Very caring professional doctor and staff! Had breast reduction in May 2014 with Dr. Cherry. I am still amazed at the beautiful results! I can go braless and at 52 years old (48 on surgery day), I feel confident and love my breasts! I have given him as a referall to lots of ladies!
My name is Donna , Im 56 and On HALLOWEEN DAY Im having a full TT and Lipo. My surgeon, Dr. Cherry of Norwich Ct is wonderful . A few friends had him do their TTs and they are very very happy with their results. So I am so hopeful and sooo excited to look normal again. For 35 years ( birth of my daughter) Ive carried this belly around with me. It sits on my lap when IM sitting down !! lol ( I laugh but its so gross) Updated on 15 Nov 2013: Here it is, Nov. 15th. Ive got a little over a month to go. I havent yet allowed myself to get excited again yet. I was so so excited when I scheduled my first date. My boyfriend , apparantly like most of your men , didnt want me to do it. But once he saw the excitement on my face changed his mind . He says I deserve this for me. I wholeheartedly agree.When I had to postpone my first date ( Oct. 31st) I didnt come here much , I got pretty depressed, and I even put on a little weight ! :( It takes ALOT of guts for all of us to schedule this surgery . It is truly life changing just making the apointment. And when it was taken away from me....I was beside myself. Crying, depressed. It was ugly. But Im back...and ready to start looking forward to this again. Ive still been doing alot of reading here, but not particpating. Im so envious ( but of course happy for you all) of the girls that went to the flat side and I got left behind. lol But Ill be there soon enough. IM starting to dream of my flat belly clothes again. :) And yes..cute underware ! DEC 19th !! Bring it on !! Ill take and post before pictures soon. I havent had the nerve to actually take naked pictures of myself yet. yuk. :) Updated on 7 Dec 2013: wow, the time is going quick now .. as youve all described , IM becoming nervous and on the verge of canceling this. lol But when I feel like that I go to a mirror and look at myself naked. lol YUP, thats all it takes. Updated on 7 Dec 2013: I know alot of women decide not to tell anyone except immediate family that they are doing this surgery. But I decided to tell everyone !! lol Everyone at work knows, my whole family....theres been a mix of reactions. But my friends are my friends and support me no matter what I do. The rest, I dont care. No one has been negative to my face. But Im sure some cooworkers probably talk behind my back. lol I tell everyone, because Im just excited amd want to talk about it !!!!!!! lol Updated on 7 Dec 2013: First of all...IM a care giver. Idont do things like this for myself. My entire life has been taking care of and giving to others. Maybe this will be a change in more then just my body ! And...I have a dear friend who has cancer. A few months ago she had a bone marrow transplant that failed. Shes broke, she was evicted a while back ,her ins. was ready to drop her. And here I am spending 7500.00 and some so frivolous !?!? This was eating me up. I could cancel this and help her out. SHE is the most supportive person Ive told about it. She said she would never forgive me if I didnt go through with this. But a few weeks ago she had a second bone marrow transplant. And yesterday she got some blood work results...and it appears to be working !!!!!!!!!!! Thank goodness. Things are FINALLY looking up for her. sigh...so on with the surgery..... Updated on 7 Dec 2013: IM going to try to get up the nerve to take pictures. Just thinking about doing that makes my heart race. :( Taking these pictures and posting them for the world to see is harder then having the surgery. The other night I dreamt I was at the beach in a bikini. Ive never worn one , ever. My PS says I could very well be wearing one this coming summer. Does it really feel as freeing as it did in my dream ? Updated on 7 Dec 2013: SIGH... I spent 35 years trying to hide this. Now IM going to show the world. :( What a big step. Updated on 7 Dec 2013: Updated on 17 Dec 2013: Ive been blocking the surgery out of my mind up till now. So worried something will happen to take this away from me. Ive been excited off and on. Ive been numb with fear off and on. But never REALLY let it sink in yet I was just talking to my boyfriend on the phone and said to him.." Two more nights with my belly " and I got all chocked up started crying . That very minute, it became very real. SIGH......IM really doing this !!!! AS we all do, the closer it gets the more IM on here looking at before and after pictures . Wondering, is this REALLY possible for me ?? Alot of you have had such amazing results. I am so amazed at the pencil line thin incisions !! Praying Im so lucky. Updated on 18 Dec 2013: Well, here it is , the night before my TT and Lipo. I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 am and surgery is around 7:30. Soooo, by this time tomorrow Ill be all settled in my recliner ON THE FLAT SIDE !!!!!! OMG my heart is pounding just thinking about this !! I am so scared.... Updated on 19 Dec 2013: GOOD MORNING EVERYONE !! YES, its finally here !! MY fear this morning is that IM going to wake up in the recovery room and look down and the belly will still be there !! Have to be at the hospital at 5:45...surgery to start at 7:30. Its going to take about 3 and a half hours. See you all when I get home ! Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Sooo,my surgery was yesterday at 7:30. am. From the first second I walked into Backus Hospital everyone was so great ! Every single person I had to deal with made me feel very comfortable and as relaxed as I could be. I do have to say, the Lipo areas hurt alot !! It feels ok if Im not moving around..lol . I took a peak at the incision, and already it looks awesome !! IM so relieved. I am so excited to see the whole thing, IM to afraid to take the binder off so soon. When I had my consultation back in Oct. my PS said I didnt need muscle repair. But once I was under and opened up , he changed his mind and repaired the muscle ! He said if he hadnt done it my belly would have protruded. And he did alot more Lipo then had originally thought he would do. He took off 13 pounds but said its going to look like 30 !!! Cant wait to go clothes shopping !! lol So I have a question. What kind of Meds are you all on and when you take them does it take your pain away completely ? Mine doesnt..it barely takes the edge off. IM wondering if I should call his office ... Updated on 20 Dec 2013: The meds are making me a bit fuzzy. My boyfriend and his daughter keep laughing at me. I just wanted to say how happy I am that its over with . lol and how greatfull I am for all of you ! Updated on 24 Dec 2013: Hi Everyone !! So sorry iI havent been able to get on and update much. Ive had computer/cable problems . And its so difficult on a phone. Now that I have my computer back ...Ill update for the last few days. Day of surgery went great ! Everyone was so nice !! I couldnt have asked for anything better. When i went in that morning I was expecting 6/7 pounds of skin and fat removal. Once I woke up and was alert and oriented the girls seemed really excited saying " he took alot more then expected...youre going to look sooo good ! " So once he went in , he decided I did need some muscle repair and he lipod alot more. He ended up taking 13/14 pounds of fat and skin and says its going to look like 30 !! Even with the swelling it looks pretty damn good ! Day one Post Op ( 20th)....I was able to get up and around pretty much right away. It does hurt to get up and to sit back down....but once up not to bad except for that "back pain " everyone here talks about.ugh..thats not fun. :( The weekend...I pretty much took it real easy cause my ankles swelled up reeeeally bad. IM peeing fine. And did have an uneventfull BM during the weekend . I havent been very hungry, so I guess I have to work on the cycle of eating and pooping, eating and pooping ! lol Yesterday I went in for my pre op appoinment. He says Im doing greatand look ! IM so excited by my incision !! It looks great ! LOW AND THIN like we like them. :) He said the drains were still draining a bit to much to remove them...So, we are waiting till Thursday. And IM ok with that ! And to finish up with there today. Things went pretty well, Still pretty sore and swollen. Ya know , wr get sooo used to carrying along these drains. Dont know how this happens. AS I stood to go in the kitchen the drain got stuck on the handle of the recliner , and yuuup. OUT IT CAME as I walked away !!!!!! NOOO that wasent fun ! YEEEES that hurt !! And the surgeon was awesome even when I had him paged on Christmas Eve !! He was calm and kind. And veery reassuring that " No, Im SURE theres not a piece of that left inside of you " He asked me, did you do that on purpose !?!? lol I said noooo. He said in all his years doing this surgery, not one of is patients has done this. lol The way I look at it. If I can finish every day with a smile and still happy I did this. Then all is good. And so far, I can :) Im pretty sore now, this took me over 2 hours to type thios cause I kept dozing off !! lol MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE Will post pictures tomorrow. Updated on 26 Dec 2013: I actually went for the first time on Day 4 post op. and then again today. Todays....ugh not an easy thing. Must drink waaay more water. Updated on 26 Dec 2013: Sorry for full nudity. I dont know how to cover up those areas in phot editing. Updated on 26 Dec 2013: I took this the day after I yanked out the drain on my right side. IM pretty pleased with my incision. It looks so nice and neat , thin and low. And my stomach seems pretty painfull. So this morning I was so uncomfortable I undid my Compression Garment al the way and just sat there hanging out for a while and WHAT A RELIEF !! My whole body relaxed, and all of a sudden my stomach started making noise , I started passing alot of gas, things started moving around and grumbling in there !! AND I had a BM. It was like everything was so compressed in there nothing could move around. I dont think its a good idea to be up and around with out the CG but I think Ill do that several times a day, just sit back and relax with it all hanging out... ahhhh.... Updated on 26 Dec 2013: If this drain pops open during the night and drains all over my blanket ONE MORE TIME. !!!!!!! I am so over this dealing with these stupid drains !! Someone needs to redesign the drains so the dont open unless you want them to open. sigh.... Updated on 26 Dec 2013: this picture belongs with the other post Updated on 26 Dec 2013: Is anyone else having trouble with your moods.? Boy I am. I am so emotional....crying at commercials, ...and well almost everything. lol I am not unhappy that I did this. Im not asking myself why I did this, but I am tired of the pain and discomfort. IM not even walking completely unright yet. :( IM up and around alot !! And once IM up for a couple of minutes IM up straighter....But I just thought Id see more progress each day. Maybe it cause Im on the older side of most people doing this. :( Updated on 26 Dec 2013: Hows everyone elses helpers making out ? My boyfriend was GREAT for the first 4/5 days. But now I think hes so ready for me to be back to normal. I dont think he had any idea what this was going to involve and for how long. It almost makes me feel like Im weak and not bouncing back as quick as I should. Here on Realself there lists and advice for the patient. Maybe we could come up with some for our caregivers so they have some idea what to expect also ! Updated on 27 Dec 2013: as you all know I yanked out my right side drain on Christmas Eve. You would think that would be bad enough.... But yesterday I went to have my left side one take out. My PS is on vacation , but he runs in quick just to take out my drain....as he pulls Im watching and SNAP . It breaks off even with my skin !!! Surgeon says " in 30 years his has never happened !! " So he numbs me up ans cuts me open but cant find it. He dug around in there for about 30 minutes. At this point Im beside myself and crying.. :(. Then he decideds that we have to go to an OR. :( So this morning we are headed back to the hospital Updated on 27 Dec 2013: yup..back to the hosp. , back to an OR , anestesia , the works.... Hes decided to ooen up me TT incision a few inches and get it out there. My beautifull TT incision. I hate that its going to be messed with . Ive been prettty emotinal the last few days as it is. So this has just sent me over he edge Updated on 27 Dec 2013: WEll, this morning we were at the hospital at 8:00. And went to the OR around 9:15. The PS roepened my TT incision about 3 or 4 inches and got the drain tube out. It went well. This leaves a couple of questions.. 1. When I yanked the right drain tube on Chrstmas Eve did it ALL come out. Or did this one snap too. I had him save the one from today and we all looked at it....that end really looks like what I had in my hand christmas eve. So, please everone. Keep your fingers crossed. 2. Whos going to pay for this tube removal today ? My PS stopped by after the removal and said that he has no idea what happns now as far as payment. He said Hes not charging me for his part. But since todaty was NOT elective, maybe insurance would pay for it. But it was a ruslt of an elective surgery...so they may not. so I guess now we wait and see.... Updated on 28 Dec 2013: I just sneezed for the first time....Not as bad as I thought it would be !! lol And last night I slept in my bed....just two pillows under my head and one under my knees !! And it was awesome ! ! Updated on 29 Dec 2013: OK, so sleeping in my bed for the second night wasent near as good . I tosed and turned and couldnt get comfy no matter what I did. I took my first shower today. ( I had to wait for a few extra days cause of the second surgery) It felt great. But now IM seeing spots of blood on the ABD pads that I keep between my incision and the CG. Ill be keeping a close eye on that. I am restless, and getting cabin fever bad. So, yesterday we went out for a bit. Bath and Body Works, and Walmart. I did good. I went slow.... I figured since it went so well yesterday, I should get out again today. But, it didnt go as well. I was very tired and blah. So we went back home. Everyones advice here has been..Listen to your body. Exactly what I did today... Updated on 29 Dec 2013: This was taken this morning. Updated on 30 Dec 2013: one question...when the heck will these meltdowns stop !?!? sigh....My boyfriend keeps asking me " why are you crying ? " of course I cant explain it...lol Poor guy, hes been great. But on the bright side. Just got on the scale, down 12 pounds since surgery Day. Wonder if I can fit in my scrub pants yet. Updated on 1 Jan 2014: The new year starts off good. Had ,mostly , a good day yesterday. I was out and about alot. We ran lots of errands in the morning, took several hours. And then grocery shopping at Walmart cause we are expecting yet another snow storm. I think I over did though cause at Walmart I got a little light headed and felt faint. So I went home and spent the rest of the day in the recliner. I guess things are progressing as they should. My belly is still numb and tight . It feels all creepy crawly under the skin like theres something alive under there. lol Im sleeping in bed comfortably now. I still cant stand up straight. And my back still KILLS . IM not crazy about how my belly button looks. It seems big and shaped weird. ( PS ays it will close up a bit) But I LOVE my belly. ! Cant wait to dress it up in something sexy !! lol So, finally the tears have stopped. and yes I CAN fit in my uniform pants !! Updated on 2 Jan 2014: So, here it is 2 weeks PO. Feels like Ive had this belly alot longer . I woke up this morning feeling pretty darn good. Now that Im sleeping in bed and end up sleeping flat on my back, when I get up Im standing as straight as can be !!! But then through out the day as I sit...things tighten back up. But its a start. So, at two weeks...my sides still hurt but not as bad. Still feel creepy crawly under the skin right above my BB. Feels weird. lol My back is starting not to hurt so much. IM 5'10" and can finally bend over the bathroom sink to brush my teeth without my back KILLING me, I still get a bit tired quickly , and My swelling seems worse today then it has been. But normally if Im real carefull with my salt its not so bad. ( ugh, and I LOVE salt ) I went on my first solo outing this morning. I had to go to the bank and Walmart to get a few things cause we are getting a blizzard. First time really alone since the surgery. It felt good. :) So, two weeks into this and IM am very satisfied. I go tomorrow to get the stitches out of my BB. Cant wait cause they are a little itchy. Before the surgery I must have done a really good job hiding my belly skin....cause when the people that I didnt tell about the surgery see me, they think I got a boob job !! Cause now with the flat belly they look HUGE !! lol Just another perk !! Updated on 4 Jan 2014: My boyfriend has been away for a week, he comes home tomorrow. And has to go away to Orlando on the 12th. He travels alot for work. So,weve decided I can rest and heal just as easily in a lounge chair by a pool as I can here in frozen CT in my recliner. Hopefully my PS will agree when I talk to him on Monday. Updated on 4 Jan 2014: Curious...has anyone had any weird changes since surgery ? Like...well , IM cold all the time. For the last 15 years Ive been really hot with ALOT of hot flashes. But now I just seem to be freezing all of the time. Maybe from such a sudden large amount of fat removal ? (surgeon removed 13 pounds of fat and skin) Coffee....I used to LOVE my coffee. Now, it just doesnt taste like it used to and its actually making me a bit queezy. :( I hope that goes back to normal. :( Updated on 4 Jan 2014: I just found a couple small openings in my incision. :( sigh talked to the PS. He doesnt seemed concerned. I asked if he wanted me to stay in the sitting position again till I can see him Monday morning..( to kind of hold it together) He said no...to just be up and around as usual. But now every step I take Im concerned about the openings. and now IM afraid to stand up straight. Afraid to pull it open even more. :( damn it damn it damn it.... Updated on 6 Jan 2014: My steri strips finally came off and my incision looks worse then I thought. Cosmetically its awesome. Nice and low. Im happy with the surgery. But it looking open and infected. :( Getting ready to go see him now. IM so damn dissappointed. Ill update as soon as I get home. Updated on 6 Jan 2014: well, Again the words " this doesnt usually happen " came out of his mouth ! lol He said I am the patient if firsts. Lucky me. He said it isnt infected. And that it will close. He was not concerned..... He put more steri strips back on and said it will close up. I go see him again on Friday. I have faith in him... At 2 and 1/2 weeks I asked him ... Can I stop using the binder (that is now to big) and go to spanks? He said yes as long as I buy a size down. How much can I push, pull, carry etc. ? He said absolutely NO carrying, pushing or pulling for 6 weeks. So that means no going back to work for me. :( Can I travel for a week to Orlando? He said as long as I get up and walk around the plane and wear compresion stockings. yeah !! Orlando here I come !!! Updated on 7 Jan 2014: Ive read that some of you feel great....youre moving right along and all of a sudden you have a lousy day.....thats me , today. Feeling very tired , very blah , a little queezy and even bloated. I was out alot yesterday, Think Ill just take it easy today. Hope this passes quickly. Ive been feeling so good ! Updated on 8 Jan 2014: THe creepy crawly under the skin on my belly has stopped !! Geez, I havent felt it for a few days. It was weird feeling, but not really an issue. I just realized too that I havent taken a new picture in 10 days ! Im going to go do that....lets see how much Ive changed in 10 days. Updated on 8 Jan 2014: Updated on 8 Jan 2014: Updated on 8 Jan 2014: lmao, I really do own lots of other bras. lol Just happens Im always wearing that one when I take pictures. Updated on 8 Jan 2014: Funny, when I had my belly I couldnt see how jiggly my thighs are. :( lol WOW ....Cant wait to get back to the gym . Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Last night I made Pasta with Garlic with Shrimp for dinner. And these awesome bake yourself rolls. I ate to much....and it felt horrible. It didnt feel like it used to......it was way worse. It was terrible . and will be a reminder to not do it again. I dont plan in doung anything to jepordize my flat belly....but i hadnt eaten in since mirning and I was starving . :( Bad mistake. Ohhh , and my Belly Button is ITCHING !!! Had the stitches out on Monday . So I know its healing....but ITCHY !! lol Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Three have flown by so quickly. It sure feels like Ive had this flat belly alot longer then three weeks. The doc yesterday reassured me that everything is fine with my incision. That It will close on it own. And that I should go to Florida and enjoy. :) So, I decided this morning to try on some of the clothes that Ill be taking to Florida....Im posting the pics...a little fashion show . lol Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: Updated on 9 Jan 2014: How long is eveyone waiting to have sex? Updated on 9 Jan 2014: I have felt like an inferior women because of my body. And now...here....other women are complimenting me. This is life changing for me. I am so gratfull for my PS, my borfriend for taking such good care of me, and all of you. Yea I guess Im feeling a little meloncholy....lol Updated on 16 Jan 2014: Our trip is almost over and I have to admit....Ill be very glad to get home. Flying..and the whole travel day exhausted me. But since its a bussiness trip for him, its a very relaxing trip for me. The FAVORITE part of this trip was getting to meet TampaTT and her husband !!!!!!! WE all had diner last night. She looks AMAZING !!!!! Here I am, its hard for me to believe, 4 weeks post op !! A WHOLE MONTH already !! I still look at myself in the mirror in shock thinking " omg I really did it" as you all know Ive been having a few issues getting a sew small spots to close. It didnt close up and then open back up. Its just being stubborn closing. The one that was making me the most nervous, right in the center of the incision, has closed !!! Im so very relieved by that. Theres two more spots that are having some discharge and arent closed yet . One spot even had some pink discharge the other day which really concerned meo, Im going to do my best not to worry about it. I think Ive figured out why the discharge turned pink. AS far as compression garments go I figured the tighter the better ! lol Soooo, Ive been squirming into my new spanks. Its been a stuggle to get it up over my hips and incision. I think all that tugging may have put to much stress on the incision where it wasent all the way closed. So, Im back in my original CG with the zippers. I love the spanks...but Ill wait till IM all the way healed. Otherwise Im doing and feeling great. Almost all the way straight. Ive been afraid cause of the openings....but Im pushing it a bit more now. Still swelling after salt or towards the end of the day. I can do good with what I eat at home. But when your away, its hard. Ive eaten stuff I shouldnt . In small amounts, but even just a little makes me swell right now. And thats ok, Im starting to like the taste of foods with no salt !! Even peanuts and popcorn !!! Never thought Id see THATday ! lol Updated on 17 Jan 2014: We had sex and I didnt die ! My incision didnt split open . And my insides didnt come splilling out !!!! LOL Honeztly...it didnt hurt anything , it was even uncomfortable. It was all in my head. HAPPY 4 WEEK ANNIVERSARY TO ME !! lol One step closer to being back to normal. Updated on 17 Jan 2014: thats supposed to say WAS NOT uncomfortable. Updated on 20 Jan 2014: Good Morning everyone ! This Thursday will be five weeks for me. That leaves me one more week before I go back to work. I am out of work for 6 weeks because I have a very physical job with ALOT of heavy lifting. I am an PCA at a hospital. Very busy and heavy job. I have to admit I am getting nervous about it. Esp. since theres a few spot that havent closed yet. And there is drainage. There was another spot dead center on the incision, and that one has closed up recently. But theres a spot on each side that are being very stubborn. While I was in Florida the drainage on one of the spots became pinkish. :( . I called my PS to see what he thought. He asked was it red(the skin) ? I said no was their an odor to the drainage ? I said no Is the area warm ? I said no Am I running any fever at all ? I said no. These are all good signs.....But Im very anxious to see what he says about me going back to work next week with these openings. And if all these problems werent enough, lol, my check for last week was very very small. ThaT could be a bad sign. sigh... Either Im out of PTO AND sick time two weeks before I thought I would be, or someone in payroll has screwed up. Boy Im hopeing for a screwup. Cause who can afford two weeks off unpaid. It sucks, but then I look down at my belly . And its all ok again. lol Ill figure it all out. :) Ill uPdate again tomorrow , have a great day everyone ! Updated on 20 Jan 2014: I was curious how long my incision is, so I just measured it. 30 inches !! Damn...thats long. lol Updated on 21 Jan 2014: My PS is so unexcitable . lol He is not concerned about these spots AT ALL. He said they are very superficial and will heal. Hes not sure why they are not closed yet. Said it could just be points of more stress. He said just a little bacitracin and a band aid ! lol He said everything looks great. And that Im doing really well. I told him that yesterday I woke up flatter then I have seen so far. He smiled and said that will be my final result. :) Sometimes I feel like Im just waking from a dream. THAT flat belly is mine. I had a TUMMY TUCK !! Still hard to believe ! He cleared me to go back to work next week. Which will be exactly 6 weeks. Since Im a PCA in a hosp. doing so much heavy lifting, I am as apprehensive about my first day back as I was about having the sex the first time. But just like sex, Im sure everything will be just fine going back to work too. In my last post I mentioned that I had gotten a small pay check last week. I was concerned I was out of PTO and sick time and would go the next two weeks without So, that was not the case. Phew, it was someone in payrolls screw up. I will be getting paid my last week off. :) Hope everyone is having a great week !! Updated on 23 Jan 2014: As my boyfriend gave me a kiss this morning , he said "what are your plans today " I replied " taking naked pictures ! " lol He rolled his eyes and laughed. Updated on 23 Jan 2014: I had a little chinese buffet last night with me grandson. So maybe I should have waited till tomorrow to update my photos. a little puffier then other mornings. Updated on 23 Jan 2014: Updated on 23 Jan 2014: Updated on 23 Jan 2014: Updated on 31 Jan 2014: Geez, feels like I havent been here in a while. Cant wait to read everyones updates and see how you all are doing. Lets see, whats new with me. I was able to go back to work yesterday. I had a note from my PS saying back to work full duty. I took it to employee health and the nurse said " You work at a hospital. I cant let you come back with an opening in your incision ! " Errrrr. So the next day I went and saw the Hospital Doc. She was not so concerned and said as long as the PS would give me another note with the updated date...she would go by his word. WTH...lol So off I go back to the PS and of course he gave me the updated note. Everything seems to be a runaround. BUT....I still dont regret a second of this whole experiance. Have you ladies done much shopping yet for new clothes ? Ive gone looking, but havent bought anything yet. I seem to be drawn to the big baggy shirts ! I have to keep reminding myself that I dont need those anymore ! lol It will be an adjustment, but an adjustment Im more then willing to make. Do you guys find that some people dont even acknowledge that you look different/better ? Alot of the girls said omg you look so good. And then they will hug me and whisper in my ear " Im so jealous" And then some havent said anything. Nothing at all. Women are funny.... Lets see...physically Im doing pretty well. At times, if Im sitting to much, its still hard to stand straight. But when I stand up, if I take a minute to straighten up before I start walking then Im ok. ....I STILL have the opening that Ive been telling you about. I saw my PS Wednesday. He actually seemed a little annoyed that I was concerned. He said he doesnt know why the spot is being so stubborn to close. But that I should just be patient , that it WILL close, and that its looking fine. And to come back and see him in 3 to 4 weeks !!!! sigh... He says if he cuts it and stitches it up now it increases the risk of infection by 40% !! I really dont want to go that route, so I will continue to be patient and trust my surgeon. ....Little white stitches just now came out of my belly button. My belly button has changed alot in the six weeks of healing. Its turning out to be much smaller then I thought it was going to be. That maes me happy :) .....My skin between my belly button and incision is tender and itchy all the time. When Im swollen, its even more tender.. Its not comfortable with clothes rubbing against it. So, Im pretty content in my spanx still. He has not told me to stop wearing them yet anyway. ....SALT.....my dear friend, and my worst enemy. I love it. I LOVE chips( which I havent had in 6 weeks) . Now , at 6 weeks, my swelling is worse now then it has been the whole time. I work very hard at keeping the salt as low as possible. But people sure dont make it easy on you !! lol Did you know nine SHRIMP has about 1200 mg of salt !!! 1200 !!!!!! Thats crazy !! IF the shrimp is in a store frozen or unfrozen its been processed. And processed with salt of course. Alot of times shrimp, well seafood, is injected with a salt solution to plump it up and keep it juicy !?!? Ive been learning alot and enjoying it. :) Cooking from scratch as much as possible. I like taking control back of what I eat !! And I find the few times that Ive eaten something fatty and greasy and salty....I feel like crap. lol Updated on 31 Jan 2014: when I went back to the PS to get my updated note he said go back full duty, no restrictions. But then as I was leaving I asked if I could go to the gym, and he looked at me like I was crazy and said NOT LIFTING AT ALL for another week !!! WHAT ??? I have a feeling he has no idea what I do at work. I am a PCA at a hospital, I lift , boost and catch (if falling).. VERY large people !!!! ( and every other need they may have) But I cant lift at the gym for another week ?!?!? IM guessing I probably shouldnt be at work then. lol So for my first week back I am going to be so very carefull. I am NOT risking my muscle repair.... Updated on 31 Jan 2014: How come all my updates for the past two weeks say 1 month post op. Each week that goes by is important. lol I am 6 weeks post op. lol Updated on 28 Feb 2014: And feeling ok. During my second week back I almost fell in a patients room. And from catching myself I hurt my belly. It hurt so bad it brought me to my knees for about a minute. And then that night my belly button started bleeding. It bled for a couple of days and the whole area around my belly button was so very tender. But it feels better now. :) As you all know I have a couple of spots that werent closing. And I hate to say it they still havent. Thery still arent red, warm, or have an odor. And they dont affect my day to day living. But its just getting annoying now. I look at everyones pictures....and your all closed up and looking good. Im 10 weeks PO...and where he had to reopen my incision to get the tube out is still not closed ! :( And still...my PS is not concerned. I actually feel that all of my little complications annoy the hell out of the surgeon. Updated on 28 Feb 2014: Some things have changed since my TT and Lipo. Coincidence ? Good side affects of having all that belly fat removed ? I dont know but Im pretty excited about it. Before surgery I had hot flashes ALOT. PO ..not one hot flash ! Years ago...probably 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with high cholesteral and high blood pressure. Even treated with meds all these years they werent coming down nearly enough. But since my surgery, and without any med changes, they are both AWESOME !! My reg doctor said we dont want them going any lower, that they are beautifull. Updated on 14 Mar 2014: Hi everyone !! I cant believe its been three months since that day I got in the car and drove to the hospital numb with fear over having my TT. lol I dont regret it for a minute. I still love my belly. :) And they way I look in my clothes. Lets see...at 3 months I am more normal even though I swell. lol It seems IM going to swell no matter what I eat. So Im not quite as strick with myself as I used to be. I havent lost any more weight then the 14 the PS took off me. But Im ready to get the rest of the weight off now. Ive gone back to the gym. 20 pounds and Ill be completely happy. I was kind of holding off cause of the openings in my incision. Theres 3 openings. I went to my reg doc recently and she is more concerned about the openings then my PS is. She has me taking a multivitamin with Zinc cause Zinc promotes healing. Since I started thatthe one opening on my right has closed. :) The bigger one ( where he had to reopen it) has scabbed over. :) But the third one....ugh that damn third one isnt looking good. I think its tunneling deeper. My reg. doc says if it doesnt heal up really soon she wants me to go to a wound Doc. I go see the PS on Monday, we will see what he says this time. Can I vent for a minute about the PS ?? lol At first He was wonderfull. Along with the girls in the office. But through all of this he has gotten a little impatient with my healing. I think when I ask him questions ( and I havent asked many) It seems like he thinks Im questioning his skill. One time when I asked him something about swelling he said" I dont know what your expectations are, but if you just be patient you will be very happy. and so will we. " I took that as they would be happy Id finally be gone. Ive even over heard him and one of the girls talking out in the hall about me. Last time I was there as I left the office one of the girls went in behind me....I heard her say to him something about he was finally able to make me smile . I cant tell you how nice and cheerfull Ive been through all of this !!!! Through the issues getting my FMLA approved, I kept smiling. Through the drainage tube breaking off, I kept smiling. Through a second whole surgery to get the tube out , I kept smiling. Through the incision not being closed after THREE MONTHS, Ive kept smiling. I never bitched once at him or about him. Ive actually recommended him to a bunch of girls. Ive freakin smiled so much this man has never seen me cry except when the tube broke off and he tried to dig it out. Hes a very skilled surgeon. IM very happy with the work he did . But he apparantly is not used to any complications. I ask questions because Im curious about whats going on with my body. Hes done this for thirty years or something....but its MY FIRST TIME DAMN IT . This was a huge deal for me... Thanks girls for letting me vent. I feel better. lol ILl let you know what he says on Monday. If he doesnt do anything about this last opening, I wont be so smiley ....
I have never had a nice tummy. When I was younger it was always chubby, even when the rest of me wasn't . Them as I got older and started working out and eating clean, I lost lots of the tummy fat and the wrinkly skin took over. It's so frustrating to work out as hard as I do and have a belly that looks like I'm 85 instead of 45. All of my friends say that it's "not that bad" and I can tell they think I'm being vain, but it's bad to me. I am so looking forward to wearing a bikini and having a tummy I am not ashamed of!!! I am posting a before pic showing how wrinkly my belly looks when I bed over in any way. As you can probably tell, I've already had my breasts augmented. This was also done by the same PS that will do my TT. I had them replaced last year with silicone when one of my original saline implants ruptured from a mammo. Can't wait until I can post another of my new, smooth tummy!!!! Updated on 9 Mar 2013: Good morning! I am enjoying reading all of your posts. I can't believe that in less than two weeks I'll be recovering from my surgery. I wish I had found this site before I had my final consultation with my surgeon because I find that I have lots of questions now after reading what you've all been writing. He said that I didn't need any muscle repair but now I'm wondering because when I took before pictures I see a protrusion below my belly button. Also I noticed that a lot of you stay overnight at the hospital and mine is just a one-day surgery. I posted some more before pictures today which show how my belly doesn't really look bad when I'm standing up the but gets all wrinkly if I bend over. I work out so hard and I can't wait until my ab muscles are showing. Does anyone know how long it is before you can start working out again after having the surgery? My surgeon said six weeks is this accurate? Have a great weekend everybody!!!! Updated on 17 Mar 2013: I am at TT minus 4 days!!! Nervous and excited all at once! As I have already shared, I have really been "on the fence" about having this procedure done for many years. What's held me back is thinking "Oh, it's really not the bad" or "I am just being vain", or guilt about spending the money when I could spend it on more "practical" things like my house or my retirement fund. Then....just when I decide to go for it, I get into a 70 mph collision with a deer, totaling my car and racking up some serious hospital bills, the first of which ($2000) just arrived in the mail last week. For anyone wondering, yes I do have health insurance, but it is horrible and I have a HUGE co-insurance. And....gotta love my husband for dropping the medical coverage on our auto policy to save $ ( I did think about murder but thankfully the urge passed). Oh, I also forgot to mention that I am in the process of paying (by myself) for a family cruise for 7 people in July. Well, after a few nights of waking up in the middle of the night in a panic over money, I have decided to go ahead to the TT! I want a flat, tight tummy so bad, and I know based on life experience that there is never going to be a "perfect" time, money or otherwise. My procedure is this Thursday, and I have taken the following week off from work. Hopefully this will be enough. I just bought my first bikini in about 20 years and I can't wait to rock it!!!!! Updated on 21 Mar 2013: Hi Everyone, Well I'm 6 1/2 hours post-op and feeling good! The pain is totally bearable, and I'm just getting ready to take my first percocet at home. My PS ended up doing MR, even though he originally thought it would be needed. My JPs are draining well, and I just have a little bit of burning when I urinate due to the foley cath that was placed during the 2 1/2 hour surgery. I did notice that my drainage is thick-red, more like blood than fluid. Anyone else experience this the first few days? I seem to remember that after the BA the drainage with thin and fluid like right from the start. I added a photo showing my drains. Just a little nervous about this :/ Updated on 22 Mar 2013: One day post-op and feeling pretty darn good. I was actually able to sleep in bed last night propped up on pillows. This surprised my because after my BA I slept in a chair for about a week. I am taking Percocet 10/325 every six hours for pain along with ibupropen 600mg for swelling. My drainage is already decreasing, but it is still bright red. I called the PS office and they said that bright red is fine, as long as it's not as thick as blood would be. I also googled around and found out that bright red bloody drainage is normal for the first few days. I took my CG off for a few minutes this morning and snapped a pic which I am posting. Everything looks pretty good except I wish my scar was a little lower and didn't go all the way out to my hips. I bought a string bikini and the scar shows. The photo I am posting is with some bottoms that are a little higher and thicker on the side. Also, my belly button seems big, but I did a little research and found out that it will shrink in size once the swelling goes down. Updated on 23 Mar 2013: Good morning, I'm at day 2 post-op, and have alot of dark bruising all over. I expected some bruising in the areas where I had lipo, but I also have some large, dark bruises above and to the sides of my belly button. Looking at other people's early post-op photos I don't see this. On the Q &A board, I saw a comment from an MD stating the dark areas could be necrotic. Has anyone else experience this type of bruising? I don't see my PS until Monday, so hopefully the bruising will start to fade before I start freaking out. I have attached a photo of the bruising. On a happier note, I am supposed to go to a party for my best friend who just finished cancer treatment tonight. Most of the people there don't know I had a TT, so keeping it on the down low is going to be challenging, especially with the drains and the quasimodo walking gait!!!! Updated on 24 Mar 2013: I am post-op day 3 and already the discomfort is improving. I still have extensive bruising, and in fact, it actually looks like it might have spread some since yesterday. I did do some research and found that bruising is not uncommon with a TT, especially when lipo was done. In addition to my flanks, I had lipo above my BB and in the obique area, so I am thinking the bruising is because of this. Also, my PS told me was okay to take my vitamins and fish oil right up until surgery, so maybe my blood was on the thin side which would make me bruise more easily. Either way, I am glad I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow so he can have a look. I'm still taking Perc every 6 hours, but I think that after a few more days Ibuprophen alone will do the trick. My drainage has gone done quite a bit since yesterday, and if only put out 30ml or less between now and tomorrow and I can them removed. I did pick up some arnica pearls and bromelain capsules to help with the bruising and swelling and started them yesterday. Happy healing to those of you who are post-op with me, and good luck to those getting ready for surgery! Updated on 24 Mar 2013: So, during the course of today, the bruising on my abdomen has actually extended instead of improved. After searching around a little bit, I'm pretty sure that what I have is a large hematoma. According to what I found, sometimes they resolve on their own, but in other cases needle aspiration or even additional surgery is required. Thank goodness I am seeing my PS tomorrow. Don't think I'll be getting much sleep tonight :( Updated on 25 Mar 2013: I saw my PS today and was very relieved to learn that the bruising I have is in the areas where he did lipo on my abdomen and has most likely occured because I didn't have a lot of fat or tissue to start with. In other words, it's nothing to worry about - whew! Also, some people just bruise more easily than others, and I have always been one of those people who randomly bumps into a chair or something and ends up with a gigantic bruise! I also posted a pic and question to the Q&A board and a surgeon replied with the same answer. I am only draining around 25cc in 24 hours, but because of the bruising he is leaving my drains in until Wednesday, just in case there is more blood to be evacuated. He also recommended to put a heating pad on low to bring down the swelling and aid in evacuation of the blood under my skin. I took my first shower since surgery and have my CG in the washer right now. I think that starting today and I am going to use ibuprophen during the day and Percocet only at night if I need it so I can drive my car. Good luck to anyone having their TT tomorrow! Updated on 26 Mar 2013: Today marks my 5th day since surgery, and I feel a lot better than I thought I would. Yesterday I only took 2 percocet, one before my PS appointment (in case he removed the drains), and one at bedtime. I have come to think that the percocet at bedtime is actually preventing me from getting a good night's sleep instead of helping. After I take it, I initially get sleepy and fall right to sleep, but I invariably wake up around 2-3 am when it wears off and I am wide awake! Sometimes I just lay there for an hour or so waiting to fall back to sleep, and other times I get up and read or watch tv. Starting today, I am going to try to just take ibuprophen 600mg 3xday. My swelling has greatly decreased and using the heating pad has helped alot with this. My drains are only putting out a tiny amount, so I confident they will be able to come out at my appt tomorrow. My bruises are already fading - I started taking bromelain and arnica and I think it is helping. My bowels are okay but not 100% - last night I drank prune juice with Miralax in it, so hopefully relief is on its way! I took my first shower yesterday and it was heavenly!!!! I will try to post some pictures later today when I look more human :) Have a great day everybody! Updated on 27 Mar 2013: I am 6 days PO and feeling amazing! I had my drains removed today and it feels so good to be free! Just a tiny bit of discomfort when they were pulled, but nothing big. I am standing almost completely upright today - I noticed a big difference between yesterday and today in my posture. I haven't taken any percocet since yesterday- the ibuprophen 3xday seems to be doing the trick. I go see my PS again next Friday to have the sutures removed from my BB. I still have some bruising on my torso, but it is getting fainter everyday. It is driving me so crazy to watch my husband go to the gym every morning without me. I know I need to follow the activity restrictions, but I am so afraid that I am going to go into a depression from not being able to exercise. Working out is just as important for my mental well being as it is for my physical well being. I just have to keep telling myself that this is temporary, and I'll be back exercising before I know it :) Updated on 28 Mar 2013: Hi All - I am adding some updated photos. My surgery was 1 week ago today. I am feeling really good. Still taking my Bromelain, Arnica, Multivitamin, Fish Oil and Ibuprophen. Didn't even need Percocet at bedtime last night and was able to sleep on my side. I really think that being fit prior to this surgery has been a huge help. I am going to pick up some arnica gel today to start rubbing on my bruises. They are fading nicely, but anything I can do to speed them along would be great! As you can see from the photos, I am still pretty swollen, but I think a little of the definition in my obliques is coming back. I'm not crazy about how my BB looks now, specifically the creases above and below. My PS assures me that this is due to the swelling and the area will flatten right out when the swelling goes down. I measured my waist and my hips this morning and they are both 2 inches larger than before the surgery. I was able to put regular jeans on this morning, though, so that is good. Thank God I am coming along as well as I am, because it's back to work as usual on Monday. I have a desk job with no physical demands, but the mental demand is high, so it's good that I'm off the pain killers. Happy Healing to all and good luck to anyone having their surgery today or tomorrow! Updated on 30 Mar 2013: Woke up today on PO day 9 with hardly any swelling, so I thought I grab some pictures and play with pic collage. I know the swelling will return as the day goes on, but definitely getting better! Updated on 6 Apr 2013: Hi everyone, Well I just hit the 2 week mark, and so far so good! During this past week, I really started to noticed a marked improvement in my swelling, endurance, and energy level. I went back to my desk job at 11 dpo, and although the few days were a little rough while my body adjusted to being upright all day again, by the end of the week I was pretty much feeling like my old self. Now that I'm back to work I resumed my usual clean diet, and I'm sure that is helping too. I saw the PS yesterday and had my bb sutures removed. I had a million questions for him, especially abound my bb and the center crease running through it, and he reminded me that I am only 2 weeks PO and said I am being impatient. I know he is right and have promised myself that I will not check out my tummy every 2 seconds and will give my body time to heal before I can evaluate my final result. I am happy to say that my bb is improving with time just like he said it would. He said he did the most lipo in my lower abdomen, and that is why I have the most swelling and tightness there. This is causing a "pulling" towards the center which is creating the crease. As my inicision relaxes and the lower abdomen swelling goes down, the crease will continue resolve. I had a bunch of questions for him jotted down on my iphone, and they were all just one word each, so it was kind of comical when he was giving me answers. Here the jist of what I asked and his answers: Running? 6 weeks. Golf? 6 weeks Treadmill? now but slowly. Core exercises? 6 weeks Sex? now (I told him I already told my husband 6 months - lol) scar therapy? now and for the next 3 months. He applied the first set of silicone strips and said they can be reused until they get nasty or stop sticking. He said to take them off for showering or for another time during the day to give my scar a little time off. I can reorder them on ebay for about $20 per sheet. I posted some updated pics today. My scar looks a little angrier than it did yesterday in his office, but I just took a hot shower prior to taking the photos so I think that made it a little redder. The incisions under my breasts from the same ps are barely visible, so I'm not worried. I do wish it was a little lower, but I know it could be much worse. My side view looks like my lower abs are sticking out a little more than they have been since my surgery, but I am about 2 days away from my period, so I think that is probably a factor. What I do like about my bb (see I can see the positives, too) is that I read a ps say somewhere that from the side, your bb should look like the indentation of a bird bath in the profile of your tummy. I think my ps did achieve this. I also included a photo that shows the difference that only 2 weeks can make. So for any of you feeling discouraged out there, hopefully this will give you hope and reassurance. We have all waited almost our entire lifetimes (I know I did) to have a tummy would could be proud to show, and we want it now, not in 6 months!!!! Patience........... not my strong suit but I'm trying! Updated on 14 Apr 2013: I just passed the 3 weeks mark and I am very pleased with the way my tummy continues to improve on a daily basis! I have virtually no swelling in the mornings, and only a mininal amount, just above my incision in the evenings. I know there are varying opinions on when to resume light exercise and that every is different, but I started back at the gym doing a very light routine last Monday, and I believe the increased activity did alot to decrease my swelling later in the day. I still have 3 more weeks until I can do any core work and I am dying to see how much definition I can get now that I had the TT. I am also dying to golf, and I can't do that for 3 more weeks either. I added 3 new pics this week. I am really happy with how my bb is shaping up, and my incision is getting lighter and flatter. The most important advice I could give to anyone who is discouraged with their results immediately post-op is to have patience. What you see right away is not even close to the results you will see even 2 weeks later. I was swollen, had probably the worst bruising I have seen on this site, and hated my bb. Now, only 2 weeks later, all of that has resolved. I have noticed my incision gets very itchy from time to time, and I have to take the silicone tape off to give it a break for a few minutes each day. I am sleeping without a CG, but I still wear a CG from Target sometimes during the day because I like the feeling of support. So happy with my decision to have my TT and am looking forward to watching my tummy continue to change in the upcoming months!!!! Updated on 9 Aug 2013: Hi everyone, Sorry I've been away so long - it's almost been 3 months since I posted. I have been busy running around in my bikini and having fun all summer!!!!! My daughter graduated from high school in June and we took a family cruise in July. I have added a fews pics from our vacation. It was so amazing to wear a bikini and not feel self conscious!!!! My incision is getting a little lighter every day, and I actually stopped using scar therapy strips after the first month or so. I am still very numb between my belly button and incision, and I'm not sure how much feeling I will ever get back. I still have some numbness from my breast aug incisions and that was over a year ago. In late June I had my navel repierced and because of the alterred sensation, it hurt like hell!!!!!! It is still very sore to the touch even though it is not infected. Hopefully the discomfort will go away with time or I might have to remove it. I am back to working out 5-6 days a week, and do all types of ab exercises, including some with weights. I still feel some tightness when I lay on my stomach and do a cobra stretch, but I have virtually no swelling, except for a little shelf at times right above my incision line. I am going to poke around the site a little to see if I can find any of the other March tummies. Enjoy the rest of your summer everyone!!!!!
