I finally had a tummy tuck after changing my mind for years. Well, I was ready. Not even nervous. Dr Burns bed side manners are amazing. He sees you right after surgery for weeks. He phones you and his staff are just awesome. The entire experience was amazing. I am certainly going to brag about my experience when I thought I would just keep the whole procedure to myself. Thank you staff and thank you Dr. Burns for being # 1. Updated on 13 Feb 2015: I was so swollen. dr said I didn't need lipo but did it anyways on butt and legs. Tummy tuck was nothing compared to the lipo. I was bruised and soar for two weeks. I am 3 weeks out and will post another pic soon.
I have wanted to do this for years, but always felt like the money could be better spent on the kids or the house, etc. I still feel this was, but I'm doing it anyway. At 46 yrs., 5'8" and 160lb, I'm not considered fat by any means. I have 3 kids, ages 26, 22, & 18, and still have a belly that looks like I am 8mo pregnant, (1 kid gave me a 48" & 63 lbs all belly before he arrived), hence the need for a TT. I do have fibromyalgia and the pain that is coming with this TT & Lipo scares the crap out of me, almost to the point that I want to cancel it, but I wont. My PS is also somewhat of a friend, as our daughters have cheered at the same gym together for 8yrs, so I do expect him to go the "extra mile" in making me look great, BUT I'm still nervous!!! I quit smoking back in Sept.2013 (yea me) but still concerned about the healing process, not to mention the anesthesia on a former smoker. Is there anything I can do now to make the TT less painful or heal better? What things should I use when I get home to help with comfort? Updated on 14 Feb 2014: Updated on 14 Feb 2014: You'd think I was still pregnant!!!! I'm so hoping the pain and discomfort is worth this huge expense, Made my last payment today, 10 day and counting. The Hubs is trying really hard to make sure he has no work to do the week of surgery, but being self employed its going to be hard for him to turn down a job, especially after this bill. The only child at home has class until 2:30pm every day. So I asked my mother to come and stay with me in case the Hubs has to do some work, she said NO!!! So lets just pray the Hubs has no work called, or that I'm going to be in good shape until my baby girls gets home from school. Updated on 20 Feb 2014: My PS asked me if I wanted the "line" indention to my hips or just the standard round look. The Hubs spoke up and said the round. It has to do with the extra sculpting he does for look. Wasn't anything I had seen on here or anywhere else. Looking at pictures my PS was showing me I chose the standard round look. I'm already having a big scar and an added indention to the scar seems like it would bug me. Did anyone else have this asked of them? Which way did you pick? Why? Updated on 24 Feb 2014: I am at 18 hrs till surgery, and my nerves are getting to me really bad. I've been running around trying to get everything done, I'm doing laundry, washing dogs, cleaning house, grocery shopping etc.. Last night the Hubs tells me he's really "frighten" about this, and he don't know if he can deal with me afterwards. WTH... now I have to worry about his feeling....UGH!!! All I could say was to suck it up and deal with it. But now I'm left to wonder if he is going to be distance during this or have his head up my butt cause I jumped off in his s!ht about it. May post more tonight if I can't sleep otherwise I'll catch ya on the flat side..lol Updated on 11 Mar 2014: For most of the time I'm okay. But other times it can be overwhelming. I am semi released as I still have 1 tube left to remove. Feels weird to attempt to go to town with this think hanging between my legs. Ugh!! Then my CG looks like an 1820's style swim suit...it's funny, but it really looks like it. I'm so missing out on spring break with my dtr. and its her Sr. year, we've been doing it together for the last 3 years. We show up on one of dads job sites, still his personal truck, (lifted, 4x4, crew cab), leave him my car an don't return for 3 days. It started as a surprise, where we cleaned out his stuff after he went to bed and just left him a note, to now he make sure its all cleaned and ready. We still take it a night, but he knows. My stamina is gone. By the time I shower, do hair & make-up, I'm ready for a nap, so I'm having others go to the store, etc for me. Having a hard time with asking for help from non family members. Garment---Any suggestions on other to use. I want to be able to wear shorts, capris, tank tops, and such. This is TX, we wear shorts year round. I'll wear the one I have when I'm home but when I need to leave the house I'd like to at least dress normal. Maxi dresses and such have a narrow shoulder strap and my CG don't. Still no regrets as I know it will get better.
Hi there... I've been reading everyones posts on here and they have truly helped me these past few days, so I feel I should share my story. My surgery was Sept 10 with a full TT. I'm a mom of two ages 6 & 4 I play in a competitive volleyball league twice a week as well a tournaments on the weekends. Im always going 100mph w life and kids, and I love it. After a year of research I made the decision to proceed with the TT to get rid of that lovely circle of extra skin and fat that refused to leave my body after giving birth to two lil angels. Day 1-4 are pretty much a blurr... I was a nervous wreck the day of and even just about backed out as I played on the operating table, but before I got the words out I was in recovery. I didn't take pictures sorry but my husband says it looked as though I had three fingers pointing down from my chest. My Dr has started doing his tucks a lil different than others. He adds internal sutures like pleats to help w fluid and muscle definition. Day 5 I was off pain meds, unable to stand long or stand straight for that matter Day 6 I visited the Dr and he was extremely pleased with how things looked. He clams I am going to have a tight nice abdomen. Day 7 pain isnt bad at all from my surgery but my back has started to feel the pressure and aches something horrible from staying bent over even though I push myself in the recliner to lay and sleep as straight as I can, pushing a lil further every night. Day 8 all I could do was CRY.. I was so depressed that I had done this to my body. that I was unable to help with the kids, that I can't lie next to my husband in bed at night. Every one I spoke with brought tears to my eyes, I guess you cold call it my pitiful me day :-( this is when I came across RealSelf and started ready everyone's posts. That made me start to have hope again! Day 9-11 (today) things started to look up. I started looking ahead at what's to come. Each day I would set a goal of one thing to get accomplished and if I could do more great! I went from just unloading and reloading the dishwasher on day 9 to doing a few loads of laundry, making my daughter's lunch, making a trip to town with my husband, and walking as much as possible. Did I mention I can stand almost straight again. Though it takes me a few minutes once I initially get up to straighten my body I can do it. I dont give myself much of a chance to stay humped over bc my back is killing me!!! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: Well I went to the dr this morning day 11, and had one of my drains removed, it hurt like a son of a b****!!!! If I could have swang I woulda hurt my sweet nurse lol... Also given my CGs and told I am going to be in this full body thing for about 3 months. Didn't really excite me to much because it is a body suit to mid calf, not appealing at all. I do however understand why I'm supposed to wear it and will listen for I want the best results possible. I was told second drain comes out Monday, I will be released to drive Tuesday and I can also start walking the track Tuesday as well. Those are all wonderful things to look forward to for me! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: Well I had worn my CG all day and wanted to sleep in bed last night. I managed to get in roll on my side fall asleep for a few hours until my bruising incision woke me up so I gradually rolled myself to my back ( which is how I hate sleeping) slept a few more hours, then woke up at 5 and moved to the recliner for my heating pad on lower back and slept another 2 hours. Not a bad go at sleeping but will really be excited when I can sleep a full night comfortably again! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: I'm almost at the 2 wk mark and I'm up moving doing a few chores running a few errands and even helping cook dinner...though it may be at a slower pace than normal it sure feels good to be up moving again. A few days ago I just knew this was a horrible decision, now it's looking up. I'm super excited to see the results that are to come in the next few days. I know everyone posts pics and they do help, but bc of the pleats in m tummy that haven't dissolved yet I feel I'd scare some of y'all. I've asked over and over if its ok and my ps keeps telling me to be patient wait for the three week mark when they start to dissolve and ill start to see a more smoother tummy. Now the reason he puts these "pleats" is to reduce swelling, and in most days I guess it's safe to say its working. Just hard to look past when looking in the mirror... Especially when everyone on here has a smooth and pretty tummy as of day one. Oh well, I trust my ps and am doing my best to wait for the end results. My CG is plenty figure forming to show how tiny I will be again so that helps also, anyhow I'm rambling now so happy Saturday everyone! Updated on 21 Sep 2013: Well Day 12 feeling pretty good, this CG is very helpful, it allows me to move so much easier with some great support. Anywho, I'm so tired of starring at the same for walls in my casa so we are going out to dinner! Super, excited like a kid in a candy shop haha... Updated on 22 Sep 2013: Dinner was fantastic, I couldn't stay seated I had to get up and stand straight every so often because restaurant chairs really aren't too easy of the back or mid section. Other than that I did great we sat a visited with family for a few hours and had ourselves a blast! Very ready for this last drain to come out tomorrow even though I know its going to hurt like craziness. I'm ready to be able to get comfy in bed without the fear or it getting ripped out in my sleep. I took a peek under my cg this morning and can see the my tummy is getting flatter everyday, those extra stitches are starting to dissolve and its noticeable.. looking good! My husband made plans for us to go visit the in laws today for another outing, I'm super excited. BBQ and football I'm in! Plus we will be somewhere I can take my necessary breaks and still enjoy myself. Updated on 24 Sep 2013: Went to the dr yesterday had my last drain removed, and thank goodness I felt nothing! He again checked over my incision liking everything he sees, and me too now that the dissolvable pleats stitches are starting to let loose. They did stress the importance of wearing my CG as much as possible for the next two weeks to reduce swelling now that the drains are out. I did however have 9 month pregnant swollen feet yesterday, urg... Kept em propped up all evening and we are back to normal size this morning. I was super excited I got to drive my daughter to school this morning all by myself, yes that's right I was released to drive again yippee. After walking around stores with the hubs yesterday I've decided to take today and rest a lil, just so I don't over do anything. As many of you already know sleep is very hard to come by, I just can't get comfy in bed or in the recliner. I'm able to lay straight but sleeping flat on my back doesn't work for me, I've tried sleeping on my side but my bruised hips from lipo hurt after awhile and laying on my tummy just feels weird and discomforting. It will get better I know, and look forward to it hehe Updated on 28 Sep 2013: Sorry for the lapse in posts guys, but I must say I'm feeling pretty good all in all. I'm finally sleeping a lil better still not great sleep but I'm at least resting some now. My PS removed my tape on Thurs and feels everything is looking really good. I've been able to do more and more each day however I still get really tired in the evenings. As far as the outcome and appearance of my tummy I feel its slowly starting to show whats to come, and so far im liking what I see. Every day its a lil smoother and less tight. Have a good weekend everyone, happy healing! Updated on 30 Sep 2013: Tuesday will be 3wks since my TT, though Im not 100% back to my normal self I am feeling pretty awesome. I wear my CG all day everyday as directed by my Dr but when I shower I look at my new tummy and incision and cannot wait to try on my clothes to see the way they now fit. Since the PS pulled my tape off my incision last Thursday ive noticed a couple small openings under my BB but according to posts and Q&A on here its not uncommon. Ive made sure to keep em clean and let them be and they seem to be closing slowly but I will ask the PS to check it at my visit on Thursday just to be safe. And on a happier note my darn husband pulled the scale out yesterday for himself and I went against my rule (which was to not weigh myself till all swelling was gone which i was thinking would be at about 2months or so) I have lost 9lbs. My goodness wasn't expecting that till I was back in the gym but ill take it. Happy healing everyone! Updated on 30 Sep 2013: Urg... I've experienced an occasional sting in the tummy here and there, but I believe i have officially experienced the "snake bite" sensation many of us TT ladies feel. It's annoying and discomforting but I'm trying to listen to my body and kinda chill out the rest of the evening perhaps it'll go away lol I'm sure its those dissovable stitches pulling from me going and blowing but blah no fun... Updated on 1 Oct 2013: Today marks 3 weeks :-) 2 wks ago I wouldn't have thought I'd feel this good. I am still sensitive in areas and my incision is still trying to heal but I am able to go and do much more than I would have ever expected. Every day I know im getting much closer, heres to hoping things keep moving forward! Updated on 2 Oct 2013: Man o man I'm missing my 4 hr volleyball workouts not to mention all my friends. I'm well aware it's going to be awhile before I'm back on my jumping diving way but it doesn't keep me from missing it lol. My stinging sensation I had been experiencing since to have subsided. My stomach is looking smoother and smoother every day the only swollen area don't like is right above my incision below my BB the dr told me last week that was the area that would take the longest to smooth out. I have an apt with the PS tomorrow so hopefully good results. Updated on 4 Oct 2013: Well went to the Dr yesterday he is seeming to be very happy with the way everything looks. I asked about my openings on my incision and he said it is normal to keep them clean and they will heal themselves that it takes time. One of em has already closed completely and my newest one is working on it I think, but I'm keeping my head up and know itll all heal properly. I return next week for another check up when he plans to take my weight do my bmi, he also says I will be released to full activity at that time as well. He also asked if I had a gym in mind because ill be able to begin exercise as well, YIPPEE Updated on 6 Oct 2013: Feeling pretty darn good I must say. Standing good and straight, sleeping on my sides and laying flat in bed, just healing healing healing! Still working on getting these openings closed up on my incision but other than that im liking what I see. My last pleat in my tummy is almost all the way let out as well as the lower abdomen swelling is reducing more and more every day. Yesterday we ran all overspending time celebrating birthdays with family and friends and I did pretty good about 8pm I was ready to kick back and relax but I didn't hurt and had a blast Updated on 6 Oct 2013: Sorry it took me so long to add pics guys Updated on 6 Oct 2013: Having issues with PO upload Updated on 7 Oct 2013: Hey everyone... sorry buy for some reason my phone will not upload my pics, I have a pre op and 3.5 wk po for yall. Ill keep trying though perhaps ill get lucky and get them uploaded sooner or later haha. My openings are so sensitive and sore buy you can see they are creating a scar and slowly closing which hopefully wont take very long since they aren't too big. Other than my openings the only complaint I have is how swollen I get in the evenings in my lower abdomen above my incision. .. ugh frustrating... I return to the PS Thurs for another check up I'm hoping for more good news... sure hope this evening swelling subsides soon my husband has a black tie dinner I have to attend in early November id hate to be embarrassed as I feel myself swelling in a nice fitted cocktail dress :-( Updated on 10 Oct 2013: Well went in this AM for my 4wk checkup the PS seemed very pleased. Since my appointments are early morning he always gets the skinny look from me lol I did mention the evening swelling and he explained it will decrease with time. I was released to FULL ACTIVITY no restrictions what so ever. He wants me to start running walking weights etc, yes at a slower easier pace but he says its time. I also asked about taking a bath he said YES just not to soak too long. And I can start going without my CG for periods but to sleep in it yet. I just left academy where I bought me some compression workout pants and tops as advised by the PS for working out. For during the day I went to JCPennys and bought some spanx fitted tops to wear under my cloths. Im one happy girl, now foe these wounds to finish and swelling to disappear l. oh and on another note they weighed me today I'm 10lbs down from pre op yippee :-) HAPPY HEALING EVERYONE????? Updated on 11 Oct 2013: Another attempt Updated on 11 Oct 2013: :-) Updated on 11 Oct 2013: Last try for a PO pic then im going to wait till im at home near the computer to try again Updated on 14 Oct 2013: I was able to go fishing out on our boat this weekend and no pain or discomfort when bouncing around and standing all day. Ive also waken up in the middle of the night and found myself laying on my tummy. I have recently started stretching as much as possible and it seems to be helping on the comfort level. Im hesitating on getting back in the gym as I'm really wanting my incision to heal completely. Really dont want any complications! I still have healing openings on my incision in numerous non too large just lil spots that need healing. Evening times for me are still pretty swollen but hopefully going to start subsiding. Im trying super hard to keep a good thought about it and also watching my sodium intake. I know it takes time and things are truly better every day :-) Tomorrow makes 5 weeks I plan to continue walking the track till 6 weeks then its back to the gym I go.. yoga, pilates, jogging, bleachers, and a lil light light light volleyball here and there Updated on 17 Oct 2013: I can actually see im incision below my belly button now, swelling is going down in that area which makes me a happy girl. Its not all gone yet but I can see it subsiding which is awesome. My small openings are just about closed a couple more days and I should be good to go... fingers crossed. All in all Im feeling great, I am going to attempt a night out in regular clothing Im so very excited to get dolled up and feel pretty again lol Been stretching, its going good. Sure didn't realize how tight those tummy muscles are its definitely a slow process. Ive got a appointment with a personal trainer next week to give me some safe but effective home workouts for me to do, im really excited about that. HAPPY HEALING FRIENDS Updated on 8 Sep 2014: Hi everyone, I apologize for being absent all this time! I just wanted to give an update being I am one week away from my 1 year mark. About 5 months ago I decided to start pushing myself a lil harder than normal as I knew I was still pretty weak in my core and had some toning up to do; I started crossfit classes. I now go to crossfit 3-5 times a week and still am very active in my volleyball. I am feeling better and better every day and couldn't be happier. Yes, I still have a pretty ugly scar and it still has discoloration and is kind of wide in areas where it opened after surgery, but I feel amazing! Thanks again to anyone and everyone who helped along the process. Updated on 8 Sep 2014:
Hello Ladies, my name is Amanda, I'm 45yrs young and a mother of 3 grown boys.. I've finally decided that I wanted to do something for me since the boys are all grown my youngest is 20. anywho so hubby and i agreed why not.. my surgery is schedule for Dec.4th of this yr. and i'm starting to have all kinds of emotions.. I was suppose to try and drop atleast 40lbs before surgery but have only manage to drop 15lbs thus far, will continue my weight loss unitl my actually surgery date.. this site has been such a help.. i enjoy reading everyones testimonies/recovery stories im praying that i will have a great story once my surgery is done.. Updated on 8 Dec 2012: Hello ladies, I was suppose to have my surgery Dec 4th but reschedule for Jan. 15th.. needing to drop a few more pounds. I'm starting to feel more anxious as the days go by.. praying that all who recently went thru surgery is healing and doing great... Updated on 1 Mar 2013: welp my surgery is set for march 5th tuesday and im having anxiety.. needing prayers and cant wait for it to be over... will post pics.. Updated on 1 Mar 2013: forgot to menton I had my post op visit yesterday (thursday) and it went well.. had a chance to visit with 2 patients that recently had the surgery one patient was 2 days out and she was 50 something yrs young she looked fabulous,the other patient was a month out and 44yrs young and omg she looked amazing.. again I'm hoping and praying that all goes well... Go away Anxiety sheesh im so nervous im eating everything.. lmbo Updated on 4 Mar 2013: welp Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! im so freaking nervous and alot of other things... keep me in prayer... Thanks in advance Updated on 3 Oct 2013: im 2wks out and both drains were removed,the last one was removed today... the problem im having is that my stomach feels like it is burning if something touch it its a weird feeling...anybody else experience this? other than that im loving my new tummy
Tomorrow is the big day!!! Tummy tuck with muscle repair, lipo of the flanks, and breast lift. I have wanted to do this for awhile now. I gave myself 1 year of crossfit to see if it would fix my abs. No such luck. Gave me great arms though! Really psyched and nervous. Can't wait to see the results and get back to the gym. Updated on 5 Mar 2016: So sleepy all the time. Pain is moderate. Went off all prescription pills and now to just Tylenol. Took a short walk today. Hope to get more active each day. Swelling like crazy!
