I scheduled my consultation and appointment last year. After watching Dr. Repta's videos on YouTube and following him on instagram I knew he would the first I spoke to. After sending my photos, Dr. Repta recommended a Fleur de lis Tummy tuck. I understand why the vertical incision is needed. After having 3 pregnancies and the first was with twins I have a lot of stretched skin in all directions!
Dr. Repta was soft spoken and kind, he really listens what you are looking for and what's best for your body. Since he is in a different state my consultation was over phone. I will be flying out the day before the procedure for pre-op appointments.
On an emotional level I am very conflicted. This procedure is more than a lot of money. I am a special needs mom and everything I do is for my kids or my family as a whole. My husband and I haven't had any kind of respite since we had our kids and only trust immediate family to watch them. With this trip we are spending 2 weeks away while I heal from the surgery before going back home. I am having a lot of guilt about getting it done and leaving my kids and spending so much money, can anyone else relate?
Updated on 12 Feb 2021:
Ok so a few weeks have gone by and time is simultaneously going slow and going by so fast! Thank you for all the positive comments, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who feels that way. I wanted to list some things that I got for the surgery. After youtubing and reading online blogs I've found some things on amazon.
Memory foam pillows (to help support in bed),
Leg compression massagers boots (for circulation), Arnica gel, Scar ointment ( can't remember the name), and drain holders.
Margo, the practice manager, called to remind me to have a Covid test done at least 7 days before the surgery. So I now have one scheduled for the 26th. We are staying at an Airbnb because it was significantly cheaper to do so. My mother-in-law was filling out FLMA paperwork to take more time off to help and Margo was so helpful getting things filled out and sent back. Unfortunately she was denied and is trying to take off a different way.
Anyone have time off denied? How did you do working while recovering?
Updated on 19 Feb 2021:
Ok I know this question is a little TMI but come on this sight is full of naked photos so I'm just going to jump in and ask.
I just got my period this week, so yay no period during surgery, but I've read the surgery triggers your period, so am I going to have another period after my surgery? Anyone have that happen?
Also super excited to be a week and a few days away!!! My coordinator, Alicia sent me my prep information for the surgery, things are getting real you guys!!
Updated on 21 Feb 2021:
Here is a picture of our calendar, we are trying to help our kids understand when we leave, how long we will be gone and when we come back. It's hard for them to understand these difficult concepts sometimes.
Updated on 25 Feb 2021:
Hello!
So I have started my laxative and Arnica pills. Hopefully they will aid my surgery healing time. Has anyone used Arnica before and felt it really helped? Anyone have two surgery's and used Arnica with one and then without? Mostly just curious!
Random thought but I noticed so many grammatical errors in my pervious posts, for that I am sorry!
Updated on 7 Mar 2021:
I'm writing this 3 days Post op,the first two days took a toll on my body and I slept and went potty. Now I can reminisce about what happened and give everyone the details.
I arrived at 845am to the surgery center. They had me change and put my compression socks and back less rob on. Dr.Repta came to see me and ask if I had any questions. He wanted to make me feel comfortable before marking me. So he talked about the construction outside and to the buildering. He marked me with a dry erase marker. He said the lines were the estimate and may change in surgery.
After that the anisegologist came in, he was so kind he numbed me a little first then put in the IV. He gave me something to relax and then I was wheeled in to the OR. He gave me a mask and that was the last thing I remembered. Lol
I woke up, surgery included a stay in the sanctuary over night and Lisa and Karen were heaven sent. So kind and caring they helped me get through the rough first day after. My husband came to visit and brought me flowers and chocolate lol
Updated on 11 Mar 2021:
Omg guys!!! Dr. Repta is a miracle worker!! When he replaced the first binder, I got to look in the mirror and almost cried. I didn't want to touch my belly thinking it wasn't real.
So my husband was amazing and while Dr.Repta was doing surgery his assistant recorded educational videos, my husband screen shot a few. If you think it's cool check Dr.Repta out on YouTube, his Instagram and Snapchat.
Healing wise I am doing well, getting up and walking, using my leg circulation massagers, and Dr.Reptas #1 advice drink Water, Water, Water!! Lol
Updated on 31 Mar 2021:
Hello!!
Man, time flies!! It is now one month since surgery. I am feeling just a little soreness when getting up and down but wearing my compression garments gives me a sense of support. My tape has stuck on and I've only washed my incision area once a week with antiseptic soap. In between I try and keep my skin hydrated and under compression garments. And before you say ew, I do sponge bath a lot more than that, I just don't want an infection in my incision or my drain hole. I have roughly 20-25cc at the end of the days and I will wait until 15cc total for three days straight before I take it out, as Dr.Repta suggested. I have no feeling near the incision but I can feel a strange tingling around the outside when I touch my skin. So I continue to heal, my kids don't really understand so its a struggle to not have them climb on me when I sit down. Hope everyone is doing well!!
Updated on 10 Apr 2021:
Finally my tapes have been pulled off because the were peeling and pretty pointless. I also had family help remove my drain, and that's honestly didn't hurt at all. The stich that was holding the drain tube was causing more pain than the removal. Compression and ibuprofen help with the swelling.
Updated on 24 Apr 2021:
Final update (maybe)
Almost 2 months update, my whole incision is healed, it looks amazing. Dr Repta is truly amazing, he really gave me back my body.
The only thing I wish to nitpick about is his follow ups and scar treatment that we never got. Since I was an it off town patient, I would think his staff or Dr. Repta followed up better. After my 3rd week follow up I forgot to reschedule the 4th week or 5th week follow up. I was never contacted since, also I was suppose to receive a scar treatment for when my incision heals but I forgot to ask about it while in town and during the phone call follow up. I think Dr. Repta is truly a genius at what he does but if your from out of town you can easily slip through the cracks.
Updated on 26 Apr 2021:
Dr. Repta and his team were amazing, he truly is amazing at what he does, and his staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend signing up to use the first night sanctuary care. Lisa and Caryn were my nurses gave me such great peace of mind that first night and truly care about my well being and comfort. I gave Dr. Repta 4 stars because after we left to go back home we became just another number. Thankfully, I didn't have any emergencies, but I only had one follow up call at 3 weeks. To be fair, I forgot to schedule the next one, but no one reached out to me since. The other reason is that he was incredibly expensive and the scar treatment that comes with the surgery was never received. Dr. Repta has amazing bedside manner, he is a genius during surgery, but he is very busy and if you are not assertive, you will be forgotten.