Expectations, goals and experiences so far.
I fluctuated in my weight a lot in my life, almost always being heavy or chubby. This took a huge toll on my body, especially my skin and boobs. Genetics of saggy boobies runs in my family anyway, so that didn't help either.
I never thought I'd be the type to get plastic surgery always thinking that the inner is more important than the outer, but here I am - in the prime of my mid-life, feeling GREAT IN CLOTHES when everything is covered up... and not so hot while naked in the mirror. My boobs and wrinkly belly definitely affect my self esteem. I decided that I want to change that and so I choose to get a lift and a tummy tuck to remove excess fat and skin.
I workout 5-6 days a week with weights and cardio. I love my size 6/8 now and couldn't be happier in jeans.
I choose three different area surgeons all highly recommended.
Updated on 30 Sep 2014:
Sorry the other photos didn't come out - can't seem to edit them, so I am posting new pre-ops. I have always been the expert at good angles. Obviously, here I am just letting it ALL hang out! I know my side angles are great when I suck in my stomach and have a good bra.. no one would ever notice anything... but it's what they don't see (but that I DO!) that matters so much to me. Last night I woke up around 1am and couldn't fall back asleep til past 2am. Obviously, I have this surgery on my mind. It's more of an excitement really than worry. I have been using this guided imagery every night before sleep by B. Naperstek to mentally prepare for my surgery and a positive outcome. I fall asleep so quickly I have never gotten thru it, but I am a huge believer in positive thinking. When I woke last night, I talked to my body. I know this may sound weird, but I told it what was gonna happen. I asked for forgiveness for abusing it for so many years with food and lack of exercise. It was moving. At least it helped me feel better!
I refuse to allow any type of negativity into my brain right now - any type of worry. I am only focused on positive results and I think everyone in my situation should do the same. I keep telling my body how quickly she will heal, how wonderful everything is going to do, and how perfect the stitches are going to be with only light marks. This is a really important time to use mind over matter guys! It's like preparing mentally along with physical preps for this important moment when we will fall asleep and wake up to a new body!
I especially love coming on here and reading all the success stories and how happy others are with their results. It's encouraging and really important to put us at ease. :) I want to thank all of YOU for sharing and also hope that by documenting my own journey that I too can pass along this wonderful help!
Updated on 2 Oct 2014:
Wow, hard to believe the weekend is almost here and Tuesday is going to be here before I know it! The nurse called today. She wanted to make sure I had my two bras (38 C and 38B cup just in case) she proposed leaving the tags on because she said I could return one. You need the kind that close in the front. Actually I got 38C and 36 C only because they had NO Cs at all.. so I am gonna look a little more.. but the cups are really tight anyway so I think it'll work perfectly.
Things the burse told me:
- No food NOR water after midnight the night before.
- No Meds, chewing gum, candies either.
- wear very comfoy clothing, including a shirt that opens in the front, and flip flops even.
- Pic ID
- leave any jewelry and anything of value at home (my hubby will be there but I think I'll even leave my phone at home).
- My surgery should be 8am-12 noon. Apparently I can expect to be out of there by 2:30pm
She will give me a patch to wear behind my ear since I do experience motion sickness (YUK) I hope I don't get that.. it's the worst. Why would I have motion sickness? I'm not going to focus or worry about that and think positive things instead!!
Just a note to my friends: I am a SINCERE believer in the power of our thoughts... so as we go thru these procedures, please keep your mind FOCUSED on the amazing results you WANT TO HAVE! Sometimes things happen, but you cannot allow your mind to ponder these things too long or worry yourself to death. Just DON'T! Lead your mind... Guide it so that your thoughts are not all over the place! You want to put out he very best energy possible for the surgery. Be positive! Change nerves into anticipation for your beautiful new you!!! (And yes, I'm talking to myself too! ) haha
Updated on 4 Oct 2014:
I thought I'd post a few pics of how I look in clothes and how I can get a great angle. No one can tell this way...but I've already shown you what my belly looks like when I bend over, or when I do a plank....the fat just HANGS THERE. It saddens me....
I'm thrilled for these three days to pass quickly. Honestly I have been reading so many of your experiences and its wonderful. Im glad a few ppl have mentioned about sexual intimacy. Its a legitimate and important question.
Updated on 8 Oct 2014:
Surgery went very well. The nurses were phenomenal... So caring and gentle.
The hardest part is simply when you first up from a seated position. I can feel my tummy a lot. You're not supposed to stand up straight so I tend to look like an old lady. But the skin is tight they say, so you shouldn't walk straight so quickly...don't wanna pull on the suture.
Nurse put a patch behind my ear so I would get dizzy or nauseous. I still got a little nauseous while getting dressed after the surgery....but only a few dry heeves...
Of course I wanna see...but the slight discomfort just make me not want to take anything off.
I'm still doing my positive thinking now for quick, beautiful recovery. :)
Updated on 8 Oct 2014:
So I changed my guaze and had a peek. Its not bad at all!! My belly is swollen yes....but I can't see those pesky wrinkles everywhere anymore!!! Yeah!!!!
Updated on 9 Oct 2014:
Finally had the courage and energy this morning to open my bra fully! LOL. Snapped a few pics but bear in mind I am laying down, so its not as easy to see. But what I see so far...wow! I can actually see my nipples when I look down. That's like a victory in and of itself!! Haha!!
I have a lot more energy this morning and although my ass is tired of sitting and sleeping in this recliner, I'm way too cautious to do anything else than continually focus on my quick healing. :)
Thank you guys for all the love and support!
Updated on 9 Oct 2014:
Hey beauties!
I just wanted to share what I'm using with you...
Arnica for bruises and swelling
Graphites helps reduce scars after surgery
And
Staphysagria which promotes fast healing of surgical wounds.
I figure if nothing else, they will have a placebo effect because I'm.fully believing that they're doing what they are supposed to.
I found these at the vitamin shoppe. :)
Updated on 9 Oct 2014:
Today I gave myself a sponge bath. Dr. hasn't been using drains for a year and has much success so thank goodness no drains. I hear they are bothersome.
Took everything off and bathed. I can't believe this is my beautiful body!! I'm so happy, I cried tears of joy! No more hanging skin and fat and my boobies are normal!! I feel amazed and grateful and oh so happy!!!
I know now that my fitness goals will become a reality. I am excited to see the day that I can hit it hard again...but in the meanwhile, I think I'll just recline here in awe of this wonderful transformation.
Yes I spent two days in discomfort... But its sooooooooo worth it!!!
Updated on 10 Oct 2014:
Today I got a full shower vs sponge bath. Felt sooooooooo good! Tried not to get any water on sutures, of course a little did...but I did my best.
That kinna wore me out, so back to bed/ my recliner I went. I slept more the day. I was able to drive the boys to school and pick them up again, so I consider that the accomplishment of the day! :)
I lowered my percocet to one pill yesterday and today took Tylenol. However, my TT was bothering me more so I switched back. I believe the body heals better when you're not in pain.
When I DO have extra mental energy, I just keep dreaming how my new body will look in clothes and bras and panties. :)
I've been eating pretty light. I get full super fast. One cup of yogurt I'm full, or 5 gluten free crackers with a bit of turkey, I'm full. I'm TOTALLY OK with that...just sharing. Not sure as to others experiences.
happy Friday everyone!!!
Updated on 12 Oct 2014:
HI everyone! Sorry I didn't update yesterday... I was doing okay just spending time with my family and taking it easy... didn't have much to report. I think I'm pretty much done with the Percocet. I had switched to Tylenol but then back again for 12 hours because my tummy was bothering me... now I haven't taken anything in 12 hours and I'm feeling fine. I'll post pictures in a bit because I'm for ONCE on my computer and actually getting some much needed work done vs sitting in my recliner typing out on my tiny weeny phone keyboard. LOL It's so wonderful to be sitting up on a flatter chair. My butt is numb from being cushioned so much I swear! haha
My girls are doing great and I don't have much bruising.. a little yellowing but not even bad last time I checked (yesterday) we will see what this morning holds!
When I showered 2 days ago (vs a sponge bath) I got a little water in my belly button and some of the tape from my TT came up a bit. I hated the thought of that wetness to be honest so I kept visualizing it drying it. Belly button is all dry now but my suture on my belly seems wet still and looks a little raw.. uggg.. I think it's normal but that stuff kinna grosses me out. LOL I have been avoiding looking at pictures too much because my brain seems to currently associate any boobies and cut marks with nausea.
I've told you before that my profession is in guided imagery and the subconscious mind. So interestingly enough - I am very interested as I watch my OWN associations about this whole process. For example... I looked at the blue socks I got right after surgery when I was feeling so nauseous and immediately I started feeling sick to my stomach. But those socks were close and my feet were COLD! haha. So I told myself right away "No no no... those socks means quick healing... that's what they mean... look at them. They mean quick rapid healing!" and you know, I have them on right now and not once have I ever again felt nauseous looking at them. I immediately think quick healing! Isn't out subconscious mind so powerful? I am always amazed! This is why I love what I do.... the subconscious mind is so deep and can be used for such amazing things.
My hubby is graciously taking my one son to his language class today which is wonderful. usually every Sunday I hang out 4 hours while he studies. I cannot do that today - It'd be torture! haha. This is the time when you really start to understand how blessed we are to have people in our lives who love us and care for us.
I AM thinking however that I AM SO GRATEFUL that I will never have to go thru a tummy tuck EVER AGAIN in my life! Just this ONCE. I SWEAR. It's totally worth it. I have no regrets at all. But man... I'm such an active, happy, energetic person - that all this sleeping and lounging around with all my energy going to healing.... it's good but I just want to get back to living! haha.
Gosh I am SO VERY THANKFUL for each and everyone of you!! I think about you guys a lot during the day and feel like without you all here to share this journey.. I would definitely be stressed and feel alone and probably always questioning everything. It's so wonderful to share this with you and share your journeys as well. Happy Sunday my fearless friends!!! HUGS!!!!!!
Updated on 12 Oct 2014:
So I've actually been up for almost 14 hours without taking a nap. WHY does this feel like a big accomplishment? Haha!!
Feeling good today...even read over some proofing work which is huge progress since I haven't even looked at work in a week.
I'm so crazy happy with the way my girls are looking and turning out. Of course it still looks rough with all the black sutures around the areolas... But still...I think I see the future clear... AND ITS PERKY YA'LL!!! hahaha.
Tummy is doing fine...aches a tad some times from too much movement. But am I the only one whose BACK IS KILLING?? MAN. I can't figure out if its from lying around or my awful posture...but man oh man!
Hope you've all had a WONDERFUL DAY!!!
HAPPY HEALING DEAR FRIENDS!!! XO
Updated on 13 Oct 2014:
Hi friends!
I'm just wondering when most are up and about after a tummy tuck? Its day 6 post for me....and while I admit to enjoying my Netflix feasting....which I never do, I'm wondering when ppl are becoming more active? On a normal day I'm not a big sitter and while I realize I need to probably just move...I'm wondering what's normal. I was tired this morning just after washing my hair. LOL
I do like to push myself but figure in this case, its just unwise...but I'd love your advice!!
Updated on 14 Oct 2014:
Today was a great day. My butt was so tired of sitting. I just told myself I had to get back in the game! Bathed, some makeup, jewelry, got dressed....boom! Back to life! Ahhhh.....I felt ME again! My energy was pretty much sustained and allowed me to edit some work and help with 4 hrs of homework...then of course I crashed...but it feels wonderful to start participating in life again!
Believe it or not....this CRAZY WOMAN (yes me) is having a varicose vein treatment tomorrow. Uggg...it was scheduled before my surgery and my surgeon gave me the green light. I WOULD HAVE rescheduled of course but the other secretary started her talk about being liable if I cancel (not same Dr. not same place)..... Whatever...not arguing...it needs to be done and so, tomorrow it is.
Just praying my sweet body loving accepts and understands. :)
I hope you all have been doing your positive self talk!!! Sooooooooo important! Things such as affirming how nicely, beautifully and quickly you're healing.
How much you LOVE your body ALL OF HER!!!
How PROUD of her you are and how wonderful she is!
Tell your body and your breasts how amazingly beautiful they are.
Give THANKS every day for your PERFECT, BEAUTIFUL, RAPID HEALING.
and remember to look for perfections! Not imperfections.
Hugs my dear friends!! I'm so grateful to have you on this journey with me!!!
Updated on 16 Oct 2014:
So just yesterday my energy shot thru the roof again! I'm feeling great! My slight thigh swelling completely subsided two days ago. I'm a tad numb still right along my TT Line...buy hey...is natural anesthesia really so bad? LOL...
My breast are what I've always wanted. Interesting Frankenboob look temporarily .... I'll deal! LOL
My belly button looks like an upside down heart!! I cried!! HAHAHA I'm so grateful.
I've had minimal bruising and everytjing has been manageable. I feel like I'm over the hardest part...which is the fatigue and back pain.
Hugs you guys!!! Hope you're All doing wonderfully!!!! Xoxo
Updated on 18 Oct 2014:
Howdy friends!
So, yes! Everyday is getting better and better. I postponed my follow up to Monday cuz I had my varicose vein removed on Wednesday and could drive Thursday. Now on TOP on my compression corset I have compression hose. LOL but its actually no bother whatsoever. My leg is bruised a bit and I have holes healing....but yeah...what a little more when I'm dealing with a TT and bl? LOL nah...seriously, the varicose vein removal was great...its ALL GONE! Now I can wear skirts again too and feel great!
So...I have been reading and researching on here even when I'm not posting. I read how neosporin and peroxide seem to help quicken the healing first of all. I know that the stitches under my boobs are holding up more weight....and they looked just a tad red today....so I put some neosporin on the upside down T and it felt soothing. I also dabbed some on my TT line although that looks ok. Figure it can hurt!
Now, something VERY IMPORTANT TO SHARE with you all...I read of a woman using silicon scar sheets (Walmart and Walgreen's etc). Cut them to size, wore them 12 hrs a day. Even the online Walgreen reviews are FABUTASTIC!!!! PPL see scar reduction in size and color even within the first WEEK and keep using them for 7 weeks. They are (thank goodness) washable and reusable. I have no idea how they work but guess who ordered them already from Walgreen online??? ME!!!!!
LOL
They also have a spray which you can use as well or if you prefer...but hey...spray runs out. I'm trying the strips first. They do wiggle and suggestion to keep in place is surgical tape or Band-Aids. I guess this would be one con and a pro for the spray.
Just had to share because I found that such wonderful info! She also said she was using Obagi nu- derm to help make the color the same.... I don't know which product exactly, trying to find out. Oh! I bet if you wanna read the details that you can look under my recent comments. I just asked her a few questions. She hasn't been on in a while but hopefully she'll be able to answer.
Today I bathed and dressed and got myself looking like myself again! Feels so great!!! We went out to lunch and a little shopping. I was HAPPY to get out. I did get tired near the end but just relaxing now. GREAT DAY!!!
I'm so happy! Will update pics manana.
Happy Saturday friends!!!! Xoxo
Updated on 22 Oct 2014:
Didnt seem to go thru the emotions of this surgery except maybe a half day when I was feeling blah bc I was holding so much water and hadn't worn makeup or done my hair in a week and a half. But now every day is getting better and better. Now I shower and get dressed do my hair and makeup just like any day. I'm feeling myself again only and improved version! 2 days ago I saw my surgeon and got 80 percent of my stitches taken out. He was happy with the way everything looked as am i. I go back next week to get the rest of them taken out. He told me to start the silicone scar sheets after my next appointment when I have all my stitches out. He confirmed they do work well. So I am excited to start them. I actually hug him at my last appointment because I am so happy with the results. I am so excited because I feel like I will achieve my fitness goals now there's no extra skin in the way. I can slowly start back into my exercise regimen which makes me very very happy. Even though my shoulders and arms feel softer than two weeks ago and of course I have lost a little tone, it's not so bad, not as bad as I thought as you can see in the pictures I still have some tone in my arms. What a relief! I am truly excited to slowly get back into the swing of things though I have to admit.everything is healing up nicely, no infections are weird things going on just smooth and steady healing, getting better each day. I will say that I kind of felt weird the other day when I was sucking in my stomach a little bit and the difference between where the tummy tuck meats, the feeling above and the feeling below it's rather strange it doesn't quite feel like one unit yet and that was bizarre. But other than that I couldn't be happier with my results. I love my surgeon and he is so skilled and so kind. I would do this all again in a heartbeat!
Updated on 31 Oct 2014:
Started exercise three days ago.,ahhh...I feel like I am living again. Energy is back and I feel fine. If I go without my corset like I did today, I do feel a little puffiness in my lower belly. But my breasts feel fine and everything else feels good. I think I'm giving about 85% in my workouts, which is fine because very soon I will be back to 110%. I am so happy with my new body!
Updated on 7 Nov 2014:
Hi everyone!
Can't believe a month has already passed. I'm healing well, still have my visible lines, obviously...but getting better I trust...lol.
Interestingly enough, not feeling nearly as sexy as I did before... I love the way I look...don't get me wrong...but I feel like my libido plummeted recently when it used to be freaking sky high! Lol
Maybe I just got rusty with 3 weeks off... Haha
I'm back with my crazy a** workouts. 1.5 hours challenging my partner to burn 1000 calories in that time...I'm doing it but I notice some swelling too afterward...so gonna tone it down a bit. Also, have not gotten back into my weight lifting yet. Just going arms with 10lb dumbbells used to do 25 before surgery. Now 10 wears me out after 15 reps...lol...lame!
ANYWAY!!! I do love my new look...just need to get my sexy groove back I guess. Doesn't help when my partners a little scared he will hurt something... Haha...yeah...scared is not so sexy I guess....shrugging my shoulders...