jeanbean

Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift on 4/8! BMI = 34 - Troy, MI

Yeah, well you are right to be concerned about the swelling. I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and am still swollen. I'm also a little swollen and lumpy where they did the lipo. I am not worried about it because it's too late now, but yes, it seems to be taking a while for it to go down. Remember my comment about being ready to go back to work. Well, I did it, but let me tell you, I only worked partial days the first week back and each day I came home and slept! I walk and stand a lot and it was only 2 1/2 weeks post op. Last week I worked my full three FULL days and was still whipped at the end of each day. Healing takes time! I am learning that. I still rest when my body says I need it. I walked 2 miles three times last week and hope to do the same, if not more this week. It's a start. My PS told me to hold off on strength training until he sees me again at the end of this month. Have it done in January (LOL) then you'll look awesome by next summer :) Good luck with your decision.

Hello Bella, You look awesome! I'm doing VERY well. Just went back to PS again tonight and got all the steri strips taken off, everything is healing nicely. Time to start lotioning up and using some stuff on the scars. My PS recommended Scarguard. He likes it best. I just started back to work on Monday (had 2 weeks off). I do ultrasounds so I'm doing a lot of walking back and forth and standing so I only did two half days so far. Glad I did it that way because even though physically I felt okay, I was TIRED! I am going to wait on posting any more pics. He said that because of the extent of my surgery and fixing the hernia, it could take up to 6 months for complete swelling to go away. Actually is looking really good in comparison. Already down from the afters that I have posted right now. I went down a complete size in my scrubs that I wear to work! I love my boobs, but didn't take any before shots of those because they looked "that" bad...LOL Other than some weird tingling here and there, and my muscles sometimes spasm (they feel like their tightening up), everything else is good. Oh yeah, and I am still a little lumpy under my armpits and on my back flanks where he did lipo too. He said to massage with Arnica Montana lotion after getting out of a hot shower. But again, it takes TIME. Keep in touch.

Hey Kathy, Congrats on your weight loss! My honest opinion is that if you're still doing well with your weight loss efforts, just keep it going and wait until you get to where you want to be before having it done. Post surgery I currently weigh what I weighed from the time I got married until I got pregnant with my first born. I was NEVER thin. I am completely motivated now to keep going on with my weight loss efforts. My PS even told me that if I have the surgery and then lose more weight, I will end up with saggy skin, etc. But I did it for the reasons I stated (skin infections, inability to work out well, self esteem). I never see myself in a bikini, so if all goes as planned and I lose 40 more pounds, I am honestly not going to be concerned about some mushy lose skin in my abdomen! It was the big overhang. It probably wasn't even as obvious in the pic, but I literally couldn't see my privates from a front view without lifting up the "apron" of fat. I just happen to be going on a cruise (not the reason for TT) with some girlfriends at the end of June and think I'll be good to go by then. I would talk with you PS about recovery time. I took a full two weeks off (actually a total of about 18 full days) from work. I'm only about 11 days post op now and I'm ready to get back to work. That was the total cost for TT and lift. Plus he did some lipo too. His fee was $7700 and the hospital fee was $4400. I cannot remember breakdown of what it was for just the TT? If you live in MI, I would highly recommend my doctor. He's in Troy. If not, just search this sight for referrals, and/or even ask your regular internist for any recommendations. I do ultrasounds and had seen a lot of TT's over the years and just kept asking personal referrals from my patients. I never even went for a second opinion. I liked this doctor that much. People come from across the state to see him. Just google his name listed above. Good luck in your decision. I have no regrets. Sounds like you just have to decide about waiting till you're done with weight loss and finding a good doctor :) Let me know what you decide and keep me informed.

Just wrote a really long update at 8 days post op. Should be posted soon. Along with pictures. Forgot to put in my update that I couldn't have lived without my zip-up granny gown for the first week. So easy to move in and I just pinned my drain to the inside of the gown! Also, arnica montana pills (whole foods) are for swelling and bruising. Not sure if they work, but I've been using them faithfully from about day 3.

I was so glad to read your post. This is almost exactly my situation. I am having my TT this Thursday. I am VERY nervous for the actual surgery. Would love to hear how you're doing now. You have to feel so much better with, what I call "the flap", gone! That is what I'm looking forward to.