I have had 2 c-sections and have been looking into a tummy tuck for a few years. I lost 50 lbs and kept it off for 4 years. I workout 6 days a week - my regimine includes 3 days of lifting and 3 days of cardio. No matter what I do my stomach just hangs there. So, finally with the support of my family and more importantly my hubby my PS is selected, my date scheduled, and now I'm anxiously waiting for the day. I made sure he has all the qualifications, consistent results, great bedside manner, and attentive staff. He's been a plastic surgeon for 30 years plus. I'm still quite nervous considering this isn't medically necessary and anything can happen... I wanted to document my journey because this site has helped me see the good, the bad, and the ugly. And, I want to repay the favor. I do not need muscle tightening my core crazy enough is quite strong. I will have lipo to remove the extra pockets of fat above my belly button and removal of my "overhang" as my PS calls it and he will recreate my belly button. I don't have any fat about my waist it's just my stomach that has the fatty tissue. It's frustrating because people always like to say oh but you're so small, so you don't need to do that, but they don't see me in the mirror naked and how it feels. It's hard after being so dedicated to have so little results in the one area that needs it most. I'm so excited to finally be doing this for myself, so that I can have the confidence that's been lacking since I've had my babies. It's funny one of my friends went with me to my appointment and they saw finally for themselves what I mean about the loose skin and the fat pockets and they got it... Not that I need that approval and understanding but it helps. I hope this helps whomever is reading this and I encourage feedback, questions and suggestions. I can't wait for my body to have a consistent look of a healthy physique all over. I am especially hoping someone out there will have information for my particular situation. I'm consistent with my workouts, I'm fit, I run/jog/walk (intervals) at least 10-15 miles a week I lift 3 times a week. I still am not certain what the recovery will look like so hopefully I can help someone else in this situation once I reach that point. I hope to give you a real perspective of what that looks like for an athlete. I'm in my mid-30s.
Updated on 18 Feb 2019:
The day I have contemplated, researched and now committed to is tomorrow!! I'm so anxious. I had dinner with my girls, then hosted all my family (I'm the baby of 6) with the other halves and my neices amd nephews, cleaned my whole house top to bottom and all the laundry.
I can't believe it's actually here... I'm going to take some Tylenol PM and get a good night's rest. I'm thankful for a supportive hubby that will be with me the first 2 days and my mom for 2 weeks.
I worked out today and after my shower it hit me ... Thats the last time I have to see my belly that doesn't match the rest of me. I have worked my tail off the past 5 years, 5-6 days in the gym every stinking week!! I'm so READY for my "overhang" to be gone!
I'll post an update following the surgery... On the flat side!!
Updated on 19 Feb 2019:
The surgery is done and over. I'm now rested comfortably at home. I went to the surgery center in a button up shirt, yoga pants, and comfy socks with slippers. Everyone was so kind and helpful! Tomorrow I head in to his ofc, so he can take a look at things. I'll post an update tomorrow. Just can't believe my belly will finally be gone.
Updated on 1 Mar 2019:
The surgery went well and super quick! Maybe 2 hours for the entire procedure. Initially, my surgeon didn't think I would need muscle tightening, but once he started he noticed the distasis was more than anticipated. He placed about 4-5 inches worth of permanent sutures. The evening I got home I was in a bit of pain. My surgeon did not offer Exaprel. But, with the Percocet it did keep the pain manageable.
The following items I could not have done without: riser for the toilet seat, lift chair recliner, and walker. It made recovery soooo much easier! Start the stool softners and laxatives early! I started the day before surgery and the 3rd morning after surgery I was able to use the restroom effortlessly.
My surgeon wanted me back in the ofc the next morning (Wednesday) to make sure things were going well. I thought he was a madman but appreciate his concern and thoroughness. I was back in two days after (Friday) to have my sutures removed from my belly button and a follow up that Monday. I had a bit of a scare (unwarranted) but nonetheless I wanted to be seen. I called at 8:30 and I was seen by 9:15. I can't say enough about this ofc. They really do care for their patients. My concern was the raised nature of the incision when it was initially quite flat. There was no seeping, redness, or warmth to the touch I just wanted to make sure it was normal... It was ;0). It's my body healing which includes swelling. I go back at 2 weeks (this coming Tuesday) for the remaining stitches to be removed.
The most difficult part for me is not being able to do much. I workout 6 days a week, work a high pressure job, have two babies and I'm married. I'm always on the go and VERY social. I miss my ability to just go... At 3 days post op I tried to actually help my husband and kids meal prep... Against my better judgement and my husband's protest. I regretted it soon after when I hit my incision opening the drawer to get a butter knife. Thought I was going to die! I quickly returned to my recliner hanging my head in shame for being so stubborn. My oldest told me he was concerned I was doing too much. He's 12 and one of my greatest blessings. I decided it was time to just take it easy and recover in the manner I should... Gracefully and patiently.
I am still quite swollen - I don't know if it's because it was a stainless TT, but I can tell you I am so ready to see the new me!! My overhang is gone and its amazing. His incision flawless and a work of true art.
I haven't told many ppl... Just my closest of friends and everyone has jumped in to help! Bringing meals, taking kids to school, keeping the house up. My husband has been amazing and without complaints. He is quick to tell me to go rest. I do make it a point to get up regularly at least every hour. I have to add lift recliner or not I miss my bed. I have a tempur-pedic that will rise at both ends but I don't want hubbs to have to sleep like that even though he will. I am waiting until 2 weeks to return to the bed to avoid putting any tension on my incision. We will see how it goes. I will post more pics once the stitches are removed! To all those who posted their journey... THANK YOU!!! It helped immensely to prepare for my journey.
Updated on 1 Mar 2019:
So the photo in the red top day after surgery the others day 10. Sorry I haven't done great with photos /. Still so impressed evening with the swelling! My belly is so tight but to be expected. I have predominant swelling in the monus pubis area but that is because I didn't have alot of skin to work with. He ended up having to do an incision below the belly button as well. This again was due to lack of skin to sew and he wanted to be sure I wasn't pulled too snug... Which I appreciate.
Updated on 1 Mar 2019:
So I will do better with taking photos because they have been few and far between. I had to have an incision below my belly button due to lack of loose skin above... He wanted to make sure I wasn't too snug which I appreciate. But, still so tight its crazy but anticipated.
Updated on 2 Mar 2019:
So, I have photos from one day post to 10 days post which was yesterday. I hope they post! I'm having a bit of difficulty posting photos. I apologize if I end up with multiples on my page. I'll be happy to address any questions! I'll get a closeup of my belly button in the next round of photos.
Updated on 3 Mar 2019:
So, I'm 12 days post and the hardest thing by far is my loss of freedom to just go. I miss working out terribly. I miss going out after work for a drink with my girls. I miss my runs in my neighborhood and I'm obsessing over what to eat since my activity level is nonexistent and all I'm craving is comfort food. It will be worth it I know, so I'll stop whining ... for now ;0). Anyone else have any personal stories to share that are similar? How did you cope?
Updated on 4 Mar 2019:
I am so stinking tickled!! I had the rest of my stitches removed and I will say it hurt dag on it! But my swelling is the best it's been and I'm just tickled pink. I am so happy with this decision and if I'm this happy now I can't imagine once the swelling is gone.
Updated on 6 Mar 2019:
So, yesterday was my first day back to work and it was hard! I was exhausted by the end of the day. I only went in because I had meetings I had to facilitate and it's so hard to run a meeting remote... I found that the reason I had so much discomfort was my compression garmet. It was ill-fitting and too tight. I came home and stripped it off and once I put on my hospital garment back on I had immediate relief. So, today I went for half a day and used my Spanx instead - it was so much better! Who knew?
I have another that arrived today Lenoisa. I will write on my experience with that one tomorrow. I am officially 15 days post op and my swelling is manageable and my pain is gone. I just have the tightness still but to be expected. Each day I move with more ease than the one before. Excited to see what happens the next couple of weeks!
Updated on 7 Mar 2019:
So, I'm 16 days post and I can't be more happy about my incision. Today was a better day back at work because the Spanx are amazingly better than the other garments I've tried. Nothing still compares to the hospital one but it's too bulky to wear to work. Here's some photos :0)
Updated on 8 Mar 2019:
So, I'm 17 days post and I'm getting more excited and pleased each passing day. The swelling is better and I actually got to put on jeans today and it wasn't too bad. I started more aggressively scrubbing the surgical glue, but it is still too tender but here are the latest photos.
Updated on 12 Mar 2019:
I had my 3 week checkup today... I have been cleared to start walking!! No lifting just yet and that's OK. He said my progress is atypical for someone who had muscle tightening. My scar looks fantastic. My incision below my belly button is healing and still has a scabbing that he instructed me not to mess with. Once the scab falls off he will take a look to see if we need to pursue more agressive scar therapy. I have been cleared for using the silicone sheets on the rest of the incision. Sending back my lift chair today and goung back to my bed. Hubby is ecstatic ;0)
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Silberblatt. He is phenomenal in skill and competency. I appreciate how often he wants me in the office. I return in 3 weeks.
Updated on 13 Mar 2019:
So, at this point I couldn't be more pleased! I've actually lost 5 lbs crazy enough! I've really been watching what I eat and eating well keeping my calories at 1500 or less since I'm not working out right now. I plan to take my first walk today and can't wait to feel the sun on my face. Just wanted to share some photos from this morning when my swelling is at a minimum
Updated on 19 Mar 2019:
I made it to 4 weeks! And, I feel great. I walk at least 45 minutes a day to ease back into working out and it causes swelling unfortunately but to be expected. I have a cruise in 24 days and cannot wait! I'm using silicone sheeting everyday 18 hours a day along with scar cream. I still take arnica tablets regularly and a cleansing tea that's supposed to help with water weight. I wear some type of compression garment 24 hours a day.
Updated on 2 Apr 2019:
Today I had my six-week follow-up visit with my plastic surgeon. It went fantastic. I continue to heal well and I am just ecstatic with the results. The only thing that concerns me which will just take time is the swelling I have and my mon pubis region. I asked about it today and he said it was due to the staples used. Most have the swelling go down at 6 weeks but patients vary, so I just need to be patient. I would like to know if anyone else has had any issue with their internal staples?
Updated on 2 May 2023:
Still so happy I made the choice to get my tummy tuck!!! One of the best decisions I ever made. If you are on the fence all I can say is as long as you find the right Dr you can’t go wrong! I had a lot of ppl tell me not to do it. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the haters. I did the work. The belly wasn’t moving after 2 c-sections. I worked out for 5 years, 5-6 days a week, lost 45 lbs and kept it off.