I have known I have wanted this surgery since my first was born in 2010. My son was 11 9oz and was brought into the world via a scheduled c-section. My second child weighed 10 13oz. My boys did a number on my body; I was as wide as I was tall.
The weighest I ever weighed was 239 when I was pregnant with my first. Then shortly after having him I went down to 164 lbs.
My average weight after having my second was about 182.
Due to divorce in 2018 and stress I managed to find myself at 138, that didn't last too long then covid hit. I snuck back to 178 up until yesterday.
I have researched many doctors within Edmonton. I even had a consultation with a different doctor but felt he wasn't the "one" he was great at breast augmentation, but I wasn't going for that. I searched Mexico from Cancun to Tijuana. From Toronto (Eldelstein) to even Lethbridge, Alberta. With Covid happening I want about to risk taking time off to have my flight canceled or other preventative things to stop me. I had timeline goals and didn't want to wait past 36. I wanted to this before my 35 birthday (June 5) but waiting till June 29 to have it is petty much 35.
I came across Dr. Michael Laliberte through a Google search like I had found so many before. Based off his gallery what he's done for other women in tummy tucks, I knew I found the doctor for me. His ratings are high because he's honestly deserved them. Communication was there, friendliness from the staff, even the doctor himself explained all and answered questions I had.
Sorry I don't have any before pictures other than me dressed.
Once out of the OR, doctor went over with me that they SAFE liposuction out 2lbs of fat, and cut off 6lbs of SKIN!!! so from what little I've seen I think the results exceed my expectations. He also prenanmently sutured my rectus diastasis closed which was 4 inches separate!!
This is the day after. I'll try to update as the heading journey continues!
Updated on 3 Jul 2022:
Today is July 3, four days post op. Finally feeling a bit more human. Post op day 1 was brutal. The doctor prescribed tramacet and I'm not usually one to take that high of a painkiller. It knocked me on my ass for the whole day in and out of sleep for the full 24 hours. July 1 (post op day 2) was spent in two different emergency centers (Canmore & Edmonton) because being diabetic and the days prior pill cocktail I woke up at 4 am puking, but was able to go back to bed. At 7 am I resumed puking and with a fresh incision hubby wasn't taking any chances and rushed me into Canmore where I stayed till I could stop puking. The doctor there thinks I didn't have enough to drink/eat on June 30 which caused the upset stomach reaction to the medication. Once back in Edmonton my blood sugars were high and once again my husband brought me back to emergency to which the doctor calmed his nerves and said it would be normal for my blood sugars to be unusually high because my body is busy healing first. Assured him that it is BELOW 30 I would be fine for a few days (highest I got was 18). Soon after 11pm we were home and I was in bed. I decided to take myself off tramacet and just stick to antibiotics and anti inflammatories (motrin)
July 2 (post op day 3) was spent at home with husband mother in law and the 3/5 kids (blended family). My diet has been soup (chicken noodles and garden herb (costco)) applesauce (unsweetened), yogurt with Fibre, oatmeal (plain with a few berries)
On day day 3 post op I had my first bowel movement, but flatulence on post op day 2. It was soft no strain. Yesterday I pooped 4 times, and nearing the end was like diarrhea, I am thinking it has to do with my blood sugar medication.
This morning (post op day 4) my blood sugar was 13 before breakfast, but just testing it now its back to 17. Today breakfast was toast with butter scrambled egg 1 bacon 1 sausage with water. I have taken my antibiotic.
I changed my dress, styled my hair, and put on some make up!! Feeling more human!
Updated on 4 Jul 2022:
Today I put on pants... well Lululemon yoga. I don't usually like to wear dresses but I knew those first days I would have to.
This afternoon my drains were removed by my Edmonton Dr. and my husband jokes that he's never seen me take off my pants so fast! I was preparing myself for some uncomfortable pulling stretching/yanking but nothing. The drains were held in by a stitch proclaims the doctor. I did feel a ever so slight tug on the right, but zero, nada, zilch on the left. He put some gauze on the holes where the drains were and I was on merrily way out of his office.
I am almost standing straight, hope to by the weeks end, but I won't push myself. This morning I walked over to the mall (which is fortunately across the street) where I walked for a full hour, no marathons here, but a consistent gentle pace.
My husband thought I would be laid up for weeks "Pam-ing" it up. (For a laugh - Google nyquil Pam or click here: https://youtu.be/8Mq36t6R_zE )
I have had 2 c-sections, and although the last one was just over 9 years ago, this 100% reminds me of then.
Everyone is different, and I am sharing my experiences with you; I'm not in the medical field, just good ol' Alberta raised farm girl thats maybe built a bit different than others.
Updated on 5 Jul 2022:
(Tuesday July 6)
I do not feel like I'm "over doing it" let's start there.
Today I drove around Edmonton, and have been on the go since 930 this morning (currently midnight). Around 2:30 pm I decided that I was bored and wanted to spend a few days in my hometown visiting family, so I drove the 2.5 hour drive by myself (I haven't been on pain meds) and surprised my family.
This morning I weighed myself at 170.3, all of my research says I'm "swollen" and will be for 1-3 months before being able to START seeing final results. So that's promising!!!
Not much new here. I'm feeling super human for not even being 1 week post op, but I'm 100% honest I know my body's limitations, and I promised my husband I wouldn't carry anything heavy and I've been faithful to that. My step father brought in my bag that my husband packed.
There's some discomfort when I have to sneeze or cough, but it's not traumatic more like a dull ache.