Dr. Matthews does amazing work! I went to him for a tummy tuck, breast lift, and augmentation. He suggested doing the tummy tuck first, and then the lift and augmentation. I did the tummy tuck first and love my results. Three months later I did my breast lift and augmentation. I have a different anatomy, and Dr. Matthews checked with other colleagues on the best way to achieve the results I wanted. I love that he didn’t make any promises before doing his research. I’m currently 6 months post op from my tummy tuck, and 3 months post op from my breast lift and augmentation. I used to hate looking at my body in the mirror and trying on clothes. Now I love the way I look in clothes I have always wanted to wear. Thank you Dr. Matthews!!
I have always had small boobs and was tired of wearing stuffed bras. I successfully went from a size A to a size DD in Victoria secret bras. Initially, I wanted bigger breast but Dr. Matthews is more about a natural look and with my petite self (5'0" , 112lbs) I would have looks disproportionate. I truly thank his professional opinion because I am extremely happy with my breast size !!
I am 4 days away from my TT. I'm pretty freaked out about it, especially the scar. I am a petite person. 5 "3", 123 pounds. I carried twins and then gave birth again 1 year later both by c section. C section creates flap over incision from being sew. Too tight. I have stretched out skin and diastasis rectus (muscle separation). Things look good in clothing, but sitting down I got a big pooch and my belly button is really stretched. Looking forward to my new flat belly. I feel a bit guilty, but know I need to do this for me. Updated on 30 Jul 2013: Yesterday was my pre-op. feeling much much better, nerves calming down. Think I have a good idea of what is to come. My doctor made me very feel at ease and I know he's going to take good care of me. My friend and husband will be taking of me. She had the same procedure, but a lot more and she looks amazing. No lipo for me so he said faster healing/less swelling. I got to see her recovery so that helps me feel better. Going to get my supplies today then I will be Completely ready. Will post a pic on Friday... Surgery at 7:30am. Getting nervous and excited. Updated on 1 Aug 2013: So it's my last day before my TT. I'm excited and nervous still. Bummed my husband is only semi- supportive, meaning he doesn't think I need it. Well I will just have to accept that and be ok with it. He thinks I should feel flattered, but just wish he wouldn't say it. So here is a photo to say I do need it, but mostly to say well I am taking care of me for once ;)!!! This forum has been helpful, glad it's here. See u on the other side TT'ers.. Updated on 2 Aug 2013: 1st day post op.. Felt pretty terrible from Anesthesia. Finally feeling less nauseous and coherent. Just sleepy. Not feeling too much pain and got up and walked around once. No pic yet as I am scared to open the binder.. Glad I'm on the other side. Updated on 4 Aug 2013: Feeling pretty good today. A little sore and dizzy. Still taking the pain medicine so I'm sleeping a lot. I took my first shower which felt good. I tried not to get my incision wet. I took binder off for first time. A little scary, but I still have all my markings so that makes it look a lot worse. Looks like bruising, but its just blue pen. My Scar is low so that is good. He did have to put a few stitches under my belly button. Said I didn't have enough skin... The best thing is I am pretty much standing straight up... Happy about that.. Updated on 5 Aug 2013: I realized I said 3 days for my last update, but today is really 3 days post op.. I'm in awe of how great I feel. I am up and about and feel very little pain. These drains are a pain though. I'm not getting to much drainage. Almost nothing on my left side and about 40 ml all day on right side. I may ask my doc to take out a few days early if he is in agreement. Friday seems forever. I'm still resting a lot and getting up every 2 hours to walk around. I'm not too hunched over, but making sure to not put any pressure on my stitches. Stomach feels tight but not painful. Wonder if its because I'm still numb... I'm really glad I did this and happy to be on the healing side. My PS had to put a few stitches under belly button. Hope that heals well. Said I didn't have a lot if skin. Anyone else have stitches under belly button? Updated on 6 Aug 2013: Woke up feeling good, but tired. I am really wanting to go out of the house. My right drain almost has no fluid and left maybe 40cc all day. I called to see if my doc would consider removing drains tomorrow instead of Friday since I'm getting such little drainage. No luck :(, but I trust he knows best. I'm just gonna rest and try to enjoy the next few days. My pain is not bad, just feeling discomfort from tight stitching and the drains. I am having all the "why did I do this thoughts"... They come and go, but I remind myself of the finish line. I now just want it to be Friday and drains out so I can go outside. I did go to the bathroom so that was a milestone. Keeping up on prune juice/fiber. Will take a pic later today... Happy Healing!!! Updated on 7 Aug 2013: So I'm now 5 days post op and yup exactly like the PS said these drains are buggin.. Poking me and I can only wear a nightgown over them so I feel huge., Two more day's and I'm drain free :)))))!!!!! Can't wait.. I took a good shower and washed my hair so that felt good. Exhausted from shower and sitting outside with my kiddo's. the sunshine felt good. Took a pain pill earlier since I was feeling a pressure pain at my incision site. I think that's normal?? Well here's my updates pic. I'm still trying to get the pen marking off, but happy with my belly button so far. Updated on 9 Aug 2013: Today is 1 week since my surgery.. Had my drains out today. Had very little drainage, hurt a little when they pulled them out, but didn't care happy they were gone. Very liberating. My PS was kind of amazed how I was walking. I'm not hunched. I asked did u sew me inside??, he assured me he did and said i had a 3 finger separation in my muscle. When he laid me back fully on the table I felt the stitches burn, but feel nothing when I walk. Strange he thought so too, but said I'm lucky so I will take it. The back pain is brutal with hunching. I was ambitious or kind of dumb tonight since right after drains out I went to dinner with some friends and then went to another friends after. Put on a spanks as a binder, not a good idea. Started feeling a little light headed, too tight. Doc said u can go out, but don't over do it and yup I over did it!!!! Feel safe now back at home in my binder. I am gonna take it easy. Felt a bit of swelling. I was just excited to be drain free and happy to be out of my bed ;)))))(. Will update my pics tomorrow. Hope everyone is healing well tonight. hugs!!!! Updated on 12 Aug 2013: Well I'm 10 days post op. Doc gonna take out T scar stitches and belly button stitches. Doc said he will make sure my T scar looks great no matter what. That was a surprise right before surgery he said I may have to make a a T, but he said he had to make that judgement call because I'm small and didn't have the skin. He said otherwise too tight and I would be bent over for 2 months. Glad he chose T. I'm kinda freaking out about the belly button cause it still looks so crusty and gooey. Thinking he should just leave then in. Plus, the thought of him poking there is Ughhhh, but I guess that is minor with all I've been through. Just so happy to have drains out. Feel great, no pain or soreness anymore, just the akward numb belly feeling. Yesterday was my real turning day. Almost forgot I had a surgery, but still gotta take it easy. I just kept thinking how can I function if showering is tiring ;).. Happy to have some energy!!!! Feel like I'm living again... Well here some pre stitches pic with my low cut underwear. Could never wear these before without a bulge hanging over and under... Updated on 12 Aug 2013: Oops I hit post too soon!!!!! Updated on 14 Aug 2013: Feeling great today. Feel about 95%. My energy is back and sometimes I forget I had surgery 12 ago.. hurts only if I sneeze or hit my incision and a bit sore by the rib cage. My kitty jumped on my belly that hurt. Good thing she is tiny still. Yesterday was my worst day of swelling. Not sure if my binder was too tight, heat or no hydrated, but my lower abdomen looked huge ( well at least to me)!! My Doc wants me to keep my surgical tape on until week 3?? I see a lot of people with their tape off pretty quickly after surgery.. Anyone have any thoughts on that. I'm going to be proactive about scar treatment. My doc says I can think about that after week 3... Here's a pic with my tank. My waist is definitely smaller. Can't wait for final results ;)!! Happy healing ladies ;) Updated on 17 Aug 2013: Ok ladies, Anyone eat 5 bites and feel full?Think I'm just swelling so I get full faster. I'm eating all day just 5 bites at a time. I started taking Tumeric think it's helping with swelling. Makes you detox a lot. I woke up in sweat and my husband said I smelled like an old lady. I did, I could smell Anesthesia of sims medicine smell so glad my body is getting rid of it. I'm drinking Dandelion tea for my liver and that's detox too. Also helps to clean you out ;)!!!! I really wish my booty would come back. Think my body just shifting around. I'm starting to feel sore in my upper abdomen. Like 1000 crunches kinda thing. I feel good for the most part. Praying I don't sneeze. Anxious to see my incision, but doc says next week. My belly button healing well. He put a little plastic thing inside and taped it so it won't close up. Here I am today - yup binder on :)! Monday I get to see T scar so will post a naked belly pic. Updated on 20 Aug 2013: So had my 2 week post op yesterday. Was freaking out because my belly button looked like it was closing. My doc say no looks good, but to put tiny squishy ear plug or marble to keep open for next week or so. Anyone else do that?? Whew!!!! All this pain and mental roller coaster to have a closed belly button. I have seen that and a big deal for me was a nice BB. Feeling great. Tiny upper soreness here and there. I notice swelling is less and I have a bit of itching. My lower T scar still healing up and I have a little line under BB where doc gonna fix. He didn't want to see it up to tight where my BB would look wrinkled. That was my one deep stretch mark. Moved from above BB to below. Glad he will fix it. steri strips come off at 3 weeks so I will see the scar. Kinda excited, kinda scared, just wanna see., Here are a few pics. My bathroom lighting is terrible, tried to get brighter light. Boy I'm flat in the morning. I did a before and after pic of lower belly. Man what a difference already ;)! Have a great day!!! Updated on 23 Aug 2013: Yay today is my 3 week belly Bday ;)!! Feeling good overall. Some upper soreness and itching at night. I am definitely swollen by end of day. What's strange is how I loved coffee and now it kind of turns me off. Same with wine... Also I still can eat only 10 bites and full. Trying to eat so I don't become a bean pole. Like curves. I was bummed because I spit a stitch and have a hole ;(.. Looks freaky, but doc says will heal just fine. Also slow healing where my Old belly button was. Finally closing up. He said skin was thin there so took awhile. I'm just happy to be able to clean my house make breakfast for the kiddos and walk them to school. Things worked out perfectly with my job. A month before my surgery my boss and I had a heart to heart. He wanted me to work full time and take on lots more work. No way, I was dreading my 20-30 hours so we agreed to lay me off with 2 months pay. Best decision ever. Don't wanna waste time in a job had grown out of. So I am enjoying the extra time to heal. I think it's time for the Steri strips to come off. They are itching like crazy and curling up. He said at 3 weeks they can come off. I'm planning to shower and take them off slowly. I think it is only going to get better from here. Happy to be 3 weeks. What a journey this is.. Updated on 23 Aug 2013: So I took a shower and pulled off the steri strips off. i would rather do it then have Dr. office. I went super slow. Those things were seriously stuck on.. I didn't pull anything open so that's good. I braced myself to look like Frankenstein's bride, but doesn't look as bad as I thought. I can handle it ;)! I was Thankful since I gotta still look at this little hole where my old belly button was and the popped stitch. Looks kinda open still so I will save that pic for next week ;)!! Taped myself back up and ready for the day! Happy Healing!!!!! Updated on 25 Aug 2013: So yesterday I was ambitious and squeezed into these jeans that were tight on me before the surgery. I was excited I fit. Wore them all day to a birthday party and then to a girls night. Around 10pm, I felt like I was gonna burst out of the pants literally. I had some nachos and swell city. So funny, I as to ask my friend to borrow some sweats. I ended leaving with my Jeans in hand and some comfy drawstring pants ;)!!!! I was happy to have made it that long. One day at a time Ladies!! Here's my pic. Maybe soon I will put a face to this body - haha!! Happy Healing.. Updated on 30 Aug 2013: Hi ladies, It's officially 4 weeks!!!!. I'm gonna celebrate this weekend. It's gone by fast and slow at the same time. Felling great, only feel sore above belly button.. I've been doing a lot so I can see I'm swelling a bit more especially on left side and my Woo hoo is still super swollen and tender - ughh can that go away please!!!!! I feel like I have a man bulge, but I don't think anyone can tell but me :)!! My T scar finally healing. I had really thin stretched skin in that area so took awhile to close. Also that hole/open spot is where I spit a stitch :(. Still a bit open, hope that hole closes up nicely. I tried to get very close pics of my scar as sometimes it is hard to get standing up. I do still have a stretch mark under my belly button :(((. That is the deep one I had above my belly button. My PS thinks it will flatten nicely and if not he can zap with a laser to smooth out, it's kinda sinking in since I'm still healing. My PS is so great. Such a perfectionist which is what you want with a PS. He sees me every week and says that T scar is gonna look great when he's done. Maybe just a tiny line. Told him i don't want a butt crack under my BB :). He wants me to be happy and so far I am. I have to admit I kept thinking I hope this turns out ok and my scar is not crazy especially with T scar. Hard facing two scars in the mirror versus one. If it healed crazy I decided I would have to get a wrap around up the belly Dragon Tattoo to cover - haha ;)! So the other great benefit to this surgery is my posture is soooo much better and back pain much better. My Chiro even noticed I'm standing straighter and not hunched. Yay!!! Not sure if this is helping my healing, but at my Chiro they have this huge Zerona cold laser for pain and wound healing. My friend works there and has been sticking me under the laser for last week.. U have clothes on. She says it promotes wound healing, but if it don't hurt then why not.. No heat so doesn't affect scar. Finally I'm being diligent about massaging my scar. I got silicon strips on and trying skinscience scar treatment, as I know my skin likes to darken with hyperpigmentation... That's all for today!!!! Hope everyone is healing well. Here's lots of pics ;).. What a Journey. Love having my flat tummy family share it with!!! Updated on 6 Sep 2013: Well today is officially 5 weeks. So glad to be here!! Everything is going great except for another popped stitch. Annoying since it creates little holes. Hopefully this is the last of them.,. I saw my PS yesterday said I'm healing great. Wants me to massage my scar 3x a day and keep something in my belly button so it won't close to small. I got some cute red moldable silicone ear plugs to put in there. My swelling has gone down a lot. Mostly only swollen at night. Still feel a bit tight. Feeling coming back and numbness getting less. Tummy still feels kind of hard underneath in the middle.. Ready to see where I will be at in 3 months, but gotta be patient. Scar hasn't changed too much other then another small hole. Right side looks better then left and I swell more on left.. Doc cleared me for light workouts :)! Hope everyone is healing well...... Updated on 13 Sep 2013: Hi TTer's, I made it to the 6 week mark, feels surreal. Where has the time gone.. I'm ready to be 3 months, but surprised I'm at 6 weeks and still in disbelief I actually did it :)!!!! Feeling great overall a bit sore at muscle repair. Hoo Ha has still swollen and under incision., last night I slept on my side binder free - woo hoo!! Just wore a flexee tank top. I am feeling this hardness under and above my BB. Is this normal?? I have been massaging my scar 3x per day as my doctor advised. Firm, but not overly firm. I can feel the scar tissue breaking up., left side sore still, right said not sore at all. Ready for the little holes and old BB to look better, but I'm sure they will. Now I'm just celebrating where I'm at on the way to where I'm going :)!! I bought this bathing suit years ago. Never could wear it, so that's a small victory and yesterday I wore my jeans all day without feeling I was gonna bust out at night so glad ;)!! Still was happy to get them off and into yoga pants... Trying to enjoy the journey instead of think I can't wait for a year and not think about this at all :)!!! Happy to have my TT'ers for support on this wild ride.. Happy healing ladies... Updated on 15 Sep 2013: It's my hubs Bday. He took these pics. I can't believe that's me @ 6 weeks post op. No spanx, no compression. Side view a little swollen, but I would have 3 garments on under this before... I'm a Happy girl. Nice to hear him say love my Hot wife & car - silly :)!!! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: I hit 7 weeks yesterday. Did my first workout @ Zumba class. I modified some of the moves to make it less strenuous. I did swell a bit, but not too bad. Still sore at MR above BB, but that's about all. Holes are looking nice and happy with BB.. Girl parts still swollen and under incision still Swollen.. My drain hole scars completely gone. Thought i would have snake eyes on mu girl parts, but nope. That's pretty awesome... On a happy note I got a spray tan/wax yesterday. Covered my scar with tape for spray tan. Going to a white party tonight. Thank God I had TT. I would have been seriously stressing off putting my old belly in a white dress!!!!! Felt good to shop and try and pick out what I liked, not what would look good on the belly.... Happy healing ladies!!! Updated on 30 Sep 2013: I'm 8 weeks PO. Time has gone fast. I'm feeling good. did a hike today. Upper MR still sore here and there. Still a bit swollen underneath incision. Massaging scar 2x a day with bio oil and silicone sheets. Ran out of invicible silicon cream so will probably order more. Scar turning a bit more pink. PS says that's good as shows as its restructuring itself. I see him in another month and he will evaluate any revision on T scar once everything is completely settled. Here's some 8 week pics. Updated on 30 Sep 2013: Haha - ok trying again. Somehow pics floating around and didn't post. Here is my 8 week scar., Updated on 10 Oct 2013: I will be 10 weeks tomorrow!! Yay. Very minimal swelling these days, but still sore in upper muscle repair and under my incision. My doc says that can last a few more months.... Last night I did have movie popcorn and felt myself bloating, so gotta watch the salt ;)!! I'm heading out on vacation so excited to wear my bikini. Hope all u ladies are healing well.. Updated on 2 Nov 2013: Hi Ladies, Happy to say I made it to the 3 month mark. At 3 days I wanted to be 3 weeks. At 3 weeks I wanted to be 3 months. At 3 months I want to be at 6 months. Funny how that works. Just feels good to be down the road. I'm still sore at MR when I stretch or pull straight up. My left side incision still a bit sore and swollen underneath. I may need my T scar revised, but that's minor and I will know in 6 months... Other than that feel great and it was worth it for me. Long journey mentally, physically and emotionally, but I have no regrets.. Love my flat tummy!!! Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Hi TT Sisters, I'm getting ready to go to a Christmas party with my friends. Not wearing this outfit, but putting a sweater over it :)))!! Thought I would give an update and some pics. Been busy and haven't posted for awhile. I'm 5 months. Happy with results so far, still swelling a bit under incision and once in awhile if I work out the MR is sore, but that's all. Just happy to be 5 months. I will have the T scar and a few spots revised at my 6 month appt.. Hope your all well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Updated on 12 Mar 2014: So haven't posted much lately. Loving my belly still. I still get full really easy which has helped with weight management and sore a bit at muscle repair after work out, but other than that I'm a happy girl... No regrets!! My PS sent me these photos. Wow, I forget how much I didn't like my belly.. I'm so happy to not have to wear layers of shape wear ;)!!! Happy healing ladies!! Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Forgot to add photos! Updated on 10 Aug 2014: I truly can't believe it's been 1 year. I look back and can't believe that's my tummy. This is me in my bathing suit. Gosh before it was high granny bottoms. Still love my new Tummy. No regrets. I see my doc in 2 weeks so my T scar will be fixed. It's slight, but still would like that part to be better. All in all best thing I ever did and my husband loves it. I still can't eat like I used too as my tummy feels full so that's a plus in the weight gain area. Just gained my confidence back and love I don't have to wear 2 tummy timing tank tops or spans to hold it all in!!!!! Will post 1 year scar pics soon.
Anyone looking for a breast augmentation with lift, should read this review before you get botched too. I was married young when I had my first baby. Then at the age of 19 I found myself at home with two children. I didn't have time to work out or get back into the shape I had pre birth. Being so young it made me feel a little off with my body. So I searched for qualified MD's near me. That's when I found Dr. Andrew J. Matthews. Yes, he was so nice, funny, charming, and seemed to know what he was talking about. I was definitely naive and thought I was comfortable getting my breasts constructed by him, since he is good at putting a patient at ease with his words. Little did I know, i would be feeling even worse about my post pregnancy body after having my breasts done and "lifted" by him. I am well aware that it is not a surgeons job to give you self esteem. But it is also not a surgeons job to make your body feel worse than before. I was only 19 going on 20. He told me I would only need a crescent lift. It left the biggest ugliest scar on top of my nipples, which stretched them into a deformed shape. I also woke up with a larger breast implant than we agreed on before surgery. Every good breast surgeon knows that a half crescent lift with a large implant will not do much lifting, and may even put too much pressure on that type of scar. I was young at the time, and I definitely trusted the wrong MD. 6 months later he offered to try to help by trying another crescent lift in his office for more lifting, (I was awake during it) and I was so scared but thought I would at least try with him before judging my situation. Sadly, I was left with an even bigger scar and sad oval looking nipples, when mine used to be round and pretty before his work. About a year or more later I had to have my implants removed by my health care because it the pain never went away and the scars and sagging only looked worse as time passed. If I could do it all over again, I would have did more research on better breast surgeons, and not trust someone just because they were nice and made me comfortable. Dr. Andrew J. Matthews may have been good at some form of surgery or health wise, but it definitely was not my Breast Lift with Implants. If you're young, or a mother who wants to improve their breasts, or need a lift in general, I would take the time to consult with several different Dr.s and looking into more reviews of their work before choosing. I even thought at the time I liked some of the pictures on his website, but if you notice there are not many photos of breast lifts with implants. Beware and remember: just because a Dr is good at one thing, it does not mean they are good at everything or every type of surgery. A lot of surgeons specialize in one or two things. In this case, I beyond wish I could have kept my sagging breast feeding boobies instead of getting work done by Dr Andrew J Matthews. At least then my nipples looks round and normal. He gave me oversized breast, botched shaped nipples, and a pain that could not be relieved. Yes, Plastic surgeons are not here to make us look perfect. But they should at least do what they say they can do and make some type of improvement. I honestly wanted to sue this Dr bc at a young age he also put silicone when I wasn't at the age limit for silicone yet, and I woke up with the incorrect amount of CC's that I did not agree on. But I was so down for a few years that I couldn't bring myself up to it. It's been about 7 years since then and I still am trying to find a good cosmetic surgeon to fix the botched scars Dr Andrew J Matthews left me with. You can't always trust a kind, good looking person. Don't be fooled like I was and take more time for yourself. It can be like blindly being walked into a disaster. Updated on 2 Jun 2017: Here are some knowledgeable MD's speaking out why crescent Lifts are or helpful but actually distort the nipple shape. I really wish I knew about real self when I was younger because these are comments from real MD's on this Real Self App telling why the crescent lift is a bad choice. I wonder why Andrew Matthews MD didn't tell me this and why would he just give me a crescent lift with the weight of 400 CC implants that would only stretch the scar even worse? To top it off I never agreed to such a heavy implant bc at the time I was very under weight and also had drooping so the crescent lift was the wrong choice for him to recommend to me. I still don't understand his thought process. It wasn't very thorough to me for my case. Reading here on Real Self most MD's that do lots of breast lift surgeries with implants or without know that a crescent lift doesn't do much and they will tell you that. But I wasn't given this much needed info from Andrew Matthews and too young and naive to know any better. Hope this helps someone.
hello everyone..i had my consultation 5/8/13 with Md. vincent lepore in san jose ca....very friendly man ...i would really appreciate if anyone has had any procedures with him to please let me know your experience....my consultation went pretty good i was very excited but i keep on thinking or should i say second guessing my self if i should do it or not....i really want this im 23 years old with two kids a 3 year old and a 6 month old..im done having kids and would like to have my tummy how it was before having kids...i feel like an old old lady with lose saggy skin and dont really feel my age because i cant even show a little bit of tummy because it looks so bad...im very small girl im 5ft and weight 108lbs and with cloths on i look fine but people dont know whats really under my shirt...i feel really insecure about my tummy..i see girls my age wearing bathing suits and showing there tummy and im like wow they have a nice body ... i wish i was like them...i just want to feel comfterable in my own skin i fell so insecure and everyone who sees me tell me im crazy for wanting this that theres nothing wrong with me but im like you havnt seen me naked...i would really appreciate if anyone whos gone threw this would give me advice on it please Updated on 16 May 2013: so im still looking around i have two other consultations for a tummy tuck in the bay area...i have one on may 21 2013 and another in oakland june 5th i hope i can finally chose the right plastic surgeon for me... Updated on 24 May 2013: so far i cant decide on which surgeon im going to...so difficult for me to trust someone with my life...if anyone out there has any recomendations please let me know...im so lost anywhere in the state of california would be nice...thank you Updated on 24 Jun 2013: So I had my consultation in Oakland with dr togba and it went great he was very informative and answered all my questions so now I'm jus waiting for time to go by faster so I can finally get my mommy makeover I decided to get implants silicon gel I'm between 250cc or 275 cc I don't want them to big cuz I'm so small so I can't decide Updated on 15 Jul 2013: Updated on 19 Jan 2014: So I had my surgery 1/16/14 and right now I'm about 3 days post op and I feel great it was totally nothing what I was expecting ...I was expecting this horrible pain And is so not you jus feel numb and with all the pain meds they give you your asleep most of the time.... I'm so glad I did it totally worth it so far... Let me tell you how it went the morning of my surgery I took a Valium to ca me down but I was still an emotional mess and was so fearful of surgery because iv never had surgery in my life .. So I went in and they made me change into a gown started my iv and gave me a patch to prevent nausea and they also came and gave me a shot to calm me down doctor came in Drew on me and I was still shacking from my nerves so gave me another one and I don't know what happen next I don't even remember getting on surgery table ... The next thing I know I'm awake with the nurse by My side... I was so drugged u don't really remember what happen but let me tell u for me it was not painful at all and I'm so glad I did it so far the things that have been helping a lot is a toilet seat riser a whole bunch of pillows and the walker I think very important the walker because your back is the one that's going to hurt you the most than the actual procedure ... I hAvnt been draining much I think it's probably from arnica Montana really recommend that .... Updated on 19 Jan 2014: Well it's been pretty good so far jus got a little swollen on my eye lids and a bit warm like a fever from anesthesia also i hAvnt been able to do number two so I'm kind of worried about that iv been taking dulcolax and Metamucil but nothing yet.. So far the most discomfort is my back from hunching over and the drains ... They don't hurt but it's uncomfortable to have them and there hard to hide under your cloths... I can't believe how fast time has been flying by and this coming Thursday my drains will be coming out can't wait... Oh and also I finally opened my girdle so I can see what my tummy looks like I'm in shock and disbelief that that's my tummy I'll post some pics Updated on 20 Jan 2014: Feeling much better everyday that passes by I can move more and walk longer periods of time...I'm really not using my walker anymore and I can almost stand all the way straight ... I hAvnt been draining much at all the most is like 1 ml in both drains wich is good...as for eating be really carefull you don't eat food with to much flavor or seasoning cuz that will give you nausea try to eat light simple food... One thing that's been helping me not get so nauseas is every time you take a pill either pain killer or vitamins make sure you have something.what feels really good to me is yogurt and jello...also today in the middle of the morning I woke up with a huge headache but other than that I'm feeling much better... I hope this helps I'll keep posting and keep updating Updated on 23 Jan 2014: Well I got my drains taken out yaaaaa... I feel so much better already I feel free... Those thing hurt when my ps pulled them out they felt like a burning sensation but so glad there out... Everything is good But I'm a bit sad because I got a rash around my belly button so that dosnt look to nice ps said should get better he said everything is looking good and this Monday coming up he is going to take my belly button stitches out kinda nervouse for that.. So I asked him how long was I under day of surgery he said about 3 in a half hours and he said I had some muscle seperation but not to bad I had more extra skin around belly button.. So just looking foward to healing and for that damm rash to go away .... I hope I have a quick recovery as for you ladies as well ;) Updated on 25 Jan 2014: Updated on 28 Jan 2014: So now I'm walking completely straight up which I started to about 1 week and 2 days post op. And what a relief my back was killing me from being hunch all the time. Really recommend buying heating patches for your back those really helped me. Monday I got my belly button stitches out didn't feel a thing since I'm still completely numb.. Ps said I'm healing pretty good and I asked him about my steri strips when I can take them off and untill my 3 week post op I can so I hAvnt been able to see my scar... I can't wait to look at it...oh and my rash around my belly button is finally starting to clear up...iv been butting just plain Vaseline originally what I was putting was an triple antibacterial ointment that they have given me at the surgery center and told me to be applying this on my belly button and I had an allergic reaction to it so I would recommend just buying one before surgery like Neosporin or something you know your not allergic to ... That's about it I hope everyone is healing great and I'll keep you girls updated :) Updated on 30 Jan 2014: So I'm finally two weeks post op and wow does it still hurt to sneeze... I feel like my abs are on fire and with all the force of sneezing feels like your going to pop a stitch... Well I'm still taking my post op vitamin formula which I believe has really helped me heal I ordered them online on makemeheal.com it's the only post op formula they have there ...there a bit pricy but totally worth it...I'm still swollen so can't wait for it to completely go away to see my final results.. I ordered my 2nd stage girdle so we will see how that goes... So I got a peek on my incision site and my ps is amazing the scar is so thin he did a really good job I love my bb and love how my scar is low... I'm going to have my 3 week post op next Friday and finally I will be able to put scar treatments ...can't wait Updated on 2 Feb 2014: Today has been the toughest out of the whole procedure ..... These past couple of days I hAvnt been sleeping much... It caught up to me today I was so stressed and running on no sleep and having to take care of two little ones my son is one and daughter 4 and there a hand full... My hubby is working since he couldn't ask for no more time off since he had already had when I was schedule to do the surgery the first time and couldn't do it because I was so scared and now I screwed myself over because he only stayed with me about a week after my surgery and have been doing everything bymyself ... He works graveyard shift so I'm stuck with kids day and night since he sleeps all day... I don't know if it's part of the surgery not being able to sleep but I need sleep... Maybe I should call my ps and ask if this is normal.. Anyone going threw the same thing ? Updated on 6 Feb 2014: Updated on 7 Feb 2014: Today was my 3 week post op appt... Ps said everything is good I'm healing fast...I still have that rash on my belly button he said to use lightening cream to help with that he said it might take a while for it to go away and if not he will just laser it off.. So now he gave me the ok to use scar treatments for my scar and to massage it.. Also I can go to gym but only for walking or bicycle not much that I can do but something is better than nothing... He also said I can sleep in my side if I want to which I'm excited for because I always sleep on my side and having to sleep flat on my back is not very comfy...so now I can sneeze without it hurting so much I can twist better ..I'm more energetic not 100% but close...i can laugh without it hurting so much still does but very little..I wake up a bit soar in mornings on my upper abdomen but not to bad and my swelling still there but not as bad.. Also where my drains were there kind of sunken in I hope they go away because it dosnt look so nice anyone had the same thing? Hope this helps happy healing to ever one :) Updated on 19 Feb 2014: Updated on 14 Mar 2014: So I can't believe I'm 8 weeks the first 6 weeks were the thoughest because I couldn't carry my son and time seemed to drag on... But once I hit 6 week mark I was happy to finally carry him... I started to hit the gym and just start to go back to my routine... Now I can say my stomach isn't really soar any more I still feel a little tight still have numbness and my scar gets itchy at times...I'm still not comfortable doing abdominal work outs ... But I can do squats lounges jump run spinning class pretty much anything else except ab workouts... My scar is still really red iv been using silicon strips and bio oil..also my scar Dosnt feel so thick anymore it's starting to really soften up...I'm still a bit swollen and after workouts makes it a little bit worse but overall I'm loving my results love the new me no regrets :)
