David C. Watts, MD

These photos are horrible and I'm sure everyone feel the same about their photos or we wouldn't be here. I've carried this large stomach for so long, I have every kind of girdle known to man kind. I shop for tummy control clothing, I hate it and always looking for ways to hide it. I have 3 adult children and I'm a grandma of 5 , I haven't seen my belly button in 36 years I'm afraid but I want this badly.

Updated on 26 Sep 2016:
I'm afraid and praying that all go well I requested 13 days off work of a desk duty job... but I work 12 hour in uniform I hope it's enough

Updated on 29 Sep 2016:
This fat has been with me for so long I can't imagine my body with out it, a Constance load to tuck in a girdle and with out the girdle it just hangs there pulling on my back, maybe that's why I walk some what bent over always having to hold my cut in and laying on the bed to zip my pants up, just a F-ing nuisance, farewell you large sack of fat that did nothing but irritated the heck out of me and the sweaty mess a long with the smell of underarm pits good riddance...????

Updated on 30 Sep 2016:
First and foremost I gave it to God. So I was fine going in and I was in disbelief leaving I wasn't hutch over to much I had a slight burning where my incision is slight discomfort where the lipo was done but over all I'm relaxing, however I do feel as though I've been doing sit ups... some photos of the after math but none of the actual stomach hopefully tomorrow after shower.

Updated on 30 Sep 2016:
More photos tomorrow after shower

Updated on 1 Oct 2016:
I had it done September 30 so I'm sitting back relaxing and waiting on the results from healing which I'm sure will be great... awesome experience no pain slight burning on the incision and taking my medication on time it really was a great experience I thought I would feel like I was hit by a truck when I left the office but I really am fine

Updated on 1 Oct 2016:
Day 2 a little rocky the pain medications they gave are much my pain levels are not big enough I was dopey all day however I was able to shower with help and have a better understanding of the drains the bleeding was a little messy until I got to know and manage the drains, not much of and appetite but I eat light...posting pics completely swallow but the pain level is a 4

Updated on 3 Oct 2016:
so far not to much pain but discomfort around the drains sights and the lipo sights I feel tightening of my incision and my back hurt I guest from being hutch 0ver, my drains are filling pretty good, emptying twice a day, the meds are a bit much, having all sorts of dreams so Tylenol antibiotic and the arnica plus the stool softeners are enough. I'm moving around the house pretty good, taking it easy of course. if any thing bothers me it's the drains their a nuisance but until I see the doctor I'll continue to follow the rules shower daily with dove soap per the doctor and chill picture would be the same as day 3

Updated on 4 Oct 2016:
I'm able to do more for my self, like get up from recliner walk down stair shower, no pain just tenderness of the drains sights and of the lipo sights as well, the incision feel tight but I'm able to stand a little more up right not so hutchy today yay! Over all good day sitting in my recliner chilling my family is my support team they are great! Maybe a pic or 2 tomorrow I feel there's no difference from day 3, maybe a little fatter :)

Updated on 6 Oct 2016:
Feel pretty good still taking it easy posting before and after picture trying to keep it clean with the photos... lol

Updated on 6 Oct 2016:
Pictures

Updated on 10 Oct 2016:
If not for the drains I would feel really good, but today is the day yay!!!!!

Updated on 13 Oct 2016:
Return to work yesterday it was cool my job is desk work but 12 hours and I wear a uniform that was tight around the belly but I'm swollen and I'm still sore but I'm loving what's going on with my body I'm sharing some pic of after drains were removed which looks hideous but I know it will look better I'm still healing so bare with me I'm keeping this Journey real so follow me if you like, I also took a selfie with my Ps so check us out, he's awesome lol

Updated on 20 Oct 2016:
I'm still swollen but I feel great, absolutely no pain maybe some itching on the incision I've been using Neosporin on the incision itself I have been massaging with cocoa butter, I purchased a handheld massager to assist with massaging the incision I'm trying to keep a keloid from forming it's OK so far I've posted some pictures if you have any questions please feel free to ask, i'm still wearing my binder all day all night I purchased a faja I'm waiting for it to come I also wear support briefs the high ones. Check out some before and after pic's I'm very happy with what going on.

Updated on 1 Nov 2016:
Feeling great still feel tightness on the incision and I'm working on the scar with coco butter but it's no big deal I can live with the scar I'm just happy the pouch is gone, I'm waiting on clearance to workout, gain a little but at least it's not in the stomach. I see the PS Nov 7th I'll post pic soon

Updated on 5 Nov 2016:
I'm still swollen but I feel good and I'm happy with the results so far

Updated on 5 Nov 2016:
5 weeks post

Updated on 18 Dec 2016:
Feeling great and still glad I made the decision , my incision is getting dark but I'm still treating it and massaging it but I'm not bothered by the scar I'm flat in my clothing and I feel I look great in my clothes ???? Happy Holidays to you all ...

This is the most outstanding talented doctor who has such a fantastic bed side mannerism. He explains procedures to you and is honest and realistic. Was never afraid for a moment, had no pain, was sore in different spots, which he gave me medication for my discomfort. Called me a little while after i arrived home to make sure I was okay. Builds confidence with just his presence and actually helps you make up your mind with his wide intelligence of his field and approval to answering all your questions. His staff, is a reflection of him, warm, caring and unbelievably helpful. You could not find a better choice to help repair or remodel your world. Dr. Watts and his staff will always be in my prayers ... i can't thank them enough.

Im a nervous only 9 days to go get my TT done. Going to see the dr on monday to go over everything. I, got all my stuff ready just trying to get everything straight out before my surgery on November 29. I had gastric bypass in 2007 been fighting get the skin removed for 4 years now with all the rashes and all the pain I have had in the pass its going be worth it all. Never give up on what you want in this life I gave up for alittle bit I went back and fought. What I wanted. .

Updated on 24 Nov 2013:
Horrible looks.

Updated on 24 Nov 2013:
Can't sleep so worried about the Pain lol. Well hope it will be worth it all..

Updated on 25 Nov 2013:
Im getting nervous and excited. I had gastric bypass done in 2007 I was 350 pounds .now I am 215 pounds with all skin.. I hope it all goes well on Friday. I meet with my TT dr went over few things only getting tummy tuck no liposuction. Really didn't get that... but I m happy just get the skin off.

Updated on 26 Nov 2013:
I can't believe i am gonna have the tummy tuck lol. It took 4 years to get approved from the horrible Rashes I have. That pain I will not miss. Being cold having no skin there gonna be weird for me lol .. I am excited can't sleep at night my brain will not shut off.

Updated on 26 Nov 2013:
I wonder if anyone else just had a tummy tuck and the privates putted up with out liposuction. .

Updated on 27 Nov 2013:
Well dr office called 2xs changed my time for sugery for Friday will be going at 1015 am instead of 645 am. Man I thought it was gonna be cancel wen she called back second time scared me. Im already for dinner for tomorrow just worried im not gonna eat to much. . I like everyone else to do tho lol. Im fasting today eating very light tomorrow gonna do a clean out tonight so I won't have any problems pooping lol sorry tmi. ..

Updated on 28 Nov 2013:
Getting very nerves

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
Well today is the day going to have my Tt will update wen I, get home. I am very nervous. My husband, and children going to take me. I have 3 children 11,9,5 they always got me going . My weight was 233 this morning. .

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
The before

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
Pain omg. Going home

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
The drains or horrible. Just saying they hurt more anything.

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:


Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
My big belly gone. New me can't wait see the out come.

Updated on 29 Nov 2013:
My new belly November 29 2013

Updated on 30 Nov 2013:
Omg the drains are horrible .that's only thing bothering me. Ugh..

Updated on 1 Dec 2013:
Very tired .try walk every change I get walking is better then sitting.

Updated on 1 Dec 2013:
I, dont know what I just did to my, self I feel so ugly I can't look, at it. Feel like, crying.. having a, moment I guess.

Updated on 1 Dec 2013:
Im very nausea

Updated on 2 Dec 2013:
Look and feel horrible . Im not posting anymore pictures to its healed up I look like slice open. God hope starts looking normal. Im down to 217 this morning from 233 day of surgery. I hope get rid of 25 pounds more. Im very nausea . Call the dr they gonna call me in something.

Updated on 3 Dec 2013:
Im, feeling little bit better thank god nurse called me nausea meds in.

Updated on 5 Dec 2013:
I guess I walked to much yesterday. guess gonna take easy today after kids go to school. . Everything is very swollen still belly button looks black I don't whats wrong with that did everything dr said to do getting showered 2xs a day just wash my scars. Go back on this monday we see my husband said it was fine just healing im just always worried. .The cut was lot to look at hope it goes down some man I didn't expect what im seeing not a normal tummy tuck. . I dont know we see on Monday. . No pictures of it to embarrassed.

Updated on 7 Dec 2013:
Well yesterday was 7days since my tt surgery. I can move more around. Everything still hurts . im waiting get the drains out Monday and my stitches out still getting a shower 2xs a day. Then redressing my scars. Wearing my binders all day and night.

Updated on 8 Dec 2013:
They should know to give us something for this problem.. I been eating yougurt really is not help and the hair coming in and can't shave OMG ..SORRY tmi...

Updated on 8 Dec 2013:
I am still swelled pretty good and drains are still 3 of them .... wount take nake ones looks gross still.

Updated on 9 Dec 2013:
Been resting and take it easy.im very nervous take the the stitches out and drains out tonight maybe. My husband is taken me has been my best friend throw it all I don't know what I do with out him. Im bit cracky all the time I can't stand pain its horrible. . My right side its all red and looks swollen. I hope everyone having good day. Thanks for all your kind words.

Updated on 9 Dec 2013:
Not coming out to 4 weeks .stitches also. Not ready yet. .. grrr not very happy.

Updated on 10 Dec 2013:
Dr said everything was healing well have to go back in a week.. my left Drain s is leaking bad all day had change my clothes 2xs.. . Been taken all my meds .they make me very tired.. .. I went to the store boy was that a job. . .

Updated on 11 Dec 2013:
Feeling so weak and tired frezzing. Oh gezz I hope I be ok.

Updated on 14 Dec 2013:
Everyone says looks good but to me I very swollen. I feel like I was cut up like pork chop. . Good god I hope it starts looking normal. I didn't have little tummy I had 20 pounds skin took off so guess its not gonna be pretty yet...

Updated on 15 Dec 2013:
My before pictures skin remove sorry bit gross.

Updated on 15 Dec 2013:
Just not about my skin. I can't wait to get working out back to myself I feel pretty great with out my big tire lol.. man can't wait please my husband he said by summer im gonna be his hot mommy lol.

Updated on 16 Dec 2013:
Boy oh boy I tell you about those drains wen dr had me standing there he pulled one drain out it came out like bucket full stuff omg it was gross all down my underwear all over my pants did I say gross yes lady gross.. then middle one was fine. Then the left side omg I thought it would never end pulling the tub out felt like my insides were gonna go with it that, was the worse experience I had.... does feel dam good with out those motherofers

Updated on 16 Dec 2013:
Walking pretty weird tonight can't explain it had wonderful shower after all that mess thank god for pain meds have cramps from those tubes...

Updated on 16 Dec 2013:
Are in for 2 more weeks I am still swollen pretty good dr said. I been staying away from salty foods.

Updated on 17 Dec 2013:
I can see my legs and my mon thing lol.big difference .drains feel wonderful OUT LOL. still in some pain while walking. I do feel mentally Great without my big nasty big belllys. I want get to 175 thats my goal weight. Im gonna keep walking I have hand weights .maybe starting do them. Im 197 today from 350 pounds ... next year I want to get my arms done.

Updated on 21 Dec 2013:
Feel horrible. Stitches are still in can't do lot still. But everyone expects you to to do everything. I feeling really Depressed my daughter seen me with out my clothes on today oh mom gross she 9. Man I wanted to cry .I know its just only been few weeks but its taken forever to look normal. I haven't been eating right some days don't have no appetite .im always so busy at xmas with children baking making things I have no energy . Im very swollen still have big rolls though it would went down some god I hope they do. I made cookies yesterday my girls were happy. I did all xmas shopping
With stitches in cleaning my house cause no one can use a brom are a vacuum ugh. I gotta ask for everything if not never get done. I want these stitches out there digging in making me bleed had white crap coming out very small amount I called the dr on that they said it was normal. But today over did it again wen I went to wash up before bed I notice the top of my incision were belly button is was digging in and bleeding kinda freak me out im 3 weeks yesterday ... I hope everyone who had there surgery s around my time are doing well I try keeping in touch with u all.. oh yea forgot went on Wednesday and treated my self get my toes done soak and with wonderful honey on my legs and I love my feet done felt wonderful... go get ur feet done if u want feel something Relaxing. . Wish I could go every day lol

Updated on 24 Dec 2013:
Merry Christmas everyone have wonderful day ladies. .

Updated on 26 Dec 2013:
Omg they hurt so bad I called my ps today told them I want them out tomorrow. Its bleeding horrible. Left side has 2 small holes were stitches are I'm not very happy at all. Has anyone had stitches in this long. Really sucks..

Updated on 27 Dec 2013:
It was really painful getting out the nurse was very ruff getting them out. They just took them out didn't say anything to do now only come back in 3 weeks I felt really rushed. I didn't even get a chance to ask anything dr just walked out of the room thought it was bit rude. . only thing nurse said let it heal don't put anything on it. Very heman type.. I came took a shower wash everything with dove soap does feel better now without stitches. Thank you all thinking if me.

Updated on 31 Dec 2013:
Im still healing I don't see any different s since last week. I still have a lot of swollen.

Updated on 31 Dec 2013:
Happy New Year 2014!!!

Updated on 31 Dec 2013:
I guess I posted in wrong spot. Oops

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
I have found a hanes shaping waist cincher not alot of money like the rest it fits great better then my binder. Go hanes.com . U can fine it there. . Cheaper then walmart I paid 15.00 there only 11.99.. great deal if u 2x like my self it fits good and don't hurt my incision. Just thought I would share.

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
Why is it saying that. Ugh.

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
I thought to share my before pictures they were horrible made me so depressed inside I hided it very well my big stomach.

Updated on 2 Jan 2014:
My incision open on the right side ozzing little I put neriospon on it and cover still little bit ozzing should I worry are this normal for almost 5 weeks . . Its were stitches were. I hope not infection. .

Updated on 4 Jan 2014:
day is burning in red and losing more stuff and now its very painful I'm going to the hospital

Updated on 5 Jan 2014:
I think the stitches were in to long That's why I got this infection. Its burning I can't wear my binder are anything else . I'm so uncomfortable I cry last night I was so up set I did everything keep it clean and everything . Im calling the drs office ASAP frist thing tomorrow morning I think inside stitches are something wrong . Had so much blood work last night my arm is numbed. . Burning is no joke it feels like ur skin under firer.

Updated on 6 Jan 2014:
My body rejecting some of the internal stitche dr has to take them out on wedesday. I can't believe this .. omg the pain I gotta go throw wish I knew before hand. So disappointed feeling so overwhelm its like nightmare I only 5 and half weeks. .

Updated on 7 Jan 2014:
Feeling really sick today. So worried what's gonna happen tomorrow im tired being in pain..

Updated on 8 Jan 2014:
Well I am allergic to the stitches thats why im having these problems. Thats what he is telling me. well I can't even describe the pain I was in it was horrible I would never wish it on anyone he stuck his big needle inside might on my side it hurts so freaking bad now I have to pack four big holes I have to pack with gaz pads and the solution they told me I had to use. I was a wake throw this . .

Updated on 8 Jan 2014:
I don't think my body was allergic I think they mess it up put wrong stitches in only my sides had these stitches in why wonder why everything else was fine .

Updated on 9 Jan 2014:
I found this review thought it was helpful.

Lots of surgeons tell patients they are allergic to Vicryl (sutures). I believe they are wrong.Vicryl sutures (made by Ethicon) are made of polyglactin 910, which is a copolymer of 90%glycolide (polyglycolic acid) and 10% L-lactide.These are braided, absorbable sutures that retain 75% of their original strength at 14 days, and 25% at 28 days. Vicryl Plus sutures have an added coating of triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Both absorb by hydrolysis, which causes minimal inflammation at the site of use. (Catgut, by contrast, absorbs by proteolysis, a somewhat more inflammatory response.)These sutures are commonly used for skin closure, and are often used just below the skin surface as subcuticular or buried interrupted closures. They have been around for several decades; I used them in my plastic surgery fellowship at the Mayo Clinic 27 years ago. Many surgeons still use them; some patients have what most doctors have termed "Vicryl reactions" for the tiny, inflammatory pus pockets that develop around some of these sutures. Wait, if you are having an "allergic reaction" to these sutures, shouldn't the "allergic reaction" and red spots occur at EVERY place these sutures were used, not just some? Hold that thought for now.When patients who have these sutures develop tiny red pus pockets just below the surface of the skin during the healing process, suture removal (where possible), warm packs, topical antibiotic ointment, and rarely oral antibiotics are used. Wait a minute, if this is an allergic reaction, why isn't the doctor using an antihistamine? Antibiotics don't work for true allergic reactions; in fact, they are worthless for this!Ethicon does not even list "allergic reaction" in their list of contraindications (it does list a potential sensitivity to triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial present in Vicryl-Plus sutures, NOT in regular Vicryl). In fact, if you think about it, the fact that the company has a variety of their braided absorbable suture that includes an antimicrobial is a hint to what is really going on--and it's not allergic reactionto polyglycolic acid or lactic acid!So-called "Vicryl reaction" is simply bacterial contamination of the braided suture material, likely from "normal" skin bacteria present in the sweat glands and hair follicles the suture goes directly through during your surgeon's closure. These skin bacteria are actually protected from your body's defenses--your tissues' antibodies (and antibiotic, if given)--by the tiny interstices within the braided suture. These tiny microscopic hiding places are warm, wet, and a place that bacteria can multiply, causing the tiny red pus pockets in some locations. That's also why removing the stitch, opening the pus pocket, and topical antibiotics (or just time as the suture dissolves and your body can "get to" the bacteria and eliminate them) solve this problem. That's also why Ethicon has added an antimicrobial coating to their Vicryl Plus brand of suture. That's also why many surgeons, myself included, soaked our Vicryl sutures in antibiotic irrigation fluid before use; this reduced the "Vicryl reactions" in my practice for years. And now, many surgeons. myself included, have switched to a non-braided monofilament suture like monocryl, which has no interstices for bacteria to "hide" in, and rarely see any kind of stitch abscess, for that is what is REALLY happening. I truly understand my colleagues' reluctance to tell their patients that they have a stitch abscess; too many patients "freak out" at any mention of the word "Infection." It's often easier to avoid this topic altogether and call it a "reaction" or "allergy." It's NOT, but it's not an infection that amounts to a problem in the vast majority of those who have it.BTW, suture is a foreign body, but this is also NOT "rejection", since the components of Vicryl are substances that are simple biochemical compounds, not complex immunoreactive proteins like a kidney transplant, or even a blood transfusion. You don't reject sutures any more than you "reject" artificial hips or pacemakers. You can get an infection around them, but this is definitely NOT rejection.Patients who have chronic problems with suture abscesses may harbor more or worse bacteria in their pores, sweat glands, and hair follicles. Showering the night before and the morning of surgery with Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) may help to reduce suture problems. I'd also avoid braided sutures, but you DON'T have to list "allergic reaction to Vicryl" .

Updated on 10 Jan 2014:
No dam joke. Its been since wenesday and still not closing. I am so scared.

Updated on 12 Jan 2014:
Think one looks, almost closed got 5 to go one big one rest are small ..Thank you faith..

Updated on 13 Jan 2014:
I can see my legs lol.

Updated on 14 Jan 2014:
skin bacteria infection all threw my incision. Probably didn't even had to cut me ugh.

Updated on 15 Jan 2014:
Gonna take newer body pictures later just updating my weight loss.

Updated on 15 Jan 2014:
189 pounds January 2014

Updated on 15 Jan 2014:
Side pics just keeping my recent and before pictures.

Updated on 18 Jan 2014:
im feeling alot better only 1 hole open hopefully it closes this week. Hope Everyone is doing well. .

Updated on 20 Jan 2014:
Before 350 pounds 66.1? 189 pounds 35.7
=35.3 lost 1 person lol...

Updated on 22 Jan 2014:
All closed up yahooooo..

Updated on 3 Feb 2014:
Went back to work on the weekend boy my body is hurting today. Everything its good went to see my ps last week I'm good to go he said don't need see me any more. Its been 9 weeks. . I would thought he would want see me in 3 months. I felt used kinda got the money for my surgery. They acted like, Ok now go away. Smh. Oh well anyway I'm think going to start back at the gym back up at 12weeks. I don't want push it to much..

Updated on 16 Feb 2014:
Im doing okay worry about gaining weight. My body is, still swollen pretty good I feel lot of tightness . But it doesn't look rite to me I thought it would look more different flatter but its not. I hope everyone is doing well starting or just had sugery.

At 41 years old, I legitimately had a mid-life crisis, and decided it was time for me to finally feel good about myself!! About 20 years ago, I lost 100 pounds through diet and exercise. Despite the exercise, the loose skin from my weight loss stayed put. Since then, I have had two children(8 &5) , both c-sections, and the saggy skin just got worse. For the most part I eat healthy and work out 7 days a week. I felt defeated that I tried everyday to improve the area, but nothing could fix it, other than a TT. I made an appointment with a PS, who was recommended by a relative, and asked for the first available date. The PS validated that I could continue working out forever, and never fix the area.

I scheduled the surgery for the first day of my summer break, as I am a school counselor, and wanted the summer to recover.

At this point, I am 5 days PO, and feeling stronger each day. I will post pictures after my follow-up appointment on Monday night. I am so hopeful that the drains will be removed at that time. They tug on everything, and are so sore. I underestimated the recovery, I figured it would be really comparable to a c-section, but it is much more difficult to get around at first( probably due to the drains.

So far it is worth the discomfort. When I am not totally swollen, I can see glimmers of a flat belly. I can wait until I can completely see the end results. I am not so sure about the lipo to my inner thighs. I don't see any difference at all. Maybe they are too swollen, only time will tell.

Updated on 1 Jul 2013:
Yay!! Drains were removed and the steri strips are gone. I had my one week post op with my ps and feel like such a weight has been lifted. Those drains were unbearable! It did not hurt to have them removed but it was by far the most bizarre sensation I have ever felt. Post op pictures will be up tomorrow. I am beyond swollen tonight.

On a separate note.... I had the great pleasure of meeting a fellow real self, beautiful woman tonight in person. I read her profile on here last week and she has helped me with a ton of questions this week during my recovery. It just so happened that we were scheduled for follow up visits at the same time. Thank you much:)

Updated on 2 Jul 2013:
I have finally added a few PO day 8 pics. I regretfully never took pre-op pictures.

Updated on 9 Jul 2013:
I can't believe it has been 2 weeks since the surgery. I am so much better than I was 2 weeks ago, however, I still know that I have a long road to recovery ahead. I really underestimated this surgery, and definitely the recovery. I am so disappointed that I didn't investigate this website ahead of time. I don't want to be a complainer, but I miss my mobility. I should have scheduled this surgery in the dead of winter. I hate that it is summer and I am so limited in what I can do physically. Let alone, what I can wear. No new pictures because I am swollen all of the time. It is so discouraging. I definitely looked thinner and at least had a waistline before my TT. I can't wait for "swell hell" to subside a bit. Maybe pictures next week.

Updated on 12 Jul 2013:
Just wanted to update some pictures. The swelling is pretty much day and night! Looking forward to the turmeric and bromelain to kick in fast!!

Updated on 21 Jul 2013:
It is amazing how much better I feel with each passing day. I think I am back to normal but quickly realize I am not when I blow up like a balloon by mid-day. Other than the daily swelling battle, I would say that I have been pretty fortunate with this recovery. I never realized how long it would be to completely heal, and I dream of the day I can return to my beautiful wardrobe. Yoga pants and maxi dresses are getting old really fast!!!

Updated on 22 Jul 2013:
I finally got before pictures from my ps tonight. So sorry they are blurry but they were photocopied. I am so glad that I can look back at the before photos on the days I feel sorry for myself.

Updated on 5 Aug 2013:
Today marks 6 weeks po. It has been a long journey. We went on vacation last week to the beach and I had a set back from overdoing things. Fortunately, relaxing in a beach chair for several days helped out tremendously. Yesterday was the first time I went 12 hours without my binder. I think I see an end in sight. Hoping to increase exercise in the upcoming weeks to regain all of my muscle loss. Looking forward to ending the jiggling of my thighs!!

Updated on 27 Aug 2013:
I am officially 9 weeks po and very happy that life is normal once again. I can pretty much do everything again other than lift heavy weights or jog longer than 5 minutes in intervals. I am concerned though with my belly button. It is still red and raised. I happened to be at my cosmetic dermatologist for some Botox ( I just keep spending money...lol) and we discussed my procedure. She asked to look at my incision and she advised me that I have keloids and should call my ps to be seen right away because they can grow....eeeewwwwhhhh. Nonetheless I am seeing the ps Thursday night and will keep everyone posted.

Updated on 1 Sep 2013:
I met with my ps on Thursday evening and he advised me that I do not have keloids around my belly button. Apparently I have something known as a hypertrophic scar. Right now, he suggests that I wear a silicon sheet on my belly button for 12 hours a day for at least six months. He wants me to come back at that point to see if there is improvement. No bikinis for me...lol...not that I was wearing one anyway. Hoping this helps. If not, he will explore possible steroid shots around the belly button incision at that point. I will continue to keep everyone advised. I am so grateful I have this amazing group of people to share this journey. Happy healing to all!!

Tummy tuck lipo of flanks and back.
I'm a single 30 yr old mother of two beautiful daughters. Divorced and needed a fresh start for myself. Going thru with this procedure was not an easy decision because it required me to tap into all my resources. Thankfully I have an amazing set of parents and bf that supported me and took care of my girls.

Updated on 3 Jun 2013:
Going into my 3rd week post op and I'm so swollen. My incision looks great and is healing well but it's sore and sometimes feels like its burning.

Updated on 5 Jun 2013:
Thanks to my PS's Scarmedix scar cream my incision looks great post op day 19. On day two of the turmeric and water regimen. Still very swollen above my incision.

Updated on 7 Jun 2013:


Updated on 7 Jun 2013:


Updated on 12 Jun 2013:


Updated on 17 Jun 2013:
Ok so I'm 4 weeks 3 days out. I have my good and bad days. Days where I'm flat and tight as a board and others when I'm swollen and squishy. I have my 5 week post op on Friday and I just need to know is this muffin top swelling or just fat and am I going to need a touch up!!

Updated on 21 Jun 2013:


Updated on 26 Jun 2013:


Updated on 2 Jul 2013:
Had my 6 week post op visit last night and Dr Watts said "I'm free to roam the world" lol so basically I'm cleared to resume all activities. For those of you concerned about the belly button not being round: I asked him the same question and he flipped open a magazine and showed me the belly buttons of models and they are all vertical! He called it a vertical beauty:) so I'm very happy with my results of course still some swelling but still flat!

Updated on 11 Jul 2013:
Back to working out and regular activities. I noticed I have pain at both ends of my incision when I run or do any strenuous activities. But other than that I love my results and how my clothes look!

Updated on 13 Jul 2013:
So I'm 8 weeks post op and no complaints except the occasional tenderness at the ends of my incisions. But feeling and looking good. Still some swelling but I've learned to accept it.

Updated on 31 Jul 2013:
Hello May Tummy Tucker's. so here I am at almost 10 weeks feeling great except for the occasional sensitivity at the ends of my incision. I still swell some days but not too bad. I'm working out 3-4 days a week. Overall all somedays are better than others. I still have some days where I feel I don't see results other days I feel and look amazing.

I have been reading all your reviews and I have to say this website is awesome. I am 41 years old. I'm 4'11" and Weigh 105lbs. I have wanted a tummy tuck for 20 years since I had my first baby and my belly was never the same again. I had my second baby 9 years later and it just stretched some more. No matter how much exercise I did nothing helped my jelly belly. I have always felt that it would be selfish to spend so much money on myself for something like this but this belly has always bothered me so I saved my money for a year and talked myself out of it and back repeatedly and I am so glad I found this website and all your stories.

I finally had my surgery yesterday and I am so happy. The Doctor and his staff were great. I was so nervous before the surgery and they reassured me and were so comforting and very professional. I am taking all my meds and as long as I don't move I feel ok. Getting up is hard and my back hurts just making it to the bathroom to pee. I am taking short naps and i feel like I did a million crunches. My husband is great. He is taking such good care of me. He took a week off from work to care for me. My little one has been hanging out with me in my room. We are relaxing and watching the disney channel...o and it hurts to laugh.

I get to take a shower today. I am so excited and super nervous to see what my belly looks like. I have 2 drains in. I drained about 50cc last night and 50 cc this morning. The right drain is getting a little more than the left. The nurse just told me to record the amounts but did not say how much is normal. Is this amount normal? I can feel a little swelling on my belly above the top of the binder.
I will try to post some pics. Good luck to all you who are recovering and to those of you getting ready for your surgery you won't regret it. If you are feeling guilty...don't. We have to take care of ourselves. We mommies are always taking care of everyone else. It's our turn. I didn't tell any of my friends or coworkers because people don't understand and everyone's a critic. I told my coworkers that I just needed a few weeks off. I did it for me and I am so glad. I will be happier when I can stand up straight instead of like a 90 year old. :)
Updated on 15 Dec 2012:
I don't know why, but my iPad won't let me upload picture. Does any have any suggestions?



Updated on 15 Dec 2012:
Yay! Got some pics up. Had to use the laptop. So I got in the shower and nearly passed out. I broke out in a sweat and almost threw up. Couldn't even wash my hair. Not to mention I ripped a chunk of skin off my side removing the tape attached to my bandage. Needless to say I didn't have time to take a pic of my new belly with all that going on. I felt better once I got the binder back on and got back in the recliner. one day at a time.

Updated on 16 Dec 2012:
Post op day 2
So I took my meds before bed last night at around 11pm and slept until 5 am when I awoke to sharp waves of pain across my entire belly, like labor contractions. My belly felt like it was on fire and was going to explode. My husband helped me to the bathroom and I noticed one of my drains had popped open and did not drain all night. I sat on the toilet for about 10 minutes crying my eyes out. I washed my face and brushed my teeth and got back in my recliner kind of sideways and drank a little bit of ginger ale. I could only manage to take my antibiotic and some more laxative and took deep breaths until I fell asleep again. I held off on the muscle relaxer and the pain pill cause of the nausea. I slept for 3 hours and drank more ginger ale and ginger candy. It's making me burp which feels better but I only drained 10 cc from the right drain( that's the one that popped open) and 25 cc from the left. I am trying to hold off on the percocet and muscle relaxer in hopes this laxative will kick in.

Updated on 17 Dec 2012:
Post op day 3. Was a Good morning. I slept a whole 8 hours last night. That's amazing cause I never get that much sleep in my normal life. I did not feel bloated this morning and " I pooped...twice!" What a relief. I spoke with my ps office about my horrible experience with the shower the other day. They said that happens sometimes and to try again and take it easy. My husband bought me a bath chair and we gave it another try. Success! I even washed my hair. My skin is so itchy. I can see the drains under my skin, looks like snakes in there. Weird, but at least it shows the skin is nice and tight. No new pics yet. That was a real work out.

Updated on 19 Dec 2012:
Post op day 5
Slept a few hours last night, then was very uncomfortable for 3 hours and somehow managed to sleep a bit more. I woke up this morning with really achy knees and hip. I think my muscles are wasting away from laying in the recliner. When I stand up I feel like I have jelly legs. Pain is subsiding, so is the bloating but these drains are driving me crazy. My skin is so tight I can really feel the drains under my skin and once in a while I get muscle spasms where the drains are sitting on the muscle. Also I noticed the drain hole on the left was really bloody when I got up this am. I was able to stand slot straighter for a few minutes until my back felt like it was going to snap in half. My drainage has changed over the last few days from red to orange to yellowish orange back to red again this morning. I put neosporin and gauze pads on the drain holes and it stopped bleeding. The jp drainage has stayed red today but the amount is less so I guess that's good. My post op appt. Is Saturday morning and I really hope these drains are removed. I took some pics today. I will post them soon and I took a break from the binder so my husband could wash it. It got yucky from the bleeding. Still taking my laxatives and antibiotic daily, Tylenol twice a day and muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep. Another thing that's really weird is how sweaty I get at night. All in all it's getting better every day. My skin is soooo itchy! Happy healing! 6 more days til Xmas. I hope the next few days are good to me. I still have lots of gift wrapping to do. I have had plenty of time for online shopping. That's always good.

Updated on 20 Dec 2012:
Post op day 6
This morning I woke up determined to go to my little girls Xmas concert. My knees and my back were killing me, so I got my nice hot shower after breakfast,put a heating wrap on my back under my cg, rubbed my knees with icy hot and aspercreme,got back in my recliner and took Tylenol every 4 hours and took my muscle relaxer and just laid there until I fell asleep again. I am happy to say I went to the concert with 2 pillows , cough drops and a bottle of water, it was so nice to be out of my bedroom. My daughter was so happy. When I got downstairs she said "now I can give you a hug" and she gave me the best hug. The concert was great. By the time we got back home I was so glad to get back in my recliner. My back was killing me but it was so worth it. It was a good day.

Updated on 22 Dec 2012:
Post op day8
Yesterday morning my left Drain had 1 cc of thick dark red drainage, right had 15cc lighter,kinda orange drainage. I called the ps office and spoke to the nurse and she said the color doesn't matter so much as the amount decreasing and I should be fine for my appointment tomorrow. Last night when I went to empty my drains I got 1cc of thick dark red from the left and 15cc orangy from the right and my daughter said the left tube looks like it's clogged. So I sat there and snaked and squeezed that left drain tubing for what seemed like forever and I got about 5cc of worth of clotted blood. After that I got in bed and started feeling pressure on the left side of my belly. This morning I have about 10 cc of red but more liquidy in the left drain. (The tubing has clear drainage in it) and about 5 cc lighter on the left. I am not going to empty my drains this morning as my appointment is at 10 am today and I want to show my ps. Has anyone else experienced a clogged drain?

Updated on 22 Dec 2012:
So I went to see my ps today. I had my drains removed? Yuck, so weird. Have been having burning and stinging sensations all day. My belly button has been bleeding. That started yesterday. Ps said it was normal. He also told me to go home and take all my steri strips off and gave me a scar cream. So I have been picking at the steri strips on my belly button and rubbing them with petroleum jelly with no luck. These things are on there like crazy glue. Any suggestions?

Updated on 23 Dec 2012:
Post op day 9
I feel great! I woke up this morning and I feel great for the first time in 9 days. Those drains were killing me. I was able to go downstairs and let my doggies out and feed them. I have 3 doggies that I have been missing for the week I was held prisoner in my room. They were so happy to see me. I made my breakfast and took my meds and I didnt have to wake my husband up. He can finally sleep in. I sat on the couch in the living room to watch a movie,Music and Lyrics.I love Drew Barrymore. I am a happy lady.
But Anyway, about last night and my steri strip ordeal. After rubbing them with petroleum jelly for EVER and no luck, I just got in the shower,sat in my bath chair and soaped my belly up and slowly but surely after a long grueling hour and a lot of soap and water, Success. When I finally got done my belly button felt numb and the ends of my incision felt hard and actually weird and burning. When I looked in the mirror I was not prepared to see that scar. I don't know how to explain it, it was a scary sight. It was just not what I expected. Maybe cause it was late and I was tired but I kept thinking "what if my incision pops open and it gets infected?" Am I over reacting?? My husband reassures me that I have to give it time. So I put the scar cream and bacitracin on my incision and my bb and covered it all with a light gauze pad . Oh and my drain site area was hard and swollen. I put my binder back on and went to sleep and prayed it would feel better in the morning. The lord heard my prayer. Today is a good day. I haven't looked at my belly today, but when I work up the nerve I will post some new pics.

Updated on 23 Dec 2012:
po day 9:
I worked up the nerve to take a pic of my incision. I took my binder off long enough to wash and dry it and take a shower. Then right back on. I hate the feeling of no binder. It feels like my incision is going to pop open and my belly button feels numb and i just cant relax my muscles until i put my lovely binder back on. My daughter says the incision looks good, but to me its horrible. Maybe all the weird sensations I feel make me feel that way, and the fact that I have been moving around the house more today than I have. I just need to take it easy.

Updated on 28 Dec 2012:
2 weeks post op:
Hoping everyone had a wonderful christmas. Today has been my best day yet. I got a shower this morning without any assistance. That felt good. My major issue these last few days has been belly button pain and extreme belly itchyness. I have been taking benadryl for the itchyness and that helps. The belly button pain is in part due to a big cough and a sneeze on two seperate occasions that brought me to tears. The pain gets worst at night, so much that I can not tolerate taking my binder off for a shower. So now I am taking morning showers instead. I feel like I have a stitch sticking out of

Updated on 28 Dec 2012:
my belly button. I am wondering if its a dissolvable stitch or not. I had a dissolvable stitch give me an abcess in my incision when I had my tubes tied. The dr. had to cut it out and I had to take antibiotics. I think I will call my ps tomorrow. I am paranoid about this. Can anyone relate?. My incision is not bothering me except for the ends which are thick and itchy. I am still slouching when I stand but I dont go back to work for another two weeks. So I am taking it one day at a time. I think the next two weeks will fly by. SSorry for the broken message. my computer has a mind of its own.

Updated on 4 Jan 2013:
3 weeks post op:
Well the good news is my belly button is not hurting anymore.Thank God for that. Its still a bit red but I am using scar cream and bacitracin religiously. My belly feels bruised to the touch, but everything is feeling better than last week. I just started using scar away silicone sheets on my incision and I like the way they feel. I also started using a slip in torsette under my binder and it helps with the itching and it feels more evenly compressed. It even helps me walk a little straighter. I am still a bit hunched over. I hope I can stand up straight within the next ten days. Thats when I go back to work and I dont want to look like Quazimoto.My binder is loosing some of its elasticity. I hope it makes it another 3 weeks. I dont want to have to buy another one of those ugly things. I see my ps next friday for my 4 week po visit. I will try and see if he will give me a new one. He will probably sell it to me. I also bought some Dr.Rey girdle panties and i love them but they are still a little too tight. i will start using them once I go back to work to try and keep the swelling down when I cant put my feet up. A few days ago I did too much around the house and didn't put my feet up all day and I swelled up like a tick. I was so upset , but now I know better and put my feet up every few hours. I posted a few more pictures and I am feeling good. I cant get my jeans up past my thighs and I bought some bathing suits that just made me sad so I am returning them and giving it time, but I did get a nice one from victoria secret that just might work. The bottom comes up right to my incision but since I am not standing up straight I dont know where my incision is going to end up. So I am keeping that one and keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out.

Updated on 14 Jan 2013:
post op day 31: Good news is I am standing alot straighter than last week.Just my shoulders hurt because i am a little hunched at the shoulders. Belly button does not hurt and the itchiness is much better. Saw my PS on friday and he cut out a stitch that spit out of my incision. Didn't feel a thing, and he was tugging away at it. It was around the belly button area which is still numb, but no longer feels weird, just numb. I tried to sleep in my bed last night for the first time instead of my recliner and I had the worst night sleep in my life. I could not turn to get comfortable. Had to get up every few hours to switch my pillows to the foot of the bed then the head of the bed and ended up back in the recliner when I had finally had enough of that. My ears were hurting from laying on them too long, my back, hips and knees were killing me, but my trusty recliner was there to rescue me. When i woke up this morning my butt hurt from the recliner. Its raining outside today added to the rough night sleep and the fact that I go back to work tomorrow has got me in a mood today. I thought I would feel happier at this stage. I just want to feel normal again. I weighed myself the other day and i lost almost 5lbs, but I dont feel great. I feel tight and sore still and cant wait to feel light and energetic. I cant wait to exercise but am afraid to hurt myself. PS said I only need to wear my binder at night for two more weeks but I have this strange attachment to it. Kind of like when i went into labor and instantly wanted to just stay pregnant. Is that weird? I am wearing my spanks under my binder and sometimes i wear my girdle panty with them cause I love the huggy feeling they give me. Maybe once I get back to work and around people I will feel better.My husband is starting to get on my nerves. All he does is eat. Its time to go back to work. I posted some more pics and I am starting to see some improvement in the look of my incision. Its hard to see the difference from day to day, but pictures dont lie,right? Still have alot of pleating on the sides but I will give it 5 months and see. PS says it will flatten out. Time will tell.

Updated on 9 Mar 2013:
Hello everyone, its been a while. I was 12 weeks po yesterday . It's been a long road but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I went back to work 5 weeks po and I wanted to go home as soon as I got there. Weeks 5 to 11 were rough because I have to do quite a bit of heavy lifting and was not ready for that. Luckily my coworkers were nice enough to help me out but I didn't tell anyone I had surgery. This past week I have been working at 100% and they were all surprised and someone asked "are you all better?"I was like yup and that was that. I must have looked pretty pitiful for those few weeks but they didn't ask and I didn't tell.
About exercise, week 5 I started with yoga and stretching. Anything that has to do with plank, up dog or down dog was excruciating. So week 6 I tried some p90x Kempo and that was tolerable but would just tire me out just too much by the end of the day. Week 7 and 8 I tried some insanity every other day and it was making me feel exhausted and my belly was just cramping at night. I couldn't even stretch in bed. My belly muscles were just spa among. So I just took a few weeks off from any exercise and just started feeling sorry for myself. Then I decided that starting on march1st I was going to start just running on the treadmill every day for the entire month and see how I feel by the 31st which is my birthday. Well I have to say its working. I get up every morning at 445am and head to my treadmill with 2 binders on my belly and do what I can. Usually it's 4 or 6 miles but this morning I did 10 miles and I am so happy with myself right now. This recovery is slow but we just have to make the best of it and just keep on trucking . This surgery was so worth it. I can't wait until summertime. My scar has flattened out a lot in the last 2 months. The itchiness and horrible back pain is gone. The 5 lbs I had lost I gained back which totally means my muscles were wasting away just sitting around and I feel great. I still can't do any a work and I am not even going to try until I can get back to all my other exercise without draining my energy like I have been. So here are some new pics. Happy healing everyone. Spring is around the corner. I can't wait.

Updated on 9 Mar 2013:
Hello everyone, its been a while. I was 12 weeks po yesterday . It's been a long road but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I went back to work 5 weeks po and I wanted to go home as soon as I got there. Weeks 5 to 11 were rough because I have to do quite a bit of heavy lifting and was not ready for that. Luckily my coworkers were nice enough to help me out but I didn't tell anyone I had surgery. This past week I have been working at 100% and they were all surprised and someone asked "are you all better?"I was like yup and that was that. I must have looked pretty pitiful for those few weeks but they didn't ask and I didn't tell.
About exercise, week 5 I started with yoga and stretching. Anything that has to do with plank, up dog or down dog was excruciating. So week 6 I tried some p90x Kempo and that was tolerable but would just tire me out just too much by the end of the day. Week 7 and 8 I tried some insanity every other day and it was making me feel exhausted and my belly was just cramping at night. I couldn't even stretch in bed. My belly muscles were just spasming. So I just took a few weeks off from any exercise and just started feeling sorry for myself. Then I decided that starting on march1st I was going to start just running on the treadmill every day for the entire month and see how I feel by the 31st which is my birthday. Well I have to say its working. I get up every morning at 445am and head to my treadmill with 2 binders on my belly and do what I can. Usually it's 4 or 6 miles but this morning I did 10 miles and I am so happy with myself right now. This recovery is slow but we just have to make the best of it and just keep on trucking . This surgery was so worth it. I can't wait until summertime. My scar has flattened out a lot in the last 2 months. The itchiness and horrible back pain is gone. The 5 lbs I had lost I gained back which totally means my muscles were wasting away just sitting around and I feel great. I still can't do any a work and I am not even going to try until I can get back to all my other exercise without draining my energy like I have been. So here are some new pics. Happy healing everyone. Spring is around the corner. I can't wait.

Updated on 21 Sep 2013:
Well it's been 9 months and it all seems like a distant memory. My scar doesn't disturb me anymore. Finally I look the way I feel. It feels so great to not drag around my old belly butt. For all you new tummy Tuckers, stay positive and know that everyday gets a little better. :)

Less than 3 weeks to go, getting nervous but still way more excited! 125lbs 3 kids, 10, 6 & 2. Been "tucking" my stomach in jeans since I gave birth to my son in the 10th grade. Yes I made some mistakes, but I paid for them, more importantly I learned from them!

Married and two more babies later, my stomach is distroyed. More than ready to do something that's for me. Hubby was not on board at first, but I didn't have to do much convicting. I just stated the facts, facts he couldn't deny and eventually got his full support. I go to the gym 3 to 4 days a week and nothing will help the saggy skin!



Updated on 13 Aug 2012:
I did all the necessary blood work this week so the last step with my PS is out of the way. I do still have to go for an Echo and stress test over the next week. (Which I think is complete b/s and my PCP is being way to over cautious) She is older and doesn't believe in "unnecessary surgeries" so after mentioning it to her through conversation at my last check up she gasp and said she wanted to do some test, lol. I will humor her and oblige.

Has anyone heard of Arnica Montana? My PS has me taking it, just wondering if anyone else has ever been suggested it.


Updated on 15 Aug 2012:
2 Week mark!! Feel like I literally waited a lifetime and here it is 2 weeks away! Heart doctor for my echo today at 10.


Updated on 17 Aug 2012:
A little upset by the fact that my normally extremely helpful family is kinda shying away from me right now. If this surgery was required like my tubal or ablation they'd be right there to help with the kids. Because this is "elective" to them their leaving me on my own to deal with the kid's babysitting arrangements. Mind you I scheduled my surgery for the week my (retired) inlaws were supposed to be in Maine with my yougest son & neices. Their vacation was canceled and they litterslly decided to just take the girls on day trips so I'm not crazy. The kids have never ever been watched by anyone than the family members I am referring to. My daughter (2) will freak if I leave her with someone she is not comfortable with while I heal. This is going to be a disaster and I'm going to take forever to heal with the little rest I am going to get :( I'm supposed to be getting excited... Not having 2nd thoughts :(

Updated on 19 Aug 2012:
I took the advice I was given and talked to my family. Things have come full circle and I am worrying a little less about my recovery. My in-laws told me Saturday that they were going to keep my son all week as originally planned. And my sister has volunteered to come to my house and stay with me to help with the baby.



Updated on 21 Aug 2012:
Surgery Day Moved up 2 days! I am now only 6 days away from my new flat tummy! I have been waiting so long I can't even wrap my head around it yet, I have soo much still left to do and now that I lost two more days I am really feeling the crunch!. I want to have enough dinner pre made to cover at least the entire 1st week. I think that will be really helpful for my hubby. So exicted! :)


Updated on 26 Aug 2012:
Last night going to bed with my sagging belly skin!! So excited :) 12 hours and I will be getting prepped for surgery!!


Updated on 27 Aug 2012:
I did it!!! Surgery went as planned, don't feel that bad. (no pain pump) Taking my meds as scheduled. I can't wait to see results tomorrow when I get a shower.


Updated on 28 Aug 2012:
Has anyone ever passed out cold after removing the binder?? I took it off, got in the shower... Told my sister who was bathing me that I wasn't feeling so good. By the time she got me out and dressed I woke up on the floor with absolutely no recollection of how I got down there. It was awful :(


Updated on 2 Sep 2012:
6 days post and pretty miserable! I absolutely hate these drains and because it's a holiday week I'm stuck with them longer than usual. I haven't slept in days and the pain meds make me dizzy :(


Updated on 4 Sep 2012:
Getting my drains out today!!! Thank god, they have been the root to all my problems with this surgery. I have had little to no pain except for my drain holes constantly burning and pulling. No pain meds since Saturday so I feel a lot more level headed now. Overall, minus the drains.... The pain has definitely not been as bad as I expected. (just don't sneeze or cough! Lol)


Updated on 4 Sep 2012:
Don't know how I am going to explain this to my ps in the next 2.5 hrs but today... In the shower at 9 I pulled out my drains! They were absolutely unbearable any longer. Has anyone ever done this?? With or without drs consent??


Updated on 5 Sep 2012:
When to apply scar cream??

Updated on 9 Oct 2012:
6wks post op and sooo ready to get back to exercising! I'm still sore internally in the area around my belly button. So I have tried doing anything abs. My stomach is super flat!! Scar is a little higher than I would like but I scar really well and if it is anything like the others you will barely be able to see it in a year (hopefully less). ScarAway patches are amazing btw. Ill add pics this week!



Updated on 19 Jul 2013:
I just wanted to share my post pictures!!! Still the best decision I ever made :) (I'm in the fitness industry and train 6 days a week.. The abd are mine and archived through hard work.. No lipo received in that area.. Or any other area!)

I'm 47 years old and have always been big busted. No lie...I woke up one day and there they were. I never needed a training bra, I went straight to a C-cup. Before I graduated high school I was in a DD. I always had back, shoulder and neck pain and migraines. I was always aware of the way people looked at me. Sports...forget it! Oh sure I would have liked to play volleyball but I didn't. Jogging was out of the question. You get the idea. So now here I am. I've been visiting this website on occasion because my husband and I have discussed the surgery. I've been talking about it for a few years. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago and I suffer with pain every day. I'm on medication but I refuse to up my dose because it's a narcotic. So I began my research which brought me to "you". This is one of the best websites that I have found on this topic. I'm so glad that women are willing to share their story with others. It's what helped me to make up my mind. Not to mention the fact that my boobs starting growing again. Apparently this is normal when some women reach a certain age. In the past two years I went from a 40DD to an 36H. After surgery I will be a 38 or 36D. It's still pretty large but I'm sure I will feel some relief. My surgery is scheduled for Wed., May 16th. I'm not nervous yet but I'm sure I will be. I have a busy schedule which will help to occupy my mind. Not to mention I'm concentrating more on losing weight than anything. I want to lose 10 more pounds before surgery. When I'm able I will hopefully continue to lose. I'm not extremely over weight but I just feel I need to do this. So far I've lost 10 pounds. I will be posting pics after surgery. You should have seen my husbands face when I told him that...lol He is so supportive!!



Updated on 10 May 2012:
Well my surgery is in five days. When I have time to think about it I wonder if its the right thing to do. Deep down inside I know it is. I don't like the idea of being in pain but I just keep telling myself it is a temporary pain as compared to the daily pain I live with. Plus God will see me through it. He saw my husband through a quadruple bypass...He will see me through this. My family is very supportive which helps. There are a few women in my life that would like to be able to have the surgery but their insurance won't cover it. I have two sisters that would like to have the surgeon give them what he takes from me...lol Seriously though, I can't wait to be able to shop for bras that don't cost a small fortune!! SEXY BRAS!!!! I'm not sure if I will be posting pics, my husband doesn't like that idea. I showed him the website and although he is telling me I can do it if I want to I know he is uncomfortable with it. I'll take the pics and see what he says.

Updated on 15 May 2012:
I just got the call, my surgery is tomorrow, May 16th at 6:45am. I've been thinking about it all day. I keep asking God if I'm doing the right thing. It is going to forever change the way I look. I'm overweight but my breast help hide it. Without them I will definately look overweight!! My hubby, bless his heart, says that I have to remember I'm doing this to end my pain or at least minimize it. He is so wonderful. We both know that I will be able to work harder at taking off the weight after I heal. Right now I can't do arobics or zumba because it hurts. But once I heal I intend on doing it all!!

Updated on 17 May 2012:
Well I had my surgery yesterday. Surprisingly I wasn't to nervous. I arrived at the surgi-center at 6:30am and was home by 12:30pm. Spent most of the day sleeping. The main problem I had was that my drains were leaking all over me!! Last night I slept in the recliner which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm not in an extreme amount of pain but there is a lot of discomfort so I'm taking my pain meds. I can actually tell when it's time to take them.

Updated on 20 May 2012:
Day 4 after surgery. Didn't sleep very good last night. Still afraid to sleep in bed so I slept on the couch using a wedge pillow. Managed to get about four hours sleep (that's with Percocet). I did sleep a lot during the day yesterday though. So today I decided to do the opposite and stay awake all day today. Got a shower this morning and washed my hair. I tried putting on a regular sports bra and boy was that a mistake. I only bought two post-surgical bras and I wish I had bought a few more. The one bra I love the most is "Annette Seamless Breast Surgery Bra w/SeaKelp Micronutrients. It was expensive but worth every penny. I wish I had bought two or three of them. When I bought it I didn't think about things like blooding and such. Unless you want to wash your bras everyday you should really buy more then one. I got this one at makemeheal.com.

Updated on 22 Jun 2012:
WOW!! I feel great!!! My drains stayed in for a week and it was unbearable. As soon as they were removed I felt 95% better. To tell you the trueth I was more nervous about having the drains removed then I was the surgery. My husband had open heart surgery in October and I was with him when his drains were removed and I saw how much it hurt. So I thought I would have the same experience but I was wrong. It didn't hurt at all. I only felt a tug as they were pulled out. It was such a relief!! Next step....remove the steri-strips!! This was no easy task but with plenty of Dove soap and a hot shower (which was cold before I finished) I got the job done. At first everything seemed to come off with no problems but I ended up with a large scab on my left breast around the nipple. It didn't hurt or look infected so I let it go. When I went back to my doctor a few weeks later he told me to use Neosporin on it. The scab is getting smaller and doesn't seem to be scarring. I refuse to buy any more bras until I'm healed enough that they won't be all stained up. I go back to my ps in 3 weeks and I hope he tells me I cam wear a regular bra. Currently I am allowed to walk and do light exercising (no arobics) and I can go boating!! YAY!! I just can't go swimming yet.

For anyone trying to decide whether or not to have the surgery...all I can say is...I DON'T REGRET IT AT ALL!!! It is wonderful to go through the day with no back pain. To be able to sit straight and tall...no slouching. NO PAIN!! I look at myself in the mirror and I am amazed at how good I look. Sure I still have a little weight to lose but other then that my boobs look AMAZING!! If your health insurance pays for the surgery (or if you can afford it on your own) it is so worth it! Just remember everyone is different and everyone will have a different experience. After reading several posts I bought ice packs, steri-strips and paper tape, which I did not need. The one most important advice I followed was buying a post-surgical bra...I just wish I bought more than one.When I ordered it I didn't stop to think that I would be changing my bra everyday because of leakage. They are expensive but so worth it, much more comfortable then a regular sports bra.

Updated on 16 May 2014:
It's hard to believe it has been two years since my surgery. My breast still look amazing!! For a while every time I saw a large breasted woman I would have to ask her what size bra she wore. You should have seen some of the looks I got until I explained why I wanted to know. I would share my story and how it changed my life. Some people find it hard to believe that my breasts were larger then they are now....D cup. Others that saw me before surgery can't get over the difference. I have had one or two negative responses but it doesn't matter because they are male chauvinist pigs who think that women are sex objects. Sorry, I won't go there....I'm just so happy to have the kind of husband that loves me for who I am!! If you are thinking of having a breast reduction let me just say this, it was the best decision I have ever made. I am comfortable in my body now.

Was interested in improving my neck area and was told by my PS that it should be an easy fix, as I did not have that severe a problem. Unfortunately, I developed an awful hemotoma that required additional surgery to remove "grape jelly" like fluid that could not be removed with a syringe. PS advised that he would not touch my face for a year after procedure and will "revise" the lift after that time. I have visited his office many times and he keeps telling me, "We will contract you to do the follow up surgery". Still waiting and still have a large lump on left side of my face. I know I will not get any help with this and have had to deal with the results.

I went to dr watts because i was told he was the best but my experince was not thushes me offe same my tummy tuck was not what i expected to be yes it looks alittle better but he could of took more fat out my tummy is not flat at all still cant wear clothes i like and i went to see him twice and he brushes me off may be cuz am a lesbain and he really dont care not sure what the proble that he wont fix my problem



Updated on 22 Apr 2019:
Hi beautiful ladies just send my pics to Dr chang and Dr. Kagan for bbl and 360 lipo can’t wait for price waiting a long time for this can’t decide which one to pick seen lots of pics of beautiful ladies here hoping some one would tell me what supplies I need

Updated on 26 Apr 2019:
Put deposit down for bbl n 360 lipo with Dr Kagan so excited I wanted Dr Chang but I read lots of reviews with spectrum how unorganized they are so change my mind thanks to you beautiful ladies Here love reading every body stories n looking at pics love you ladies look amazing hope my surgery has a beautiful out come too

Updated on 4 Sep 2019:
Hello ladies going to Dr kagan in March next year put deposit down and going to avana now am nervous cuz I read some of your ladies reviews and some of you said Dr kagan no longer works there did any you ladies got a refund or switch to another doctor I want dr kagan that's who I pay for they in for a big surprise if they try to play with my money