I’ve never been a skinny girl, but when I started getting pregnant, it changed my body in ways I would have never imagined. I was healthy, loved to exercise, dance, and be active. Once the babies started coming though, things changed. The hubby was in school full time, working full time, and then came grad school. I stopped focusing on myself and my only focus became my children and supporting my husband. I had 4 live births, all via c-section in 5 years. Now that my youngest is 6 (turning 7 in a few months) we decided it was time for us to do something for me. I have been loosing weight for 3 years now and have lost 50+ lbs since the heaviest I’ve been, which was 210lbs. I work out and eat healthy still. I started researching many different doctors and decided to go to Mexico for my procedure. The more I thought about it, the less comfortable I felt about it though. I had a couple other consultations locally and finally found Dr. Swail and Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery on here. I called them, and had an in person consultation, which was amazing!! He was so personable and kind. My favorite was when he saw my tummy and said, “Oh this is going to be fun! You are going to have a flat tummy!” He told me I had some loose skin that would probably never bounce back and a little fat still, but that my transformation would be amazing. I was so excited!! After talking with my husband, we decided to go for it. I of course cried because it was something that I had wanted for such a long time and was grateful that he (hubby) could see how much it meant to me. I am doing this for me, not for anyone else, not to show off my body, but so that I can feel good about my body again. I called and we scheduled my operation for Feb 12! (My consultation was Dec. 11, 2020). I paid $500 over the phone to secure my date. A couple days later I got a call saying they had a cancellation and Jan 18, had opened up. I was so excited because I got to move up my date! Woohoo!!! Okay, enough for this post. Next post will be my pre-op appointment and pre surgery pictures!
Updated on 17 Jan 2021:
Seriously in love with Dr. Swail and his staff!! I went to my pre-op visit and they were so great! The payment process was smooth and I loved their cash/check discount that they give. I went back to speak with the nurse and listened intently as she went over all the details. The doctor came in and we talked about possible neck lipo as well. (That will be a different review.) The nurse was so knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable. I had made a huge list of questions and I asked her if I could ask her the questions and whatever she didn’t know the answer to, we would ask the doctor. Well, she ended up knowing all the answers! She took her time to listen to me and not make me feel rushed, even though it made my appointment ran long. We were able to set up the next couple weeks of follow up visits, which was perfect, so that we could find rides for me and make sure the children were taken care of while I was there.
Tomorrow is my big day!! I’m not nervous or scared, I’m just excited beyond belief!! I can’t wait for tomorrow to come!!
(My mom ended up having a heart attack and I flew out to be with her and my family during that difficult time. I called the office to see if I could do my covid test out of state and they said that would be fine. I explained to them the situation and they were so compassionate, caring and accommodating. They said they would check in with me the next day to see how my mom was doing and that if I needed to reschedule, they would do it for me and that it wouldn’t be inconvenient at all. They called the next day and asked about my mom. They said they were all very concerned and that they were glad to hear that she was okay. They were so thoughtful and genuinely concerned for her. Again they said if I needed to spend more time with my family, to just let them know and they would gladly reschedule my appointment. I didn’t end up rescheduling. They are wonderful and so easy to work with, I’m grateful I choose them for my surgery. My mom is recovering wonderfully and is in good spirits and I’m excited for my new body!)
Updated on 18 Jan 2021:
I was a little bloated on the first set I posted. They were takes at night after I had eaten a big meal. Here are some more before pictures. I hope this helps! I’m getting ready for the surgery now. Today is the day!! Woohoo!!
Updated on 18 Jan 2021:
The surgery went so well. Dr. Swail went above and beyond! He was excited for me and took his time so that I wouldn’t feel rushed. His nurse was also amazing!! She let me recover at my pace and even though I was there longer than anticipated, she never rushed me to leave. She was kind, patient, helpful, and comforting. Tomorrow I go back for a check in and Wednesday and Friday. The will be doing the cleaning and changing out the steri strips. I have pain, but it is manageable. At first it was about a 7, now I’m at about a 2 with my meds. I’m excited to see my results!!
Updated on 19 Jan 2021:
Not even 24 hours after surgery was I back at the office for my first checkup. Everything went great. He said he’ll for sure have to do the dog ear revision in a few months. He got 6.2lbs of tissue and a liter of liquified fat from my back. Everyone at the office kept saying how great I’m going to look, and how much he was able to do to make me look amazing. I’m excited for the swelling to go down and see my actual results!
The dimples are from where he attached the tissue in place. He said that the stitches will dissolve and the dimples will smooth out.
Updated on 22 Jan 2021:
I went in today for my third follow up appointment. Can I just say how much I LOVE that they do the dressing changes and how they are constantly checking the incision to make sure it is healing properly? They are always so attentive and kind too!
The pain is getting better. I’m not as hunched over, but I still can’t stand up straight. I am hopefully getting my drain out on Tuesday! Woohoo!! They took the back lipo dressings off on Wednesday. My back is tender and bruised from it. I’m still mostly eating soft foods because I haven’t had my first bowel movement and I don’t want it to be too painful. I’m getting up and walking around my house several times a day now. I’m feeling good! I’m so happy that my pouch is gone!!
Updated on 23 Jan 2021:
I finally had my first bowel movement!! There was pressure, but not much pain at all. I made sure to only eat soft foods though. I’m am still taking the “smooth move” tea they recommended. It is actually delicious! I weighed myself this morning too. I had all the gauze, dressings, and binder on still and I still weighed 7 lbs less than pre-surgery. I coughed last night while I was asleep and it hurt so so bad!! I have been in pain since then and I was trying to start weening myself off the pain meds, so now I’m trying to get back on top of it.
Updated on 26 Jan 2021:
I had my 8 day post op appointment today. They said everything looks great and great the swelling is going down really well. That was so nice to hear! They removed the drain! They numbed the area before they pulled it out. It wasn’t painful, but it did feel weird, like the pain pump. I am standing up straighter and am now off the oxy and just taking Tylenol. I don’t have much abdominal pain, it is mostly tightness, but my back is still very tender and is bruised from the back lipo. Most of the pain comes from my back and not my stomach, unless my husband makes me laugh. Little punk.
I don’t have regular bowel movements, but at least I’m having them! I’m so excited to have my first shower in over a week tomorrow! Hallelujah!! I’ll be able to take my first upright picture tomorrow too!! Woohoo! Stay tuned!
Updated on 27 Jan 2021:
I couldn’t get comfortable last night. I am still sleeping in the recliner and just couldn’t do it anymore! I tried laying down in bed for the first time. It was painful and uncomfortable no matter what I did. I totally lost it. I decided to take an oxy because it makes me groggy and sleepy. I finally went to sleep at about 2:30am in my recliner. I only slept for about an hour when I woke up in pain. Moving in bed and trying to get comfortable really made my tummy sore. It was a long night. I finally fell back asleep and slept for a few hours. I can’t wait to be able to sleep in my bed again!!
How long before you slept comfortably in your beds?
Updated on 27 Jan 2021:
9 days later and I finally got to take a shower! Woohoo!! Here are some pictures of me standing. I’m still hunched over a little, but so far I’m loving my results! I’m still very swollen though!
Updated on 30 Jan 2021:
Yesterday I went and got my belly button stitches removed. It wasn’t painful at all! They checked for fluid build up, there was none, woohoo! They for real have the best staff ever there!! They are so gentle, kind, thorough, and knowledgeable. I feel so comfortable with his nurse. She is amazing!! I’m still very swollen and bruised, but I’m feeling better every day! I have a long recovery road still, but am loving my results so far!
Updated on 2 Feb 2021:
I went to my appointment today and it went awesome! They took off the steri strips today and my incision looks great!! Only 3 little places that haven’t sealed up completely. I was really nervous about the steri strip removal, but it wasn’t bad at all. My next follow up is in 3 weeks!
My stomach doesn’t hurt at all, but my back is still super sore and bruised. So far so good! I’m still sleeping on the recliner, I can’t wait to sleep in bed again! My bowels are starting to be regular too! Woohoo! I’m switching from taking dulcolax to just a tea. I’m not standing straight yet and get tired if I do too much, but I’m feeling good!
Updated on 9 Feb 2021:
My anchors are finally starting to dissolve, the tightness is starting to loosen up, and my energy is coming back. I have been itching like crazy though and it is making it difficult to sleep. I called and the nurse recommended I take Benedryl during the day and Advil PM for sleeping. I started last night and I actually slept. I slept in bed last night and was comfortable. It was amazing!
I got a new girdle, the nurse recommended Naomi and Nicole. It came in today and it feels so good! The back goes all the way up which feels great! I can almost stand up straight, hallelujah! I’m still swelling, but hopefully that will keep going away.
Updated on 15 Feb 2021:
I’m sleeping okay on my side! Also, yesterday, for the first time I was able to stand up straight!! I feel like I’m finally starting to make real progress! The bruising and swelling is really starting to subside and all but one anchor have dissolved. If I do too much my upper abdomen swells up, so I am going to take it easy the next couple days because I over did it this weekend.
Updated on 23 Feb 2021:
I went in for my checkup today. Everything is looking amazing!! My body has completely changed. I went through my shirts and dresses and got rid of loads of stuff! My bottoms still fit, they just fit different and better. I can slowly start exercising again in 2 weeks, just nothing targeting the abs and I am supposed to wear my binder. I can wear compression or binder, depending on what I’m doing, until 7-8weeks, depending how I’m feeling and swelling and then I can transition out off of them completely! I have some dog ears, you can see them poking out in the polka dot dress. My dog ear removal appointment is in 6 weeks and I’m beyond excited!! From week 4 to 5 I feel like my mobility, energy and healing has just skyrocketed! My PS and nurse were so great and thorough with me today. I didn’t few rushed and get comfortable asking them any and all questions I had. I’m so grateful I did my research and found them. Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery (Dr. Swail) was the best choice I could have made! I am confident in my body and am not embarrassed anymore! I can’t wait to see my final results!
Here are a couple dresses I bought years ago and realized they were large in China size so I thought I would never fit them. These pictures are taken after I’d had some swelling, and I still feel like I look great. I was saving them for my daughter, but not anymore!! These were taken I’ve had several people ask me if I had my boobies done too, the answer is no. I am just well endowed. Hahaha.
Updated on 1 Mar 2021:
I’m 6 weeks post op and am loving it!! My scar is healing great, I’ve had no complications, I have all feeing back already, I’m slowly starting to do cardio, I’m having regular bowel movements, I have most of my energy back, life is great!! I do get some swelling if I am super active during the day, but that is to be expected. You can see my dog ears in the pictures and I am already scheduled to get them removed in 5 weeks now. I’m so excited to see the final product!! I ordered some new shirts and have to return them because they are all too big. It was a great surprise! I’m so blessed to have been able to do this!
Now to work off my back fat!! I had lipo, but it didn’t get it all.
Updated on 20 Mar 2021:
I took these pictures on the 18th, the day that I got 2 months. I am forever grateful to my PS, his nurse, and the wonderful staff. I feel sexy, confident and comfortable in my body again! I still get a little swollen when I work out or am super active. I am still a little tender in my lower back, from the lipo I’m assuming. I have my energy back too! I still itch right under my scar; but that’s normal. The pictures are of me swollen, I worked out before. That is the worst swelling I get, and I honestly don’t feel like it’s that bad. Having this surgery was the BEST decision I could have made.
Updated on 14 Apr 2021:
Last week I went in for my dog ear revision. It went well! They took off quite a bit, which was nice! As he was cutting I felt some pain so he numbed me up some more and the rest went smoothly. The recovery has been okay. I am struggling with taking it easy. I’m so excited to see the overall results and am super excited to be done with all the cutting!! Downside is I have to sleep on my back again. Ugh! I have been eating like crazy so I need to get back on track on eating healthy and drinking more water.
Updated on 8 May 2021:
I had my dog ear revision 4 weeks ago and my shape is looking better and better! I can’t believe how flat I am and how amazing my abs are looking! I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Swail and his team. His nurses are amazing! They are so knowledgeable and always kind and friendly! I love going to my post op just so I can see them because they get genuinely excited to see me and my progress. I have never regretted not one minute having this surgery done. I feel amazing and am loving my new body!!
Updated on 23 May 2021:
I have a hole at the end of my incision, super lame!! It isn’t infected or anything, so that’s good! I emailed the office and they said as long as it isn’t infected, to keep it taped up. I think I did too much twisting and stretching while on vacation, but I have no clue. I did put on a butterfly bandaid as well. Ugh, I’m so sad, but I’m sure it will close up soon! I am just trying to be extra careful right now. PS, I think the darkness is from the marker used to outline where they were going to cut.
Updated on 17 Jan 2022:
I can’t believe that it has been almost a year! The hole closed up perfectly, they told me to put tape on it and sure enough, it closed right up. I was doing great, eating healthy, working out, and was looking and feeling fabulous. Then the holidays came and we went on a Christmas vacation. Sadly, I have gained 18lbs. I’m so sad!! But once I got home a couple weeks ago, I started working out and eating better. I’ve lost 7lbs and am hoping to lose the rest in the next month. I am frustrated with my love handles and back fat, but my tummy makes me feel so confident! I went in for a checkup a couple months ago and they told me that I’ve officially graduated! I’m all done, just my one year post op on the 27th of January left! Woot woot!
Updated on 1 Feb 2022:
It’s been a year since the original tummy tuck, but I’ve had two revisions. I don’t regret it one bit! I have so much more confidence, and I love my new body. The only funny thing is I have what I call “phantom belly.” After I work out I go to clean under my belly pouch so I don’t get an infection or after my shower I go to dry off my under belly, when I realize I don’t have it anymore. Hahaha! It was worth every penny!! The only thing that bothers me are my back rolls. Even with the lipo, they didn’t go away, which is frustrating, but eh. I am working out doing HIIT 4 days a week and cardio 6 days a week. I am determined to rid me of the rolls! I am finding it is much much easier to tone my abs and am loving that, but I also show a lot more when I’m bloated. The scar is fading ever so nicely and I love my belly button! Dr. Swail did an absolutely amazing job and I’ll forever be grateful that after 4 c-sections, I look and feel as confident and beautiful as I do! No more hiding behind my clothes!!