I have wanted a tummy tuck for years - my youngest 'child' is thirty three, and that's a long time to be unhappy with your body. I am a two time breast cancer survivor, and have had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I'm ready to live the rest of my life on MY terms!! I can't wait to be on the flat side.
Updated on 6 Jun 2017:
Dr Tolson's office called and they have a cancellation for next week. They asked if I wanted to take it. Yes!! The sooner the better!! That moved me up two weeks. I am so excited!! Going for my pre-op tomorrow, and I've decided to add lipo of my flanks. Total cost $7200. I never thought I could be this happy about having surgery. A tummy tuck is on my bucket list!!
Updated on 8 Jun 2017:
I had my pre-op visit yesterday. No labs or EKG required. I found out that Dr Tolson uses the drainless procedure. That concerns me just a little, because I have developed seromas with previous surgeries, including one in my back that is still resolving five months later. I do like the idea of no drain, though. There is no overnight stay, but you see the doctor in his office first thing the next morning. I'm going to stay overnight in a hotel nearby since I live an hour and a half away.
All of my questions were answered and I am still really excited to get this done!!
I paid 5k for the tummy tuck and 2.2k for liposuction to my flanks.
My hemoglobin runs low, so I made sure they are aware it runs just above 11. I have had to have a blood transfusion in the past after surgery, so I feel like I know what symptoms to look for if I get severely anemic. Praying that doesn't happen though!
Updated on 14 Jun 2017:
I hope I can get some sleep tonight. I'm not nervous, just excited and afraid of oversleeping!! I have to be there at 9am, so I need to leave the house at 7. I will post pictures from the flat side!!
Updated on 16 Jun 2017:
I am on the flat side!! Surgery took 5 hours for TT and lipo to my flanks. I don't remember being in the recovery room at all - my first memory afterward was in the hotel. I had copious amounts of sero-sanguines drainage all night. I would stand up and it flowed like a fountain. My friend who is an RN spent the night with me and that was so very helpful!! Bless her - she changed dressings all night. The doctor said he injected 5 liters of fluid, so I guess it has to come back out. The pain is there, but manageable with meds. I can't believe I'm done!! ????
Updated on 19 Jun 2017:
The colors of the bruises are like a rainbow!! I have a ton of fluid in my abdomen and it's like my stomach blew up when I took my binder off for a shower tonight. The pain is much better, now it's just more sore than anything. I'm just glad it's done!!