hi everyone,well im gettn ready for a tt n 2weeks,very excited.iam 41 yrs old no children,but ready for a new me.ive lost a great deal of weight that has left me wth a huge stomach.i got married i was wearing a size 14,got a divorce i was wearing a whopping 22...ikr,how n y.cant really explain jus kno it will neva happen again.well i hav gone to 2 dr's,one which i felt so comfortable wth lik i hav been knowing him.his staff was also amazing as well.the amazing thg is i had a consultation set up for wed sept26 n someone told me about dr escobar n i calld on yesterday n got a consultation today.that has neva happnd b4,every dr i hav calld has had a 3 to 4 week wait,i was lik wow,ill b ther.gonna keep my consultation for tomorrw,but i hav made my choice wth dr escobar.which gav me a date for oct 8.i always wantd a tt but was so afraid of gettn it done.i prayd about it n i trust God will take care of me.im so excited about ths journey of my life.thanks to everyone for sharing their stories,they mak one even mor excited about their up coming surgeries.iam havn tt and lipo of flanks and love handles...SO VERY EXCITED!!ill keep everyone postd i hav 2 weeks b4 the big day.i post photos shortly.Updated on 2 Oct 2012:hi everyone well i had my pre op on yesterday surgery will b on next mon the 8th.so very excited.any tips as for what im gonna need is so appreciated.i read that cucumber water is good for swelling n blood clots,hav anyone tried it b4?i hav my meds n my bromelain,my dr also will also send me home wth a pain pump,so im excited about that.so i need help wth ths post op supply list so im taking all advice from my tt friends...thanks in advance,signd excited n nervous @ the sametme!Updated on 7 Oct 2012:well its the day b4 my ttl/lipo,my nerves r drivn me,im ecited nervous @the same tme.cant sleep.i was fine until today.is it normal has anyone else experirncd their heart racing?i hav to keep takn deep breaths to calm myself down.im gonna try n get to a computer so i cqn put up my photos,its not that i dont want to put any up,my usb isnt workn on my laptop n unfortunately we cant upload from the cell phone,so im gonna try my best to get them up asap...jus wanna thank u all for ur bravery,it has helpd me.so those that hav gone b4 me,im omw to the flat side...thanks u all!!!!!!!!!!!!Updated on 7 Oct 2012:oh my its the night b4 surgery,so excited,thankn God n advance for a sucessful surgery,awesome recovery,n last but definately not least a FLAT STOMACH!!!illso ready n can hardly sleep,so very grateful that God allowd me ths opportunity to finally do somthng that I wanted to do for myself,well everyone ill c yall on the flat side!!!!!YEAH!!!!Updated on 12 Oct 2012:Day 4po,went to my ps yesterday n he said everythng was lookn good,n my incision looks great,thank God fa that.I'm still tryn to get pics up,so far so good,not as much pain as I thought it would b,but then again I do hav a pain pump that constantly drips.so far I'm lovn my results,I havnt saw my private by lookn down n quite som tme now,so to look down n c it was exciting..lol,but very serious.my family has been a great support,n beleve me,I'm one of the most independent people ther is,n I really did need their support...thanks fam,I Lov yall sssooooo much,especially my pit pat who came stayd overnight wth me,her n her mom,my teedy lette!!!n those that didn't stay but showd support,I'm so grateful u all r a part of my life.ths site has truly been a blessn to me,I thank everyone that has shared their stories,bcuz it helpd motivate me as well,hopfully ill hav som pics up next tme I post.
I am super excited to be finally having my tummy tuck. I have always had a stomach for as long as I can remember. I am also going to do a back lift as well Dr. Escobar states it would be as if I got a tummy tuck in the front and back, he will also remove all of my love handles. My very first intention was to just get a tummy tuck, but than I figured it would not make since if I still had back rolls. Updated on 9 Feb 2015: 4 days until my surgery Updated on 12 Feb 2015: In less than 24 hours I will be having my surgery. I am so excited! Updated on 15 Feb 2015: I will be updating pictures soon my sister said I look like I lost a extra person Updated on 15 Feb 2015: I feel good! Updated on 18 Feb 2015: I am out and about my back is hurting a little but the pain is bearable! Tried sleeping in my bed the last two nights but had to get up and move back to the recliner and than I slept like a baby! Updated on 5 Mar 2015: I'm still swollen but I am loving my outcome so far. These breast are next Updated on 7 Mar 2015: I have never been more excited about sitting in a tub of water! I am still swollen how long does it usually take for swelling to actually go away Updated on 31 Mar 2015: I'm so excited with what my tummy tuck has done to my self esteem! I am a little disappointed with my love handles but I go back on April 7th to see if he needs to lipo them. I have no regrets! Updated on 17 May 2015: I went in on Friday and had liposuction done of my lower back and love handles still very swollen but excited Updated on 26 May 2015:
I was 140 when I got pregnant 16 years ago,,,,I was 220 when I delivered,,,pretty much gained a lot of fluid last two n a half months before I had my daughter. All I want is to have a flat stomach and my belly button not touch. My stomach looks like the smocking on a little girls dress. I am a single parent, bust my a$& at work every week (55 hrs a week),, I'm doing this for me. I'm 5'7" weigh 135lbs,, I do get annoyed when people tell me " why u getting a TT,, u don't need to loose weight?,,,, I reply "I'm not trying to loose weight,,, that's not why u get it,,,, I'm tired of my belly button touching and it always has a sour look on its face,,,,lol Updated on 13 Dec 2013: Today makes a week left. I'm excited and so nervous at the same time. For years I've always said I want a tummy tuck,,, now I'm getting it and it's like "oh s$it I'm getting a tummy tuck". So this week I'm getting every thing at my house and at work in order, and keep on counting down the days like I have done every day since July 9th when I made my surgery date. I took pictures of my before stomach today, after looking at them I was like bye bye road map and angry belly button. I think the most thing I'm excited about is getting my BB back. Updated on 18 Dec 2013: Nerves starting to set it. Updated on 19 Dec 2013: Went from counting down the months to weeks, to days, now just hours away. Just wanted to say thank you to all the ladies out there who put their recovery out in the open so people like me could get some insite on what to expect. See y'all on the flat side. ???????????????????????????????? Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Had my surgery at 7am,,, was out of the hospital by 3:30. Doing good not it to much pain,,,I do have a pain pump. The nurse said I could be discharged when I pee,,, so I was getting ready to go nurse was helping me out the bed,,, I looked at the toilet n was like,,,, the toilet,, it's so low,,lol,,,,, the best way to describe my pain right now is like I just did 1 million crunches,,,I haven't looked at my stomach yet,, but prob take a peak when my boyfriend comes over later,,, my family is so supportive and very greatfull for that, and my 16 year old daughter is a regular little nurse making sure I have everything in my recovery area I have set up in the living room. Will post pictures later when I take my binder off. Updated on 21 Dec 2013: The pain got a little more intense last night, I think it was probably from getting in and out of my recliner,,, my dr wants me to walk every two hours,, so I'm timing it with pee breaks,,, I have a pain ball, but I don't know if its working or not cause the pain is pretty good. I just keep looking at my after before and after picture and it makes the pain all worth it. Updated on 22 Dec 2013: So it's only day two and I already have cabin fever,,,lol,,, yesterday to pain was pretty good,,, I felt like I was popping pain pills like they were in a pet dispenser ,,, by 8:00 last night the pain went away (prob from all the pills),,, I have been sleeping pretty good in my recliner,,, first night I was waking up every 3 hrs to take a pill ,,last night I went 5 hrs before I woke up n took a pill. The last time I took a pain pill was 6:30 am,, went back to sleep woke up at 9:30, my BF cooked me breakfast and its 10:35,, and I haven't took a pill yet. So hopefully today goes better than yesterday. Updated on 23 Dec 2013: Today feeling a lot better. Only took two pain pills today,,, still have my pain ball in. Took my first shower today and I feel awesome. I know what you ladies mean when u said it took all of your energy. I felt like I ran a marathon after that shower. I've very swollen today,,, I look like I have "super lovehandles" the r so swollen. I try not to look at my stomach to much, because I know this isn't what it's gonna end up like, and I don't wanna get discouraged, lol, so I just take a quick glance to make sure everything is ok. Can't wait for the day I try my bikini on. I go see my PS on Thursday, I hope my drains come out, at least one, my PS does not take both out at the same time. I had to get out of my house today for a change of scenery , so I spend the day at my boyfriends parents house on their recliner. I was nice to get out even though I spent the day on a recliner. Updated on 24 Dec 2013: Feeling good today, haven't taken a pain pill today. I do feel like I have a pair of pants with a really tight waist band on, but I'm guessing that is from the muscle repair. Swelling,,, that's an understatement. My boyfriend picked up my fur baby from the boarding kennel yesterday, I missed her so much, she's been there since last Thursday . She has not left my side since she been home. When I walk down the hall with my walker she is right by my side. I will try to take a picture of my stomach tonight and post it. Updated on 24 Dec 2013: If it wasn't for the reviews and pictures that all the ladies have posted on here I prob would be freaking out right now looking at myself right now with this swelling. After reading all the post on here for the last 6 months have really helped me know what to expect. So I just wanted to say thank you, cause I know it's not easy to take pictures, and your daily experiences feeling like hell. Updated on 25 Dec 2013: Day 5 and it's Christmas Day. Woke up felt great, last pain pill I took was Monday at 1:00pm. I got dressed my daughter drove me to my moms house n then we spent the day at my boyfriends parents house. Had a good day I think I ate to much, laughed to much and moved around to much, but hey it was Christmas. Right now I'm sore from laughing ( that hurts) and I guess moving around, so I came home took a pain pill and back in my recliner. First dr appt. since my surgery is tomorrow, hope it goes good. Updated on 26 Dec 2013: I'm rid of my left drain and the pain ball, I feel like a new person. I was worried that it would hurt but it didn't ,, I didn't feel anything. Dr said I look good and I can start to walk upright. Thank you, cause my back is killing me, I think that takes more of my energy than anything else. If my right drain is draining less than 25 by Monday then it comes out then,, it's about 30-35 right now so I should be good to go by Monday. Dr said swelling in my sides is from fluid and after my last drain comes out he wants me to wear my binder tighter and it should solve that problem. He said one day wrap is right to left and the next wrap it left to right it helps even everything out. I haven't taken a pain pill since Monday at 1pm (day 3). I guess I have a high tollerence for pain. The only pain I really felt was the day after surgery guess that pain ball really helps,, if u r PS offers it take it. I have more of a "full" feeling like I ate to much more than pain. Well first step to recovery is almost complete one drain out one to go. Updated on 27 Dec 2013: I feel better n better each day. Slept in my bed for the first time last night was it the greatest night slew ever,, not really but when I woke up this morning I did notice I was standing straighter. I was able to sleep on both sides and on my back with pillows under my knees. I'm still swollen on my sides but it will get better over time. My scar is a little higher than I wanted but that doesn't bother me, I knew when I was getting this surgery that was the one thing I had to "accept" to get my belly button back and my stomach back. It might sound funny but I will "embrace" my scar, I'm not ashamed of having a tummy tuck. I tell anyone that ask. It takes a lot to go thru this surgery not anybody can do it, and I could give a sh$& of what people think of me,, lol. If people wanna hate let em. Updated on 27 Dec 2013: Updated on 28 Dec 2013: Went for a day out with the girls yesterday. Felt good to get out with friends, had lunch with them. I have one question,,,when does it stop hurting to laugh? My friends n I laugh ALL the time, and it just hurts so much to laugh. I think I have a laugh down pack where sound comes outta my mouth buy my stomach doesn't move so much. I probably sound like a seal in heat,, but hey it works for me right now,,,,,sometimes. Lol,,happy healings Updated on 30 Dec 2013: I feel great,, feels so good to be back at work,,, no way I could stay at home anymore. I have a desk job so I'm not on my feet a lot so I'm greatfull for that. I have to go to the dr at 3:15 today to get the last drain out ,,, can't wait. Still swollen but improving everyday,, I can stand up straight first thing in the morning but it takes me a lil bit when I sit for a while,, by the time the evening comes around I can feel the "swell" and standing straight isn't so easy. Updated on 30 Dec 2013: Last drain out. I feel like a new person !!!!!!!! Dr vist went well, the very top part of my left leg started to feel numb about 3 days ago. Dr said it could be from the swelling And asked if I sleep on my left side,, I told him prob so cause I started sleeping n my bed a couple days ago. So I see him n two weeks and he said he will see how the swelling is and if I still have numbness n my leg. Went to forever 21 with my daughter after dr. Had to try on a crop top, just to do it,,, I'll post a picture. I've been waiting for my belly back for 16 years now and now I have it. Updated on 31 Dec 2013: Updated on 4 Jan 2014: Can't believe it's been two weeks already. I have been off my pain meds since 3 days post,,, I only took one christmas night (5 days post). I went back to work on day 10. I have a desk job, but from sitting all day, I can feel myself starting to swell at about 2:00everyday, cause my binder get really tight. So I make it to about 3:30, then I go home (I get to work at 6 am). When I get home I go straight to my recliner put my feet up, and in about an hour I feel much better. I found a stitch coming out my belly button last night so ill go see my PS on Monday for him to take care of it. Still pretty swollen especially on my flanks, can't wait for that to go away ,, but I know it takes time. Sometimes I wonder if I should have had lipo there, but I think if I needed it my PS would have suggested it. Can't wait till this glue comes off of me so I can see my incision, that glue is some strong stuff. Gonna take it easy today, going out tonight with some friends to watch the saints game, I hope I make it thru the whole game,,, Who Dat !!! Updated on 4 Jan 2014: Updated on 7 Jan 2014: My stomach feels like I laid out in the sun for 10 hrs ,,,,more in the evening time than morning. I guess my nerves are "waking" up,,it's not pain but just annoying . If I sit still long enough the burning feeling goes away,,, until my 3 lb chichahua jumps on me,,, then it starts over again. Other than that I feel good,,still at work every day, but making sure I rest when I get home n the evenings and on the weekend. Updated on 9 Jan 2014: These three weeks flew by. Overall I feel great, at the end of the day I am tired. Went to the dr yesterday n he said I'm doing great, he pulled the rest of the glue I still had off. Swelling went down, but Mother Nature came and back with the swelling, oh well gotta love it cause I know it will be around for a little while. Started putting lemon n my water and I have noticed it helped with the end of the day swelling that I get. It didn't make it go away, but it really helped. Updated on 10 Jan 2014: Well I made it,,, 3 Weeks today. Updated on 10 Jan 2014: Here are some before pictures with my three week pictures Updated on 10 Jan 2014: Updated on 17 Jan 2014: Can't believe it's been one month already. Started to drive my car this week ( it's a standard), and I'm able to stay at work a little longer each week. I work a lot of hours like 11-12 a day, I was only able to do 9.5 a day. The swelling is going down a lot on my sides but it's still there. I have been drinking lemon water all day and cucumber & pineapple juice n the morning and the evening, I find that it helps with the swelling at the end of the day, I still swell but not as much. I also watch my sodium intake like a freaking hawk ,,,, salt is my enemy !!! I ditched the binder this week for some shape wear from Victoria Secret,, or as I like to call it "Victoria don't tell nobody",,, I still wear my binder at night to sleep for extra support cause I'm a side sleeper. I started using the silicone sheets on my scar during the day and I put mederma advance on it at night. I can only go 12 hrs with the sheets,,, any longer n it starts to irritate my skin. Happy Healing to all my real self sisters out there. Updated on 21 Jan 2014: Starting mid last week my energy level has really turned a corner. I normally work 10~12hrs a day, after going back to work (10 days post) I was working 6am to about 3:30,,after that I was done. It was like clockwork everyday at 2,, I could start feeling the swelling, any by 3-3:30 I was ready to go home and lay down on my back with my feet up. I would only get upto take a shower then get in bed. After work I was done, you were not getting anything else outta me. But now I have a lot more energy after work and I'm working 10~12 hrs a day. I love my job and the people I work for and with, they are so understanding, I have been going to work in legging, sweat pants and yoga pants. I even took one of the chaise from the conference room cause it leans back more n every chance I get my feet r up on a stool ,,on my desk, or on the counter in the supervisor's office, or as the guys call it the "bull pin",,, I guess it's a construction term. Today I wore jeans for the first time today, they were not the jeans I was wearing before surgery, they were ones that were a little big,,, but hey they fit. I was able to button my "regular" jeans but that's it. I was 137 before my TT and today I am 130, so being that my regular jeans still don't fit, I know I'm still swollen and when this swell hell goes away ima look damn good (not to blow my own horn,,toot toot). Lol I'm still drinking lemon water thru out the day and juicing pineapple, cucumber and apples, it does help with the extra swelling. I haven't had a diet coke since December 19th the day before my TT, and I'm trying my best to keep my diet as clean as I can. I go back to the dr on the 29th n I'm gonna ask him about going to the gym and working out. I use to get so discouraged before going to the gym,,, I would bust my butt but would never see any results... I'm not wasting my 6500. I earned the stomach I have now, by busting my ass at work, and raising my daughter on my own for 16 1/2 years. Ima start going to the gym again and I'm not gonna stop this time. Updated on 21 Jan 2014: Updated on 21 Jan 2014: Updated on 5 Feb 2014: I went to my PS today for my last appt. he said I look great and loves the way my upper stomach looks, he said when the swelling is totally gone my lower stomach should look as good. I asked him about my sides, he said the r still swollen , I should give it at least 6 months, if I still not happy he can do A little lipo on each side, cause that's all I would need, n he can do it in his office. I told him if I were to do any thing else it prob wouldn't be until December again. He told me waiting a year would be even better cause a lot can change. He gave me a full release. I'm going to join the gym,,again but ima stick with it again. I have 4 things I would like to share with all the ladies that are pre flat side that I learned during my experience. 1- recliner will be u r best friend, I slept in mine for about a week, once one of my drains came out I was back in the bed. 2- a walker will be u r best friend, I live in a shotgun house and have a long hallway. Walking hunched over is no fun n a walker helps with support. 3- toilet seat riser will also be your best friend. It's nice not to have to go down so far and have to get up so far. 4- right after surgery when u look at u r incision ,, don't freak out if u think its to high,,, mine seemed to drop after the initial surgery swelling went down after a month. Updated on 17 Feb 2014: Can't believe it's been 8 weeks already. I feel great n I love my new body. Still some swelling but it's getting better. Updated on 17 Feb 2014: Updated on 3 Mar 2014: Don't really gave to much to say,,, swelling has gone down slowly. I don't wear my binder during the day unless I'm at home n when I sleep. I can sleep on my belly now, but I cannot sit up straight from lasting flat on my Bach. It's funny,,I feel like an old person when it's cold out,,,it's cold outside,,, my stomach is tighter. Cut my grass for the first time since my TT... I can say that before I would have never wore this, not even to cut grass Updated on 21 Apr 2014: Not much really changed,,, swelling at the end of the day is still there but not nearly as bad as it use to be. I will say when I work out I swell up like a beast. I feel great so excited bikini weather is here,,can't wait to hit the beach. Updated on 27 Apr 2014: First party of the year at a friends house.
