I am having a Benelli (Donut) lift of breast with a slight reduction, TT, and Flank Lipo. I am super excited...and nervous. My children are in their 30's now and for over 30 years I have had a "butt" in the middle of my tummy because my c-section scar was vertical! No matter how much weight I lost, it never went away. So I had my pre-op today. I love my surgeon and his patience to answer questions. I have read tons of reviews on here and gotten some good ideas for my post op time and how to handle things. I am looking to lift the "girls" a little and do a wee bit of down-sizing on them so we are doing the Donut lift. I am also getting rid of the front butt and going for a flat tummy with a TT. I will have flank lipo also. My concern is what to wear after surgery? Of course loose fitting...but I can't imagine underwear/panties? Can I get suggestions? Updated on 8 Mar 2018: Thought I would add my pre-op photos now so I can look back later. I am at the point in the mental process where I am on the roller coaster of emotions even though I made a firm decision to have this done. I am 54 and wondering if I am crazy, if I am too old for this, and if it even matters that my body looks like this. Wondering why I am spending money on myself...you know, I have read all this on other's post and I know I am not the only one to have these thoughts (maybe not the too old part since everyone I look at is younger than me)! I have always been athletic and active, but no matter how small I get, I have ALWAYS had this butt stomach since the birth of my first child (emergency c-sections as he was 2.5 months premature). It didn't help that my second child was 10 pounds and stretched out the scar and my stomach! I am happy I had kids (most days! LOL) and now they are grown and I think I shouldn't care about how my body looks from it, but I do. As I said, I am very active but when I lose weight, the more it looks like a butt because I get smaller everywhere else. So then I get discouraged. I still stay active but I am ALWAYS aware of covering my stomach! I told my PS that I don't even care that I have the scar up and down, just make it flat! LOL! I will still have the other surgery scar across my tummy, but it doesn't look like a butt, so I don't care. 1 week to go...I just wish it was here already! Any advice you guys give, I appreciate it! Updated on 12 Mar 2018: So, I told my mom and sisters I am having a breast reduction and lift...and that is true. I am so tired of not fitting into the cute shirts. Always buying shirts that are a size bigger than I need everywhere else just so they go across my boobs without me looking like a [RS bleep] star. I can't wear most v neck stuff or I have so much cleavage it's not appropriate for work. And bras...I have to wear the industrial looking ones. Usually C is about as big as the sexy stuff goes...for a DD you get hard core work horse bras. Occasionally you can find a sexy DD...but it don't hold these heavy things up. So slight reduction and a lift it is for me! So anyway, I didn't tell my elderly mom and older sisters about the TT because I KNOW they would be doing everything in their power to talk me out of it. It took me a long time to make this decision. I work hard to stay healthy and active with a crazy career. 35 years with this front butt stomach is enough. I am tired of feeling like I look fat when I work so hard. I am tired of wearing maternity looking shirts to hide my tummy. So now I am four days out from surgery...my bf of 8 years will be my caregiver. A couple of friends and my boss knows, but that is it. It's getting real and I have tons to do before Friday! Updated on 15 Mar 2018: When I booked my surgery in December, I was thinking it would take foreverrrrr to get to March 16. It has FLOWN by in a rush! I hope the recovery part flies by just as fast. I am super excited to do this but SUPER nervous about the pain management (I don't do well with meds). The last three or four nights I have been getting up at 3am because I can't sleep. I wake up and my brain starts on all the things I want to get done before they roll me into surgery... I really hope today goes by fast... Updated on 16 Mar 2018: Hey Guys! Made it to the flat side! I just love my PS! Bedside manner is fantastic. Surgery took a little over 5 hours. I actually didn't get sick!!! That was a huge concern!!!! I am having a little trouble peeing normal...hopefully that part of me will wake up fully soon. Updated on 17 Mar 2018: So, I have walked every 2 hours (made laps inside the house), but I am so sore. The areas where they did lipo has burning sensation but that is normal I hear. My bf has been amazing... he got up every hour through the night for me to go pee.I just can't sleep. I don't sleep on planes or cars even though I travel for work, so trying to sleep in the recliner is not working. I am exhausted. Tomorrow the day needs to be better. Updated on 18 Mar 2018: I stopped the muscle relaxers and the pain meds just so I could pee correctly and hopefully have a BM. I have gone 14 hours so far but I don't know if I can hold out on that. My PS checked on me and told me to go with Milk of Magnesia to get things moving. I am going to give that a try. I am not allowed to shower yet and am in a compression garment 24/7 until my first post op...it goes from my knees to my shoulders (yeah baby, crotchless) but I got a great sponge bath from the bf that made me feel human again. Nothing sexy about it,with hairy legs and drains hanging off my neck! LOL! I was so tired last night that I actually slept in the recliner. It's amazing what sleep can do, even if it is only in 2 hour windows of time (because I have to get up to go pee again). I am going to need those muscle relaxers I think, so this BM needs to get a move on! (Waaaay TMI but it's the reality of this surgery). Over all feeling way better! Updated on 19 Mar 2018: Just telling you that in case you need to know! The "event" as it's come to be known in my house, of having a BM, occurred late yesterday...and has continued to occur every two hours since I took Milk of Magnesia. Updated on 19 Mar 2018: All of a sudden I am like the Alien in the movie "Alien"...All slime (at least I think that is the monster I am thinking of). It's spring in NC and that makes me "slime"...and slime makes me COUGH when it runs down my throat. I coughed so hard I thought I popped sutures (actually felt popping). OMG the pain. I am sucking on honey by the spoon fulls...I can't cough anymore...advice, you don't want to cough. ever. Updated on 20 Mar 2018: Today I saw my stomach without the butt in the front for the first time in 35 years...and I cried. Writing this, I am crying again. After Dr. Klainer confirmed they were tears of joy, (and I thanked him more than once), he was so precious. Even held my garment out of the way for bf to grab a pic. I can now take my cg off and wash it and take a real sponge bath (no showers until the drains are out is his rule), which is when I will grab some pics to post. I am already over the moon, happy. My boobs feel great! Not that much smaller, but I have no side boob under my arm and they are lighter!!! I still can't believe my tummy. Total amount removed, close to 10 pounds. Updated on 22 Mar 2018: I have only caught one pic and that was at the reveal, but I was laying back so really doesn't do justice for my breast. I had a donut reduction/lift, so around my nipples looks wicked but already since this pic looks hugely different and better. In my post op pic they had just removed my dressings and I am still covered in glue and goo. LOL! And I am SWOLLEN (four days post)...which has also improved a ton! I still had on the cg, it was just pulled back so you can't tell but I do HAVE a WAIST now! I promise I will post better pics but this is what I have for now. Updated on 23 Mar 2018: Today is the day I start standing up straight and laying flat. Just by doing that I feel TONS better! I have to say the WORST part of this process was the requirement to stay bent for one week. I had the WORST back muscle spasms!!! I was worried about pain management but honestly, I haven't taken pain pills, I have taken muscle relaxers to get comfortable! I did not have the meds that some PS use to numb the stomach. My PS had not seen good results using those meds (said he saw increase in seromas and pt's couldn't feel when they were doing too much and wound up hurting themselves), so I was worried. I like my breast, I just wanted them smaller so I could fit into cute shirts and stop buying shirts a size too big just to cross my bust. I also wanted them lifted. I wanted to try the Benelli (donut) lift before jumping into more scars. In my pics I am not standing straight so one looks higher bigger than the other, but in real life sitting level, they are the same. Every day the nipples flatten out more (as the PS told me they would). My belly button was weird from my old C-section scar so I was worried what I would have, but one of the reasons I picked Dr. Klainer was I loved his belly button work!!! I am super pleased with mine! Of course I still have a ton of swelling and I know that will take a while to go away but I love how flat I already am! Updated on 26 Mar 2018: So my help goes back to work today. It's so depressing. I have loved having him home with me and he told me last night that it has kept him more busy than he thought (caring for me), but it was easier than he thought. I guess I wasn't too bad of a patient! He prepped food for me for the day, and is helping me get dressed for the day before he leaves for work. I am really fine to be on my own...jus hope the dog doesn't want to go in and out very much, that sliding door is a beast to open for me still! Updated on 26 Mar 2018: OK, I didn't give it much thought. I guess I thought it would be handled by my PS (and it was for the most part). I am in the full knee to shoulder, crotchless garment. Problem is, while I am only 5'6'', I am long from my crotch to shoulder. To stand up straight in this outfit, I have to grab close to the tt incision and pull up (cutting my crotch in half at the leg holes) or lifting from the shoulders. It is adjustable, but I came out of surgery with it already on the longest setting. To hook and zip it up the middle, is no problem now but the more I try to stand up straight the more this thing is fighting me to stay hunched. I liked it for the most part because I had flank lipo and didn't want the waist bands cutting in on my sides of the two piece options...but I think I am going to have to go two piece because I can't find anything with a girth length as one of the measuring points. What are you ladies using? I paid a lot of money on this surgery and want the best possible results, so I am not going to cheap out on a garment to give me the best recovery and comfort during recovery. As a reminder I had breast reduction and lift, TT with Muscle Repair and Flank Lipo (bra to hips). What are you wearing and how do you feel? I am 10 days post and will get drains out in 4 days (GLORIOUS DAY!!!) so I guess I could go without adjustment but think that would be good for days when I have to travel for work or swell...thoughts? Updated on 26 Mar 2018: My CG has bra fastener like Hook and Eyes on the shoulders. It was already let out as far as it could go and yet still dug into my shoulders or crotch area. Today I had a friend run out and pick up bra extenders and OMG, I can stand up straight! AMAZING!!! The hook and eye matched up perfectly and gave me the extra 2 inches (you could do more or less) that I needed! I had already ordered a new CG so now I will have one for when I want to wash one! Updated on 29 Mar 2018: No more drains!!! Didn't feel them come out except for where the holes where the drains were but only a little pinch. That was it. I was totally thinking it was going to be like the old school drains from back in the day that had a big end on them that had to be pulled out (I had one with my gallbladder surgery). NOTHING LIKE THAT at all!!! So he packed some gauze around the drain holes and told me to keep that on 'til tomorrow and THEN I could take a shower!!! He is conservative with drains and showers etc., but he has a VERY, VERY, low infection or complication rate (basically non-existent), so I am following his instructions to a T. I can't believe how good I feel now that the drains are gone!!! I got a great report, my next stage of instructions to follow until my next appointment in 2 weeks. I will post pics tomorrow after a SHOWER!!!! Updated on 31 Mar 2018: So my PS is conservative on shower and drain protocol. I am OK with that since he has such a low infection rate. Yesterday I hit the 24 hours after my drains were out so I got to take a REAL shower! It was GLORIOUS! I showered and felt like a new human. I stayed a LONG time in the shower, then we did the massage with moisturizer, washed my cg, and I help cook dinner. OMG, I swelled up from all that activity! By the time I got my CG back on I was packed in it. Next time I wash the suit, I will sit still with feet up...I probably didn't drink enough water yesterday either and I am sure that played into the swelling. I ALSO slept in the bed last night all night! I didn't have to get up and go pee either so first night for that! So today even though I am more sore and swollen than I have been being, I feel amazing!!!! The glue is starting to come off, the bruising is almost completely gone (still taking arnica orally 4 times a day). My right breast is has a little more swelling to it than my left but I can feel everything on that side but I have some numbness to the left breast even though it is less swollen. So far SUPER please with the progress! Updated on 2 Apr 2018: Up until now, I just haven't had the extra swelling that others have complained about. I am swollen in my surgical areas but that is expected. But that changed this weekend. Now that my drains are out and I can move and I feel human again because I can take showers, I am up and going. I went to the grocery store (yay me!) and went out to dinner (ate healthy choices), went to a friends for Easter lunch...and boy am I miserable today. I just want to sleep. I have on my tightest cg and I am still on arnica orally, and I am drinking lemon water, chilling in my recliner as much as possible today, and watching my diet to get this extra swelling out of here...it is not comfortable! On another note, I have noticed two things since my surgery. First, I just can't eat near as much. It's like my stomach got smaller! I did have all the muscle repair done so I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but my portion size is WAY smaller post surgery! Second, I always struggled with regularity and going to the bathroom was not always easy. Since my surgery I wake up and I have a BM...and it's EASY! I don't know if fixing my abs had anything to do with that, but man, what a difference!!! My diet hasn't really changed at all. I have always eaten as healthy (organic etc.) as possible, so I don't think it's the diet change. So not only did I get rid of the front butt, I got better digestion!!! Updated on 2 Apr 2018: I have extra swelling that I wasn't having (see previous post). My incision is MUCH better in the middle because I changed to a CG with no zipper in the middle (the zipper was keeping that area irritated no matter what I packed into that area). Loving my smaller boobs!!! I can't wait to wear shirts that fit me all over! I still have a lot of glue, but massaging that off every time I shower so it's starting to come off! Updated on 7 Apr 2018: I am on no pain meds at all. Still take Muscle Relaxers as needed. My glue is pretty much all off and I have started the bioCorneum for scar treatment. When I look at pics side by side I can see my waist slimming down. The scale is dropping slowly. I drive where I want to go and have done grocery shopping and the like by myself. I have worked from home every day except my surgery day, so I only missed one day of work...but I can work from my recliner and I would have gone nuts without something to do. I was lucky in that I didn't need the pain meds so I had a clear head from the time I woke up from surgery. I had vertical C-sections and they were MUCH more painful than this tummy tuck was. My stomach feels SUPER TIGHT from the muscle repair and it's weird that it's so numb (I did not have injections to numb it). My breast are more tender now than they were immediately after surgery, they are "waking up". It really just feels like the discomfort of breastfeeding though, so definitely tolerable. Mostly I am bored because I am a VERY active and impatient person and I just want to be done already and back to my life. LOL! Since my PS still has me on the no bending, twisting, etc. protocol it limits what I can do. I cook dinner after my bf sets the pans and stuff on the counter for me. Today I planted flowers in my flower boxes that are railing height but I had to take a little nap afterward. What I want MOST at this point is to sleep in my own bed. I just can't. It's a tempurpedic and you just sink down in it, so it's impossible to turn over without it grabbing on to you. With my CG on it is also HOT as hell. I tried to sleep on the couch last night...ANNND that didn't work either. Today I am super sore from trying. I still wound up back in my recliner...ugh. I am loving my results so far though. I have ZERO regrets on it! The recovery is easier than I thought it would be, and even though the time is going by fast, I just wish this part was over. Updated on 11 Apr 2018: I have never battled depression. I don't really want to call this depression because I think that is so much more serious for people that do have to struggle with it, but it really caught me off guard. I am just going to say I have had to deal with the "blues" a bit. My bf pointed out to me that he thought I was maybe a little depressed. I don't know why. My surgery went great. I didn't struggle with pain. Other than some swelling I have had no complications. I didn't even feel an impact to finances because I have been able to work the whole time from my recliner! I think what is getting me down is the following: I am tired of wearing a cg all the time. It's tight and I like to be naked and have slept that way for years! I just wanted to look better doing it...heck, that's one of the reason I HAD this surgery if you want to get real about it! LOL! Second, I am an active person and an independent person and I hate needing help. I know it will pass and before I know it I will be back up and going and I will long for the day when I could sit in my recliner all day...but would someone convince my brain of that NOW? Third, I am tired of feeling pooped after the simplest of actions...yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that will get better too...I just want it NOW also! LOL! Fourth, I am ready to clean my own house and do so without help. I am just ready to be done with healing. Lastly, I am so over sleeping in the recliner and not able to sleep on my side. I just want to sleep all night in MY bed...but again, I know that will come and each day I am less sore so it will happen before I know it...but when all these things stack up and you are weeks into the recovery you just might get a little tired of it. So basically, not much you can do about the "blues" but beware they just might pay you a visit during your recuperation, even if you have never had them before. Anyone else felt the blues? Updated on 16 Apr 2018: I cannot believe it has been a month! I know everyone says that, but it really has gone by fast! Today my doctor released me from wearing the cg 24 hours a day and told me to wear compression as I need it for support and swelling! I am so excited for bedtime tonight because I absolutely can't wait to sleep naked again!!! As to my issue sleeping through the night and in the bed, over the weekend we went to our second home and it doesn't have a tempurpedic bed like our main home does, and I had no trouble sleeping on the bed there. By the time we got back to our main home last night, I was so exhausted I slept through the night on the tempurpedic bed here!!! Woot woot! Progress!!!! The doctor snipped and removed all the little stitch areas that are working their way out (ouch) and said I was looking great and that I had done a great job healing. My scar is coming along nicely EXCEPT one area right in the middle of the incision. I will have to treat it twice a day for a while. It is right where my old vertical scar came through, where my old belly button was pulled down to and where all the muscle repair comes together. It could have started as a stitch working out or a place the zipper caused but with the saline water and gauze packing the doctor says it will close up with no issue. It's just gross. Over all I feel AMAZING and feeling better every day! The weekend out of the house did me good! Updated on 4 May 2018: So the time does fly. I can believe this time 7 weeks ago I was rolling into surgery. It has gone by so fast. It doesn't feel that way when you are sitting in your recliner with drains in and compression garment so tight, but it does. I went back to the office last week and that was not hard, but it was tiring. Working from my recliner was definitely easier but I think sitting in the recliner all day is not good either! The more I move now, the better I feel. I have to fly onsite to a client (a full day of flying and traveling) and that was supposed to be this past week, but thank goodness they pushed out a few weeks and I don't have to go until May 14. I think I will really be ready by then to hit it and feel good. I had an issue with the center of my incision (see previous post) so my workouts were delayed in getting started. Last night was my first workout. I did the easiest workout I have, and I thought my heart was coming out of my chest during the warm up! LOL!!! However, once I got going it felt really good and I feel MUCH better today and more like myself. However, I am wearing a cg today as I am a little more swollen and sore...but a good kind of sore! So let's talk about the benefits. I love it when my bf calls me skinny. We have lived together 8 years and he has never made me feel like he didn't love my body. I did that to myself. He always made me feel desire from him and loved, BUT now that I have done this, I do love how he randomly says how good something looks or calls me skinny or runs his hands over my curves. He didn't do that before so much. I didn't do this for him but now that I have done it, I love the benefit it has brought to our relationship! So far, sex has been "gentle" and no one tells you how different it's going to feel after...but to me and him both, it feels VERY different. I can't wait to be able to move better and he can't wait until he doesn't have to be as gentle but it's still good. Real good. He says the weird part is that he feels like he is with a different person, but not, the familiarity is still there, but the body is different. To me, my body feels weird in that it is different I still feel numbness and so tight in areas and lumps in areas. He also says that I am tighter in my girlie parts. I told him I think he just got bigger while he has had to take time off! LOL! Maybe repairing all those ab muscles has some really good side effects, and it's alllll good!!! ;) I have one nipple that seems to be hyper sensitive and one that is still kind of numb and if my breast move a lot, it hurts...so sex with a bra on, not so good, or to leave it off (which we both prefer) we have to watch the movement (hence another reason for the gentle sex)...I am ready for this part of our lives to really get back to normal, but normal is probably going to be different now, and I am OK with that! Overall, I love the way my clothes are fitting, I love the way I look in a naked, in a bikini, and in a tight shirt (that I NEVER wore in the past), I love how confident I feel, and I would do this again in a heartbeat!!! I have ZERO regrets!!! Updated on 16 May 2018: I just passed my 2 month post op. I had 2 major milestones this week (besides passing my 2 mo po). 1. I went back to the part of my job that requires me to fly to clients. My very first one just happened to be flying from Coastal NC all the way to Phoenix (with a layover) so about a 13 hour travel day. I. Was. Sore. after that flight...but I did it!!! I was up after just a few hours of sleep and worked a looooong day on site with clients. (on my feet a lot, dressed in business attire). 2. I went shopping last night near my hotel...and I couldn't believe I bought shirts that actually FIT ME!!! There were some that were still too tight through the bust, but now that my breast are smaller I have SO many more options and it was FUN to shop. I still have swelling so I am not going crazy buying stuff yet, but I am definitely happy! I see my doctor Monday when I am back on my side of the country! I will update after that (with pics!) Updated on 21 May 2018: I was a little late having my 2 mo PO visit because I have been traveling for work. My PS said that he couldn't be more happy with the results so far. He also said that I was at the best I could be for this point in the game. He reminded me that I have four more months of swelling that will go down and tightening that will take place so the results I have not are not my end results. I did not have implants for fullness when we did my lift. Just because we didn't think I would need them (and he still doesn't). I did have reduction but that was mostly to get rid of my "side boob". Not sure I will be the size or lift level I will want to be at the end of six months, but if not, I will do another round of a donut lift (it can be done at his office). With all that said, so far I am super happy and don't see that in my future, but after four more months of settling and tightening I might be, so I am keeping my mind open. He did remove a knot of a stitch from my left breast that had been giving me a little trouble. It wasn't painful, just not comfortable. It feels MUCH better now that it is out. The mid-section of my TT incision is finally all closed up and is healing nicely. I am using bioCornium and massaging the incision with it twice a day. It is flat so far and I think when all the redness is out, it will be nice! I usually over scar, so I am religious about the treatments twice a day! I asked about the puffiness in the mound above my pubic bone. He assured me that it was just swelling (lowest point and where everything pools) and that it would go down. But we would visit that again after 6 months when I will be past the majority of swelling. Because I am flying so much now for work, I have an extra amount of swell to deal with. Maybe I had a fat pocket there before and I just couldn't see it, but he told me that he saw nothing to make him believe that when he did the surgery and felt it was just swelling. So I am currently wearing the smallest jeans I have and they are big in the waist and he tells me I still have swelling in my flanks and tummy so I will get smaller. I am currently in a 6 to an 8. So I guess that will put me in a 4. That would be AWESOME! Since I don't have any size 4 clothes, I guess I will be doing some serious shopping! I am just trying to not buy much until everything settles...but it sure is a LOT more fun to shop now! The bras I bought after my 1 month PO are too big around now even on the tightest hooks, so I will start with those! I will post pics later but just know that I am dealing with swelling since I am flying so much! Updated on 21 May 2018: You can see the irritation in my left breast where PS had to dig out a stitch that had been giving me trouble and not dissolving. You can also see the center of my TT incision is all closed up now. I have some marks on me from jeans and bra, so ignore those. I am puffy from flying but much better than I was 2 months ago!!! Updated on 21 May 2018: Did not post pictures on the last attempt...trying again! :) Updated on 29 May 2018: OK, so this weekend I helped put up a privacy fence at our new home (manually digging post holes etc.). I then mowed the yard there with a push mower while the bf finished up on the fence. I was so sore and tender I couldn't sleep that night. In the moment of activity it felt so good to be up moving and doing something again, but boy, did I pay for it! Before surgery I worked out a lot and am very physically active. What I did this weekend is nothing compared to what I would have done in the past with no soreness at all. Even today to touch my waist/flank area is so tender. This is a part of the recovery process and I am just embracing it and realizing that my body is still in healing mode. I do find that I still tire very easy and even nap at times. I have NEVER been a person that naps but I am trying to listen to my body, and when I need a nap or feel really tired, I do stop and rest. I thought I would be "over" this by now since I was so active, ate organic, and healthy. I guess not! LOL! Updated on 3 Jun 2018: I realized my profile shot didn't post for my 2 month mark. Adding a photo Updated on 8 Jun 2018: So this week was a bit stressful. I travel with my job and this week while in AZ I had a car accident. The first in my life. Here I was out of town and in a rental and all this to deal with right before I was supposed to be flying back home (AZ to NC). I was sitting still at a red light that was backed up pretty far, and a distracted driver rear-ended me doing about 55mph. Thank goodness everyone walked away but I immediately texted my PS and he just told me that when I get checked out at the hospital to make sure there were no hematomas developing in the surgical sites and have the ER doc to call him if there were any questions. Lap belt goes straight across the tummy tuck incision and the shoulder belt was right across my left breast. Thankfully, no hematoma was present when they checked me out...but my left breast was sooooo sore and my TT incision got very tender again. So at 2.5 months Post Op my surgical work took a pounding and held up great!!! I was so scared I had messed something up! As bad as all that was, my travel day the next day turned into 15 hours long because of maintenance issues with a plane. I was MISERABLE by the time I got home. In reflecting on all this and watching my MMO work for signs of complications, I realized that I had only worn compression one day (the day after my flight to AZ) in the last week. Maybe it's the Arizona heat but I really preferred to not have it on and really felt like I didn't need it. That is progress! Yes, I do still swell and feel that pull in my incision when I am swollen but I am starting to feel just as comfortable without the cg as I do with it. I am just about to the 3 month mark and coming into the summer heat, going without compression makes me smile! Now I just have to remember to keep smiling while I do all this paperwork for the rental car company and the insurance companies! Happy Healing Everyone! Updated on 28 Jun 2018: Hi All! I haven't had much of a chance to hang out in a bit. My car accident did do damage to my left shoulder and I have been trying to fit in additional doctor appointments and physical therapy into my life after just getting back on the road for work after my MMO. I was just getting back into the swing of working out when the car accident happened, and I am now doing all that I can, to not be bored with the workouts that I can do, until my shoulder heals. I know that a positive attitude is a big part of a healthy body and mind and makes for faster recovery, so I am working on staying positive...but it's a struggle when I can't dive, can't play golf, and a million other things...heck, can't even pull my hair back in a pony tail without pain. This was not my summer plan but it is my summer reality for now, so I am going to go think positive thoughts and try to encourage my shoulder into healing faster! LOL I have my 4 month check up in 2 weeks. I will post pics after that visit! Happy Healing everyone! Updated on 17 Jul 2018: I had my 4 month post op this past Monday. The PS is super happy with the healing of my incisions and he checked to make sure all was well since my car accident. The visit was great and I have no regrets for my decision to have this surgery! I can't imagine how much further along I might be if I hadn't had the set back of my car accident preventing me from doing a full workouts the last month, but I can't dwell on that. I still feel super tight if I try to lay on my stomach (which I try to do since I can't lay on my left shoulder right now) and that wakes me up. So my workouts now mean I do a LOT of squats and lunges etc. Hopefully that will be enough to keep me moving until my shoulder is better and I can get back at my active lifestyle! I can't wait!!! Finally, I have a little area at the end of my incision over my left hip, that we will do a revision on (where they tied off) once I am out a few more months if it doesn't lay down...PS says it is like having a mole removed and will be done in the office, but he thinks it will probably lay down. I am back on the road for work, so pics will have to wait until I have a full length mirror! Happy Healing Everyone!!!
I had implants put in 18 years ago and never really loved the feeling or look. It ruined my golf swing and other atheletic activities. About 10 years in I started having a variety of problems like fatigue, depression, low thyroid, aching joints, poor autoimmune system, Lyme disgnosis and despite being a skinny 40 year old at time of implant I had slowly gained weight and no matter what I did I could not lose weight. My chest grew more and more uncomfotable and got even bigger with weight gain. A friend was diagnosed with large cell Lymphoma cancer that was caused by implants. Decided to look up fda reports and was shocked. Found a list of symptoms about BII and there was my list of symptoms! I am so happy to have them out and to feel like my old self again. After explant they were bigger than before the implants so thats a bonus.
Best procedure that I have had performed. I suffered from severe back pain, shoulder grooving, and neck strain. I have very heavy breast and was in excruciating pain. For me, having this breast reduction really changed my life as well as gave me back myself confidence. Instant relief from major pain.
I went to Dr. Klainer for an area on my upper thigh He suggested that if it comes back (since filler will sometimes not generate enough collagen to plump the area) to consider fat transfer to that area. I am very happy with my results and I am looking forward to the summer with my smooth legs. If I need any fat to be transferred to that area I will have him do it.
I hope you have your reading glasses on! Haha! So 6 years ago I made a decision - the decision to change my life for the better. I weighed just under 400 lbs and was only 26. I had carried around all of that weight for far too long. Life in general was hard, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without being winded for 15 minutes. I couldn't walk for more than 10 minutes without my back screaming at me - like I said life was hard. So instead of sitting around complaining and wishing things were different, I decided to make it different. I started going to the gym and eating super healthy. I completely removed processed food, carbs, soda and sugar (except for natural sources such as fruit and veggies) from my diet. I went to the gym religiously 6 days a week for 2 hours a day. Long story short, a year later I had shucked 215 lbs. And before you ask, no I didn't have gastric bypass or any type of weight loss surgery. All it took was a little, okay well maybe a lot of hard work and dedication. After the initial weight loss I focused on weight lifting, circuit workouts and I found Krav Maga. 6 months later I had gained 15lbs in muscle. I looked leaner, and felt better than ever. A year after that I became a personal trainer and Krav Maga instructor. Hey, the fat girl becoming a personal trainer and KM instructor?! Who would have ever thought that was in my future? Not me that is for sure. But, sometimes life throws you unexpected surprises that end up being just what you needed. That is what being a personal trainer and Krav Maga instructor have been to me - an unexpected surprise that was exactly what I needed. I think it is my one true calling in life - helping people find their way; whether it is through leading a healthier life or learning to defend themselves. So for the past few years I have trained in Krav Maga, taught Krav Maga, spent several hours at the gym training and several more hours training clients. End of the day it didn't matter how much I trained, how much time I dedicated to working out, how many sit ups, planks and abdominal exercises I did, how healthy I ate - I just felt fat. Funny right? I dropped 200 lbs and still felt fat. Why? Because all I saw every time I looked in the mirror or at a picture of myself was this discusting skin hanging off my stomach. My arms were tone, my legs were tone, and somewhere under all that excess skin hanging off my belly I was sure I had a 6 pack - but that didn't matter. The skin was what mattered. Honestly I felt more comfortable with my body before I lost the weight than I did after. I know that might not make a bunch of sense, but it's the truth. Before I didn't sag, before my skin didn't hang down to the floor when I did a push up. After the weight loss it did and it was HORRIBLE. In August I moved to North Carolina and decided I was finally going to get my tummy tuck. Screw it! I was done feeling fat, I was done being grossed out every time I looked in the mirror. I put in the work, and it was time for my body to match up with that work - enough was enough. Settling in took a little longer than I expected and didn't have my 1st tummy tuck consult until the end of September. I saw multiple plastic surgeons who basically all told me the same thing - the only way the skin would go away was to get a tummy tuck. Yep, knew that much. My consult journey was a nightmare. One surgeon spent 30 minutes pulling and tugging on my skin, telling me that my case was very complicated and he didn't know how much he could help me. He had 4 ladies in the office during my consult, I felt like some kind of circus freak and left his office mortified. Another surgeon brought his assistant in to go over pictures with me. She was one of the rudest people I have ever met in my life. She shared personal life details about their clients, and only showed me 2 pictures. When I asked to see more pictures and some before pictures (because folks it is really hard to tell how good the after pictures are without seeing the before pictures) and told her I didn't feel comfortable with all the details she was giving me, she got very rude and defensive. After showing me the whopping 2 pictures and proclaiming how wonderful the doctor was she proceeded to tell me that they needed to cut all the way around my back to remove my "back fat". That's funny because the doctor said no such thing. Anyway, after dealing with his assistant whom he referred to as his right hand woman I wouldn't even consider having him do the surgery. I left his office so pissed off I was shaking. Took it upon myself to call and make a formal complaint against her and left a bad review on their facebook page. The next day I had the office manager call me offering to give me $1,000 off the procedure if I removed my bad review - I said no. The next day they called again, offering me $1,500 off. To date they have called me 5 times and have flagged my review for removal 10 times. Now that is a place I would want to work with! NOT. There were a couple more consults that were pretty inconsequential. Nothing to write home about. The doctors were okay, their staff was okay and that was it. Insert Dr. Klainer. Ironically, he was the first consult I had. I wanted to have him do my tummy tuck from day 1, but my husband made me promise not to go with the 1st doctor I liked, so I held my end of the bargain and embarked on the horrible consult journey. After I met with all of the other surgeons I immediately called Dr. Klainer's office back. The decision was 99% made at that point, but I asked if they could send me a few more pictures - really just to make the hubby happy. What I got back from Dr. Klainer was an email that said he was not comfortable sending me pictures via email, but he would be more than happy to show me more pictures if I stopped by his office. That email totally sealed the deal. The fact that he wouldn't send them over the internet said a lot to me about his character - I immediately called his office, told his secretary I didn't care about the pictures and that I l wanted to schedule my surgery. When I went in for my preop, Dr. Klainer showed up with pictures in hand and lots of them. Was absolutely not necessary at that point, as he was going to be my surgeon regardless of what the additional pictures looked like, but he brought them anyway. And that has been my experience with Dr. Klainer since day one - he has continually went above and beyond to make sure I was happy. He never seems rushed, and always has time to answer my questions or return my emails. The day of surgery I was nervous. Although if you ask my husband or the doctor they may tell you different. Dr. Klainer came in and I was immediately at ease. The way he conducts himself is amazing. He is confident, yet not cocky. Informative yet not condensending. Anyway, he drew some lines on my stomach, told me what he was going to do and that I would wake up with a flat stomach. I wasn't nervous anymore, I was excited. A few hours later I woke up, the doc came to check on me, told me all went well and sent me home. I ended up sending him an email that night - my garment didn't feel right and well yeah. He called me shortly after and told me he would squeeze me into the office the next day to take a look at it. I went in and he said all of the right things and did everything he could to make me more comfortable. I am currently 3 1/2 weeks post op. All I can say is wow. I definitely picked the right doctor. Dr. Klainer has been a pleasure to work with since day one. He has made this journey way easier than I ever imagined. Has went above and beyond time and time again. I could go on and on about what a great doctor he is, but what you care about is what I cared about pre tummy tuck - the results. So here ya go- I am pretty darn flat, still have a little swelling and seem to swell up quite a bit by the end of the day, but I look good. I look better than I thought was possible. Not because of my lack of belief in the doctor - I trusted him and his surgical capabilities 100%. It was because of my situation, because of my body and because I really just didn't think it could ever look this good. Way to prove me wrong doc! Not only do I look good, but I feel good. I have been at the gym every day this week - gradually trying to get myself back into a routine. Today I did an hour on the elliptical and 20 minutes of weights. Honestly I almost feel like I cheated myself, like I could have done more. But hey, better not to overdo it I guess. So at this point you darn near know my life story and all that fun stuff. I'll leave you with this - I am beyond happy with my results and I am thrilled with Dr. Klainer - he is the best. If I ever decide I need another plastic surgery I wont have to think about who will do the procedure. Honestly, I wouldn't even consider letting anyone else touch my body. This guy is awesome, and he is a ninja with his surgical capabilities. If by chance you are reading this - Thank you. I know you say you can't read me, so here ya go: I appreciate everything more than you will ever know. The emails, the phone calls, the time you have taken to see me in the office - thank you for everything . I am happy beyond measure and will be greatful always. You rock, thanks doc! Updated on 6 Nov 2016: 4 weeks post op tomorrow and I can finally wear my clothes again. And what's this? Shorts are big! Freaking awesome. Updated on 9 Nov 2016: It has been 4 weeks since surgery. Saw the doc for my month check up yesterday and he cleared me to do as I wish. This was my workout for today: 45 minutes on the elliptical, 100 bicep curls, 100 triceps extensions, 100 renegade rows, 100 squats w/weight, 100 lunges w/weight, 100 push ups, 50 inch worms and 100 sit ups. Not bad for 4 weeks post op. Looking forward to getting back into my groove. Hopefully I'm not crying tomorrow. Updated on 12 Nov 2016: It's been almost 5 weeks since my TT. Today is the first day I've really felt like myself. I went to the gym and killed it! Almost back to my pre tummy tuck workout. Here is what I did: Climbed 600 flights of stairs on the stair machine at level 15 (about 40 minutes) 50 burpees 50 weighted squats 50 weighted lunges 50 inch worms 50 dead lifts 50 push ups 50 plank jacks and 200 sit ups What!!!! I'm back! Soooo excited it hurts. By the way in case I haven't said it... my doctor rocks! Updated on 16 Nov 2016: Yesterday was my first "Jill Workout" day. Why do I call it a Jill workout? Because it was almost up to my expectations - which are pretty high (at least this is what my students tell me. Ha). So here was the workout: 10 to 1 (10 of each, 9 of each, etc.) - dead lift, bicep, tricep, sprawl - step up 2 back lunge - inch worms - tiger planks - jump squats - offline explosive push ups - Russians - 1 arm snatches Then from 1 to 10 Took about an hour and a half, which is longer than I would have liked, but hey I did it. Not too shabby for having my gut cut into a little over 5 weeks ago. Heading to the gym for an hour of nothing but legs and abs (oh yeah, feel that burn!) and I am going to my boxing class this evening. First boxing class since surgery, super amped! Go big or go home. And well - I would prefer to go big! Updated on 18 Nov 2016: So apparently this is what happens when you decide to have a hard core ab day 5 1/2 weeks post Tummy tuck. Look at that swelling! So much fun! Well okay not really. On the bright side I am pain free and feel great - other than that my darn swollen belly. Updated on 21 Nov 2016: I have been crazy swollen since Thursday when I decided it was a good idea to do an hour of ab exercises. Yes, completely my fault. Anyway, I decided to play around with some of my essential oils last night to see if I could reduce some of the swelling. It totally worked! Here is what I used: Coconut Arnica Aloe Vera Chamomile Lavender Clary Sage Tea Tree Used the coconut and arnica as a base and then mixed in equal amounts of the rest of the oils. Updated on 24 Nov 2016: Not much to report. Still have some swelling going on, although not nearly what it was. Back to insane workouts 6 days a week and am able to work my abs without feeling like I'm dying the next day now. Just wanted to say that I'm super thankful for my amazing doctor and my awesome Tummy Tuck. Can't wait for warmer weather so I can wear clothes that fit without feeling fat for once! Updated on 29 Nov 2016: Yesterday I was looking at a building to rent for my husbands tattoo studio. The guy renting out the building said he wouldn't rent to a tattoo studio because one of his other tenants owns one. Is what it is, no big deal. I handed him one of my cards and told him to give me a call if he changes his mind (I am a personal trainer/Krav Maga instructor). Anyway he told me the space would be perfect for my business. None of this really matters though. What mattered was the lady standing behind the counter that looked at me and said "you're a personal trainer?" I turned around and said yes, then this flew out of her mouth "Don't you think you are a little big to be a personal trainer?" Just who in the hell does this chick think she is? I grant you I'm not small (5'9" 180lbs). I'll never be small, and I am okay with that. But I lost 200 freaking pounds. I lost it by myself. Sorted out what worked by myself and have helped numerous people lose weight and get in shape since then. So just who does she think she is to tell me that I'm too big to be a personal trainer? 10 years ago I would have punched her and honestly a part of me still wanted to - but I didn't. What did I do? I walked away feeling beaten, feeling fat and being pissed off. It's kind of funny. Since my tummy tuck I haven't felt fat at all - officially the first time in my life I haven't felt or been fat. And this stupid female dog goes and says some stupid crap and makes me feel fat again. Thankfully I've got a punching bag in my home gym, because god knows I need to punch something at the moment. I think I'll envision her face on the bag while I punch it. People suck. Rant over. Updated on 2 Dec 2016: More insane workouts and what is this? I'm finally starting to get my muscles back. Well I'm getting my arm muscles back anyway. If my abs would do the same that would be awesome! Updated on 7 Dec 2016: I can't believe it has already been 8 weeks since my TT. Some days it feels like it was yesterday, other days it feels like it was a lifetime ago. Other than running, which for some reason feels very strange (makes my stomach feel tingly and numb) I am completely back to normal. My energy levels are up - like insanely up. I've been going to the gym for at least an hour in the morning and either going to boxing or krav for 2 hours at night. I still swell after insane ab workouts - yesterday I did an hour of nothing but abs. I crawled 500 yards, did 100 inch worms, 100 GHD's, and did 100 rope climbs all with a power wheel on my feet. Followed that up by 100 krav sit ups, 100 leg lifts, 100 v ups w/weight and 500 flutter kicks. By the time I was done I looked like I was 4 months pregnant. The good news is the swelling doesn't stick around for long anymore. The first time I did ab work post TT I was so swollen for a week that I couldn't get my pants on. These days the swelling goes away within a few hours. Now if I could just get rid of these damn thunder thighs! Thinking about getting a thigh lift, but I swear my husband would KILL me. Brought it up the other day and his response was "I told you that if you got a TT it wouldn't stop there, now you want your whole body to be plastic. You look fine, why would you want to do that?" Went on and on like a broken record. Same crap I heard every time I brought up a TT for 5 years. Whatever. My body. My thunder thighs and I don't like em! Bet he wouldn't be complaining if I told him I wanted boobs. Ha. Updated on 11 Dec 2016: Wound up going to the dentist last week with one hell of a toothache. Stupid dentist put me on clindamycin, even after I told him it makes me gain weight and makes my stomach hurt like crazy. Yep. Been on this crap for 4 days and have gained 2 lbs already. And my stomach hurts bad - it was so bad this morning that I was hunched over for an hour. Hubby thought he was going to have to take me to the ER. Luckily the pain got better and just is an overall nuisance now. Still I'm not a happy camper. I had been doing pretty stinking good since my TT. Practically live at the gym and had lost 10 lbs since surgery. Now I've gained back 2 lbs and my stomach hurts. Stupid dentist and stupid teeth. At least the pain and the extra poundage gave me some motivation today. Decided to get off my fat booty and move. This is what I did: 1 hour on the elliptical (1600 calories) 200 box jumps 200 step up to back lunges 200 weighted squats 200 1 legged squats 200 ball tosses (ball on feet) 20 minute wall sit (1 minute rounds) My legs are probably going to kill me tomorrow. I swear if I've gained more weight I will throw a fit - not the good kind either. Now if I can just survive until Wednesday so they can drill my mouth. Meh. Updated on 15 Dec 2016: These pictures are a perfect summary of my week. Figured a couple things out this week - 1) I can take getting hit really freaking hard. It pisses me off like no tomorrow, and makes me hit harder... but I can take it. 2) I can push myself to an extent I didn't think possible and may have overdone it a little. So how did I sort this out? Well sorted out the first one at a class when a beast of a man (6'5" and 230 of solid muscle) decided to kick me in the gut as hard as he could. It actually knocked me on my rear end. Got up pissed and told him if he did it again I would break his nose (we were supposed to be doing a drill where we were exchanging kicks to the stomach - not trying to hurt each other). Well this nimrod decided to do it again, I hit the floor again, got up and busted his face. For the other - I have put in well over 3 hours of working out a day every day for 10 days. Since Monday I have worked my abs daily. Sorted out a new form of ab torture (one power wheel attached to my feet and holding on to another with my hands, place the wheel at your feet against the wall, roll the one at your hands out and back to your feet) and have done it numerous times since Monday. It makes me sweat like crazy and doesn't feel so hot, but that means it's working. Well between my not so fun ab exercise and getting kicked in the gut a few times I am SWOLLEN like a pregnant woman. So maybe at least for now, I have figured out how far I can go, how far I can push myself. Key phrase there is "for now". Obviously, I have pushed too far in the last few days as my stomach hurts like hell and is swollen like crazy. I really can't believe I just said that. I don't do limits. I don't believe you can push yourself to far. I think the body is meant to be pushed and that when you have reached that point where you feel like you can't go anymore, that is the point where you have to go further. Apparently none of my beliefs coincide with healing from a tummy tuck. Still love my results and think the world of my doctor (Dr. Klainer Rocks). But seriously, I just want to be able to push myself. Well I want to be able to push myself without paying for pushing myself to hard after. Ha! If only. Updated on 20 Dec 2016: Holy cow. Where did the time go?! The last couple weeks have just flown by. Honestly if it wasn't for applying my silicone scar treatment (and the fact that my stomach is flat) I wouldn't even think about my TT anymore at this point. No pain, no weird feelings in my stomach, no numbness, no anything really. It's just there and it's flat - which is awesome. Worked out 3x today, because well I could. An on the elliptical this morning, an hour of weights this afternoon and an hour on the heavy bag and abs tonight. It felt great - these days it always does tho. Getting my TT gave me a whole appreciation for having the ability to work out. I don't think I truly knew how much I needed to work out and how much I loved it until I wasn't capable of it. And now that I appreciate it a tad bit more, well... it's on like donkey kong! Ha! Anyway I'll leave you with a few pics from after my last workout of the night. No swelling, which means I can work of those abs some more! Love it! And as always - a huge thank you to my doc, because well...he rocks :) Updated on 24 Dec 2016: So I might like sharks... like a lot. Thus the shark dress. But what really matters is not what is on the dress it is what is not under the dress. No compression garment, no corset trying to cover nasty excess skin. The only thing under that dress is a bra and underwear. And that people is afreakingmazing! First time in my life that I've put a dress on and not wanted to immediately take it off! Rockin like freaking dockin!!! Updated on 28 Dec 2016: Finally seeing progress from the gym and my crazy workouts. Little more definition in my arms and wait for it... some in my stomach! Updated on 5 Jan 2017: Went to the gym a couple hours ago, really just trying to get my mind off what today is, because well to put it nicely today sucks. One of the regulars walks up to me and tells me that I look like [RS bleep] today. Yeah well, thanks dude! I knew that much. Then he proceeds to tell me that whatever I'm doing isn't working because it looks like I've gained 15 lbs since last time he saw me. Today is so not the day for that [RS bleep]. For one, I haven't gained any weight - quite the opposite seeing as I've lost 14 lbs since my TT. And two, if he can see that I look like [RS bleep] and am obviously having a bad day why the hell would he pick today to tell me that I look fat?!!!! I'm not happy today. I am sad. Really [RS bleep] sad. Today would have been my kid brothers 21st birthday. But the kid doesn't get to be here and doesn't get to celebrate his birthday because he died a year and a half ago. All I was trying to do was escape reality for a little while. Sweat, lift some heavy [RS bleep] and get my mind off how crappy of a day today is. Get my mind off the fact that I don't get to tell my brother happy birthday. Get my mind off the fact that I don't get to buy him that 21st birthday shot I promised him. To get out of my head. Is that really too much to ask??? Apparently so. I could keep ranting on this, but it's pointless. I punched him in the face and I got kicked out of the gym. Totally WORTH IT. And now? Now I'm going to drink, probably a lot and cry while I punch my damn heavy bag. Because guess what? My heavy bag won't remind me of how bad I look, and won't tell me I look like I've gained weight. God. Eff today. That's all I've got. Updated on 9 Jan 2017: So it's January. For those of you who don't know (although I would say by my username it's obvious), I do taxes for a living. For the last week and a half I have been buried with year end payroll reports, bookkeeping and corporate tax prep. I'll tell you it's enough to make you want to pull your hair out. And... I've got another 3 months of this. Oh how I love tax season. Well, really I do, and really I don't - love/hate relationship I guess. Anyway, today I finished my year end payroll reports. It makes me extremely happy when I can get them done before I have clients to sit in front of for 18 hours a day. One less thing to worry about. The less worries this time of year the better. Now all I have to worry about is taxes and working out for the next few months, which is perfect. After I was done with work for the day I decided to power through a 3 hour workout. One hour of cardio, one hour of weights and one hour of abs. It has been a minute since the last time I worked out for 3 hours straight. And... I feel freaking awesome. 13 weeks post TT, back to where I was pre TT and perhaps even a little stronger. Pretty awesome. Updated on 24 Jan 2017: Sooo much going on right now. Taxes, taxes oh and did I mention taxes? Ha. And... I'm opening my own gym where I will be teaching Krav Maga and fitness classes. If you're in or near Jacksonville, NC look me up! Now why the heck would I decide to do this during tax season?! I must have lost my mind. Really no changes in regard to my TT. Still doing good, working out like crazy and trying to accomplish visible abs - that's about it tho . I did see the doc today, we spoke a little about revision - not a big deal as I am still completely happy with my result. Apparently deciding to lose weight post TT (especially when your skin already has issues from shucking 200 lbs) can alter the results some, who would have guessed? LOL, but hey it's all good. I've got an amazing surgeon and I'm not worried about it in the least. Thinking I'm going to wait for the revision until I have the doc do my thigh lift, which will hopefully be happening after tax season. Just have to figure out logistics with the new gym and the time off work and all that good stuff. I'll talk with the doc more about it when I see him in April. All that being said, my scale has been stuck for 2 weeks and it's finally moving again, score! Have lost 17 lbs since my TT, would like to lose another 9 which would put me at 165 - we shall see. I guess if it happens, it happens. If not at least I've got a flat stomach :). And, all of my pants were officially to big - like falling off big. So I got to buy some new ones, officially a size 6. Pretty stinking cool. Til next time, much love to you all and btw my doc still rocks :) Updated on 4 Feb 2017: So I found these today...muscles finally!!! What?!!! And since I'm showing the muscles here are a few more of the stomach and my workout from this afternoon (this was after 2 hours of ground fighting - cause you know that is just how I roll. Ha.). Oh and one of me kicking - because well it's fun. Updated on 22 Feb 2017: I must be crazy. Scheduled my TT revision along with a thigh lift for April 6th. That means I've got 6 weeks to do a metric ton of taxes, and get in the best shape I can before my next surgery venture. But on the super positive side - that skin will be no more and that makes me super stoked. Oh and I've officially been nicotine free for over 30 days. Think that one may even make the doc happy. Ha! Updated on 6 Mar 2017: Just finished my last workout here. Finished the entire deck of cards. Now it's time to get ready for the long drive out to CA tomorrow so I can do taxes for 3 weeks before I rush back here for my preop on the 31st. Gonna be an insane 3 weeks. Oh and I cut off all my hair.... Updated on 18 Mar 2017: Been in CA for the last 2 weeks doing taxes, teaching Krav Maga and doing lots of punching. My body and my mind are exhausted, but it's so worth it. I love my Krav family. I love my bruises. I love my sore body parts. Taxes... well that may be another story. At least it pays the bills. On another note... thigh preop is 3/30 and surgery 4/6. I feel like I'm going to blink and the big day will be here. Time is flying! Here is what my body looks like after 2 weeks of hardcore training. Train Hard, fight harder. Get it! Updated on 18 Apr 2017: Let me start with this - I was completely happy with my TT results. I did have a little bit of loose skin, completely on me as I decided to lose 20 lbs after my TT - but it was so minimal that I didn't even care. It was such an improvement over what my stomach looked like before that it didn't matter - at least not to me. My doc on the other hand was another story (he is a bit of a perfectionist) and said that if I had him do anything else he wanted to go back into my stomach and take more skin. Anyway, I decided I didn't want to live with my "thunder thighs" anymore, so the doc did a revision of my TT along with my thigh lift (separate review). I'm currently 12 days post revision. I am swollen like no tomorrow. I have a pair of jeans that were a size to big before surgery that I can't manage to button because I'm so stinking swollen. So until the swelling goes down it's comfy shorts or workout clothes, which is okay by me :). Anyway here are a couple pictures. You can see I'm super swollen below my belly button, but you can also see the start of abs. What?! How freaking awesome. My doc rocks! Updated on 9 May 2017: Just wanted to say thank you. I am horrible about saying it in person, it just feels awkward or maybe that's just me...ha! Anyway, if you happen to see this - thank you. Thank you for getting rid of that god awful skin that had been weighing my body (and mind) down for years. Thank you for giving me the confidence to wear clothes that aren't 2 sizes to big. Thank you for giving me the confidence to rock a bikini at the beach. Really just thank you, over and over again. Oh and you can totally use that if you want - Jill. Updated on 21 May 2017: Doesn't really relate to the TT, but for all of the ladies who have followed my journey and my new gym venture - well I am officially legit. Gym is open. Classes are rolling. I am sponsored. I have shirts. I am legit as it gets! For real. https://partner.projectlevelup.com/referral/lead/landing/?mode=1&g=KnockoutFightingandFitness&Adv=UNKNOWN Updated on 1 Jun 2017: Flat, flat, flat. Now I just need to work on the stretch marks and getting a tan. Geez Louise I am white LOL
I'm finally at a point in my life where I'm ready to take the plunge and do something that I've always wanted since before having my children. Now that I'm able to, and maybe I'm just anxious and nervous.. But I also feel selfish for doing something for myself and taking a risk. Here is a photo of my current boobs. I didn't realize how uneven they were until I took pictures of myself =\ which made me feel a little bit more insecure. Updated on 5 Jul 2016: I can't believe my surgery is 2 days away! To think that tomorrow I won't be able to eat anything when midnight hits..eek! So few days ago, my left boob has been so tender and sore. It doesn't help that I googled and I definitely came to the conclusion that I'm just psyching myself. When I woke up it was tender and here I was freaking out like is it a clogged milk duct? But I haven't breastfed in so long! I jumped in the shower and ran hot water on it to see, nothing was coming out of my boob so I'm like ok crossed that off the list. I finally figured out that my period is due in the next week, and remember that my boobs do get tender/sore beforehand. Wheew! Today I had my preop routine exam. I didn't expect it, but since I have asthma history the anesthesiologist needed me to do the testing to make sure all is well. Had my blood drawn, chest X Ray, and ekg. I doubt my insurance will cover those tests since it's an elective surgery so just a little thought to anyone just in case. Hopefully the results are fine. And if all goes well, I'll be getting a call tomorrow on what time I need to go in on Thursday. Updated on 10 Jul 2016: I've always had small breasts growing up. I did ballet for so many years, but after quitting and living a normal life it made me insecure about my breasts. I remember how long it took me to show my now husband my breasts, and I wouldn't even shower with him because I was embarrassed. I used to wear the super padded bras to create an illusion that I had nice breasts. After breastfeeding my second child, it just got worst. The left one was a cup bigger than my right. While I was breastfeeding though, I went up to a full C cup and loved the way my boobs looked! That's when I decided I would go for it and do something that I've always wanted. At first I felt selfish because I'm finally doing something for myself and my children are my world, but it's only been a few days and I'm still healing.. I couldn't be any happier! Updated on 11 Jul 2016: Here's a little update from surgery day to today.. Surgery day: Checked in at the surgery center and got prepped. They put in my IV and these massage things for my legs to keep the blood flow going. My husband was there with me up until I got in the OR. Once I got in the OR, all I remember was they put a mask on me and told me it was an oxygen mask and I don't remember anything after that. It took a little bit for them to wake me up and I was starving! I had a tight bandage wrapped around me. I remember my surgeon showing me a picture of my boobs, but I don't even remember how it looked. I imagined the car ride home to be one of those wisdom teeth videos, but I was passed out the whole ride home. The whole day I was in and out of sleep and perococet made me nauseous whenever I got up so I did throw up a few times. I slept downstairs since I have a recliner so a comforter, neck pillow, and the side table was my best friend! 1 day post op: I had an appointment that morning and I was excited because the bandages were just too tight and uncomfortable. My surgeon took it off and had to squeeze my implants down a bit from the bandage. Gosh that was painful!!! I felt it because I didn't take any Percocet on the way to my appointment because I didn't want to throw up. So anyways, he prescribed me some muscle relaxers and Vicodin since I was hurting. After my appointment, we went out to eat and I was able to walk half a block. That night I took the muscle relaxers and Vicodin a few hours before that... I woke up itchy!! Literally my legs, belly, arms.... Everywhere! And I couldn't stop itching! So I didn't even bother to take the second dose of muscle relaxers and continued to take Vicodin and I was still a little itchy but def tolerable. 2 day post op: My husband helped me shower that morning and see if the itch goes away.. It did a little bit but I was still itchy. So I decided to call my surgeon and asked him if it was ok to take Benadryl. He said it was fine and I told him I switched back to Percocet since I didn't have any problems with it. The bruising on my chest was starting to fade away. But that day I did notice that if I lift my left arm or do anything with it, I feel a burning sensation on the side of my left boob. I asked my surgeon about it and he said it was just my nerves. It's def annoying and uncomfortable! 3 days post op: Nothing much has changed besides the annoying shocking/burning sensation on my left side. I did learn to slow it down though. As a mom, we are always wanting to do things to make us feel better, but I did so much and was in pain right after. So definitely take advantage of the help you're getting! 4 days post op: today is getting better but still have that annoying nerve sensation. I'm still taking my Percocet but instead of every 4 hours I have been trying to stretch it out to 6-8. Arnica gel and the tablets are helping a bit as well so if your surgeon suggested those, get to it! My only advice to moms with little ones is that it's ok to ask for help. I have a 4 year old and he's been super helpful, my 1 year old on the other hand has been a little bit needy. My husband has been a huge help as well as my friend who comes over when my husband goes to work. I'm able to feed my 1 year old, was able to do the dishes, and wipe the counter.. Its a bit challenging getting stuff out of the cabinets since I'm short but I managed to do it. Just slow down a little and listen to your body :) Also excuse the pictures I took... Bad angle! I just saw the day 4 boobs and I think it's the shadow, my boob does not look rectangular like that. Updated on 9 Aug 2016: Happy 1 month (on the 7th) to my new boobies! Love them so much! Went to target to grab a bathing suit top for a beach party, and my oh my I got a Large bathing suit top!! Super happy with them!
Recently had eyelid surgery performed by Dr. Klainer and the results are terrific! Very natural! Couldn't be more please! He is a very talented and knowledgeable surgeon. Great post-op care as well! He and his staff are always very friendly and available for any questions. I highly recommend him if you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery.
I started to research what could be done beyond diet and exercise bc that just wasn't cutting it. I am an over thinker and consider myself very thorough when it comes to researching decisions that affect my health, appearance, finances and anything else that I deem important. After a ton of research on this procedure, the cost, the reviews, the pictures and all the doctors in the tri-state area that preform it, I picked the top 3 smart lipo doctors in the area for a consult. After that, the decision was crystal clear. Dr Klainer blew me away with his knowledge and expertise not to mention his absolute full, unrushed attention and patience to answer every single one of my million questions with confidence and detail. It has now been 6 weeks since my arm smartlipo with Dr. Klainer and the results are BEYOND amazing! Blazers that used to be skin tight on my arms are now fitting beautifully, sleeveless dresses that I would never dare to bare are now part of my wardrobe! T-shirt that have very short sleeves are now cute, instead of embarrassing. For years I felt like my arms were the hardest part of my body to tone so I hid them from everyone. Now I can actually see definition starting to show that was covered by fat. The BEST part is that the "tightening" phase of this procedure has not even begun to take place yet! I was afraid that the loss of volume would result in flabby or saggy skin, especially since I am no spring chicken, but instead it has done the opposite! I am SO happy I did this, and most of all that I chose Dr. Klainer, he is the best!! I would not even think twice in trusting him to give you results you never thought possible! I simply cannot say enough how grateful I feel that he happens to be in Virginia and I made the exact right choice!
After having two C-sections my scar didn't heal nicely, and I also had the dreaded pouch that hung over the scar. I needed a scar revision, and tighten up my inner thighs as well as smartlipo on my tummy. Dr Klainer and his staff is exceptionally professional but warm and welcoming at the same time. His skills are impeccable and he's not pushing you in any way to do something you're not comfortable with. Now a year later, my results are amazing. I'm contemplating doing a smartlipo for my love handles as well. The recovery from previous surgery was a breeze and I would recommend Dr Klainer and staff any time! Unfortunately I don't have the before and afters, but I can ask the staff to post the pictures. It was the best thing I've done for myself!
Dr. Klainer exceeded my expectations during my recent visit to get Botox for my crows feet and forehead. The results are perfect and worth me traveling to see him from Virginia Beach. This has been the 3rd time being injected by him over the years. I've also had Juvederm in the past from and loved it as well. Everything about his practice is amazing including his wonderful staff and gorgeous and immaculate office!! I highly recommend Dr. Klainer...you won't be disappointed.
Thank you for your question and picture. I began doing SmartLIpo in 2007 and I admit I was skeptical. After almost 10 years of seeing the results I continue to be a believer in it's ability to enhance skin tightening in certain areas compared to other liposuction techniques. From your picture it appears that you would be an excellent candidate for SmartLipo. Because of it's ability to both decrease the fat and tighten the skin I would expect to see a nice improvement, of course it essential to have a personal consultation and exam before making final recommendations. I encourage you to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has extensive experience with SmartLipo of the neck, as well as other techniques for improving the neck and jawline so you can hear all the options that are available for treating that area.
Thank you for your description and photos. I would expect you to get significant changes with the procedures you are planning. It is extremely important to choose a Plastic surgeon with experience doing the "mommy makeover" procedure. Discuss your expectations prior to the procedure so you won't be disappointed.Recognize that significant weight loss or gain will effect the longevity of your outcome so being comfortable that you are at a stable weight for you better ensures the length that you will like your results.Good luck.
From the standpoint of safety uterine fibroids do not increase the risks associated with liposuction of the abdomen or flanks. In patients with large fibroids they may change the shape of the lower abdominal region effecting the expected results. It is essential to have a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who can give you a comprehensive exam and discuss your expectations.
I have been doing SmartLipo for almost 7 years and have found it to be extremely effective in the right individuals. In general swelling will start to decrease over the first 3 to 6 weeks and continue for several months. Similarly, the skin should begin to tighten along with the decrease in swelling and skin tightening after SmartLipo may continue for as long as 6 to 8 months after the procedure. Depending on how far out you are from your surgery you should expect to see continuing slow improvement.
Patients who are good candidates for SmartLipo are generally not obese, in good health and do not have large volumes of excess skin. Judging from your height, weight and your pictures you may be an excellent candidate for SmartLipo of your abdomen and flanks. To make a final determination a physical exam would be needed to access your abdominal muscle tone. SmartLipo will not address weakness or separation in the abdominal muscles which can result from pregnancy.I would encourage you to find a board certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with both SmartLipo and tummy tucks to give you a personal evaluation before deciding which procedure is best for you.Good luck.
