I had a tummy tuck done by Dr Lam on 9/14/24. He is amazing!! His staff is friendly and helpful. I lost 75 pounds 12 years ago and always wanted to fix my belly to remove the loose skin. I was always afraid but my fiance supported me and we decided to get it done. I now have a beautiful belly that I’m not afraid to show off.
I’m 4 weeks post op and I’m so happy with my results!!! I still have a bit of swelling and numbness from my belly button down to my incision, and my breast can still be tender from time to time but overall I’m doing great. My surgeon is amazing and his staff are so friendly and helpful!
Even before my children were born, 11 years ago, I visited a plastic surgeon (not Dr. Lam) who recommended a lift. I decided to wait until after I was done having kids to have any surgery...so glad I did. 2 years ago I visited Dr. Lam who initially recommended a dual plane with implants to achieve a full D. Again decided to wait...just this week I had my pre-surgery appointment and after re-measuring me, one of my breasts had dropped another cm! So as a result, his recommendations changed- lollipop lift with implants it is- initially i was not very excited about having a vertical scar but fully believe after doing the research that this will indeed provide me with the lasting results I want to achieve- rather than putting implants in droopy boobs now only to need a lift/redo in a few years- do it all in one shot for longer lasting results. Very excited, nervous, scared....surgery is scheduled for March 5. I will post pics of before and after once surgery is completed. Updated on 2 Mar 2015: BA lollipop is Thursday, can't believe it! Excited, nervous, scared of the pain...can't wait to see the results. Anyone else with Thursday as their big day? Updated on 11 Mar 2015: Just had my first post op this afternoon, healing is on track and look good. I have 425cc mentor memory gel unders, with a lollipop lift. Pleased so far with results. They feel like they're super high, but apparently that's normal for now. Impatient for dropping and fluffing :-) Updated on 11 Mar 2015: Updated on 11 Mar 2015: Updated on 23 Mar 2015: So...the clear waterproof surgical tape from post surgery finally came off a day or two after my 2 week follow-up with Dr Lam. Advised me to put more tape in to help with support of internal healing sutures and to keep scars flat. Updated on 29 Mar 2015: So, I got both kinds of bras...finding the Ahh bra to be fabulous. Coobie is "ok" there's not as much upper coverage and the narrow straps aren't as comfortable as the Ahh bra... Has anyone used Skin Medica scar recovery gel with Centelline? Updated on 7 Apr 2015: Updated on 17 Apr 2015: Updated on 27 Apr 2015: Scar gel is working nicely
I am 41 married and Mom to 2 kiddos ( ages 9 and 5). I've struggled with my weight all my life and tried every diet plan and pill out there to lose the weight. After 2 pregnancies which packed on lots of weight I decided to have Gastric Bypass in 2010. The surgery was very successful for me and I lost total of 130 pounds!!! I am 4 years post op from that surgery and I wasn't completely happy with my body. My boobs were droopy and my tummy was a mess with stress marks, extra skin and the notorious saggy "pooch" that most Moms carry with them. I started researching PS a few years back and just didn't have the $$ to proceed. This past November I went for a second consultation and finally had the money to go for it! I decide to have a full tummy tuck and breast lift. I didn't need implants since I had plenty of volume it just needed to be in the right spot. I also had some fat pockets on my upper outer thighs and decided to have lipo also. My surgery was on 2-4-14. I was nervous of course but excited! I have a very supportive husband who took off a full week from work to help me out with my recovery. It was a tough road post op. For the first few days I could barely move, my hubby had to help me up out of my recliner and walk me to the bathroom. I was leaking from my legs and was a real Hot mess! It did get better each day though. At 9 days post op I had all my dressings taken off and still kept my drains and binder on but I could shower! Yippee!! 9 days no shower was tough even with wipes and dry shampoo. At 10 days post op my drains were removed and I laid low the next few days to prevent fluid build up. I am now 3 weeks post op and I'm doing more each day, driving, light housework, helping kids with homework etc. but still resting plenty of the day too and taking things one day at a time. Definitely loving my results so far and anxious to see final results in a few months. Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Saw my PS for my 1 month post op for TT, breast lift and Laipo of thighs. Everything is going well the gauze on my tummy tuck incision will stay in place it's a sticky mesh covering that will eventually peel off. I have a little bit of swelling below my belly button which he said is normal just due to being more active. I am cleared to pretty much do any activities and he said just to listen to my body and slow down if it is too much. My breast lift looks good my new position is good I do have an area of concern where the scar and it's under my right armpit area. Dr. said it looks okay though that is the last area to heal and have swelling go down. I am using mederma on my scars under my breasts and also silicone patches where the scars end. My only big concern is I been having a mild headache for almost a week and also some difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. He told me I need to visit my family doctor about this concern which I do have an appointment tomorrow which is Friday so I will see what my doctor says. I can start weaning myself off the compression garment especially while sleeping and just sitting around the house when I go out she wants me to try to where it still. Then in 2 more weeks I can decide if I want to go completely without it or wear it when I want to. I go back for another visit in three weeks
I'm 35 have two kids ages 6 and 3. Two c-sections leaving a disastrous belly I decided to do it. Weight at surgery date was 132lbs. I'm two days postop and I'm very very sore. Here's a picture of before. I am pretty much just sitting in my recliner. I am sore and tight. Pain meds help. I will not be able to see my belly till next sat. God I hope it looks good. Updated on 1 Feb 2014: I am ecstatic. I look better 10 days postop then I did before I had kids. I am so happy. Updated on 1 Feb 2014: Before and after Updated on 8 Feb 2014: Feeling better, less sore but wow do I get swollen. Went back to work yesterday and I really didn't realize how weak I was until I got to work. Sitting was hard and uncomfortable. I should have took 3 weeks off. Sleeping is getting easier and I am starting to sleep on my side. Can't wait to be 100%. Updated on 22 Feb 2014: Survived! Feel really good. I get swelled up as the day goes on and it is still numb and sore where the lipo was done.
It has taken me a while to write this however I want to first say that this website has gotten me through the past 6 weeks. My journey started in 2011 when I started to lose weight with diet and exercise. I have lost a total of 125 pounds (pre-op) and completely changed my life. I was however left with a massive amount of skin hanging on stomach. I had to fight with my insurance company for a year to approve only a portion of my surgery. I got the word I was approved the first week in April and scheduled my surgery for May 16. I had an amazing PS who has gone above and beyond to help me through this process along with my DH who has taken everything in stride. I am now 11 days PO and feel great I have had really no pain. The swelling is my only complaint (but thanks to this sight I was prepared), and I feel like I have turned the corner over the last few days in recovery. I did not have to have MR in part because I have worked out hard core six days a week for the past year and a half so I know my recovery is a little easier than other because of that. My one suggestion that was a life saver for me was my husband bought a 10 shower head that was handheld so I could sit in my shower chair and get clean. Hope you all continue to heal and have happiness in whatever you are seeking.
I'm a 30 year hair stylist. I have 3 kids 1 I gave birth to and two step children. I've never had a flat belly so this will be so new to me. My procedure will be 4 18 at St. Mary's hospital in Langhorn Pa about 2.5 hours from my home. And I can't wait nervous and not sure about the pain. But I pray it's worth it. Updated on 2 Apr 2013: So my pre op appointment is Monday and Sat. I will meet with my ps to go over a few of my questions. I have a lot and I've seen so many supplies that the other ladies use. I need to kno what's best to buy or I will buy them all lol. Updated on 5 Apr 2013: Went to my pre op today and paid the remaining balance for my procedure. Going for blood work wed. And tomorrow I meet with my Ps to go over a few question. 13 days to go !!! Updated on 19 Apr 2013: Hey Guys in one day post op!! I'm so suprised in in no pain what so ever!! Iam just sore. I can't even feel were I was cut. :) surgery was preformed at 10am and everyone was great no waiting the nurses took all the info they needed Dr. Lam marked me and I walked in. Surgery lasted about 1 and 40 min. Woke up in a lil pain. Got some meds and back to sleep I went. I took me over a hour to pee so that held me up a lot. Shortly after I was heading home I drive a SUV so I needed a stool to get in the car. The ride home was over 2 hours and I wanted out of the car!!! The walk from the car to house was hell!!! The worse part of it all. Had to walk up 5 steps n lord that was bad. But I made it. My sister is a nurse she's been taking care of me I never knew how good of a nurse she is. She's on it!!! Made sure I took all my meds on time. Even made me a chart!!!! Slept of and on through the night buy 430 I could get up and down on my own. So all in all I'm doing fine!!! Only this that sucks is I have to wait ten days to see me tummy. :( oh well. Updated on 20 Apr 2013: Omg I need something to do. I can't lay here anymore! Stopped the meds today. Only Advil for my sore back. Idk how much longer I can take this. Lol still can't believe I have no pain is this normal? Updated on 27 Apr 2013: Came from the ps today. Got my drains removed and no pain I was expecting all kinds of drama. Idk if I'm some kinda freak of what but I have had no pain this whole experience!! My ps used glue so my scar looks good. Over all I'm happy. Can't wait for the swelling to go down tho. Updated on 29 Apr 2013: 11 day po I feel good!! Made dinner, did laundry and made a new wig. I feel great have lots of errands to do including getting my hair done. Well till next update later sexy ladies. Updated on 6 May 2013: So I'm 18 days post. Nothing new. All the tape is off my insision so I can really see what's going on and I can start and treat it. I love the morning hate the afternoon I feel like a stuff sausage hate it. Over this healing lol time to be sexy. Updated on 9 May 2013: So today I'm 3 weeks post op and its my birthday I feel good. Only problem is eating. I rather not eat I get to bloated it hurts. But other then that I'm happy!! And looking good Updated on 14 May 2013: So today I decide to massage my tummy and scar. Afer a min or two I swelled to so bad it hurt. Has this happend to anyone? Updated on 21 Jun 2013: Haven't updated in a while. Haven't had much to report beside swelling and we know that happens already so no one cares to hear that. However I'm two months post op. and I'm happy so far. I started wast training to make my waist smaller. And working out like crazy. So far so good. Updated on 21 Jun 2013: Updated on 10 Jul 2013:
I had my procedure done November 8, today it is day 17 post op so I am still in the early healing stage, sore and very swollen. The best thing I did was to read these reviews which helped me prepare for this procedure. The best advice I can give is to spend the money on renting an electric lift recliner. It is the best and so comfortable, I am still sleeping in it and it is where I feel most comfortable because it adjusts to many positions. It cost me $35.00 a week from rent-a-center. I still cannot tell how successful because of all the swelling.Updated on 13 Dec 2012:I am 5 weeks post op and liking the way lookm, still feeling a little tired. My PS still has me wearing my binder, I have an appointment on Saturday and he said he is going to tell me how to ween off of it, that you never just stop wearing it, that it is a gradual procress. Still very sore at the spot where my right drain was, I am going to really have him look at it and make sure everything is ok. Today I feel really good, yesterday on the left side where I had the lipo my back really hurt, it still hurts to sleep on my left side. It just keeps getting better and better.Updated on 9 Feb 2013:I am 3 months post op I felt flatter a couple of weeks ago now my tummy seems to protrude a little. Do you think it is swelling? Am I still undergoing changes? My pant size really has not changed. Please let me know if anyone one else has had similar experiences 3 months postoperative, it has me a little bummed out.
I am a 37 year old mom of 9 year old twins and a 6 year old (all girls and not trying for the boy---ever!). I love my kids dearly but three kids are no joke! My pregnancies were fine by really reeked havoc on my body. I gained 50 pounds with the twins and lost that weight (but not the stretched 'twin skin' and bazillion stretch marks). When I carried my third i carried her so far down I swear my belly was touching my knees and I have long legs. The twin pregnancy severed by ab muscles completely leaving room for the third baby to stretch my jelly belly into a whole new rhelm of grossness! Pictures will be posted at some point soon, but I figured I need to start my blog because time is running out. I am actually scheduled for my tt on November 8th--one month from Monday. I cannot believe it is happening so soon! I have wrestled with doing this procedure for years, 6 years to be exact. I have gone back and forth in my mind, struggled with financial aspects, heath fears and the whole I am being totally selfish for wanting this so badly. I began saving 5 years ago, and have saved enough to pay cash for the surgery (yay me!). But I still have the other reservations. First, with regard to health. Four years ago, I got really sick. Turned out it was UCTD (auto immune disease but not diagnosed with Lupus as I have many markers, but not all). I have struggled with my health since I was first diagnosed and convinced that due to my condition an elective surgery such as this on would be absolutely out of question. I go through times that I am moderately ill, to times that I am feeling pretty good. I see a Rheumolotigist on a regular basis and take a handful of medications and supplements daily. I started a diet/health/excersize plan in July and have really been stable and feeling well. Again,I have wanted this so bad and for so long that when I went for my consult at the end of September, and was told that with consent from my Rheumy I can move forward with having my tt I was elated to say the very least. It was my first consult but I felt very comfortable with the doctor and the staff and I decided to move forward with it right then and there and booked my date! So, November 8th it is :) Now the selfish part. I can totally relate to all of the reviews that I have read on this sight (all of you are amazing and brave and very articulate with your stories--thank you all so much!). I have had very similar feelings of guilt and doubt. I have been up and down about committing to doing this for 5 years because of it! I am 5'6. I now weigh 162 pounds (down from 183 in July). I have gone through some weight gain and loss, but none significant. I was 150 before getting pregnant the first time and always looked good, so I never worried about the number on the scale. I have long thin legs and arms and always looked like the correct proportion. But after I had the twins, my body far from bounced back and although my legs and arms are still fine and I must say that when I am feeling well I excersize hard. So, i have not gotten out of shape so much. But, and the reason for my title, "NO!!! I am NOT pregnant but you sure are an IDIOT for asking!!!!!" I am asked at least on a monthly basis and have been ever since the twins were born if I am pregnant. Most of the time by strangers, but sometimes by people who I know and have known for some time. It feels like a knife in the back every time I am asked. And it NEVER stops. My abdomen protrudes out due to the severed abdominal muscles and there is not a thing that I can do. As a matter of fact, at one point I was down to 140, lifting and cardio and pilaties daily and the result? I ended up with a serious physical injury to my shoulder and my back because I have no core muscle or strength. Did my stomach get flat, no way! My back hurts often and I cannot wait until my TT to see if my back improves. I suspect it will. So, I am beginning my preparations. I have learned so much from reading others posts. Thank you all for sharing such valuable information. And for the giggles as well. I have really 'lol'ed on multiple occasions. This site is way more entertaining to me than FB for sure! My tt...T- 1 Month and 1 Day. It's all becoming so real now! Thanks for listening (((hugs))) and happy healing to all =} Updated on 8 Oct 2012: Ok. one month today and I will have a flat belly, woo hoo! Pics are up. Ugh how humiliating! But, it's just for here, so, here goes. Updated on 9 Oct 2012: Yeah, so this is great. One month - 1 day til my tt and I have my period. Which means, I will have my period for surgery. What are the chances that it will come like a week early like it did this month? My luck, slim to none :( Updated on 12 Oct 2012: Hahaha...I turned a new page in this journey...instead of checking out facebook first, I came right to Realself curious to see how everyone is doing! This site is my new FB for now! lol. I go for my pre-op on Monday. I have about 100 questions, anyone have advice of something that I should about? Also, how long do I realistically need someone to help me? I am very independent and it is hard for me to accept help. My tt is on a Thursday. My bff is taking me and will be staying with me throughout the day, driving me home, etc. My husband will be home with me that Friday, my mom on Saturday and then my husband from Sunday and then for the entire next week. Does anyone think that it is necessary to have him around for that long? I'm used to him being gone all of the time at work and don't know if I can handle him being around that much! lol. It will be nice to have someone else take care of my kiddos though! Updated on 18 Oct 2012: I cannot believe I have only 3 more weeks! it does seem that the time is dragging though. I could really go tomorrow! I am ready! I had my pre-op on Monday, things have been so busy I've been unable to write about it. It went fine. I already met my PS during the consult, so I just met with the coordinator who answered my zillion questions and gave me my before and after instructions and a script for blood work. It's interesting how every doc does things differently. I do not need to wash with anti bacterial soap or prepare that way. The night before or the morning of I should shower. I cannot use ANY gel or spray in my hair which is an issue because my hair is just completely unruly with out 20 products in it to keep it under control! I think i might go to the salon the night before and get corn rows or something just to keep it decent for a couple of days. Its a real mess! So, yeah, what I am saying right now in this post is I am more concerned about my hair then anything else! So typical of me! lol. In addition to my hair, I am also very worried because I take a lot of meds to keep my medical condition under control. I am waiting to hear from my ps to find out what meds I need to stop...I am scared about this because my meds really help me and it sounds like I will need to stop most of them 10 days prior. Please pray for me that I make it through the other side of this! Also, I am super worried because I have not gotten clearance from my doctor yet to go ahead with this surgery. I will be absolutely crushed if she says I can't. I can't worry about it, I just have to wait. I hope to hear by early next week. So, I am just waiting and waiting and waiting...ugh. I wish I were more patient. I continue to prepare and follow others while I wait. I am ready for this! I am excited and I cannot wait to see how I look when it is all done. My husband was joking with me yesterday...telling me that he fears I will go "back out on the market" when this is all done because I will look smoking hot! I assured him my plan is just to get through it and not be asked if I am pregnant anymore. Strangely enough I was not asked this week yet if I am pregnant. Hmmmm. There's always tomorrow. Good luck to everyone out there who is up soon and happy healing to those who have gone through their tt's already (((hugs))) to all. Updated on 1 Nov 2012: One week to go!!! I have been without electric due to Sandy for 4 days now, so, getting nervous but totally distracted by my munchkis and myself being totally inturrupted by no power. So, instead of worrying about stuff, I am just thinking I need a generator for my lift chair IF power is not restored by next week. Not worrying so much about the not showering part...looking at this situation as 'practice' lol. And I've been out of work now for three full days (the weeks I was supposed to catch everthing up and have things in order for when I am out. So, I am really pre-occupied. Which is good. Missed everyone on here and hopeing that everyone on the East Coast effected by Sandy is safe!!! Updated on 3 Nov 2012: I am totally going to the dark side with my eating. I have been so good for so long and now I am eating horriable and just want junk and sweets. (I am pmsing, but still!) I just keep shoving whatever in my mouth! I keep thinking, ahh, I'm not nervous, I am just fine, but then why am i shoving all this food in my mouth?!? ugh! Anyway, I need to get a grip. Oh well. Also, I am thinking I can't believe i am spending all of this $ on myself, and do I have everything that I need, and who is going to take care of my kids if I bite the big one? Yeah,,,all kind of nerves going on. I am drinking a glass of red wine, Hope this will help. I am so freaking nervous all of a sudden. Oh, and btw. I am really getting my surgery near Philly. This site wont let me change the location! So,, that's all I have. I need to calm myself down before I stroke out! lol. Updated on 8 Nov 2012: Today is my day! I have to be at the hospital at 12. I was able to sleep last night so well--like a baby. (it helped that I had only 3 hours of sleep the night before after watching the political returns and speeches). I had a never ending dream last night that I woke up from my surgery, did not look any different at all, but had lots and lots of pain. The doctor, not MY doctor came in and said, "well, you can leave anytime" I asked for my pain medication and he said no! He said that I don't need pain medication and that I will do fine without it. I started crying! My docs office does not give out scripts for medicine before the surgery anymore, they give you the scripts at discharge from the hospital. My drive home is an hour and a half, so I have been really afraid that by the time I get home and get to the pharmacy I will be in pain. So, I guess that's where the dream came from. I wish I had pushed that I want to have my scripts before I go for surgery. Anyway, I'm sure I will be ok. I hope! I need to get ready and do some last minute cleaning up around the house. My bff is picking me up at my house and then we're off. (((deep breath))) Updated on 9 Nov 2012: It's my first day PO. I'm doing ok. My husband is taking excellent care of me! I am so lucky :) I am feeling pain, but it has been managable with pain meds. It's really important to stay on top of it though. This morning I was trying to push it to 5 hours rather than 4 and it was not a good choice. So, a quick run down of yesterday. Got to the hospital at 11;45, was checked in right away and went back to prep. Nurses, doctor's etc met with me, asked questions, did a mini phyical exam, did the antibacterial wash and then got dressed in the sergical garb, hat and all. I waited some time for my PS to come in to mark me up. He got there, marked me up, I went to the bathroom to pee and then got on the stretcher. My bff took off my glasses (I'm blind as a bat without contacts/glasses). The nurses joked with me, said they slipped me a micky in my IV and then I was off to the OR. A mask was put on my face and that was it. OUT! When I woke up I was asked what my pain level was and I said "eight" automatically...rehersed in my head for days! They gave me lots of diluadid and neausa medicaitons and I was kind of ok. I really could feel nothing. No pain, burning, nothing. But all of a sudden my muscles began to spasm. I explained to the nurse that this was happening and my blood pressure was going wacky. They called the doc and he ordered an IV muscle relaxer. It stoped quickly, thank God! The recovery room was closing so they had to get me dressed and out of there quickly, it felt rushed. Standing up was really hard at first and I guess I stood streight up becuase I was feeling nothing at the time, which was not a good thing, but I don't think anything negative happened, other then the nurses telling me that I couldn't stand that way. My legs were really shaky and I thought I was going to fall down. They sent me to pee, which was successful (yay!), they got me dressed, whealed me out and shoved me in my pathfinder and that was it...headed home. The ride home last night was rough for sure. I vomited twice--felt like my insides were being torn out. The worst part of the whole thing so far was getting up, getting dressed and getting in and out of car, the hospital and the house. My friend was able to fill my medicine while I was in recovery and they gave me a percocet before I left the hospital anyway. When I go home I got right into my comfy rented lift recliner. My friend explained to my husband how to empty my drains and measure my output. She left then (she is the best friend EVER!!! I am so luck to have her!) Then my hubby took over. (he's a good nurse! never knew he had it in him!). The kids wanted to be woken up when I got home to see that I was ok. They got up, came down stairs to look at me and then went back to bed. I ate some crackers, drank some gingerale and then faded off. I didn't really sleep well, but I am not real tired, so I guess that is why. Today I am feeling the pain in my ab muscles. It feels very tight and sore. I don't feel my incision at all...Is that ok? I hear others say they feel burning on their incision. I have no idea how far down my incision is or how long it is. My drains are out the sides and not coming out of my pubic area. I have NO Idea what I look like or how it turned out. My doc said my follow up will be on the 17th (10 days out from surgery!) and that I will keep my binder on the whole time...no shower until my follow up! I don't know how I will handle this. It is going to be a challenge for me for sure. So, no pics, and no idea of my results for 10 days. That's like a kid having to wait for Christmas!!! Well time for a nap. Happy healing everyone out there! and good luck to those who are up next. :) Updated on 10 Nov 2012: I have had a really rough last 24 hours. I have been in terrible pain with minimal relief, gas issues really bad, very uncomfortable and just feeling really bad. I have been having incredible back spasms that have nearly brought me to tears. I called the PS today to let them know that I cannot tolerate the pain any more. I cannot take more percocet because of the Tylenol in it, but he ordered a muscle relaxer, which I really hope does the trick. My belly just has a great deal of tightness (good thing) No specific pain at my incision, I still don't know where my incision is even. I have to wait it out until next Saturday! I'm starting to feel kind of scummy. My sis helped me change my clothes today. That was nice :) I am really hoping that tomorrow I will turn the corner with this and start feeling better. Fingers crossed. Happy healing to all those out there going through the same. Updated on 11 Nov 2012: Day 3 PO. Today was much much better then yesterday! Gas is gone, I was able to get around much better today. Less pain. Back spasms are under control. I slept well last night, watched some TV today, and took a really nice nap. Hubby is still being a great nurse. I'm almost feeling good about this whole thing! Updated on 12 Nov 2012: Day 4 PO. Today had it's ups and downs. Woke up feeling ok, only used the walker the first time to the bathroom and to take my am stroll around the kitchen/dining room. To my medicine. My hubby made my my isagenix shake for breakfast. Sat around in a daze and relaxed on my hot pad for a while. My MIL came with lunch and helped me get cleaned up. I feel better and smell clean :). Still cannot take off my CG so I can't shower. I started the whole bloating biz again half way through the day. Gas building, tummy rumbling and getting bigger. My drains at times are pulling (I'm getting a good idea where my incision is now!) Also my bb is getting itchy and is starting to annoy me--signs of healing right?. One of the twins was 'riding' my chair when I got up to use the bathroom. When I got out it was not working any more. I called the rental center, they sent someone out right away to fix it! yay! I think I need to rest more--tomorrow I will try to nap at least once (I took no naps today at all). I hope everyone is well and good luck to those who are going in for their tt's soon :) Updated on 13 Nov 2012: Day 5 PO. I really wish I could just say YES! It has all been worth it, but I have not seen what is under this binder and cotten and suffing and drains. I wish I could just rip it all off and see what is there! I am getting impatient! Anyway, today has been ok so far. rested, finished a book and started another, took a nap, got off my power recliner for a while and walked around with NO walker! yay! Pain is managable today. I need to try to wash my hair tomorrow. I'm a grease ball. ugh! Good luck everyone and happy healing :) Updated on 13 Nov 2012: I am getting worried about follow up...in the Q&A a person asked about follow up and stated their follow up would be in 9 days. All of the doctors on the Q&A said that 9 days is way too long, My Follow is 9 days from my TT. Now I am worried that this is not good at all. Any feed back from my RS friends would be wonderful...What do you think? Should I push follow up sooner? Updated on 14 Nov 2012: My freak out from yesterday is over. Feeling pretty good today :) Updated on 16 Nov 2012: I am really begining to feel more and more like me every day! I am able to move around much better. Sponge bathed myself and washed my hair today, walked around the house and looked for things to streighten up. It's amazing what the body can handle and how fast it can heal! Tomorrow my binder comes off and I get to see my results! I cannot wait! Perhaps I can finally say, yes! it was worth it! We shall see! Updated on 17 Nov 2012: Just back from my first PO!!! I have a flat belly! I didn't believe until i saw it today! I have a flat belly! All is good. The scar is very low. There is some swelling, but over all it looks great. I was out since my apt this am, just got back and I'm a bit tired. Pics to come! My vag is like way big right now--totally swollen, kind of scary! lol Updated on 18 Nov 2012: Ta da... lol. Here are my pics at day 10. I took a shower today. I feel amazing! Hair done, make up on, feeling like me! Only the new me with my new belly :) grrr. my camera is giving me issues. Updated on 20 Nov 2012: I am 10 days PO. I have been up and around doing things around the house, running the kids around a bit, laundry, driving, and the like. Today I went on a shopping spree with my sister--not for me (Christmas shopping). We were out for about 5 hours walking, standing, stretching, bending...and now I have a vagina the size of an orange, WTH? It has been swelling for a couple of days now, but today is bad! Anyone else having this? Anyway to get the swelling down? I of course have to wear sweat pants/yoga pants--you can see the swelling right through them--it's like i have a man bulge. This is something I was not prepared for! Updated on 22 Nov 2012: Today is Thanksgiving 2012 and it also marks the 2 week mark after my TT. I am so thankful for this site and for all you and your support over the past 4 weeks! It has been quite and experience. I am getting more and more pleased with my results by the day. Happy Healing everyone out there! Cheers to us all (I think it is time for me to break out the wine for celebration today!!!) Updated on 23 Nov 2012: My bb is looking kind of grey. Especially when i get out of the shower. Anyone else had this? Wondering if i should make a call to my ps. Updated on 25 Nov 2012: Well, my incision, which I thought was doing well opened up last night. :(. On my right hip. Its where the drain came out of so it was never stitched there nor did it have steri strips. But I'm kind of bummed. I've just been busy with holiday stuff and really not resting as i should be. In addition I've been needing to sleep much more. I go back to work on Wednesday so tomorrow is a must rest all day kind of day. Updated on 29 Nov 2012: Well, today is 3 weeks since my tt. A quick reflection of this time is, that it has been a wonderful experience! Not only did I get my tummy back but I also had a great 3 week 'me' vacation which included all the free time and rest that I have been wanting so desperately for so long! So, I will miss my recovery time very much. (Ladies, ENJOY the down time!! Don't wish it away!) Anyway, today was my first day back at work. Up at 5 am and busy til this moment. Needless to say, I am swollen, tired, in pain, grumpy, PMSing and really just a mess today. I took pics tonight at 7pm and might post them. I feel a little disgusted with myself, really for no reason. It's just hard going back to work and getting back into the crazy routine of life. And did I mention I am PMSing?!? I am hoping over the next couple of days my mood improves and I get more positive again. I am going to take a percocet tonight and hope to feel better in the morning. Good night and good luck to all of those future tt'ers out there :) Updated on 6 Dec 2012: Being back at work has interfered a great deal with my ability to be on Realself...ugh! Anyway, it has been 4 weeks since my surgery and I am doing pretty darn well! The pics I am uploading are from last week (week 3). I have new ones (week 4) on my phone but am having trouble getting them on here. But will try more over the weekend. Anyone have any tips? My 3 week pics are sheer swell hell pics that I would not post last week when I was 'in a mood', but I am over it now AND happy to say the swelling has been improving daily, so I am very happy :) Happy healing ladies,, and good luck to those who are ready to take the plunge! (((hugs))) to all. Updated on 6 Dec 2012: ok. got em up! I can't believe that is me! I have never looked like this before (well maybe when I was 20!) hehe! Updated on 13 Dec 2012: 5 weeks po and doing really well! I can't seem to ween from my binder though. My scar turned a dark red this week for some reason, but today is lighter. My bb seems to be ok. I have 3 spots where I guess I have spitting stitches. I've been back to the gym walking, able to sleep on my side ( yay!!) And my energy level is pretty good. Its starting to feel like nothing ever happened, except i look in the mirror and love the way i look!!! Everything fits great! I look like i feel! Updated on 19 Dec 2012: Yes ladies! For the first time in 6 years instead of someone asking me if I'm pregnant they said those wonderful words.. "you look so tiny". I am so happy i did this!!! Tomorrow i will be 6 weeks po. Pics to come hopefully! Updated on 26 Dec 2012: I had my 6 week PO on the 17th. Doc said things look good (except my pubic mound is still large and I may need a revision there). He said ease back into regular excerise with the elliptical and weights. So, last Monday I did just that, Wednesday a little more and then BAM! ouch. My up ab muscles have been hurting so bad. I hope this will improve. Has anyone else had this happen? Happy Healing ladies and I hope everyone had a great Christmas :) Updated on 27 Dec 2012: I am awake at 2am...I am in so much pain :( I posted a question to the doctors on RS but will be calling my PS tomorrow. I think I really hurt myself. Its been 8 days now of pain and it is increasing rather than subsiding. Ladies, don't over do it at the gym like me. Please just take it easy. I wish that I had stuck to my plan of just walking for a couple of months. Now I am paying for it and really worried. Updated on 1 Jan 2013: happy New Year to all my tt's out there! I'm feeling a bit better! Everyone be careful. Tt is major surgery! Good luck and happy healing! Updated on 4 Jan 2013: Magic words to my ears! Finally people see me the way i am! Yay! This is the best thing i have ever done for myself!!!! I am so happy about how i look in my clothes. I am comfortable in my own skin ! Good luck and happy healing :)
Hello everyone. I am a 28 year old mother of 3 children ages 9, 5, and 3. I have also lost a total of 90 lbs in just over a year after having Rny gastric bypass. I am 5'2 and currently 145lbs. I am thrilled with my new body and feel like a million bucks now I just want to look as good as I feel :) I have always carried most of my weight in my legs but after having children that changed and I carried my weight all over. I have considered having a tt since having my gastric bypass. I knew that I may be unhappy with my results after weight lose so I have kept this in the back of my mind since then. My personal goals are to just be more comfortable and confident in my own skin. I am already proud of my body this will just be the icing on the cake. I am excited to get back to my pre baby body. It will never be the same but I can at least go back to wearing normal shirts that don't have to be super long and hopefully low cut jeans!!! Yay! At this point I am really excited. Not nervous yet. I just wish that I didn't have to wait so long before surgery but, I have to do it between school semesters...when people are available to help take care of me and my 3 children. I have a wonderful husband who will take over for me when the time comes. So I am not too worried yet... Only thing that bothers me right now is that I want to talk about my surgery all of the time! I can already see my husbands eyes glaze over when I bring up the subject and my friends are nice but sick of it already too. I am excited to share with you all as I am sure that you guys feel the same way!!!!! Can't wait!. I will try to post pictures later Updated on 29 Sep 2012: Got on the scale today and I am down from 145 to 142. This is great because it just pushed me past the 90 lbs lost mark...I have lost 92 lbs !!!!! I am so excited. The closer I can get to my goal before surgery the better my results will be. Hope everyone is doing great and getting in touch with what makes them truly happy!! We all deserve that. Have a great weekend everyone. Updated on 1 Dec 2012: Hey everyone, I hope you are all feeling good and healing. Today is the first day of Dec and we are only 18 days away from surgery now. It is getting more and more real. I am super excited but, nervous too. I am not letting myself think about it a lot because I just don't think that worrying is going to do me any good. Monday is pre admission testing and Wednesday is my pre opt apt with the Dr. I haven't bought anything yet bc I am waiting to see what the Dr. wants me to get. I am going to start looking up scar treatments soon so that I will know what the top options are. Please let me know what you guys have heard. I will update about my pre admission experience on Monday. Enjoy your weekend :) Updated on 1 Dec 2012: Forgot to add that the last time I checked my weight it was 136. I am really happy about that. I am waiting to check it again until Monday. Updated on 6 Dec 2012: Monday was my pre admission testing. All that included was blood work, a urine sample, and talking about what they want me to do before surgery such as, how to wash with the special anti bacterial soap. That was about it for that. On Wednesday night I had my pre opt apt with Dr. Lam. I agree with nomorespanxs about Dr. Lam. He was really nice. He made me feel comfortable and answered all of my questions. Some of which were.... how far does he think my incision will go on either side and how high? (He will follow my natural lowest crease, and it will go up slightly on the sides but not much) How much does he expect to remove? (Belly button down at least) What results can I expect? Is is reseasonable to expect to have a completely flat tummy? (He said that with my current shape I should definitely end up flat with really good results) Is Lipo part of his plan? (No) What does he recommend for scar therapy? (Mederma products are good and more cost effective, He does not recommend silicone sheets, He said they do more harm then good and tend to be very uncomfortable) What if I get my period which I am due for right at that time? (No problem at all, you can use a tampon) I also have an extra long internal lip in my vagina. It protrudes out and I often have to tuck it back in. After surgery with everything pulled tight this will become even more of an issue, because of this Dr. Lam is going to remove it or shorten it during surgery. I figured that I would mention it so that it makes sense when I complain about my vagina hurting later lol. I got a folder with papers about recovery care and do's and don't's. I still have to read them. I will post anything interesting I read after. That's pretty much it. It is getting closer and I am getting nervous. My classes will be over soon. As soon as I can, I will turn my attention to getting my house and life ready for me to be down and out for a few weeks. I am really trying not to think about the surgery much because my body doesn't react to stress well and the surgery is high stress. The only problem is that I MUST turn my attention to it now, it is time. I will update my post when I have something new to share. Happy healing or prepping everyone :) Updated on 15 Dec 2012: Well, today is Saturday and my surgery is Tuesday. I don't know what time yet of course, they will call me with a time on Monday and let me know. I don't really care too much what time they give me as long as it isn't too late in the day because as we all know the waiting is really hard so the faster the better. Actually, It would be perfect if they wanted me at the hospital around 10:30 or right after, that way I could take my kids to school and have time to drive to the hospital. Otherwise a family member will do it but, it will just make things more of a pain if we can't just do it. So after all that, I guess I do care what time they give me heehee fingers crossed. I just finished up my finials so school is over for a few short weeks, just long enough to recover. That is why I am doing this during Christmas. I hope that I am feeling good enough to enjoy Christmas morning with my 3 young children and husband. I will remember this Christmas for sure! My husband keeps teasing me about how "big" my gift is this year....he told me this gift counts for a few holidays at least...meaning don't expect much for birthday, mothers day, etc. That is just fine with me! I am pretty sure this will be one of the best gifts that I have ever given to myself at least thus far. It is a lot of money and I do feel a little bad for spending it all on myself but, if I keep it in perspective we just took our children on a vacation to Disney world and spent more on that then I am spending on this. It's not like I spend only on myself. I have one semester left before I get my assoc degree. I plan to get a job as soon as possible after graduation. I CAN"T wait actually. I have been a stay at home mom/ part time college student for years!!! My husband and I never wanted to put our children in day care when they were too young to talk because I was abused as a child and just simply couldn't trust anyone enough. Staying home was what was best for my children and family but, it was really lonely and I am looking forward to getting back to the world now that I am almost done school and my youngest is in preschool now :) So I am confident that I will be earning money and helping out with that soon. I think once I get my savings back to a place where my husband and I are more comfortable, I am going to plan on getting my breast done. I will wait and see what this process is really like first and make sure that I am really happy with the outcome, meaning, worth the scar and recovery. My breast are so much smaller then they used to be which, by itself doesn't bother me that much because they are not really tiny, just smaller. The thing that makes me want to have them done is the skin. I want them refilled! Anyway, back on track here. I don't think that anyone should feel bad about doing something so good for themselves. I read the reviews on here and so many people feel so much better about themselves and we all deserve that!. I really feel like a million bucks since losing so much weight. I am so excited to look as good as I feel :) I have a to do list that I am working on.... I have to finish wrapping for Christmas, Get my son's room ready for to me recover in ( His room is right next to the only bathroom in the house which, is on the second floor and my bedroom is on the 3rd floor with scary steps ), Clean house, take before pictures, measurements, and weight. All of which, I have to finally post on here. Then on Monday I have an appointment with school to make sure I will be able to graduate in May!!! Yay! So I will be busy enough. I don't know what my weight is going to be when I check it on Monday. I want to wait to see until right before surgery. Last time I checked was Thursday December 6th and I was 135. That is a total of .....drum roll please........99 pounds lost! I am really happy about that. I was really hoping to get as close to my goal weight of 131 as possible before the surgery hitting 100 pounds lost would just be a bonus. I do not think that I will have lost much if anything at all though because I have been trying to really focus on getting enough protein in everyday for recovery and healing so I have been eating more but, that is what is best for my health. Updated on 15 Dec 2012: I ended up getting my period late Wednesday night so I am hoping that it will be almost gone by surgery day. I was lucky to get it a bit early so it didn't start the day before surgery, that would have been worse. I am getting really nervous of course. I have been trying not to think about the surgery much at all. At first (when I first got my surgery date) that is all I could think about and then I told myself time would only go slower if I focused on it....and now it is right there just days away and when I went to change the number of days counting for this post title and saw that it was ONLY 3 days....I had this rush of anxiety go through me and my chest got tight...oh boy (like I have read so many times before but, didn't get it until right now), this is getting real now! I am going to try to push it from my mind again because I really can feel the stress on my body and I don't want to get sick or have any other stress related problems. I will say a few prayers and try not to feed into my fear. Happy healing everyone! I wish you all the BEST! Updated on 21 Dec 2012: Good morning everyone. I am on the flat side now....as I have heard many people say on here. I didn't post anything sooner because I just didn't feel up to sitting at the desk to type. Recovery so far has been hard. My husband is amazing and takes great care of me but, the pain and discomfort is intense. The pain meds work thank god but, other then making you sleep they do little for the discomfort. It is just such a pain in the butt that you can't lay down and your SO tired. I am pretty sure that it will be worth everything in the end but, right now I am just hoping that the next few weeks fly by. I can't see my stomach until the post opt apt that is on Wednesday. I thought that it would bother me waiting to see..... like a kid on Christmas but, I am in no rush actually. It burns so much I am afraid that seeing it will make it hurt more. I am going to get off of here and post my before pictures and of course I won't have after ones until sometime next week. When I am not so tired I will also post about surgery day experience. I hope everyone is in good health and spirits. Updated on 23 Dec 2012: Today is day 5 Post opt and I am feeling better. I feel less trapped by my condition and able to move around more then before....now that doesn't mean I am activity doing anything either...it just means that shifting positions on the couch is easier then it was. I go up and down the stairs to go to the bathroom every few hours so that is the movement that I am getting. Not being able to stand up makes it hard to do anything because my back hurts so much when I am standing. It feels weak. I cut back on my pain meds as of last night. I am going to try not to take it at all during the day and instead only take it at night before bed. We shall see how it goes I can feel the burning already.... Surgery day. I had to get up at 4:30 am and get showered...wash with special soap for 5 minutes and rinse for 3 minutes. My friend stayed over the night before so she dried my hair so that was nice. We left and dropped off my kids at their grandmothers house. We got to the hospital at 6:15 am... The women told me I needed a urine sample I told her that I didn't need to go and she gave me an attitude...They should send me with a cup for my morning urine if they want one I haven't had anything to drink...I don't need to go again I told her...so I gave her one back. They ended up taking my blood instead which was fine with me. They took me back went over a million questions that about 5 people repeatedly asked...again fine with me better safe then sorry. My husband and bf came back we took a picture, Dr. Lam came in talked to me and then marked me up....off I went. I woke up the nurse asked how I was feeling and I said in pain. She gave me something,...asked again in a little while I said in pain she gave me more. Then I got nausiated so they gave me meds for that....they put me to sleep. Once I was able to keep my eyes open they took me to the bathroom got me dressed, gave me a pain pill and off we went home. The ride home was ok. Getting into the house was hard. I would sleep for a while, wake up in pain, re-position myself and go back to sleep. At this point all I wanted to do was REALLY be able to lay down which still isn't possible but, I have come to accept that now. Day 1 and 2...Really just uncomfortable in general. Pain meds help and so does great care givers. My husband has been amazing and I am SO thankful for him. I just tried to sleep as much as possible to escape the situation. Day 4. By this day I had still not had a bm. I normally go first thing in the morning after I have my morning cup of tea....my body is just used to this...So I didn't go on the morning of surgery either(because I couldn't have my tea and I had to get up so early) that means by day 4 post opt it had been 5 days since I had a bm. Now, I knew this was a common problem while taking pain pills so I had been taking stool softeners every night since surgery...by night time on day 4 of not going(Day 3 Post Opt), I took a laxative...The next day, I was trying to go without success for over an hour....It was hurting so bad because the laxative had worked and was telling my body to go but I couldn't push hard enough because of my abs.....My husband ended up giving me an enima thank god and that worked. It was still really painful to push but, it all came out. I know this might be TMI for some people but, the truth is that this could happen to you....be ready because not going to the bathrooms for days on end is NOT okay or safe. I felt much better after and this morning (day 5 post opt). I went no problem right after my morning tea :) I think that about sums up my recovery so far....Here are my measurements and weight the morning of surgery....I will check the numbers again in a few weeks when I think things as more normal. Got my before pictures up....I know that there is a lot of them but, I wanted a lot to compare my after pictures to. I have even more on my camera lol. Happy healing everyone :) Weight 135.4 Bust: 35 1/2 Waist: 29 Hips: 36 Thigh: 22 Updated on 27 Dec 2012: Days 6-9....... Things have been getting a little bit better each and everyday. With that said, Christmas was really a hard day, not because of all the activities but, because I was just extra sore...I guess that I slept funny the night before and maybe that caused it. I am sleeping on my couch with a million pillows and have been since night two, it just makes more sense for me and is more comfortable. I would recommend a lazy boy for anyone who can afford to rent or buy one because that would have been a lot nicer. Another thought for those who can't wash their hair....dry shampoo works wonders and makes your hair feel less greasy anyway. I went for my first post opt appointment the day after Christmas which was 8 days post opt. The ride wasn't too bad (I live an hour and a half away). I was really hoping to get my drains out but, of course that didn't happen. I have to go back on Friday and they will remove them then. I think that I will finally feel like I am getting somewhere with this recovery once that happens. I have to admit that I was disappointed with my tummy when the cg came off. I was very puffy and hard below my belly button. I know that swelling is normal but I usually hear people talking about that being a problem after they have done "too" much walking or standing. I have not done any of that I have been resting all of the time except for getting up every few hours to move around and to use the bathroom. When I mentioned the way my stomach looked, I expected the doctor to say that it was swelling and that it will look so much better in time, instead he said " well you lost a lot of weight and when you lose that much weight there is no way to tell how the skin will respond. We just have to wait and see. I pulled you as tight as I could." Well this was heart breaking to hear because I asked him prior to surgery if it was reasonable for me to expect a flat tummy and he took a look at me and his exact words were "you have a fairly flat shape already, you should be really, really flat after".....well I guess that wasn't the truth. If he had told me that in the first place I would have had the surgery anyway but I wouldn't have had the same expectations. He did tell me that there was swelling I guess I just didn't expect there to be so much on day 8. Is it normal girls? Can I still hope to be flat at the end of this? Honestly, I have seen people that were much heavier then I was and they have flat tummy's at the end. I just would be really disappointed if this is what my finial result is going to look like. Please leave comments and let me know what you guys think. Side note. I am still having a hard time with going to the bathroom. I am still using stool softeners every night and laxatives and again went 4 days without going, so again I had to use an enemia. I am praying that this problem goes away soon. I am still on pain medicine but, I have cut down a lot. My vagina....for those who care to know is doing much better. It was very uncomfortable at first. When I left the hospital they gave me NO AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS for it. So for the first few days I wasn't doing much except rinsing it with water. It finally dawned on me to take care of it as if I had a baby...So I got a squirt bottle and mild soap. I put a little soap in the bottle with warm water and rinse myself every time that I go to the bathroom. I also spray analgesic spray on it and use tuck pads. The very first day that I started that I started to feel better. I was blown away that the hospital didn't tell me to do any of that. Its like they did my procedure but because it wasn't something that they normally do they didn't bother to look up how I should treat it. Thank god I am an educated person or I am sure that I would have an infection there by now....also at the post opt appointment the Dr. didn't even look at it to see how it was healing....So there is my rant about all of that. I will post my after pictures right now...I hope that you guys can tell me what you think my my tummy and whether or not you think I will ever be flat. Happy healing everyone. Updated on 30 Dec 2012: Well I went into the doctors on Friday and they removed the drains. The one on the left I didn't feel at all now the one on the right burned really bad and I was extra sore for a few hours. That was day 10 when they were taken out. I do't go back again for two weeks which is fine with me because it is such a long drive I am glad to not have to go again right away. Side not I think I am getting a yeast infection from the antibac so I have to buy something to treat that before it gets worse. I am hoping that doesn't hurt because of what I had done to my vagina....we shall see. I am just as swollen as I have been it doesn't seem to change no matter what I do....so only time will tell. Worse part is the patience....I love the down time but, I just wish that I felt good and could enjoy it more. Happy healing everyone. Updated on 31 Dec 2012: Well, I definitely got an yeast infection from the meds. I treated that last night and I am still sore today...it says 3-7 days for full relief, good thing is that I treated it right away so that should help with treatment time. Swelling is still a major issue. I took a shower this morning and it was so hard to reach up to wash my hair....oh well that will get better with time, at least I feel nice and clean now. Going to the bathroom with the help of laxatives and stool softeners because I am still on pain meds here and there. I am almost out so hopefully soon I won't need any of that. I have a question for you girls and I would appreciate honest answers since you can never trust your closest family and friends to be brutally honest.....here we go. I want to buy a bikini....not a string one I wouldn't feel covered enough but just a regular one. I never in a million years would have even thought that I would want to but I do....Do you guys think that when the swelling goes down by this summer that I will be able to pull that off strech marks and all? I don't mind them that much because they are a sign that I am a mother and I am proud of that but, if you saw me in a bikini at the beach/pool what would you think? She looks nice, what was she thinking, omg....etc.? Let me know...I just ordered two and I am nervous that I shouldn't have. Honest answers only please! Thanks so much girls....happy healing :) Updated on 11 Jan 2013: Post Opt Day 24....3 weeks 3 days. Still in pain....still getting tired....still feel like things are so hard. I am sure that I will love my results when I feel better but, at this point I thought I would feel better by now then I do. When will I feel normal again?.....I need to know that there is an end in sight to all of this....6 weeks???? 8 weeks??? When do you start to wear jeans again? SO ready to feel better!!!!!
Absolutely! This is quite routine in my practice. If all the incisions have healed well, go for it and show off your new "belly".
