James D Baldwin

I am super excited about my Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck In 9 days! I'm a 50 year old mom of 3. 5'5" at 175. I have a VERY short torso.and I am thrilled to finally be able to not have a hanging apron or hear applause when I run or exercise. Almost brave enough to post pics.

Updated on 13 Nov 2019:
Secret, secret...I’ve got a secret!

To say that nerves are kicking in is an understatement! I am just counting down the hours. Late tonight, I will be loading my before pics, so when I wake up, if I can even get any sleep tonight, I’ll be on my way to the flat side.

OMG...Even though I didn’t tell people what exactly I’m doing, people are just SUPER nosy!!!! Props to the youtubers, and those that are very open about the process. I thought I was a pretty open person, but the older I get the more private I become.

I appreciate all the prayers for tomorrow! Bless those surgeons’s hands!

Updated on 14 Nov 2019:
Doc James “Sam” Baldwin took such good. Are of me! I’m not in too much pain. I wonder what will be like tomorrow. As promised, I would post before pics, for some reason i can’t find them. Doing good with the drains.

Updated on 15 Nov 2019:


Updated on 20 Nov 2019:
So I had a check up today. The nurse took my binder off, removed the dressings, and I was able to catch a glimpse. Then I got to take a hunched over look in the mirror while standing. I couldn't believe myself. Even though I had some swelling above my belly button the large amount of hanging skin was gone...IT WAS REALLY REALLY GONE!!! The belly was beautiful! The doctor seemed pleased with his work too. Then the binder went right back on. Tomorrow I will get to take a shower and take pics WITHOUT the binder. I will add them as I can. Until then, I'll leave you with my pre-appt pics

Updated on 20 Nov 2019:
Today I got to take my first shower post op. It took everything, I mean everything out of me. I thought I was recovering well. It sounds so crazy that taking a shower can just wear you out. Good news, I got some snapshots. Upper abdomen is still swollen.

Updated on 2 Dec 2019:
The drains are no joke! For me, they have been the worst part of the whole thing. The closer I was to getting them out the more sore they were. It’s hard to explain the feeling, but it is soon forgotten once they finally were removed. The doctor said I don’t have to wear the binder at night, but I’m a pretty rough sleeper. I find comfort sleeping in it. So for now, it’s staying on. Stitches, and drain openings are healing well

Well, after a denial and an appeal my insurance over turned their decision and I am off to my surgery on October 8th. I look at some pictures on this site and I am scared to death! Im also nervous about not waking up after the surgery! I know it's silly but I worry. What are the first few days like after the surgery. I have two young daughters and Im concerned about getting them ready for school, baths, etc. Thanks for any advice.