Debra Ann Reilly-Culver

After losing 121 pounds I was left with unsightly excess skin. I was very fortunate that insurance paid for my tummy tuck because if I had paid for this with the results I have I'd be even more devastated. I know it's early still to judge.. but as it stands I fear that revision will be my future.. and at a cost.. hopefully I'll be able to afford it... out of all I've been through.. I just wanted a nice stomach.. now I feel as hideous as I did pre-op.. with a huge scar for nothing. I'm not even flat.. I look pregnant.

Updated on 15 Jun 2013:
Need to remind myself I'm really still early post-op. I wrote the original review after a bunch of crying and was upset. I've seen worse TT's.. I'm thankful for what I have. I just wish my belly button didn't have the lines/extra skin around it. Hopefully if it doesn't improve after the swelling goes away.. there will be some sort of treatment option for me to achieve the belly button I want.. and to remove the wrinkled skin right below the belly button/around my vertical scar.

Updated on 15 Jun 2013:
Actually not minding what I see in the picture (as far as my belly is concerned at least lol)
Can't wait till next spring when I get my BL/BA!

Updated on 21 Jun 2013:
Woke up this morning 3 weeks 1 day post-op and my swelling went down quite a bit compared to the swell hell I was in for days. I'm feeling "ok" about my results.. I think the main thing that bothers me is the side view.. I'm not entirely sure if that's swelling or fat.. I expected to have a flat belly. I'm a 21.0 bmi, size 2-4 jeans, size XS tops, and very active.. so I'm not sure why I now have this pot belly.. I really really hope it's just swelling.. it's the only thing that I have doubts about. I could live with the imperfect belly button.. if only I were flat... patience grasshopper...

Updated on 24 Jun 2013:
Booked a consult with a really good surgeon in the area for BL/BA (different from my TT surgeon).. and getting a second opinion on my TT from him. July 29th! Saving up the cash to get the girls fixed.. the weight loss hit almost every part of my body.. but belly and breasts the worst. Hoping he can offer some insight on my TT results.. as much as I try to stay positive.. I can't help but think that I picked the wrong doctor for my TT. I don't see how this will get any better... I have obvious lose skin and my scar is very high making my private area look huge. Even though my insurance paid for this tummy tuck.. it looks like I will have to pay for a revision out of pocket in the future. Please people.. don't tell me to be patient. I know and I'm trying. I have very little hope because of the way it looks.. I'm hardly swollen.. 5'7 and weigh 134lbs.. super fit.. and with a gigantic belly that doesn't fit the rest of my body. I had someone ask me how far along I was yesterday at the grocery store. I think I have a right to be upset.

Updated on 24 Jun 2013:
I'm hoping for the best.. hoping that my worries are put to ease. I have two different consults with two different surgeons. Now.. just gotta wait till the end of next month..

Updated on 25 Jun 2013:
I'm noticing that maybe the issue was also in the mark up pre-op.. the surgeon marked me hip to hip in one quick swoop of the arm. Everything I see online shows careful mark up from hip to hip then from hip to hip and up to the belly button area.. she didn't seem like the markup even mattered at all with how it took 3 seconds and then I was back on the stretcher getting wheeled to the OR.. nor was there any mark up on me beside just the hip to hip one.. I don't understand why this happened to me. Trying to snap out of this "woe is me" thing.. but I can't. I feel cheated out of this opportunity.. it's hurts me.. and it's driving me crazy. :(

Updated on 25 Jun 2013:


Updated on 28 Jun 2013:
This was my after TT vacation goal outfit.. unfortunately with how my results are I don't think I'll be wearing this on vacation.

Updated on 28 Jun 2013:
Going to try to take a break from realself until my second opinion consults have happened.. or at least closer to those dates.. I'm happy for everyone with good results.. they have what should be typical of this surgery.. it still really depresses me that I'm not one of them. I've worked so hard to get this far in my weight loss journey.. this was going to be my "closure".. now.. well.. the pictures say it all. Hopefully I can keep myself away from here for a bit.. I just wish this wasn't on my mind as much as it is.. but I had no idea this would happen to me.. I hope for a positive outcome with my consults next month..

Updated on 11 Jul 2013:
Been in the hospital for almost a week with excruciating pain. Found out I have a hematoma/sermoma.. but the hospital doesn't think that's the cause of my pain.

Updated on 15 Jul 2013:
Diagnosed with a hematoma/Seroma in my abdomen.. they are just gonna watch it I guess. Still not too happy with it.. but I have hope for improvements.. whether through time or future revision. Next week second opinion consults.

Updated on 17 Jul 2013:
I definitely have a dog ear that will need fixing.. but other than that and the skin looking bad when I sit.. I'm happy with how it looks when standing.

Updated on 18 Jul 2013:
Journey from 5'7 and 255lbs to 130lbs!

Updated on 18 Jul 2013:
before & after!

Updated on 25 Jul 2013:
Just got back from my second opinion consult. Planning on a revision in the future. The new doctor agreed with my concerns.. I could have been pulled tighter and he wants to lower my scar. He's going to see if tricare will cover the revision since they covered the initial surgery, and if they don't he is waiving his fee for me (very kind since he didn't do the TT originally!). I'd be looking at $4,700 for the revision if insurance doesn't help out.. which is a very good deal if you ask me! I see him again in 4 months - still too early out to jump into the revision. I'm just happy I have a game plan and a surgeon I fully trust! Also planning on a breast lift too. Now - patience.

Updated on 5 Oct 2013:
Insurance is paying for my revision TT with my new surgeon AND a breast lift! Will update once I get the date scheduled!

Updated on 16 Oct 2013:
January 17th I'm having a revision TT and a breast lift with a new surgeon. From here on out I will be updating on my tummy tuck revision review and I will also be creating a breast lift one as well! I'm on the cancellation list.. so hopefully I can get in sooner!

Updated on 12 Feb 2014:
I meant to update here after.. but honestly I've just been updating my other review (on the revision tummy tuck board). I won't be updating on this review any longer. See you all on my other review!
http://www.realself.com/review/omaha-ne-tummy-tuck-revision-the-road-revision