I won't be getting a Ba after all . But I will be getting lipo & TT . I have my first consult coming up soon . Im excited to lose this stomach & look down and see my feet instead of my stomach .ugh .!!! I'm 58 yr. young minded and all I can think of is mentally prepared for this surgery . I'm nervous .my husband will not support my decision what's so ever & only have daughter to help With recovery . I just keep thinking of the rewards so I am Willing to deal with the pain . I hope I'm not a big baby . I usually have a high pain tolerance but I read on this site how some have lot of pain & others not so much . I will update as my journey progresses & post pics . Updated on 29 Nov 2020: I’m 17 days post op . Loving my results . I chose Dr. Ahmandi in sugar land . Because of his reviews & his eye for perfection . He’s very skilled & professional . I would highly recommend him . And his nurse Kat is so sweet , she checked on me after hours when I was having some issues . My drive is 2 hours away so I had I stay at hotel for 2 days& DR . Gave me a 3 day script of Ativan to help me relax & sleep the days prior to surgery . Which I think is the only way I would have even gotten thru this . I had a panic attack one week before @ 3:00 am , I was so scared . Thinking of canceling ! I hate surgery . Lol .. So fast forward to my story . I stopped pain meds on day 3 because I didn’t like the way they made me feel . The first week is miserable , I had Killer Heart burn & acid the absolute worst in my life !! Suffered with 3 days of it till Doc said I could take a OTC acid reducer . Tums did not touch it ! I kept getting a dry tickle in my throat and coughing . NOT recommended . Swelled legs & ankles really uncomfortable lasted 10 days . This was a drainless procedure so I leaked fluid for 10 days . That’s a nasty feeling . Glad when that was over . I rented elect . Lift chair that was a life saver . Which I slept in for 2 weeks (Highly recommend renting one ). I’m now laying flat in bed & can lay on my side now. I’m still Stretching my stomach out and still Swollen . My belly button is looking closed up due to the swelling . Which I will be calling my ps to ask about that .I paid extra to get my inner thighs lipo . My bra rolls are still swollen so I’m only seeing a little bit of results on that area . He took 11.4 pounds of fat & 7.7 pounds of skin off of my stomach . Ugh !!! I was a size16 , 188 lbs . I think I will be a size 12 or 10 when all the swelling goes down . I’m looking forward to swim suit season & wearing a bikini . I feel like I’ve suffered for this belly so I’m gonna show it off . . I’ll update more later . Xo xo Updated on 1 Dec 2020: I've been following all the lovely ladies on this site and would never have gotten the nerve to do this if it hadn't been for all of the reviews & this site. So I want to share my journey & help the next person. I must be doing something wrong because it won't let me upload my pics & my last review is lost. lol, I'll keep trying. Updated on 2 Dec 2020: I’m still swollen . My public area is hard and still so swollen it is disturbing . My BP is normal range now. Not needing to take my Bp meds .I don’t know if it’s because the Fat is off my stomach now or what . And my face is not Red anymore ?? Not complaining tho . blood pressure or the fact that I had a large hernia fixed . I’m curious if anyone has had this happen to them. ? I would like to know the science behind this . I still cannot fit in my next step down on compression garmet because of swelling . I’m starting to feel like this may take me longer than others to get the swelling under control . My scar & belly button are looking pretty good , no infections . The most uncomfortable part now is my Pubic . The poor thing looks like it has a jockey cup attached to it . How long does it take for that to go down ?? Ugh ! Updated on 23 Dec 2020: I’m 6 weeks po . I still can’t believe this is my body , after all the years of having a (man stomach beer belly ), I can finally wear a bikini ., although I’m still swollen and the mons is still swollen & hard I’m still loving my results . My P.S. did not release me at 6 weeks because I inflamed my belly button . ( My fault ) I was using alcohol on it . And that’s a No No.!! and he wants to see how the pubic area heals . My skin is discolored from bruising down there . I was told patience & time will heal it up .Is there any one out who has had the same problem of the pubic area swelling and how long will it be before it goes back down to normal?
Had my Tummy tuck and Liposuction (lipotuck) with Dr. Ahmadi on Sept 26 surgery went great no issues. First week was the worst for me more uncomfortable than anything. I really had no pain and was off pain meds in 3 days which was surprising. I am walking upright and able to drive more. The swelling is irritating but getting better each day. Swelling seems to get worse in the afternoon and by then my energy is pretty much gone too but getting better as well. My incision is healing great as is my belly button. I definitely can see my curves and overall changes with lipo which makes all this so worth it! I’m a mother of two, had c-sections with both. I am amazed with my results so far and can’t wait till I’m fully recovered. Dr. Ahmadi is a great surgeon and I can’t say enough good things about his staff. I was terrified to get this done and they all made me feel so comfortable and calmed my nerves. No regrets looking fwd to the new me!
I'm having a mommy makeover done October 9, 2019 with dr Ahmadi in Sugar Land, TX. Doing a lipo tuck with added lipo to arms, inner thighs, and chin, and doing silicone breast implants. I am a mom to 6 kids and was beyond ready to get my body back! Updated on 23 Sep 2019: I had my pre-op and got all my medications and took pre op photos (yuck) I’ll be posting before pics soon. I have had 6 kids and my starting weight is 189 and I am 5 ft 7 inches. I’m so looking forward to getting my body back. Alicia has been awesome at answering any questions I have and I have no doubt dr Ahmadi will get my body looking good again! He is a great guy and calm and patient and answers any questions and is a perfectionist! Updated on 7 Oct 2019: I’m going to upload my before pics (YUCK) I can’t believe I’m doing this! I’m starting to get a little nervous but mostly excited! I’m having a extended tummy tuck with muscle repair, lipo to full abdomen, pubic area, full back, axilla, flanks, arms, inner thighs, and chin/neck and also getting Sientra 505 cc smooth round silicone implants. Dr Ahmadi and his staff have been fantastic and answer every question I have! Alicia has been awesome and so patient with all my questions! Updated on 9 Oct 2019: Surgery went great! I’m sore and groggy but overall no real pain yet. I’ll post some pics tomorrow once they unwrap me at post op to put me into a compression garment. Dr Ahmadi, His nurses, and staff were all fabulous! Updated on 10 Oct 2019: Super sore today and swollen and bruised. But not too uncomfortable. I had my post op today and I look amazing even with all the swelling. I can tell I’m going to be tiny and my breasts will look great! I got 505 cc sientra silicone implants and I’m so glad I chose this size over the 415. I’ll keep updating as I go Updated on 11 Oct 2019: Super swollen and bruised and sore today. I’m uncomfortable but not unbearable. My body is achey all over and I stay tired all day and want to sleep. I can’t wait for the swelling and pain to go away so I can see more of my results but I think I’ll be happy! Updated on 12 Oct 2019: I’m super swollen and it is very uncomfortable. I also have a lot of bruising. I’m not sleeping much due to pain and just being overall uncomfortable. My vagina is super swollen and bruised and hurts and my arm and leg and chin lipo I’m second guessing as I don’t see much change there other than bruising and swelling. My breasts are still hard and swollen and sitting high on my chest, can’t wait for them to drop some. I’m ready for the swelling to start subsiding so I can really see my new body and shape Updated on 15 Oct 2019: I’m feeling a little better and getting around a little easier. Still have a lot of bruising and swelling but not a ton of pain. I had a follow up yesterday and found a red spot forming on the side of my right breast so started antibiotics for an infection and have to go back Friday to be sure it doesn’t get any worse, but as of today it already is looking better. I still am not seeing a lot of change to my chin, arms, and thighs so it is discouraging, I still have my double chin that I hate and paid to get fixed :( I am not able to eat a lot still only a few bites here and there. I’m starting to walk mostly up right. Still having trouble sleeping due to not being able to get comfortable though.
This hanging skin has got to go. I would love a flat tummy and a waist and my PS says I’ll have one, but my biggest focus is to get rid of all this excess skin and fat that has plagued me through years of weight loss and exercise. Surgery is a month out and I really getting anxious. Will keep up the updates as we get closer. For now, despite being mortified, I’ll post my before photos. Updated on 28 Aug 2019: I went in today for my pre-op appointment. Hemoglobin/iron, blood pressure, urine test for pregnancy were all fine. We took before photos in those lovely paper panties. I asked the office manager to send them to me, but she said they would send them when we have side-by-side before-and-after photos. Everything was very thorough, as far is information about process, risks, compression garments and binder, prescriptions (I asked specifically about how to deal with migraines and anxiety, and felt like things will be ok even though my normal 800 mg ibuprofen will be off the table), pre-op to-do's (including shopping list, prepping, etc.). No swimming or traveling for six weeks. Day before surgery, I can't eat or drink anything other than water, gatorade, and apple juice. NOTHING. Morning of surgery, just 2 cups of water to wash down my anxiety meds (which he requires me to start taking two days prior to surgery). My first post-op checkup with be the morning after surgery. They will remove all the bandages, clean me up, and put me in my compression garment. Then I'll be able to shower the following morning and every morning thereafter. This is something I've been oddly worried about: I NEED my daily shower! :) She went into a lot of detail about how Dr. Ahmadi performs lipo to ensure that I really will have a waist and hips. If that actually happens to this no-hips/no-waist girl, I will be floored. Trying to keep my expectations managed here! She also tells me that I will be able to work from home after a few days. She swears that his technique leads to patients having very easy recoveries and that the big risk is that I will push myself too hard too soon because I'll be feeling and looking great. She's not helping with keeping my expectations managed, so I sure hope she is right! I'm sure I'll spend plenty of time in the mounds of paperwork they sent me with tonight. It's starting to feel real! Updated on 6 Sep 2019: Well, I'm within two weeks, so I can't take good meds for this headache I have! Here's what's ready. * Plan to stay with my mom for first week of recovery; she took leave from work. * Lift recliner chair booked for delivery to recovery location * Walker and shower chair available for use there too. * Prescriptions picked up (Ativan, Tylenol 4, Toradol, Keflex, Phenergan, silver sulfadiazine cream) * OTC meds purchased (regular Tylenol, Colace, Medihoney) * Zip-front sports bras in two different sizes (due to axilla lipo) * Zip-front house coat with pockets * Slide shoes * Super duper loose lounge wear for recovery * Several wrap and shirt dresses to wear when I'm ready to leave the house * Hibiclens (started showering with this ahead of time, because I am prone to fungal infections) * Rubbing alcohol and Q-tips (surgeon requires cleaning belly button with alcohol before surgery, and then using Q-tips to keep belly button dry after surgery) * Maxi pads and medical tape for incision cover * Giant heating pad * 100% cotton, smooth fabric, fitted tank top to wear under compression garment * Protein shakes (lean muscle milk) * Makeup remover wipes and moisturizer so I will feel somewhat normal! My surgeon has slightly different advice with regard to recovery/prep compared to what I've seen here. I go for my first post-op visit the morning after surgery, and I'm supposed to shower daily starting day 2. No drains. And not much in the way of pain meds--only 10 Toradol pills and 5 Tylenol 4 pills! I start Ativan two days prior to surgery to deal with anxiety. Also, starting two days prior to surgery, I am supposed to shower with Hibiclens and wash hair like normal, but not wear deodorant, makeup, or any lotions, etc. Day before surgery, only clear liquids. He recommends alternating 8 oz hourly of water, apple juice, and Gatorade. Only enough water on surgery morning to get the last Ativan in my system. I'm thinking of asking him to add chin lipo while we're at it. When's the next time I will have enough time off work to have no public face bruising? Then again, will I be miserable enough without a face wrap? Probably. :) Updated on 18 Sep 2019: Went in for markings and reassurance. If my results are half as good as they’re telling me, I’ll spend my whole life looking in a mirror. ;) Some new photos with markings. They tell me I will have a great butt. What??!! Only real concern at this point is pain. Fingers crossed. Updated on 20 Sep 2019: Raise your hand if you had your TT on the same day a tropical storm dropped historic rain on your city. (hand raised) I got to the surgical center just fine, but a few hours later, the skies opened up and flooded the whole area. So, plan B : stay in a hotel. Of course that meant I didn’t have any of my post-surgery supplies! But thanks to a wonderful mom and best friend, I survived. We are now back home, after having a doctor appointment this morning. This is pretty painful, I gotta say. I had to get more Tylenol 4. I’m still super swollen with fluid that continues to seep out. A few pics from the dr office today. My lady parts are sooooooo swollen. Updated on 21 Sep 2019: I am so scared of necrosis. Updated on 22 Sep 2019: Things have been a bit easier today, and I can’t tell you how happy I am to have had a bowel movement. TMI, I know, but it became pretty much my focus for a while! My PS requires daily showers, so that’s been going ok. Exhausting but good. My mom is helping me, and I have a shower seat. After the shower, I have to dress the incision and belly button with Medihoney and then cover with a maxi-pad belt. I learned yesterday to use tape in the middle section too, or it will ride up above the incision—leaving all the oozing to go into my shirt and compression garment. Yay. I am so swollen but less so than yesterday I have been thus far. The office coordinator said they removed almost 15 lbs of fat and skin. (!!!) The PS said they will expect me to weigh the same or less than I weighed at check in minus the amount they removed. He really pushes weight loss following this surgery, which I think is a good thing. I shouldn’t be as discouraged with weight loss now that I don’t have a giant gut in all instances. My weight was up 8 lbs when I checked in (203) because I had had to stop one of my meds—a diuretic—2 weeks before surgery. So I guess the goal will be to get to 188 or less ASAP. Now that I had a BM, I am allowed to eat real food but focus on low sodium which definitely isn’t easy. I am just excited to eat fruit. I guess that’s it for today other than some photos from this morning pre-shower. Updated on 24 Sep 2019: After my last update, my swelling got so crazy, it drove me to tears. So day 3 night was bad. Day 4, I got up, showered, and went to see my PS. Good news on the things I was concerned about—just bruising. But he doesn’t like how some of my incision is black. He says it will scab and that I must not cause the scab to come off early. “Baby it,” he said. He wants me to use lots and lots of Medihoney and make sure I dry the incision completely before dressing it. Otherwise he said everything is fine and kept emphasizing “JUST DO NOT GAIN WEIGHT!” It would be some kind of evil-miracle for me to gain weight because I don’t have room to eat, thanks to all the swelling. Last night was rough from a swelling standpoint. Oh, and the hemorrhoids from sitting all the time while wearing the torture device aka compression garment and binder...just lovely. Today (Day 5), I repeated the shower routine and actually shaved my legs (just to the knee) this time. I also did some work from home and tried to be more self sufficient on getting up and down and getting my own drinks etc. I went outside for 10 minutes but got pretty hot and came back in. I still feel ENORMOUSLY swollen and have eaten almost nothing. I just ordered some cranberry tea to hopefully help me drop some of this swelling. Pics are from Day 4 because I forgot to take pics today. I can’t believe I am still bigger than I was pre-surgery. Fingers crossed that tonight’s swelling isn’t as bad. I haven’t had any pain medication since 9 pm last night when the swelling got crazy. Updated on 25 Sep 2019: And yet, things seem to be getting ever so slightly better. I slept in a bed last night and I’m getting around better. Sometimes standing a bit straighter (but it’s hit or miss). Sent photos of my new rash to the nurse but haven’t heard back yet. Guessing they’re in surgery. Might have to replace the Medihoney with something else. Updated on 26 Sep 2019: Last night, I got two three-hour blocks of sleep, and I felt like a new woman. (I had been up every single hour since surgery last week.) So I made a plan to increase walking today: 10 laps (70-ish steps each) around the house every hour. That went fine until about 1 pm when I started swelling a lot, felt exhausted, and went back to bed—until 5 pm! I guess I’m trying to figure out the right balance of rest and activity. I’m currently waiting in the car while my mom grocery shops. It was good to just go for a ride around the neighborhood. I can’t remember if I already updated the rash issue: My PS thinks it’s from the maxi pad belt, so i am not applying Medihoney but only have my tank top and compression garment over the wound. Hopefully that will work out ok. It’s a lot more comfortable not having the tape pulling my skin! I worked several hours today from my laptop and phone and felt more able to use my brain effectively. For the past week, I struggled to find words or maintain train of thought. I did most of my shower routine on my own including rinsing my own hair. Feeling more self sufficient. Today’s the best day I’ve had since surgery. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better. A few photos from this morning. Updated on 27 Sep 2019: Starting last night, I felt a lot less swollen. My suspicions were confirmed on the scale this morning: I’m down 15 lbs since pre-surgery. That also means I’m a lot less uncomfortable. There is still a lot of swelling on my back, but hopefully it will continue to reduce each day. I asked my PS to write a prescription to help with the hemorrhoid situation but was told he doesn’t write prescriptions for things like that. Doesn’t seem too interested in helping make a painful and uncomfortable situation any better. But my nurse BF came through with some miracle cream that’s helping. So yay! I feel like things are starting to take shape. Updated on 28 Sep 2019: Updated on 28 Sep 2019: Having had a couple of nights of great sleep, I have had enough strength to do more things for myself (shower, get up and down, etc.). So I’m going back home to my husband and kids today. I am also starting to notice real improvements. I wouldn’t say—yet—that this surgery is worth it, but I think I am heading in that direction. Really looking forward to standing up straight one day! :) Some day 9 photos. Updated on 29 Sep 2019: I’m starting to feel great. I get tired and need to sit down fairly quickly, but I’m walking without my walker (mostly), stood up throughout my shower, slept mostly throughout the night, and don’t really have any pain. I had a lot of swelling after dinner last night, so I’m guessing there was lots of sodium in the hummus I ate. I’m starting to see the results visually, too. My back is still really swollen and I can’t stand up straight yet. But I’m very pleased with progress! Weight 184 Weight on surgery morning 203 Weight two weeks before surgery 195 Approximate lbs removed during surgery 15 Updated on 30 Sep 2019: Didn’t get much sleep last night — tooooo uncomfortable. I came very close to taking my compression garment off for the night. This morning, I’m down to 181. I’m looking better, but as you can see from the photos I can’t stand up straight quite yet. I was trying very hard in the side photos. Updated on 1 Oct 2019: Updated on 2 Oct 2019: Almost standing up straight (at least some of the time). Pubic area still very swollen and sore. Can’t sleep on side yet. Very tired after showering; low energy in general. I’m still napping a lot. 179.5 lbs (down 23.5 lbs since morning of surgery) 36” waist Updated on 2 Oct 2019: Updated on 3 Oct 2019: I feel so much better now than I did a week ago. My scar is looking better (except in a couple of places I’m keeping my eye on); I have a LITTLE more energy, and I’m standing straighter each day. Today I went out to lunch and to the grocery store with my husband. Riding in the SUV still hurts. It’s like all my insides are being jumbled around and ripped apart. Not pleasant. But I’m 2 weeks from surgery today, so ibuprofen is allowed. Hallelujah! Y’all, Tylenol does nothing for me. Are we sure it’s not a placebo? The shirt dress I’m wearing is WAY too big. I guess that makes sense now that I’ve lost nearly 25 lbs in the past two weeks. I need to figure out how to pin up the legs on my compression garment so they don’t stick out the bottoms of my dresses when I return to work next week. I wonder if all my other dresses will be this loose. My stomach is WAY softer and mushier today. Definitely fluid filled. My pubic area and the area just above my incision remain very hard. So if I push on my pubic area, my mushy squishy stomach jiggles. 179 lbs, 36” waist Updated on 10 Oct 2019: I am now ready to say this was worth it. I’m still really uncomfortable, but I am liking the progress a lot. The incision is looking good for the most part. I’ll see Dr. Ahmadi next Friday. I had a DVT scare night before last and went to the ER. Everything is ok (just a pinched nerve), but I am glad to have the peace of mind from the ultrasound and bloodwork. Waist 35” (I believe I was 41” before my surgery but can’t find where I wrote that down....) Weight 178.5 lbs (down 59 lbs since my highest weight and 25 lbs since surgery morning) Updated on 10 Oct 2019: Let me retry uploading these differently since they didn’t make it on the last update! Updated on 17 Oct 2019: Today marks four weeks since my surgery. I am very glad I did it, even though I’m not (yet?) completely happy with the results or the healing process. When I look at before pictures, I know without a doubt that it was worth it. Even though I am still a bigger lady, a lot of people are commenting on how good I look. Swelling remains a real challenge even though I am eating clean 19-20 out of 21 meals per week and haven’t had a drop of alcohol in 6 weeks. However, I can now sleep mostly through the night without being bothered by the swelling. I can’t sleep on my side yet but I can lay on my side (awake and not in too much discomfort) for a few minutes. I no longer feel uncomfortable all the time. I sometimes have weird sensations on the fronts of my hips. It reminds me of the feeling of lidocaine wearing off after dental work, if that makes sense. Occasionally, I feel these quick sharp stabbing pains in my midsection, but they are fleeting. I can stand up straight and do just about anything (except the things I haven’t yet been cleared for). I’m walking normally. Sneezes still hurt but laughs don’t. I fluctuate between 177 and 179 lbs. I wish my PS had done more lipo on my upper back. My measurements are way out of whack: 44-35-40. My waist isn’t as small as I hoped, but it’s smaller than I expected. I’m hoping with continued clean eating it will get smaller. My measurements in 9th grade were 40-30-40, so I probably still have some room to shrink. Funny that my hips are the same size now as they were then. My energy level is approaching normal. I find that I’m hitting a wall around 8 pm where I feel it’s URGENT to sit down and relax. My scar is looking pretty good. I’ve attached pics of the best part and the worst parts of the scar. My lady parts have shrunk too and don’t hang out of my compression garment. Thank goodness!! It’s a bit lopsided though...one side is lower than the other. I hope that will continue to resolve. I see my surgeon tomorrow. I’m hoping he will remove the two stitches in my belly button that appear to be causing infection or red scarring. There are also two stitches on my right hip that need to come out. Now that I don’t have a hanging stomach to hate, I notice my sagging breasts, giant arms, and fat inner thighs a lot more. But I’m not obsessing about them. I’m just so happy my stomach is out of the way. Updated on 31 Oct 2019: Even after six weeks, hardly a minute passes without me thinking of my surgery and recovery. I am so pleased with the results so far and motivated to continue to lose weight. In the future, I might deal with my arms, thighs, and bust—but for now I am happy with my flat belly! I have one little section of my right side incision that continues to close/heal, and still TONS of swelling. *** Today’s stats: 179 lbs (fluctuating between 176 and 180 for a few weeks) 42”-44” bust (depending on bra!) 35” waist 40” hips *** Clothing sizes (depending on brand and style)— Pants: Medium or 10/12! (OMG) Tops: wide range here. In sweaters and knits, L. Button-up tops and unforgiving dresses: XL/16 Panties: 8/10 at Cacique *** I’m so so so happy I did this. Updated on 31 Oct 2019: Updated on 11 Nov 2019: Although my PS says I will continue to shrink due to continued swelling, they took “after” photos today, gave me some scar cream, and sent me on my way—only to return if I feel the need to. So I guess I’ll post these before-and-after photos from my final appointment. Today, I am 7.5 weeks after surgery, and I feel great. I occasionally have a twinge of sharp pain to the right of my belly button, some continued numbness and soreness, and tons of swelling. I need to continue (restart!) wearing my binder but I can stop wearing compression garments. (The binder provides support for the muscle plication for 2 more months, so I should not have stopped wearing it after 6 weeks—oops!) I will start scar cream tonight, but it already looks pretty good in person. (Darker in photos.) I am consistently wearing a size 12 pants, which is insane to me. I weighed 178 this morning and have a 34” waist. I would like to lose 20 lbs to get the full benefit of this surgery, and a breast reduction/lift as well as additional lipo to back and arm lift are on my radar for the future. Updated on 15 Dec 2019: This week will mark three months since I had my LipoTuck, and I couldn’t be happier. Before, I was preoccupied with my hanging belly and all the discomfort and infections and shame that came with it. Now, I am reasonably happy with my body. I’m not a tiny person and I’m not interested in the hard work it would take to get tiny and stay tiny. I am, however, interested in making good food choices on a consistent basis to make the most of this gift. My weight is staying stable between 175 and 178, and that’s fine with me. I can shop in Misses rather than Womens/Plus, so I’m enjoying far more variety in my wardrobe. I’m even wearing a smaller shoe size. It’s more comfortable to walk, to sit, to sleep, to stand, to speak publicly. I am so so happy I did this, even though it was super difficult. I have started lymphatic drainage massage to help battle the remaining swelling and scar tissue, and I’m still working on the incision scar. But even if it got no better than this, it would be ok. If you’re on the fence, do it. Find the right board certified plastic surgeon whose gallery is full of before pics that look like you and after pics that look like your goal future. And then do it. Updated on 15 Dec 2019: This week will mark three months since I had my LipoTuck, and I couldn’t be happier. Before, I was preoccupied with my hanging belly and all the discomfort and infections and shame that came with it. Now, I am reasonably happy with my body. I’m not a tiny person and I’m not interested in the hard work it would take to get tiny and stay tiny. I am, however, interested in making good food choices on a consistent basis to make the most of this gift. My weight is staying stable between 175 and 178, and that’s fine with me. I can shop in Misses rather than Womens/Plus, so I’m enjoying far more variety in my wardrobe. I’m even wearing a smaller shoe size. It’s more comfortable to walk, to sit, to sleep, to stand, to speak publicly. I am so so happy I did this, even though it was super difficult. I have started lymphatic drainage massage to help battle the remaining swelling and scar tissue, and I’m still working on the incision scar. But even if it got no better than this, it would be ok. If you’re on the fence, do it. Find the right board certified plastic surgeon whose gallery is full of before pics that look like you and after pics that look like your goal future. And then do it. Updated on 24 Jan 2020: I cannot stress enough: this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Why? 1: I’ve lost a lot of weight, so my annual physical this week was amazing! No longer pre-diabetic, excellent blood pressure, cholesterol, etc etc. 2: I feel amazing. Before, when I’ve lost weight, I’ve remained so self conscious of my hanging skin. I always wore long tops and pants that were much too big to try and camouflage things. No longer needed. And people tell me every day how great I look. 3: My intimate life is BACK. Even though my husband was always such a sweetie, I had no drive because I felt disgusting. Not so anymore! I would do this again and again and again. My scar is healing fine—still red and dark but flat and getting better. Still some rope-like scar tissue under the surface, which I continue to massage. My swelling has finally resolved. It’s still difficult to sit up from a prone position unless I use my arms to prop myself up. I think that’s it, other than some progress photos. Updated on 22 Feb 2020: Not a huge visible difference from month 4, but I am feeling more and more confident. Weight today is 171, down 32 lbs from morning of surgery. The scar is lightening a lot, and the rope-like consistency under the scar is getting way better. Maybe thanks to the tip from another RS’er about the hot-cold massager. I’m still using scar cream 2x daily. I’m still so happy I made this choice. Updated on 21 Mar 2020: Scar is still red but looking lighter in spots. Stretch marks are a bummer. Still hanging in at about 179 lbs but measurements continue to shrink. My butt seems a bit fuller, which is fine by me! :)
We shall soon see... I am very confident that I will love my results. Surgery is in 5 days! I saw my surgeon's website on a billboard, started researching and have been impressed by what I've read and watched. Felt good going into my consultation and even BETTER leaving my consultation! I am READY! - - - - I’m beginning this pre-op “review” in hopes that sharing my journey may help someone else and that journaling my experience will one day remind me of where I am now (& in the future to look back at where I’ve been, prayerfully feeling better about myself after a successful experience). Honestly -- mortified to share photos. :( Opening up to such vulnerability. While like most, we spend time posting to social media only THE BEST pictures “at the right angle” “of our good side”, it’s embarrassing to “show all” here in this community, especially “featuring” our problem areas! But other people’s posts I’ve seen with photos have been MOST helpful to ME & I’m so thankful for the transparency displayed here on realself.com!! So glad a friend shared this site with me! I had my consultation with my surgeon and feel VERY confident in him & his staff. I literally saw my surgeon’s billboard while out of state for a wedding & began researching immediately. This might be the first time I’ve ever contacted a business from a billboard, but I was SO impressed and I’m SO glad I did! I read and watched everything about my surgeon I could find. Dr. Ahmadi has a reputation for, and prides himself on, being a perfectionist. My surgery is scheduled on Tues, Aug 21st – in five days – for drainless tummy tuck, diastasis recti muscle repair and lipo of my abdomen, hips, back, flanks, axilla, pubis, & left outer thigh. I'm EXCITED more than nervous... glad my surgeon & his staff have prepared me for "the nerves" I will likely have with a day & a half medicine regimen pre-surgery. To share what my greatest fear would be, I would say it is to go through of all this and pay for this procedure, and to then end up gaining weight back and regretting it. Worse than that though is to have this opportunity, not take it and always wish I would have. I have purchased everything on my pre-surgery shopping list… I guess I'm as prepared as I can possibly be. I'm ready to get past the actual surgery & the first few days. Praying for the best possible outcome and then for me to do my part, that which I can control. A little about me... I'm a 48-yr-old mother of two, 22 & 18... oldest by C-Section, youngest by VBAC. I've wanted "tummy work" since the birth of my children but everything else took priority. The timing now is perfect! My husband just wants me to be happy. Wishing everyone THE BEST along your journey to a better version of YOU! I’m ready to be on the “I’m so glad I did” side!! Updated on 18 Aug 2018: O. My. Goodness. I’m so excited!! Dr. Ahmadi & his staff are SO thorough. I’ve gathered my necessities... I’m ready to pack tomorrow. We leave for Texas tomorrow/Sunday afternoon. Marking appointment is Monday. Surgery is Tuesday!!! Check out my shopping list. Except for bottled water which we have plenty of & my 8 oz cup, I think almost everything else is PICTURED. My surgeon has thought of LITERALLY everything... even an 8 oz cup to make urinating easier to avoid having to sit/stand anymore than necessary. (If Amazon Prime can get it to me by Tuesday, I may end up getting a “GoGirl” device which I’ve just learned of — helps a girl pee in the potty while standing.) I had a c-section for my oldest and understand the pain of standing/sitting anymore than necessary. Just having to walk frequently at first will be enough. Here’s my shopping list: Hibiclens, Q-Tips, Alcohol, smooth cotton Tank Tops, front closing Sports Bra, lightweight zippered House Robe, flat slip-on Shoes, Underpads (to protect bedding, car & chairs), Maxi Pads & Medical Tape (for my maxi-pad “belt” which will cover my incision line to absorb excess fluid), gauze pad squares to absorb fluid from lipo openings, PRESCRIPTIONS!!!, Bacitracin Zinc Ointment, Grocery Items for pre-surgery “liquid diet day”: water, Gatorade, Apple Juice, Broth, Grocery Items for post-surgery bland diet (until I have BM): Chicken Noodle soup, dry toast, crackers, plain mashed potatoes. Based on other reviews, I added milk of magnesia just in case Colace doesn’t do the trick. I’ll ask my Dr first before using it. I also added Tylenol & Tylenol PM in case of pain after/if pain meds run out & I still need relief... and my fan... extra pillows for propping under knees & back, my iPad for easy access to RealSelf, Nextflix & social media post-surgery. Peroxide will be only in case of blood-type stains to use on clothes before laundry. On a funny note — I need to remember to tell my husband, mom, sister-in-love & aunt who will be taking care of me in the days & first couple weeks following my surgery to be sure I DO NOT post on social media while medicated!!! LOL!! Hope these shopping list items help someone else. If I’m missing anything or you’d like to make suggestions, please feel free! Anyone else along this journey... I am wishing you THE BEST!! Updated on 20 Aug 2018: Oh how hard to look at... yuck!! I’ll be glad when all this excess is gone. I’d rather live in abundance in other areas of my life... NOT LIKE THIS!! Also ADDED “under chin area” to tomorrow’s procedure!!! GOT TO GET TO SLEEP!! Big day is tomorrow!!! Hope everyone else is doing GREAT!! Updated on 21 Aug 2018: Well... here’s evening pictures of “surgery day!!! Short and sweet post. Resting. Walking. Drinking 8 oz every hour like it’s a JOB!! This is as straight as I can stand. VERY SWOLLEN OBVIOUSLY!!! But happy happy happy!! Dr Ahmadi and his team... just wow!! Added under chin on marking Day haven’t changed dressing on it yet. More tomorrow. Updated on 22 Aug 2018: Thank y’all for your encouragement!! Short update. Saw surgeon today for follow up. I love him and his staff more every time I see them... Dr Ahmadi, Neda, Nurse Cat, Katie. Dr Ahmadi says all is well & going according to plan. More pain and stiffness today than yesterday. But mostly bearable. Didn’t get pictures today. Moving slow. It’s all I can do to hold up phone or iPad very long even to type this. But will get pictures tomorrow which will be my first shower. VERY SWOLLEN!! More bruising I think. Besides seeing Dr, Rested today. Faithfully walking every hour. Plus hourly 8 oz. liquids, they say I’ll improve daily. I get to sleep in longer spurts tonight waking only for meds and potty. SOOOOOO THANKFUL for my family who are lifesavers... my Mama, my Husband, & my Sister in love!!! Thanks SO much for checking!! Wishing all of you the best! May God bless you! Updated on 23 Aug 2018: Quick update. Trying to rest as much as possible in between walks. These pictures were taken right before my shower. Shower was absolutely wonderful. Still very very swollen. Surgery was Tuesday, today is Thursday. A little better day by day. Updated on 24 Aug 2018: Pictures taken just before shower on 3rd day after surgery before my 2nd post-op appt w surgeon afterwhich I headed back to my home-state. Posting just after midnight again so timestamp might be a day off. Surgery was Tuesday Aug 21, 2018. Pictures taken Friday Aug 24, 2018. My Surgeon said I’m right where I should be. Swelling will go down. Bruising will fade. Had to stop every hour of travel to walk around and keep up hourly fluid regimen. Relocated from sister/brother-in-love’s home in Texas to stay next 7-10 days at my Mama’s to relax, recoup & recover until my son comes to drive me the rest of the way home Labor Day weekend. Stitches were removed from hips today. Belly button stitches will dissolve. Will see surgeon again in two weeks. So thankful for my family support!! No way I could’ve done this without my Mama, sister-in-love & husband. Dr Ahmadi & his staff... nurse Cat, office administrator Neda & front receptionist Katie... ALL A+ in my book! I’ve had personal cell phones since before surgery... great care & service!! Got to get back to sleep. :) Feeling better day by day. Updated on 25 Aug 2018: Settled in at my moms and will be here for the next week or so before traveling back home and going back to work. Have had lots of family visits today. Showers and getting me dressed have become a group effort… Sort of a family affair. LOL modesty is completely out the window. I guess if I am sharing my most undesirable photos here then I don’t mind my aunt, Cousins, sister in love, and niece helping my Mama get me dressed. Lol I am still getting my rest and walking and keeping up with my fluids. My surgeon has literally every detail down to a ”T” & I realize just how important it has been that I have followed his every instruction including my after surgery diet to include only mashed potatoes, soups, broth, crackers, and dry toast… And of course plenty plenty liquids. After day for I was able to take milk of magnesia and this morning after my prune juice and butter mixture kicked in I was very very grateful for the diet that I have been following. So far so good along this journey! I would say that my only issue is my back because I am still walking a little hunched over. Did I ever mention that my surgeon told me how bad my muscle separation was and that the repair was quite extensive. He had to end up using more sutures then he normally uses. I am feeling very blessed and grateful. The best surgeon and staff and the best care team I could possibly have ever imagined! Maybe some pictures tomorrow after my shower. Wishing everyone the best! Updated on 26 Aug 2018: Day 5 pictures Not much has changed except I can stand a little straighter, which means my back doesn’t hurt as bad. Bruises are changing some. Still very swollen. I’m usually a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl but this will not be instant gratification, but rather a journey. I still feel it’s going to be worth it. Enjoyed my visitors today & this time set one-hour reminders to get up and walk around even while visiting to try and stay on track. Updated on 28 Aug 2018: I admit that I’m surprised at how well I’ve felt and so soon. What a difference a week makes. Appearance-wise... I’m still very swollen & tender to the touch. Certainly still quite a ways to go. But as I said in a previous comment, got off pain meds and began 1 Tylenol every six hours starting post-op 3 night. Now I take 1 Tylenol 2-3 times per day. Here are my 1-week post-op pictures taken Tuesday 8/28/2018. (Surgery was Tuesday 8/21/2018) Tomorrow I’ll post some side-by-side before and after’s. Be blessed!! Updated on 29 Aug 2018: One week “after’s” were taken yesterday... 7 days post-op. CAN’T WAIT to see what 6 weeks, 6 months & 1 year looks like!! Updated on 4 Sep 2018: Still swollen. They weren’t kidding that the swelling will take some time. Some places are still tender. Was supposed to return to work today but we were given the day off due to impending bad weather. I go back to work tomorrow. Updated on 4 Sep 2018: Still swollen. They weren’t kidding that the swelling will take some time. Some places are still tender. Was supposed to return to work today but we were given the day off due to impending bad weather. I go back to work tomorrow. Updated on 11 Sep 2018: Feeling well. Still taking it pretty easy. Still swollen & tender. Returned to work two full days last week. Returned to Houston Thursday night after work to see surgeon again on Friday. He’s pleased with my results thus far. Wants me to lose 5 to 7 pounds. Working a full week this week. Very happy with my results so far. My husband is impressed as well. Looking forward to continuing improvements!!! Our son got engaged over the weekend. Maybe by the time he and his fiancée are married, I will show signs of significant progress. I’ll plan to update weekly so long as improvements continue. Updated on 14 Sep 2018: In this update, I should have said, on Friday, September 7, at my 2 1/2 week postop appointment, Dr Ahmadi switched me off of Silvadene cream on to scar therapy ointment. [[sharing now, for my own documentation]] AAAAAND I bought a new (Lg) smaller-sized compression garment! Yay! Scheduled to see Dr Ahmadi again in a month, Monday, October 8. At that appointment we will be taking “official” doctor’s office AFTER PICTURES!!!! Eeek!!!! Can’t wait!!! :) These pictures are from yesterday (3 weeks, 2 days) in my new black compression garment. Tank top, no bra — this is how I sleep, plus my binder... sometimes I just need a break outta that tight sports bra! Snapped these just before undressing for my shower. Then I was off to work. Work is also going well. I make sure that I get up and move around. If I catch myself sitting a long time, my abdomen lets me know when I stand up that I have been sitting too long and it is time to streeeetch. I need to make a more conscious effort to drink more water. I may have to go back to setting an alarm on my phone to walk to our work kitchen for water and so that I can remember to keep moving. Still amazed at how well I’ve felt and so soon after surgery!! I attribute this to following my surgeon’s instructions to the letter and having GREAT post-op family support! I finished my family thank you notes but still owe my surgeon’s office theirs!! It’s really hard to express in words how grateful I am! To God be all the glory! As mortified as I was to share any of my BEFORE surgery pictures, I sure have been sharing my before and after pictures with my close family members, friends and coworkers (& here on RealSelf). Even though my before pictures are pretty embarrassing, it is quite eye-opening to see the comparison. Maybe my transparency will be an encouragement to someone else. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit, if some of my friends or family members end up becoming LipoTuck patients of Dr. Ahmadi as well. My sister-in-love from Texas who helped care for me post-op has become his Botox patient. Signing off from Louisiana... I can sleep another hour and a half before getting up for work. Zzzzzzzzzz Updated on 18 Sep 2018: Four weeks ago tonight was a challenging night - Surgery Day ... NOW - 4 weeks later - no more bruising & doing GREAT as far as I can tell. Pleased with incision. Swelling still going down, but still a ways to go. So anxious for the final result that I’m trying not to get discouraged by the remaining swelling.... I know, I know... by 6 - 8 weeks it will be even better (but expect six months to a year before final result). I never claimed to be patient. :) Some areas are still tender but I’m SO much better than I was!! DEFINITELY WORTH IT!! I see Dr. Ahmadi for my next check up on Monday, Oct 8th. Last week, I think it was, my post uploaded but my pictures didn’t... & I had to repost. Hopefully, my pictures will post on my first attempt this week. Tomorrow I’ll post some “4-week comparison pictures”. Tonight I’m posting 4-week pictures. For those of you who are on the “I’m so glad I did!” side, I HOPE EVERYONE IS RECOVERY WELL. For those whose surgery is coming up or still on the fence... its worth it!! Wishing everyone THE BEST!! Updated on 19 Sep 2018: Posted my 4-week post-op pics last night. These are just “before/after” (thus far) comparison pictures for my own documentation. Really not a whole lot of change since last week’s pictures, except my bruising is gone. Yay!!! Hope everyone is doing great along your own respective recovery journeys! If you are still contemplating whether or not to undergo a tummy tuck... in my opinion, it is worth it! If you are not sure which surgeon to go with, I have complete confidence in mine. May God bless you all! Updated on 25 Sep 2018: Not much has changed since last week. Short & sweet... Week 5 Post-Op pictures Updated on 2 Oct 2018: Well... I made it to the “magical” 6-week mark... the first major post-op milestone. They say that it takes six months to one full year to truly heal. But when they promised that I will LOVE my results by the 6-week mark, they were right. :) Even with some remaining swelling, numbness in areas where nerves haven’t reattached yet & slight tenderness, as promised by Dr. Ahmadi & his staff... I DO LOVE MY 6-week results! I’m slender in the mornings. By the afternoon or end of the day, I feel the swelling or puffiness comes back a little. I know it will take time. I definitely notice increased swelling if I have had too high of a salt intake. I am trying to be more conscious not to overindulge when eating. Due to my tighter abdominal area, I do find I am fuller faster & I’m trying to be more aware. Except for one cup of coffee in the mornings, I am strictly drinking water. Note to self: I really should set an alarm every hour to drink 8 oz like I did so faithfully after surgery. This past week, my husband snipped my belly button stitches for me. They were showing no real signs of falling out and I was ready for them to go. I will travel to see my surgeon again in Sugar Land, Texas in six days at which time I will get his assessment of my results, as well as take my official “after” pictures at his office. Next step... will be to incorporate regular exercise. I regret I haven’t at least started walking. I can think of every excuse, but if I’m truthful there really are no excuses. Looks like I’ll need to do some shopping soon! Although I’m still wearing dresses as per my doctor’s orders, this past week I briefly slipped on some jeans & pants I had previously worn. They were TOOOO BIG!! I was so happy!! As each week goes by, I am happier and happier about my decision to undergo my LipoTuck procedure. :) Updated on 17 Oct 2018: Yesterday October 16, 2018, was week 8!! So hard to believe how fast time has flown. These are my official before/after pictures taken by my doctors office. My after pictures were taken on Oct 8, 2018 which was week 6, day 6… one day shy of Week 7. At this last official visit, my surgeon was pleased with my progress, gave me a shot around my belly button so scar tissue wouldn’t cause my belly button to shrink, got a third undergarment (high quality spanx-type), was released from any restrictions. Consume 1200 calories. Walking & exercise are ok, but no abdominal or core exercises for 6 months. Continue scar cream through 6 months. Wear binder along with new undergarment 4 more weeks, even while exercising. Have a few friends interested in the same procedure because of my experience. One is scheduled in May 2019. Dr Ahmadi suggested for me to come with any of my friends who travel from Louisiana to see him, if I can... he would like to see my progress. Since recovery truly takes 6 months to a year I could expect continued improvements so long as I do my part as well. :) SOOOO THANKFUL to have found Dr Ahmadi!! Happy with my results so far!! :) Great experience!!!
I'm a short girl and as the years passed by I noticed I was storing a lot of fat in my tummy. Even in my slender days, my tummy was not flat. No amount of exercise or dieting helped. As we all know, you cannot spot reduce and my weight loss often happened on my buttocks. My consultation was fantastic, but it almost seemed too good to be true. I really liked the idea of having liposuction along with my tummy tuck. FYI- it isn't the standard with a tummy tuck. I never had much of a butt, so I asked Dr. Ahmadi if he would place the fat from my lipo into my butt. He said that I wouldn't need that. I would get the results I wanted from the lipo. Hmmm, I was skeptical. How does removing fat give me a booty? All I can say is that Dr. Ahmadi is an artist. I have a curvy body, with a flat tummy, an a popping booty!! My ONLY regret is that I didn't do this sooner!!
I am eight weeks post op from the Lipotuck procedure. My experience from day one was professional but friendly from Dr Ahmad and the entire staff. I am extremely happy with my results and the entire process. I would definitely recommend Dr. Ahmad to anyone interested.
I am very hAppy with my results it was very painful and a long recovery but will worth it I would diffidently do it again and I wish I would of known sooner about Dr Ahmadi. I would diffidently recommend him. Thank you and ur staff for everything
I am 3 weeks post op. Dr Ahmadi and staff are the best! I live in San Antonio and went to Sugarland for my surgery because I liked his techniques. I stayed at a hotel for 4 nights then it was safe to drive home. He is up to date on new procedures such as using no drains. Majority of PS still use drain tubes. I could also tell he really likes the anatomy of a woman's body (no ill intentions), he is a perfectionist and it shows in his work. I am wearing a compression garment and binder on top of this garment, I have to wear it for another 5 weeks and it's uncomfortable. I'm starting to get impatient with the healing process and results, but I have to keep telling myself that recovery is going to take time. I will update my post in 5 weeks and hopefully with pictures. I'm excited to show them off. Updated on 27 Oct 2016: I love my new body. Thank you Dr Ahmadi.
I love this doctor and staff! They made me feel like part of the family!! Honestly I prepared myself mentally for the pain since I had 2 c section. The first day I was out of it! The second day I took myself to my follow up, but not without getting fussed at! They offered to pick me up next time if I had no ride! I went back to work in six day. This is not ok, but when your a single parent life goes on! My scar is fading away already and the only uncomfortable feeling I have is tightness. I just started working out last week! OH my new belly button is everything! I had a Lipotuck , and the outer thighs done. When I priced this separate this would have cost me 18k. I can't tell you how confident this procedure has made me I would do it again tomorrow to feel and look the way I do! Updated on 17 May 2016: Updated on 17 May 2016:
Weight loss will significantly improve the areas of your concern. Once you have achieved your ideal weight, any residual issues will be more easily addressed with lipo or a tuck.
Liposuction will contour your back and sides nicely but worsen the abdomen. You do not need BBL. You have significant stretch marks which will not respond to liposuction but will do so to a tummy tuck.
Since you are having surgery in the same spot, you should wait for the surgical area to heal completely before undergoing another round in the same location. The anesthesia wears off within 24 hours, and this is not the issue. Furthermore, you need to have a frank conversation with your surgeon in Mexico regarding a complication and how he would handle it. Good luck.
Liposuction of the hip would certainly help. The question of needing more skin removed can only be answered after an examination.
Excision can effectively remove the excess skin above the knees. The scar placed above the knee will be visible. Non-surgical skin tightening devices can tighten the skin but have limited effect in areas where there is significant skin laxity.
