Thomas G. Liszka, MD

So I'm 37 years old and I have a 4 year old son. I wanted a smaller waist but all of my workout attempts failed, detoxing, failed, dieting..failed.. not cause those things don't work, I am just very busy and I'm not the best with time management. Which I think you need to be to plan to work out and meal prep and all that jazz. So I went to my consultation, I had 360 lipo the year prior, my doctor stated to get the results I wanted (a flat stomach) I would need a tummy tuck. I booked it.. I was scared the whole time waiting until my surgery date, I tried to look at a video of the tummy tuck procedure to ease my mind.. Do Not Do that! I saw most people veto's tummy tuck had a C section before or really loose skin and I didn't, so I thought I didn't deserve one. My friend S began to send me before and after pics of women smaller than me getting the procedure. After that I definitely decided I do deserve to look the way I want! My doctor Dr Lizska was very experienced with a tummy tuck he was super nice especially my nurse Jenny! I went to sleep and woke up snatched and I'm so glad I did it. I am 4 days post op and still on meds it's a little sore but nothing unbearable! I'll post more pics when they remove the drain.

Updated on 2 Sep 2020:
So I went in for my 1 week follow up to see if I could have my drain taken out and to check on my healing and stitches. The doctor said everything looked really good and a lot of the swelling as gone down. The took the tape off and took out 1 or 2 stitches on the sides. They left my drain in because I was still showing about 45-50 ml per day. (You have to track the fluid that comes out of your drain on a log) When it gets down to under 30 ml per day they he said it would be removed. Also my belly button started oozing when I took a shower that day. They cleaned it, peeled a scab off, that kinda hurt, n cleaned it again, put gauze on it n taped it up. I’m very happy with the results so far! My nurse said all swelling should go down in about 6 weeks. Here’s some pics.

What a great experience! Every person that works here is so kind and SO comforting. This was my first major surgery, so naturally I was nervous during scheduling and consultations. They made me feel so comfortable and safe that I ended up being more excited than nervous the day of my surgery. My recovery was surprisingly easy and they checked in on me along the way. And my results are great! I would recommend this place to anyone.

I hated having big boobs. January 2016 I had my surgery with Dr. Liszka and he did an amazing job! It’s been 2 years and I’m still happy with the results! Everyone at the office from the nurses to front desk are so helpful and sweet. I’m really glad that I chose him to perform my surgery. The pain the first few days were rough but after he removed the drains everything was fine from then on. Thanks again!

49 y/o - Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck 11/29/16. Dr. Liszka and his staff are the BEST! They're always very polite and professional. Dr. Liszka is very soft spoken but very informative and thorough. He's a very caring doctor...he called the evening after surgery to check on me and followed-up weekly for the first month. He also continued to follow up monthly the first three months and my next follow-up is in 6 months May timeframe. He's always available to answer questions. I selected him after going to 3 consultations; his prices and professionalism won me over.

I'm deciding to write about my experience since so many of you have helped me. I got my implants on February 15, 2007 in Miami by Dr. Leonard Hochstein. He's a great doctor, does amazing work, and I highly recommend him if you're in that area. I'll have to look for a pic when they were first done.

They were amazing and I loved them. They helped me with my job as an exotic dancer.
I am no longer in that line of work and haven't been for about 6 years. After four consults in Charlotte, NC I chose Dr. Liszka because I was the most comfortable with him.

I'm getting married in March and I didn't want to look ridiculous in a strapless dress. I had my operation today and it went very well. I'm now home and relaxing. I'm sore, but that is to be expected.

I have no drains which I find fabulous. I am in a compression bra and cannot tell how they look, but when I'm able to take it off I'll post. My implants were saline and through the nipple. I can't recall the size, but they were pretty big. I was thin when I got them. I gained quite a bit of weight and when I lost around 50 pounds my boobs were still ginormous.

I decided to have them removed because my fiance and I plan to have at least one child. I could not imagine how big they would get when I got pregnant. I opted for no lift or implant replacement because my thoughts were why spend the money to have to repeat the process all over again.

I've attached some pics that I took last night and I will update my results when I can take my compression bra off. I feel good and I'm super excited to see them.

Hope I can help some of you like you helped me. I have my post-op next week and will keep you updated how it goes and post more pics.

Sorry if my pics appear upside down. I tried to rotate them, but they still appeared upside down.

Updated on 10 Nov 2016:


Updated on 10 Nov 2016:
I did not imagine they would look so good already.

Updated on 11 Nov 2016:
I woke up this morning hurting a bit more than yesterday. I did not do a lot yesterday, but I think I was unaware of how much I was lifting my arms. I slept most of the day and this evening I feel better.
I changed my gauze today and I'm in awe looking at my new, old BOOBIES. Lol. I'm really glad that this site exists, so I can share my experience and post updated pics. I'm more in love with my BOOBIES now than I was when I got implants. I'm trying not to post pics everyday, but when I see them I get super excited. I took a couple pics from each side today. I'm not pregnant, my belly looks big because i just had dinner.

Updated on 14 Nov 2016:
I'm feeling better today. I actually got out of pajamas and put on regular clothes. I had no clue what I would look like because I didn't really remember pre-implant.
Each day that passes I see my BOOBIES changing and looking awesome. I can't wait for my post-op appointment on Thursday. Maybe I'll get my stitches out??

Updated on 9 Dec 2016:
I am so happy with my decision to explant. I think my boobies look like they would at my age if I hadn't done my breast augmentation (hopefully that makes sense). I had a great post-op and they removed my stitches.

I went shopping for a bra and trying them on was very odd. It feels very different, but in a good way. I'm not sure what size I am now. I've been buying the cute sports bras that come in sizes small, medium, and large. I wear a medium-large now instead of an XXL, which feels amazing.

I am going to Victoria's Secret soon to get measured. I think my boobs are bigger than I expected they would be after surgery. I feel like I've grown two inches because I'm not slouching and trying to hide my chest or from my back hurting.

I'm looking forward to buying bras that don't look like they can be a hat too. It will be nice not to have three or more snaps to hook.

Psychologically it was a huge adjustment but I'm glad I removed my implants. I miss them and Dr Liszka is amazing but I had to put my health first. Dr Liszkas work is amazing. I had no regrets of getting the implants. He was amazingly supportive in me removing them. It's been an adjustment but has helped a bit with health issues.

I had my TT with lypo to the outer thighs and fat transfer to inner thigh, I would do it again it looks fantastic. I will post photos as soon as i can. I am now post op 5 days am still sore but most of my pain is in my back. I had gotten strangled yesterday on some liquid had some forceful coughing before I could get my pillow to hold to my tummy I think I might have busted some stitches will find out tomorrow. Has any one ever experienced this?

I went looking to just do a simple lipo. Other doctors insisted I needed a full Tummy tuck but I only wanted Lipo. That's what I got at Ballentyne Plastic Surgery and it was great. After my results were wonderful and it confirmed that the larger procedures were not necessary. I have been very happy with every aspect of my surgery. I would highly recommend Dr Litska .

I'm a 29yo wife and mother of twin 10 month old babies and a 6yo. I never really had boobs; a small, tolerable size B. With my first child, I breastfed him for 8 months and I'd gone from 220lbs to 135. I'd swollen up to a DD when breastfeeding. Since I exercised like a maniac, my breast were left wrinkled and deflated from the weight loss and breastfeeding. Getting pregnant with twins took me to 245lbs and now I'm 155lbs and pretty fit. Now that I'm done having kids, I'm ready to have a sexier silhouette. I've always had hips and thighs and a flat stomach but now I need a nice rack. Since age 30 is around the corner, I want to look more Va-Va-Voom.
My first consult at Ballantyne Plastic Surgery was great. I decided I'd go with Dr. Thomas G. Liszka because my mother had a TT and lipo performed by him that turned out beautifully. After we checked into his office (which is beautiful), we waited for about 5 minutes and were called back. Dr. Liszka was super nice and professional. His staff is also very very professional. He made me feel relaxed and I knew he'd be taking good care of me. He confirmed the size that I'd written on my form and then he examined me. He told me that I was borderline on needing a lift (which I knew). He suggested a pursestring and anchor lift but told me that I could probably get away with getting a BA without a lift if I didn't want the lift but he said that I'd need one at some point, soon. He also said that if I decided to get one later, it would only cost me 2900. My mother kept telling the doctor that I didn't need too much bigger (she wants me to have a full B? What a waist)but I'm definitely going for a full D (even tho I said C to make her happy since she'd be paying).

So my stats are:
29yo
5'5"
155lbs
34B(barely)

Updated on 10 Feb 2015:
I forgot to mention that my Preop is Feb 18. Sooooo excited! I know I'm going with silicone gummies. I'm thinking 400-425cc. Not sure:-/ but I have already purchased 2 new Under Armour zip front sports bras. One is a med-DDcup and the other is a 34C. I tried both of them on with a 34C-add 2 cup sz bra underneath. The med DD was perfectly snug with full coverage and the 34C was snug with a bit more of cleavage exposed (which is fine).

Updated on 10 Feb 2015:


Updated on 11 Feb 2015:
Did anyone else breastfeed and was left without any volume like this? (Sighs) can't wait to not have to wear those triple padded bras and sports bras where the padding moves around!????

Updated on 16 Feb 2015:
I'm so ready for my surgery day! All I can think about at night when I'm on my iPad is how I will dress up my new boobs. How will they look in a dress? How will they look in a sports bra? How will they look in a lacey padless bra? How will they look in a tank top?

Ughhhh! The anticipation is killing me! They've taken on a life of their own. I'm making plans for my breast to be in new clothes and going different places. It's soooooo weird! It's like when you're pregnant and can't wait to dress up the new baby. It's ridiculous really....

I haven't even made it through this procedure before I've started thinking about lipo or maybe a sexy new tattoo. Has anyone else gone through this? I need to just "wooooo-saaaaaaa!"

Surgery is in like 2 weeks and 2 days and my preop is Wednesday, I'll update after. Goodnight ;-)

Updated on 16 Feb 2015:
Wish pic: I want these!

Updated on 18 Feb 2015:
So I had my preop today. I had to read about all the surgical risks and sign as my acknowledgement. The office gave me a gift card for a $75.00 facial to be used in the office. Which I thought was super nice. Then the nurse took a bunch of before pics of me. We talked size and I told her that I definitely wanted a full Size D. The doctor had me down for the 375cc range size C from my consult. I told her I definitely don't want to be in the 300s but more in the 400s. She said she thought that I'd look much better within the 450-465 range and I agreed. She would be ordering my sientra smooth round silicone implants and she said she'd order a bunch of sizes for me. I didn't get to do the rice sizers or even try out the sample implants in the office. Oh well.... I remember him saying that he just needed a size range and he'd use his judgement on what looks best while in surgery. I made sure she knew that I wanted to look full and not have to rely on padded bras anymore. I'm thinking I should give them a call and just reinforce that I don't want a Size C for sure.... She wrote it down. I should be fine. Stop stressing....

So.... I have my instructions for the night before surgery and the day of. I have my multi vitamins and vitamin C. I dropped off my prescription meds today because she said sometimes the pharmacies run out and need to order them in. I have my Under Armor zip front bras even though Dr. Liszka's office will be giving me one to go home in (I want to order some nike sports bras soooo bad... Ok, Anywho). I have my baby sitter for surgery day. I have hubby's doctor's note for work. I paid my balance to Dr. Liszka's office today and now... We wait! (Dun dun dun duuuuuun!!!!)

Good thing is next week I'll be going to a bunch of CIAA tournament parties. The kids will be out of town. My Judy from LA is flying in as well as my college roomie. It's going to be turnt! Hopefully all the CIAA partying will have me occupied from anxiously waiting for March 5. (Sighs) we shall see... I'll probably post more before pics.

Updated on 20 Feb 2015:


Updated on 20 Feb 2015:
Having trouble uploading :-/

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
I didn't get s chance to write yesterday because the pain is no joke!
When I got checked yesterday, at 6am, everyone was so nice! I was put in a hospital-like room. The nure took my vitals and got my medical history. She had me empty my blather which I had hardly any pee from not having anything to drink because you can't eat or drink after 12am preop. I undressed and put on the hospital gown. The nurse had me put a sanitary napkin between my legs since I was on my period, :-( side note:my period came 9 days early and I guess it was from being so anxious and nervous. The nurse then started my IV. Anywho, the anestiologist came in and assured me that he'd be taking the best care of me. He double check for allergies and if I've ever had anesthesia in prior surgirs. He put a surgical he me and he complimented me on how neat my braids were (I gave myself two braids going to the back the night before). Then Dr. Liszka came in and I showed him pics of the size I wanted and he was confident that it would be no problem to achieve it. After I got marked up, the nurse put some happy juice in my IV. I gave my husband a goodbye kiss and they roll my bed out of my room and into the operating room. I remember them moving me onto the operating table and then putting the gas mask on me. I took about 10 deep breaths and then I was out!
I remember waking up to 2 nurses dressing me and trying to get me to drink ginger ale. I felt nauseous and throat hurt! My chest automatically felt heavier. I remember hearing the doctor tell me is that I had 525cc. I was like wow! I was in and out of consciousness. I remover being a wheel chair and the nurses talking about my braids. They were saying cute and neat they were. They were saying that they could never get the braids to stay in their own hair. lol weird conversation in the elevator. My husband was already waiting to put me I the car. That step up into our suv was tough! I was still weak from the anestia.
After I got home, my cousin was there watching the kids and she helped to my recliner. Once settled in, my husband offered me ginger ale because I felt like vommitting. Everything tasted terrible! The ginger ale was gross,the crackers were super dry, and the soup just wasn't working. I took my meds and passed out for 2 hrs. I woke up to my arms hurting!!!! Weird! My chest felt super tight but I could hardly sleep because my arms hurt! My husband readjusted me and I passed out again. I kept waking and passing out witching 30 mins of being woke. Dr. Liszka called at like 8ish? He's a sweetheart. He told me that I could have a Tylenol for my headache. He told me that my throat ached because of the tube they stil down your throat while you're in surgery. He said if continue to hurt or get worse, give him a call. He called me from his cellphone and told me if I needed anything at all, call him and he'd answer. Super cool nice guy! My mom was "he's probably doing that because he's getting more money next week" (she's getting full body lipo). I just think he was genuinely concerned. He knew I would be hurting. My husband said that he told him I had big pectoral muscles that were tough to cut through. (I lift weights 4 times a week with my cardio.) When I went to pee, I was fine. My husband helped tremendously. He was nervous about seeing blood on my pad. Thank God my period was gone!! I ate ended up eating my Zaxbys salad at like 10:30. My nausea was gone! I just still felt really tight in the chest.

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
Soooo I slept propped up on pillows. I slept pretty good last night too. However, morning boob is definitely "a thing"! I was soooo stiff. My shoulders and chest were super tight. I'm bummed out because I can't take a shower until Saturday. All I can do is give my self a bird bath which my husband will have to do. I feel a slight burning at my left incision site. Anyone else get that? I'm not sure if I told you but I have 525cc Sientra gummies. I have my incisions at the breadth fold. My husband said my waist look even smaller. He said I look even more fit. I'm guessing when you get bigger boobs, it makes all the other body parts look smaller. That's good for me! I'm totally depending on my husband for everything right now which has been fun. He's been so amazing. I feel like a queen.
Side note: I think I'm going to have the opposite of boob greed. Should I have gone smaller? Surprisingly my mom came over and she said they don't look too big. (She was the same person that said I didn't need a C cup). I'm definitely a D or DD.

Updated on 6 Mar 2015:
Did anyone experience shivers with a freezing cold feeling when the anesthesia starts to wear off? I was soooo cold when the anesthesia started to leave my system. Ugh!!!!

Updated on 7 Mar 2015:
I'm feeling progressively better. I still have to take it easy. Any over-exertion will make your muscles in your breast jump or strain. I feel that my left side is super swollen as well as between my breast (it feels soft like fluid is there). I'm super swollen more on my left all up under my left arm too. I finally took a shower and it was great! There really was no problem showering. My gauze was nice and dry without blood stains. My steri strips were ok I guess. All in all, I'm so happy with my size and the look of my new boobs.

Updated on 8 Mar 2015:
Why am I leaking from my nipples? I looked in my bra and nipples seemed to have a milky cream on them. It's so weird but after doing a little research, I saw that although it's rare, lactation does happen to women after breast augmentation. It should go away from what I understood. I'm feeling pretty good today. I'm very swollen under my arms around to the edge of where my side ends and my back starts. It's tender and my husband says I'm walking like guys who lift a lot of weights walk around the gym. Smh, lol. My boobs are super itchy too. I was scratching my neck and boobs all last night. My lips felt raw yesterday too. When I woke up this morning, I had a rash on my breast and on my lips. Soo weird.

Updated on 9 Mar 2015:
First of all I made a mistake. I thought I had 525cc but when I went into the office today, I received my warranty card for my 545cc HP Sientra implants. I knew they were jugs! I love it!

Anywho, my nurse Leslie and Dr. Liszka had me come in today to look at my rash to make sure it wasn't thrush. Dr. Liszka and nurse Leslie confirmed that it wasn't thrush and they said most likely it was the antibiotics. Dr. Liszka told me that since my incisions were already looking good and free from infection that it was safe to do without the antibiotic. He told me to call him tomorrow if I needed anything or felt that my rash wasn't clearing up because he could switch my pain meds in case they were actually causing the rash. He said to continue with the benedryl too.

Updated on 12 Mar 2015:


Updated on 13 Mar 2015:
My rash is trying to clear, however my chest still show irritation. :-/ i miss the gym!!!! I feel so fat! My gut is so bloated and my butt and thighs are getting fat! Having surgery and being waited on hand and foot makes me super relaxed and hungry when I'm at home.

I washed my hair tonight and it took me forever. I'm sore around my breast folds. I was already sore because I decided to push my twins stroller at Sams Club while my mother in law pushed the buggy. I did way, way, way too much today. I can always tell when I did something I wasn supposed to because at night, I start to ache around 8. Muscle relaxers are my best friend. :-) nightie!

Updated on 17 Mar 2015:
So today I'm in Walmart and just decided to check on my boobs (because I'm so overly worried about their well being) by moving them around a bit. My left made a noise. A gurgling noise! What?! I moved it some more and again, sloshing!!!!! Oh heck no! I called my Doctor's cellular immediately in a panic! I instantly felt sooooo bad. He was on vacation taking my phone call about something he calls "quite normal" and "often experienced". :-( I was soo embarrassed (that I interrupted his Vacay with my mess) but still weirded out! Apparently my body will absorb this extra air and water into my system but he did offer a office visit as early as the next day since it was already past office hours. He told me to continue to monitor their size. After searching realself, I found some other ladies who've had the same experience. (Sighs) so glad it's not something too extreme!

Updated on 20 Mar 2015:
They're changing a lot! Most of my swelling is gone but one is still a little higher in the pocket than the other. Oh well, I looooooove my boobs! I can't wait to put them in a sexy little bra. I'm on my way to the mall. I might stop in Victoria's Secret to see what size I am now.

Updated on 27 Mar 2015:
Everything was fine. I was cleared to do all my normal activities including cardio, strength training, and lifting my 25 lb twin babies. Dr. Liszka told me that I still need to D&f more and to continue to massage. He said there was no fluid in my breast too and the sloshing would go away. He also said the pain in my breast that I feel mostly at night is the nerves healing. He wanted to see me back in the office in a month. Great!!!

I was excited to go to the gym. I know I gained atleast 10 lbs. I was already at the gym 3 days before my appointment doing some walking and lower body machines. My left breast ached if I walked faster than 3.7. Dr. Liszka and the nurse said that's normal. Ugh! I'm used to running between 6.8-7.5! Oh well. I'll just have to build myself back to where I was. I went to kickboxing after my appointment and couldn't punch with much intensity. I have to pull my body back together quickly, it's getting warm outside! Summer is coming!

Updated on 12 Mar 2019:
I have been thinking about getting Lipo for a long time and just hadn’t been financially able to. However, a lot has changed and I am now ready. I have always loathed my thighs but since getting older and after having 3 kids, fat seems to be collecting in my pooch area in my lower abdomen and just settling in my inner thighs. I exercise vigorously at least 4 days/week and I probably could eat better but I feel that it has become extremely difficult to lose in those stubborn areas such as my thighs and lower abdomen. I use to be able to lose weight quickly but now, I feel that I need a little help. I had my consultation with Dr. Liszka and have paid to secure my May 3rd date. I am getting Lipo in my inner thighs, knees, upper thighs, abdomen, and flanks. I want to be super snatched when I’m done!!! I want to have Beyoncé thighs ;-)

I am 43 years old and just lost 83 lbs this year. This was all done on my own with healthy eating and portion control by weighing and measuring my food to stick to calorie count of no more than 1200 calories a day and some light exercise. I am 5'6 and weigh 145 lbs. I have been as big as a size 18/20 and bra size of 40G and my highest weight reached was 248 lbs but when i was at 228 when i decided it was time to change my life. I decided that whatever i weighed at the end of the year would be the weight i would maintain. My surgery is scheduled exactly one year to the date of my healthy life style change.
I have been married for 24 years and have a 21 year old son.. they have been very supportive of my decision for surgery.
Weight gain and loss have definitely taken a toll on my breast..right now i'm a saggy 36DD and size 8 pants. Although i look and feel good in clothes I know what i look like underneath and i feel i have worked so hard to get where i am that i deserve to treat myself so i can feel even better about myself. I think my boobs will still be a decent size after lift hopefully a perky 36D and looking forward to a flatter stomach. It was a tough decision as to weather or not i should get implants but 3 out of 4 PS said they did not feel i needed it :) They also said i really don't need liposuction . All 4 surgeons were very nice but i chose Dr Liszka because there was just something in each of the other surgeons that made me second guess them. I would definitely recommend consulting with a few PS if possible.
My pre -op is in 2 days on the 19th and my surgery on Jan 2, 2014...As excited as i am, i am equally nervous. I took a leave of absence from work for 18 days( i work in retail) and hope that my incisions and swelling have healed enough to feel comfortable going back in that time frame. The only kind of surgery i have ever had was getting all four wisdom teeth out at one time...so sometimes i think i'm nuts for electing to have surgery, LOL. I have been reading reviews on this site for a few months now and it has really been so helpful in figuring out what to expect and basically i know it's going to be painful and difficult but it does get better. I know i am rambling on on ...sorry but it definitely helps to get it out. I will post again after my pre- op on thursday.

Updated on 19 Dec 2013:
All i can say is i'm not nearly as nervous as i thought i was going to be. The appointment was with the PS Nurse Leslie...and she was great. She really went over all the information so that we would know what to really expect the day of surgery and also recovery. My husband and i are calling it "FrankenBOOBY- BELLY" because of how swollen and boxy i will be for awhile...i find it easier to joke about it. I had to sign a bunch of papers that explain all the things that could happen but that didn't scare as much as i thought it would because of all the research I've already done. Got all my prescriptions filled(4) and bought a multivitamin and vitamin C because they wanted me to start taking that now to help build the immune system and promote better healing. Leslie took my before photos and i had my husband take them too so that i can post them today...Let's just say that the blue panty is not very forgiving, and you can certainly see why a breast lift is absolutely necessary!!!Oh and i can totally use a thigh lift my legs were so heavy and there is just so much loose skin but that's for another time. These pictures are really depressing but it what it is :( I am off for a week before surgery so i will have time to get the house in order and make sure i have everything i will need...all i can do now is count down the days and think positive thoughts :)

Updated on 23 Dec 2013:
So i woke up this morning and i'm only 1/2 lb away from my 85 lbs lost before surgery which is awesome but then i can't help think "are my boobs going to be big enough ?" I really think i will be 36D when done because i'm snug in 36dd and that is definitely a good size. For years i have suffered buying bras and i just want it to be right off the rack 36D but yet i can't help but think should i do a small implant but yet i really don't want implants....I guess i'm going to be driving this crazy train until Jan 2...god help me and my poor hubby :)

Updated on 28 Dec 2013:
So i have not been able to stop thinking about adding implants to my breast lift. I'm not looking to be huge but just a well filled out shape. At first i was so set against it because i felt like i worked so hard to get where i'm at with my weight that i should just have the excess saggy skin removed. I was 152 when i went for consult and now i'm 143 and will still probably lose a little more, i'm afraid i will be too small and not be happy.
But on the other hand(this is where i'm on the crazy train)
1.I don't want to look heavy
2. Would only want Silicone implant
3. Cost is a factor Hoping for no more than $1,500 but assuming more like $2,000. If more than that i think i will just stick with the lift and wear push up bras when needed.
Hopefully i can get in on Monday so he can reevaluate my breast since i've lost more weight since my consult...I really just need peace of mind one way or the other.
Oh and of course this really sucks because my surgery is Thursday...so i really need to be seen asap.
Oh and the good news is that i picked out my panties to wear for drawing my scar line on surgery day...yay!!!
Also I think i'm about 85% prepared for recovery just some fresh produce to buy and some cooking to do the day before surgery.

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
I am not one who usually worries about things but this has been weighing so heavily on mind. Even though i'm 85% sure my PS is going to say i will beautiful results without implants I feel it's really important that i see him for a secondary consult just to make sure we are on the same page as to what to realistically expect for my results. Although Leslie the PS Nurse was awesome on my pre op visit...I think if i would've have seen Dr. Liszka that day i would've have addressed any concerns at that point.
I am already so much more at ease just knowing that they are making time to see me to address my concerns :) I will update tonight with the final verdict, lol.

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
Let me start by saying i'm so happy i went in today for secondary consult...Dr. Liszka and staff are really so wonderful!!!
Ok so expressed my concerns about my volume because of weight loss and PS did agree i had lost volume since he last saw me in October. I asked him to show me where he thought my boobs would be and size...the placement is awesome I was really very excited however because of the lost volume he said i will probably end up only being a C cup( he even mentioned full B) well that seemed ridiculous to me at the moment so naturally i had to ask about his opinion on implants because i was really hoping to be a D cup.
Dr. said i would do great with implants to achieve the D cup i'm looking for and although he thinks i would do fine with saline i told him i would really only want silicone. He said he would use 250cc's under the muscle.
So now i'm so happy and giddy with joy and relief...my boobs are going to be amazing UNTIL i met with Sherry (office manager sweet as pie) and she told me the cost$$$$$$$$$$. It would be an additional $3840...for real...i asked her seriously? Apparently it's not just the cost of the silicone implants $2100 but the additional surgeon fee $935 and then the combined extra anesthesia & facility fee at $805. As ridiculous as that amount was I still thought about doing it even though i know i really can't afford it.I called the hubby on my way home and he confirmed it...:he said" that's ridiculous are they serious...i don't know how we can do it...do you just want to wait a little longer to have it done?" HELL NO ...i'm doing this now!!!
Naturally at this point i just want to bawl my eyes out... i literally felt so "DEFLATED"
It took me about an hour to wrap my head around this situation...I don't like to dwell on what i can't change...time to move on.
So now i have reasoned with myself that the reason i am having any type of surgery at all is because i was fat and now i'm not. I lost 84 lbs in one year on my own and now i'm smaller and just need to get rid of all the excess skin. The only reason i had big boobs is because it was all fat. So i will take my Perky C cup( i hope) and flat belly and be thrilled because i will look better than i ever have.
Now if by the time my husband comes home he has robbed a bank or something then i'm all in....hahahahahahaha!!!!
Thank you all for going through this with me :)

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
So hubby called on his way home and said we will figure it out...My response probably not what he expected " oh come on i moved on and finally made peace with this and it's really just too much money " so for the last two hours i have been going back and forth because i truly convinced myself i didn't need the implants. Here is my issue i want the size D cup but there is a part of me that really doesn't want implants. So i did such good job talking myself out of it that i can't seem to talk myself back into it, lmfao!!!

Updated on 31 Dec 2013:
So i called PS office first thing this morning and told them i will just stick to my original plan. Then Sherry called me back and asked me if it was because of the sticker shock when she told me the cost ...i told at first it was was that i was ok with out them. She told me that Dr. Liskza could see how excited i was yesterday when we talked about the implants and doesn't want me to make a decision based on money...he just wants me to be happy with my results. At this point i just didn't know what to do so i called my hubby ..he said it's your body do whatever you want but you keep going back and forth and i don't want you to have any regrets. That was it no regrets ...once and done. At this point i had been on the roller coaster so many times i couldn't even think straight ...he called Sherry and they worked out the details.
Dr. Liskza and his staff are awesome!!!!

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
I can't believe it...I am 19 hours out from arriving at surgery center(only 25 min away). My surgery is scheduled for 7:15-7:30 am..let's hope it goes as planned. The surgery is going to be about 5- 5.5 hours... TT w/MR , BL & BA. Aunt Flo arrived last night right on schedule but thankfully because of the BC pills i take it's hardly even there. They told me not worry it happens all the time. I'm just sitting here kind of not sure what to do with myself. I thought it would be nice to make a turkey breast and some sides so my husband will have some easy meals to eat the next few days...I will definitely eat the turkey but not all the other stuff, finishing off the laundry, getting my meds and everything i need for the morning ready... God i hope i'm ready for this...my plan is lots of rest, healthy foods & lots of water and taking all my meds. I don't have a recliner but have lots of pillows on hand to prop me up and for under my legs, non stick gauze and paper tape, baby wipes,tissues, stool softener , pads, chapstick, neck pillow, zip front sweatshirts, lounge pants, soft bras. bigger panties,saltines, ginger ale,medicine chart,heating pad for my back,thermometer. I know this is going to be really tough at first but it will get better...all you RS women have survived the pain and discomfort and so will I.
My hubby and i went out last night for dinner and movie. I imagine i won't feel up to date night for a while :(
Happy New Year!!!

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
Just wanted to take pics at different angle so i can compare before and afters...wish i was bloated but oh well. Also pics to show how much weight i have lost before surgery.

Updated on 1 Jan 2014:
I wish i wasn't bloated in pics for better comparison but i guess a hanging belly is a hanging belly, LOL

Updated on 7 Jan 2014:
Surgery went really well...Dr. Liskza did a great job!!! I weighed 142.5 surgery morning and have been really swollen since then,it is very uncomfortable but so worth it. I had my first BM yesterday thank god because it was really making me cranky, lol, Definitely recommend buying a bottle of magnesium citrate it worked better than anything else for me.
My hubby helped me shower on Sunday and it was exhausting but did feel good. I have been taking all meds as prescribed and have stuck with only one pain pill at a time. I haven't really had much of an appetite but making sure i eat 3 times a day and drinking lots of water.

Also just want say i'm so happy i decided to go with the BA in addition to BL...even though i'm swollen they look like they will be perfect size for me...YAY!!!!! silicone 250cc in right breast and 225cc in left (was slightly bigger) for symmetry. The scar for TT looks really good too!
The pics i'm putting up are from right before shower.

Updated on 7 Jan 2014:
i have been getting up and moving around probably every 1.5 hours. i keep readjusting my binder because i'm just uncomfortable...any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Updated on 10 Jan 2014:
Well turns out the pain was not from my binder ... I have 3 blood clots... 2 in my right lung (excruciating ) and 1 in my leg( felt like a Charlie horse ) as of right now the only way to control the pain in the lung is with IV medication. Hoping to be home by Monday.
Yesterday was my one week post op visit which went well... Took off bandages and took out some stitches ... Everything looks to be healing nicely :)

Updated on 11 Jan 2014:
Dr. Liszka came to check on me today... Said every thing looks good... No fluid build up under TT... So thankful because I'm on bed rest. I should be getting out in a couple of days ... I am going crazy just laying around!!'

Updated on 14 Jan 2014:
Released yesterday from hospital...yay! Sent me home on blood thinner for the next six months, still hard to believe this happened. My tummy tuck recovery has been set back a bit due to all the pain i was having from blood clot in lung and then from the back pain caused by hospital bed it has been almost impossible for me to not hunch when walking or even standing.
Today however i feel like a new woman...one pain pill and a good night sleep did wonders for me!!!
I probably did more than i should have but i was feeling so good and there is a lot of catching up to do. I am wearing my binder and a compression garment during the day but i think i will take off binder for sleeping.
The pics are from today after my shower ...12 days post op.
Happy Healing everyone!!!

Updated on 15 Jan 2014:
If you haven't had your surgery yet be sure to ask about "Exparel" it's a numbing medication that last for up to 3 days after surgery...cost about $350. So worth it :) I had it for TT portion of surgery.

I'm feeling really good and hoping i'm not doing too much...will find out tomorrow at my next post op visit.

Updated on 16 Jan 2014:
Well after two weeks and feeling really good Doc said i can start light exercise...walking, treadmill and light weights...just don't over do it. I can also start using scar cream...I bought the one they sell in the office $85. I was going to use the silicone strips but decided not to because the receptionist was telling me you have to rinse them each time and let them dry, sometimes they move too...just don't feel like dealing with that. They snipped the rest of stitches. I am still swollen around my TT but he doesn't think its fluid build ...I'm going for another post op next week too just to make everything is ok. We had a busy day today...after doctor appt. we went to lunch, food shopping, Target, came home unloaded groceries and went out for Chinese(i get steamed shrimp, broccoli& brown rice with sauce on the side) and went to the movies. We were home early but i think it was a bit much...I couldn't stand up straight after movie :( Now it's time to call it a day...Happy Healing!!

Updated on 23 Jan 2014:
So i went for my 3 week post op visit today and i'm feeling really good. Everything looks good but my old belly button scar is still healing. He said it could take a couple more weeks just keep doing what i'm doing keeping it covered with small nonstick gauze and bacitraycin. He wants to see me in two weeks instead of a month just to make sure belly button is healing. He also told me i can stop wearing my sports bra to bed but continue wearing a soft no wire bra during the day. I told him that i still have a hard time lifting my arms above my head because of implants but i've been doing arm stretches to work on that. I have been massaging my scars with Cortisilk scar lotion when i get out of shower and also bought Palmers cocoa butter w/vitamin E scar oil for at night to massage to scars. I feel like a lot of the swelling on my belly has gone down but not completely gone. Morning of surgery i weighed 142.8 and today i was 138 ...I am thrilled because bring to me a 90 lb weight loss. I have been lifting my 8 lb weights every couple of days just starting slow. Although i prefer to walk outside , it's just been too cold and i do not want tot get sick so i used my treadmill today. I did 25 minutes at 3.2mph...i didn't want to over do it since this was the first activity in quite sometime but it felt good to be moving again. I go back to work on Monday just 4 hours a day for the week as per my doctor from hospital because of the blood clots. I just can't wait to be back into my routine.
Happy Healing!!!

Updated on 31 Jan 2014:
So as of 4 weeks my TT is healing nicely and old belly button scar is almost completely closed, hopefully by next weeks post op visit it will closed. My BL, BA scars are also healing nicely. I have been massaging the CortisilMDX lotion on daily after showering and then in the evening using the scar oil ...the oil is a lot expensive so i can use more for a longer massage. I feel like my boobs interfere with my upper body strength...it's hard to explain because i'm not sure if i feel the implants moving or if the muscle is still tender (implants placed under muscle) ...it just feels unusual. I just want that feeling to go away. My muscle repair is still tender and i still have some swelling but it's not terrible. I did go back to work just part time for this week, regular schedule next week. I'm glad i was able to ease into it because i do stand all day. In the morning when i get up my boobs feel heavy but that doesn't last long. I feel really good during the day but in the evening i get swollen and my boobs feel a bit sore. Sleeping is getting better but not great. I'm still slightly elevated and have to swing my legs over the edge to get up...i usually get up 1-2 times per night...ugh. Overall though i'm not really complaining just updating my recovery progress...i am so thrilled i did this and already love my results...no regrets. Happy Healing!

Updated on 1 Feb 2014:
Last week when i went food shopping(by myself) it really kicked my butt pushing the heavy cart around and then the loading and unloading of groceries ...i had to relax the rest of the day :( Today i'm feeling really good...went food shopping(myself, lol) did laundry, vacuumed the stairs and 4 couches my only complaint is my backs hurts a bit from leaning over to vacuum. My elliptical was delivered the other day but we have to put a lot of it together...ugh...hopefully get that done tomorrow. Happy Healing Everyone!!

Updated on 8 Feb 2014:
Went on 2/6 for my 5 week post op appt. Old belly button is still about another week away from being completely healed. Boobs still a bit square(you can really see it in pics) Dr. Liszka said if we need to do a slight revision he can just do it in the office but we will wait at least until the 3 month mark to talk about it. I'm really not concerned about it. I don't have to go back now for 6 weeks. As far as exercise I can do just about anything i want at this point except for crunches...which i'm very sad about because i love them :( He said i have to wait until July...ugh!!! The muscle repair is not as restricting as it was but when i laugh(which i do quite often) i still have to hold my stomach and try to control myself but it really only makes me laugh even more LOL :) I asked about pull ups he said yes so as soon as i got home i tried to jump up on my pull up bar and thought i ripped my gut out...so modified pull ups it is...I guess you really just have to listen to your body. I'm slowly building my stamina on the elliptical adding a few minutes each time. I started my regular hours at work this week and it was rough the first couple of days but by the end of the week i was good. My boobs still feel heavy on the anchor part of the incision scars first thing in the morning and then in the evening. My anchor scars are very long so i think the discomfort will last for a while...oh well. I don't really have feeling in the nipples yet...which i'm kind of okay with because they were very sensitive sometimes. I am both a side sleeper and back sleeper and i'm starting to be able to sleep a little on my side but it doesn't last very long and i still elevate myself a little too. Belly still has some swelling and really depends on the day as to the degree of swelling again...oh well. I'm happy with how my scars are healing , every week i can see the difference. Anyone out there who is unsure about surgery I say go for it!!!! It is worth every $$$$$ and every bit of discomfort (which gets better everyday). Before surgery i was so self conscious of my belly and boobs...but now i have no problem walking around naked in front of my husband...i will drop my robe whenever he asks...LOL. I am so proud of how i look now. Between all the weight i lost on my own and TT,BL & BA I truly feel so good about myself and that feeling is Priceless!!!

Updated on 13 Feb 2014:
So It was six weeks ago today I had my surgery and it all seems like a distant memory. My boobs are really beginning to feel natural to me but I do still have pressure pain on the anchor scar when I get up from sitting for a while and getting out of bed. Today was the first day I didn't cover the old belly button incision with tape and gauze... Seems to be closed but will probably wait a little before I start using the scar lotion on it. I haven't really been eating quite as healthy as I should be and I think that is affecting my swollen belly... No more M&M's and salty snacks for me!!! I did a couple of good workouts since last week... Just have to work on my stamina . We had a snow storm these past couple of days ... I did a little shoveling and felt ok ... Not sure if my belly is swollen from that or snacking all day. Anyway I think that's all I've got.... Happy Healing Ladies !!!

Updated on 20 Feb 2014:
This past Saturday I really gave myself a great workout ... I felt really good afterwards. My belly tends to swell up around 3:30pm when I'm at work ... I'm starting to think it's telling me it's had enough and it's time to relax. I finally got my period a couple of days ago and OMG I'm so bloated... I didn't even bother to take any pics this week . I was back to eating really healthy again but today I binged... Couldn't seem to get enough sweet & salty snacks ... Now I'm mad at myself for giving in because I'm really trying to lose 5 lbs. Anyway nothing much else to say... Happy healing ladies !!!

Updated on 27 Feb 2014:
This week has been good, I'm really trying to get back to a good routine. I had two really good workouts so far on Tues and Wed...even though i can't do any sort of crunch type workout for my stomach i'm trying to incorporate moves that engage the core but still being careful not to over do it. My stomach still has a little daily swelling and my muscle repair is still a bit tender. I've been busy at work this week with all the new spring apparel coming in so i've started wearing my garment again just for a little extra support. My boobs feel so much better...my only complaint is at night i tend to have some swelling and when that happens my incision lines feel sore ...it just makes me a little uncomfortable. Overall i have to say i'm feeling pretty good. Happy Healing ladies !!!