink to your frame... and you're only 44yrs young.

I have no medical knowledge, but in my humble opinion, with some personal experience/perspective, I say go for that FTT! Sounds like you have had mummy-tummy for 3/4 of your life, and sounds like you have endured a lot that took a great deal of perseverence... you deserve to "see your crotch" -LOL Not to mention, you will feel like a super model!

As for smoking... EEP! As taboo as it is in everyday life, it's thrice fold in the tummy tuck world. But, I promise you, you are not alone! After 20+ years of smoking (and many failed attempts at quitting), I quit pre-surgery. It was one of the toughest things I ever did, and has been the hardest "quit" yet. Trying to quit at a time of high anxiety and stress, and while trying to skim off all extra pounds, was extremely difficult! ...and keeping quit ONLY for the sake of surgery takes massive will power :(
But in graver reality, the risks of smoking with a TT are insane! Now THAT would be a complete waste of money. (Please research necrosis.) I am 5 months nico-free, and I still miss it daily... but the TT, for me, finally became MORE important.

I agree with Kimmers... stay focused, you will get there. Best wishes :)

Acworth, I just read your most recent update. Firstly, I need to say that there is no denying, you look absolutely fabulous for 50! WTG!

Secondly, I have followed most all of your updates/posts, as I find your “TT journey” to be the most relatable to mine. You have a 2 month lead on me, so it has made me feel so better to hear your experiences, objectively see your improvements, and apply that perspective to my own recovery.

I am 3+ months PO now (been fitting most my clothes for only 2 weeks!), and on top of the regular swelling, I still have a rounded belly –no flatness. I also have the reddish bb still, so my tummy looks ‘worked on’... so no bikini for me either. I think that my expectations were hanging out with yours LOL. I honestly expected that my “new” tummy would look like an incredibly flat, well spent $9000 on my small (ish) frame.

I can see what you mean about your not-so-drastic before and after pics, in relevance to size. But there is a vast, remarkable improvement, and if I can look anywhere near that good in 7 weeks, I will also feel glad to have gone through this. Thanks again for sharing your experience. :)

Count me in the jealous group, Boeboe!
I have been contemplating a BR for many years. I am also a 32F, on a fairly small frame of 5'5", 130lbs. As you are well aware, any bra or swimsuit purchases are speciality and cost a pretty penny! I am only 32 yrs, but after 20+ yrs and 2 babies, I am SAGGY and heavy!
Although I am greatly misporpotioned, there are medical insurance issues, as I am not overweight, and 32F is not considered "grossly large"... the stereostypes are disappointing. Medical legislation for BRs in my province is in the midst of change, but since my "not so thrilling" TT in Apr, I am very hesitant to consider further surgery.
Was your BR covered by insurance? Have you any regrets? How long til you felt "normal"? and... do your back and shoulders feel great?

Susan- LOL @ hubby and stretch marks...if only!

Maybe I am just over-obsessing as well... but it’s comforting to know that I’m not alone :)
In hindsight, I may have benefited from surgery in the dead of winter, when I could hide in big sweaters, with little to no consideration of swimsuits ...hehe. Your words are encouraging and your compliments of my bb and scar feel good, thanks!

I hope things start looking up for you too! We have a warm sunny weekend in store... SMILE :D