Hello Real Selfers,
As my title indicates I'm 38 years old, a mother of one and preparing for a tummy tuck. My surgery date is 2/9/18 and I'm equal parts anxious, excited and terrified. I change my mind about the surgery several times a day mostly because it's so much money. I can't help but think investing nearly $7,000 into a tummy tuck is shallow, vain and fiscally irresponsible. But on the other hand, what's wrong with a little vanity especially when it improves my quality of life and raises my self esteem. I'm 38 and have never worn a two piece, can only engage in intercourse under the cover of darkness and I frequently describe my naked body as a melted candle. My heart whispers "I need this tummy tuck" but my head screams "Lady, get a grip. The only thing you need is Jesus".
It's just so much money. I'm so indecisive. I don't know. Ugh, this is frustrating. 2 weeks...in 2 short weeks I'll either have a smaller waist or a smaller debt to income ratio.
Updated on 4 Feb 2018:
Hello Real Selfers,
Tomorrow is my last Pre-Op appointment before surgery. I'm no longer excited, just really nervous. I have so many questions and concerns. Now that I've decided to proceed with the TT my worries have mutated; changed from cost sensitivity to results apprehension. What if I don't like the results? What if after the TT I'm boxy or really thick in the middle? I've been looking at photos of people kinda shaped like me; some of the results aren't flattering at all. I'm trying to align my expectations with reality, I'm trying to be realistic but I think I'm failing miserable. Tomorrow I'm going to address my concerns with Dr. Oliver. I have about 12 questions written down and a couple of pictures printed I plan to present and discuss with him.
Another major concern, I don't have the support of my family. I'm not married nor in a relationship. I have 5 siblings but none of them are willing to come care for me after the surgery. I live 4 hours away from them. So that plays a part too. I really don't know what I'm going to do. I plan on discussing this with Dr. Oliver too. I hope he doesn't suggest I postpone my procedure. That would be a bummer.
TTYL Real Welders!
****I'll post pictures today ????????
Updated on 6 Feb 2018:
Updated on 8 Feb 2018:
Today is the day. It's exactly 1:28am and I'm unable to sleep. I'm nervous. My surgery starts at 8am. Let's pray I don't over sleep.
Updated on 10 Feb 2018:
Hello Real Selfers,
It's my first day Pre-Op. I have not looked at my results yet. I'm hoping for the best. ????????
I ordered my post op garme my from Bonito but I haven't put it on yet . Ill definitely do so today. Yesterday I was in some much pain. Today is slightly better. I haven't been able to eat anything. Every thing, including sitting up, makes me incredibly nauseas. I'll keep you posted.
Updated on 11 Feb 2018:
Hello Real Selfers,
I'm day 2 Post op. I haven't looked at my results. I did shower today but I wantbent forward the entire time. My binder, although comfortable at times, it is my best friend. I feel s o much better with it on. As a result, I wear it 24/7. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
Updated on 11 Feb 2018:
How long about I can stand straight?
Updated on 12 Feb 2018:
I know I'm being ridiculous. I don't it's only been 3 days post op; However I'm disappointed in my results. I'm boxy and still really fatty in the middle. I hope it's just swelling. ?
Updated on 13 Feb 2018:
I just don't feel well today. I'm really sore and unbelievably tired. And slightly disappointment in my results. Hopefully,this will all pass....quickly.
No pictures today. I'll post more when I feel better.
#HappyHealingFlatSiders
And
#BeBravePreOps
Updated on 14 Feb 2018:
First, I must say (thus far) my SP and team have been absolutely wonderful. They are kind, nice, informative and compassionate. They are truly loving people. Now, here are my many complaints.
I'm still hurting; mostly my scar. I can't see my scar because it's under hospital tape and I don't dare attempt to pull it up for a peek. But it hurts. 2. My drain ports are spawns from the pits of Hell. I freaking hate these drains. They are disgusting and uncomfortable at the port site. Every time I go to the restroom I just want to snatched them out. I hate them. Seriously. They were developed by Satan as instruments of frustration and torture. 3. Bathroom visits in general; bowel movements specifically. Just uncomfortable. Am I the only person who has to bring a pillow to assist with my bowel movements? It's just me? Ok! 4. Coughing/sneezing/laughing without a pillow firmly pressed against my abdomen is horrible. Especially coughing. I refused to confuse without a pillow. Ive instructed my family that if a coughing spell occurs and a pillow isn't within arm reach, just let me choke to death because coughing without a pillow pressed against my belly is unacceptable...punishment worse than death. 5. Walking. When will I be able to take more than 28 steps without the sudden onset of intense exhaustion? When is that day coming? I'm tired. I'm bored. But mostly I'm tired of being tired and bored. I just wanna get back to normalcy. I miss work and walking the the mailbox without getting winded and sweeping my floors and making my bed.
No pictures because I honest to goodness look exactly the same as I did pre op.
Updated on 15 Feb 2018:
Updated on 26 Feb 2018:
Hello Flat Siders, Pre/Post Ops and Looky Loos. I am 3 weeks post op and it's been challenging. First, my daughter and one of my sisters came to assist after surgery. My daughter stayed three days, my sister and entire weeks. At the time, it seemed more than sufficient; it was not. Once they left; I was totally alone most days were manageable but some days were not. Secondly, I Went back to work much to soon. I was only 9 days post op when I returned to work. I felt really good leading up to it. I was walking erect (mostly), my drains were gone and I was going several days without pain meds. My first day at work was barely bearable. My incision was on fire, by mid day walking erect was impossible and my back hurt beyond belief. Here's the really crazy part, I felt the majority of my team thought I was faking the pain or being unnecessarily dramatic. Cosmetic surgery can be a source of convert condemnation and overt judgement. Anyhow, my first day back to work was bad but I summarized it would get better as the days wore on. I was wrong. In fact, everyday it got worse; harder and harder to manage the pain, walk erect (or otherwise) and almost impossible to hold back the tears. At times, I was in so much pain I'd uncontrollably shake as if I were cold. Then I began to swell under my incision generalized to both side of my mon pubis. It was so painful putting on panties was a tearful experience. Anything that came into with the area, no matter how light, caused me to buckle over in pain. Of course, I went to see my PS. He assured we all was well, massaged my entire torso, checked for fluid build up and told me to ice it. I went back to work to finish out the week. Two days later, I was finally off and sent the entire day in bed with frozen pea on my mon pubis. Several hours later the swollen subsides. Yay, right? No...no yay. As soon as the swelling went done my incision started to leak....a lot. Terrified I videoed the leakage and texted it to my PS. He called me (on a Sunday night after 8pm) back and told me the leakage was not necessarily concerning, to place gauge around it and continue the massages he taught me. Basically, let it drain and help it drain. He promised to call me tomorrow.
My PS is a kind, caring and competent physician. However, I'm starting to get really scared. I'll keep you posted.