John J. Heieck, MD (retired)

I had a MM, BR, and lipo on my love handles. I'm 58 years old and have wanted his for years, but it just wasn't in the cards until now. I put my trust in him and God and took the step Nov. 2 , 2012 . It has now been 3 1/2 months and I am so thankful and greatful that I had this done. The procedure was not at all as difficult as most people say. I was on pain meds for two days, which my husband insisted on to stay ahead of the pain, but by the third day ibuprofen as needed. The most difficult part for me was the back pain. Icing helped immensely with that. I love the way I look and I can't begin to tell you how much easier I can move around.

Started at 248 - 5'7": Was told I was pre-diebitc, so I lost 30 lbs and maintained weight over the last year. Working out daily, I dropped another 10. I went from a size 24 to 14/16. The smallest I got while running 3 miles a day was 202, before I suffered hairline fractures in my shins. Working out 2 hours a day resulted in excessive skin and fat that can be pulled away from the body. My body does not match my hard work, so I'm having lipo on hips, upper and lower back and arms.



Updated on 5 Feb 2013:
yesterday I had my surgery. they removed 3 lbs around my waist. my incisions burn but the pain meds help. I'm pretty tired and dizzy. walking is not fun at all. it's difficult to pee. I'm turning yellow in the places I had lipo. even though I'm swollen - everything is a noticeable difference. I can't wait to see what I look like in 2 weeks.

Updated on 5 Feb 2013:
I read on this site that some people started taking a stool softener to help them poop. I was wondering how long after surgery should someone do this? I'm trying to avoid any unnecessary complication or pain.

Updated on 6 Feb 2013:
day 3- changing the dressings was painful. and I'm sore from the lipo. I'm pretty swollen. the liquid from my drains has slowed down and they said once you go 24 hours with less than 25 - they will remove them.

Updated on 8 Feb 2013:
Changing bandages is not pleasant, still feel like I'm going to puke or pass out when I try to change the gauze. My legs aren't as sore. It feels good to stand up and straigthen them out (hunched over though). I'm getting restless sitting around, but there is no way I can move around. Every 3 hours just walking 10 feet is draining. My lower back is so tight and it starts to cramp up when I walk.

The drains are more 'chucky' and a lighter red, which is normal. I don't really have an appetite and I'm still sleepy. I take half a pain med after I change my bandages and sleep for about 20 mins after taking them. The rest of the time, I'm drug free, so the areas "burn".

I'm looking forward to Monday when it will be a week and I get to change these pantyhose. I cut a bigger hole to make sure I didn't get anything on them. It's pretty hard to pee, I focus to make sure it doesn't run everywhere.

According to discharge papers, I wear these for 2 more weeks. I'm wonder what it will feel like to not have anything wrapped around me? I hope the bloating/swelling has gone done and it's not so sore. I have been gently rubbing my legs and arms, which seems to help the feeling return to that area.

Any suggestions on what else I can do to ensure this is a good recovery?

Updated on 10 Feb 2013:
I had lipo in my thighs (apparently that area is considered the waist area at my doctor's office), but they are hard as a rock and incredibly swollen compared to prior days. I've been lightly rubbing them and I've been up walking (to and from the bathroom) and standing while leaning over a counter. I have squated down to pick up things- is this normal? If not, what should I do?

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
On the 11th, I was able to have one of the drains removed. I went into the office, she checked some of my stitches, removed a few, pulled out the tube, had me recline (which I had not been doing). It was a bit much- I passed out twice. After awhile, she wrapped my back up, removed a few more stitches and instructed me to get up and move around more and to start laying in a more reclined position. My advice to anyone- get a recliner- don't use pillows to keep yourself upright, you might make the same mistake as me and not stretch out enough (after day 3).

On the 15th- I experienced a hard bubble two inches above my belly button. So I called and got in within 5 hours. She removed some more stitches that she couldn't get to because I kept passing out a few days earlier. She felt around on it and actually had the doctor come take a look. He did and told me to put heat on it. He thought it was a blood clot.

She tried to manually drain the right side (the side with the drain) but the fluid she felt was too deep. She was impressed with my mobility and the fact that I didn't pass out once, even with her putting a needle in my side. She placed extra gauze on the hard lump and told me to keep heat on it for a few days.

I've been putting heat on my entire stomach and it's gotten softer and doesn't hurt as much. :) I removed the added gauze for a few hours and moved around the house, the lump started to come back, so I placed the gauze back and put heat on it. I've had more drainage with lots of chucks.

Updated on 9 Mar 2013:
I'm still pretty bloated so my size is pretty much the same, but the way I look in my clothes and naked - is AMAZING. I still have to wear the binder for another 2 weeks, but all the stitches are out. My incision line still has a large open wound and is pretty tender. I wish they would just stitch it up but they want it to heal on it's own.

Updated on 27 Mar 2013:
still swallon but over all pretty happy with the results

I would recommend that if you have a tummy tuck with liposuction that you have 2 people at home to care for you while you recover. Have one person as a back up because the primary person will get tired.

Because the reviews on this website have been very beneficial in helping me make my final decision about cosmetic surgery, I have decided to share my experience as well.





My surgery:





My mommy makeover, including tummy tuck, muscle repair, breast lift, and lipo of my hips and thighs, is scheduled in just 2 days. I have my final consultation tomorrow and surgery on December 1st. After much research and several initial consultations, I finally chose Dr. Heieck as my surgeon. While my family is still leary about the surgery, I am excited and ready to have my fat suit removed.





My story:





I am 5'1". I am a mother of 4 who has been pregnant a total of 6 times. My weight has yo-yo'd before and after each pregnancy.For example, I weight 250lbs after my 4th child and 140lbs after my 2nd child. Before I was married and had my children I was very active and weighed 120lbs. I currently weigh 160lbs.





Since my 4th child was born, I have taken to exercise, like a fat girl takes to sweets. Currently, I run about 5 miles every other day. I also do an ab and thigh video every other day. Even with all this exercise. I have failed to rid myself of my fat suit. Now that I am done having children, I want to get my prepregnancy body back.





Now, I am getting ready to travel to Omaha for my surgery. I am trying to get all the last minute details worked out. Babysitter scheduled: check. Hotel booked: check. Review written: check. Bag packed: uncheck(I am still uncertain on what type of clothes and things to pack). Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks!



Updated on 4 Dec 2011:
Today is day 3 post-op. I am still pretty sore and tender. I find myself really sleepy. I am unsure if this is an aftereffect of the surgery or if I am tired from not doing as much as normal. I started taking only 1 hydrocodone 325mg tab every 4 hours instead 2 today. I believe most of my discomfort is from the liposuction bruising. However periodically, my breasts, belly button, or abdomen incisions will sting.


My pain is no surprise. The doctor estimated from my abdomen and liposuction of hips and thighs, approximately 9 pounds were removed. Currently, my thighs are massive. They are very swollen and full of fluid. My abdomen is also quite swollen. I seem to have a "man" pouch just under my abdominal incision. Let us hope this goes away.


My breasts look much perkier, but much smaller. This will take quite a lot to get used to. I have always been known for having large "twins". I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't remove a pound or 2 of tissue from them as well.


After discussing it with my husband, we have decided to have one of our older children stay home to help with their youngest sibling who doesn't attend school yet. As for now, we are taking this day by day. I will keep you updated.

Updated on 5 Dec 2011:
Day 4 post-op and I am still pretty sore. I started out with a burst of energy, only to have it replaced with major fatique. I still cannot sit in a chair for more than 5 minutes without falling asleep. Reminds me of when I was breastfeeding.


I have experienced a few concerns today including a declining supply of pain pills, an excessively tender area on the back of my right upper thigh, and a rather large mass of muscles in my abdomen. I will continue to work on my concerns throughout the next few days to get them resolved. Feel free to offer suggestions.


I have decided to wait until the swelling goes down before taking after pics. I will keep you posted.

Updated on 7 Dec 2011:
Today is day 6 post-op. I am finding myself more and more swollen especally around my peri area under my abdominal incision. I wonder if I am wearing the binder tight enough or even too tight. I also feel like my muscles in my stomach are balling up at times. I might be overdoing it. Not having my elbows go any higher than my shoulders has proven to be really hard to do.


I was scheduled to go to my 1 week post-op appointment tomorrow, but I called and had it moved to next week. The nurse said they like to see the total amount of fluid in the each drainage tubes around 25 cc's or less. I am still having quite a bit of drainage. Each drainage tube is around 75 to 100 cc's still.


I am now down to taking the tylenol throughout the day and 2 hydrocodone every 4 hours at night. However, after being out and about today for the first time since the surgery doing errands , I broke down an took more than what I had planned too of the pain medicine.





I would love feedback from others about the swelling issue.

Updated on 16 Dec 2011:
I am now 2 weeks post-op. I am feeling better everyday. Not exercising and being confined to the house more than I am used to, seems to be the downfall to this surgery for me.





I am happier everyday with the transformation of my results. I thought my swelling # 1 is not ready to be taken out. I am so ready for the drain to be taken out. A warm shower would be awesome. Sponge baths are just not cutting it. My remaining drain is still putting out numbers around the 100 mark. This seem excessive to me.





My peri area still seems to be one of my biggest concern, as it is almost manly in size. The doctor reassures me this will go away with time. I hope.

Updated on 19 Dec 2011:
Today I am 18 days post-op. Overnight I noticed my last remaining drain was starting to come out. By this morning it was over half way out and no longer was holding any suction. Unfortunately, the drain wasn't ready to be removed. I still was drain around 60 to 80cc in 24 hr period. I went ahead and pulled it the rest of the way out and called the PS. My appointment is tomorrow.





I am unsure what the process is after a drain falls out. I am hoping that I won't have to make several trips back to the doctor's office with it being 3 hours from home to have drainage suctioned out. Come on body, absorb!





My peri area still remains my biggest concern. It is still manly in size. I also have a lot of excess swelling in my thighs, butt, and abdomen. The scale has not been kind to me. I weighed in at 159 lbs on the morning of surgery. I had 9 lbs removed. I currently weigh 164 lbs. GRRR!





On the bright side, today marked my first shower in 18 days. Boy did it feel good! Hopefully, this will be the longest I will ever go without a shower.





Also on the positive side, I am drain free. Let's just hope it doesn't cause me any problems.

Updated on 22 Dec 2011:
Day 21 post-op and feeling bloated. I'm going in tomorrow to have fluid drained. My abdomen looks like a water balloon. It feels like a boiling pot of fluid.





The swollen tummy issue is causing me alot of concerns. I hope I doesn't get infected, need to be drained more than once, or stretch my stomach enough that it looks deflated once the fluid is drained. I hope they prescribe an antibiotic just in case.

Updated on 25 Dec 2011:
Day 24 post-op and feeling worse than when I updated last time. I am back to taking my pain pills periodically. Last Friday I had a doctor appointment to removed fluid build up in my abdomen. They removed 180 cc's of fluid before I passed out. They also told me to take it easy. Yeah, right. Did they realize this is a holiday weekend and I have four kids.



Anyway, with the holiday I made an appointment for Tuesday to return and do the same thing as Friday. However, I feel way more bloated then when I went in Friday. I was told if I need to, I could call tomorrow and have the person on call drain my fluid. My stomach is so big that it protrudes almost as much as it did before surgery. I am quite bummed about that.



In the back of my mind, I would rather them, put in an another drainage tube and call it good. I feel like my stomach stretching this much cannot be healthy.

Updated on 27 Dec 2011:
26 days post-op today and had a doctor appointment to have more fluid drained from my seroma. Today they drained 150cc and the fluid had started to moved up above where my binder was. I asked for a a 4 panel binder, instead of the 3. It works and feels much better. I have less worry that I have positioned the binder incorrectly. They want to see me back Thursday or Friday. They are talking about replacing the drain which fell out if the aspirated fluid amounts remain high. This doesn't surprise me.

Updated on 2 Jan 2012:
I had my last doctor appointment Thursday of last week, 4 weeks post-op. Doctor didn't think it needed drained at first. I told him I could feel the fluid and so agreed to try and remove more fluid. 90cc's later he admitted that he learned along time ago, always listen to the patient. He has proved to be a good surgeon.

I am set to go back tomorrow and have Dr. Heieck look at again. Trust me, it needs drained again. GRRR... When does the fluid stop? I am so ready to get active again. I was told not to go on 2 mile walks and to take it easy. Boo! Let us just hope that I don't gain all my weight back sitting around and eating.

Updated on 3 Jan 2012:
I had another appointment today with my PS to drain fluid from my seroma in my tummy. They removed a total of 60 cc's today. I guess it is a good thing that is going down. I just am tired of the long drives into the PS office. I have to return again on Friday for much of the same.

I also noticed that I am havinga bit of drainage from my tummy tuck incision and below my breast. It is a small amount, so for now I am not too concerned.

Updated on 9 Jan 2012:
40 days post-op and feeling more and more like my old self everyday. Still very swollen and retaining fluid in my seroma. Last Friday they removed 35cc's. I still feel like I am getting fluid higher up in my stomach. I hope when I go back this Friday, they will be able to remove it as well.

I am supposed to be able to ditch the binder at 6 weeks, which is Thursday, but I don't think I will be allowed with the fluid build up. I don't look at my binder as a security blanket. I am ready to rid myself of it.

I was also told that I could start light exercise. However, with the seroma, light exercise means not even walking miles. I am about to go insane staying idol. Exercise is my time to do something for myself. I miss it.

Updated on 17 Jan 2012:
I had another PS appointment last Friday. PA only aspirated 10cc of fluid from my seroma. This was good news. However, she told me I would have to continue to wear my binder until after I see the PS on my next appointment on the 24th. I am so ready to ditch the binder. It makes sleeping almost impossible.

I know they keep telling me that everything looks fine, but I think at times I look huge above and below my belly button. I am sure they know best. This is why I am keeping my exercise low key and continuing to wear my binder.

Updated on 25 Jan 2012:
8 weeks post-op tomorrow and had my PS appointment yesterday. PS did not attempt to drain any fluid this time. He said I seem to be healing well and thought that my seroma was gone. He also allowed me to ditch my binder. Woohoo! I feel so much freedom now without it when it comes to getting dressed. However, I feel better wearing the binder at night for a little extra support.

I was so excited about being able to ditch the binder that I forgot to even ask about exercise and lotion for my scars. I will probably have to call and ask. He also said to call if I felt like fluid was building back up. Because he used the phrase "we will see how it goes," I am assuming I am supposed to take it slow when getting back into exercise. With the area over my belly button looking a little fluid filled, I probably don't want to over do it and produce even more fluid and have another seroma form. Oh well, even if I can't do as much as I would like, I am just happy to say goodbye to the binder and hope all goes will in the next 3 weeks until my next appointment.

Updated on 20 Feb 2012:
I am around 11 weeks post-op. My last doctor appointment was last Monday, the day before Valentine's Day. The PA gave me the ok to start more active exercise, like running and ab work. She did say to only do what my body would allow. I have been away from exercise for so long. It is going to take quite a bit of time before I am back in the swing of things.

I am really happy with my results so far. I feel better when I am dressing. I feel more confident. It is great. While I do find that I swell quite a bit throughout the day, it is way better than it used to be. I can't wait until I no longer have daily swelling from just regular activity and I can see the full transformation.

Hi

I am a whopping 4'11" on a good day. lol

I started my weightloss journy in Feb. 2010 and hit my goal weight in Dec of 2010. I have managed to maintain my weight within 5 pounds usually on the uo side but thats ok.

I went in to my consult on Sept. 9th, 2011.

I was very imporessed with the office his team of employee's and of him. He has a wonderful bed side manner. I have been to other offices where you didn't meet the Dr. till the day of your surgery and never seen him again. Big leason learned. I am happy with the work that he did but wish he would have been there for more than the surgery.



Updated on 30 Sep 2011:
Opps Pre op is 11-3-11 not 11-2-11

Updated on 30 Sep 2011:
Dr. John J Heieck M.D., FACS is my surgeon

Updated on 2 Oct 2011:
Made our hotel reservations on Friday they were so nice when I was making the reservation. We will have a room with a recliner and I was told that I might need to bring extra pillows. I thought it was nice of them to give me the heads up. My hubby should be comfy in the King size bed all to him self. Might take a blanket or 2 also. I make those fleece tie blankets and they are so soft I think they would be great to have with.

Was wondering what kind of food I should pack so hubby dosen't have to go running around looking for stuff for me. Thinking bottled water, crackers, 7-up?? (Not sure about the carbon though). Some pudding packs and jello packs, maybe some low sodium microwave soup or oatmeal. Any other suggestions would be great.

We have a bed room upstairs that has a nice big window that looks out at our horses, I told my hubby that I would like to have the hospital bed up there so I can look out side. The Dr. had told me that I needed to walk some stairs after surgery so thought that might be a good idea. The horses are like watching a fish tank for me very relaxing. I will also have a recliner in living room on main floor where the potty is so I can rest there also. But it is just a thought for right now. I have 5 little dogs in the house and they all like to cuddle when I sit in the recliner so I thought if I was upstairs I wouldn't have to worry about them jumping on me either. I have a portable med. potty that I can put up stairs just in case I can't get down stairs. I bought the darn thing to put in our horse trailer so I wasn't always squating in the trailer when there wasn't a bathroom around when out trail riding.(Goodwill $5.00). Gonna keep my eye out for other usefully things at the Goodwill for recovery time. This is one of my favorite stores you can find all sorts of treasure's per say. And the $$ goes to helping a good cause to boot.

Good luck to all the up coming TTucker's you are in my thoughts. SMILES:)

Updated on 4 Oct 2011:
Well each day the happy little butterflies get alittle more active. What the heck will they be like the night before. I can only imagine. LOL

Found out yesterday my boss got a DUI on Friday, it's her first one but not sure what the consequences are for that. She goes to court on Nov 2nd hope this process doesn't interfere with my surgery.

44 days and counting. Smiles:)

Updated on 5 Oct 2011:
43 days and counting.

I keep looking at everything in my house wondering how it will be during my recovery. I know I will most likely try to over due everything. I was sitting in the recliner last night relaxing watching the new Transformer movie with my 16 year old son which was great to spend time with him. But as I am sitting there I have 4 dogs spralled out on me. I also got up and had to put the leg rest of the recliner down and had to struggle to push the arm down. Which got me thinking hubby is gonna have to put me in and help me out if this is what I decide to rest in. It is so comfy in that chair and can see me sleeping in it.
The hospital bed that my folks have will be great also.

Updated on 6 Oct 2011:
Not sure if I shared my age with all of you..
I am 39 will turn 40 on 11-11-11 kinda weird huh.
I have been married to my hubby for 9 years we are both on our 2nd time around. I brought 1 son and he brought 4 boys and 1 girls into our new family. He adopted my son when he was 7. 3 of his children our out on their own and 2 live with their mother leaving my son living with us he is now 16. My pregnancy was not a fun 9 months sick the entire 9 months at 8 months I developed a blood clot in my left lung he was 9 lbs and all boy. With the complications with my pregnancy I decided I was blessed with him and stopped at just 1 and the Dr.'s said I would have to take 3 shots a day of blood thinners to prevent from happening again. I am the only child and felt I turned out pretty good. LOL


42 days and counting

Updated on 7 Oct 2011:
41 days and counting!!!

Updated on 8 Oct 2011:
40 days and counting...

Updated on 10 Oct 2011:
38 days and counting!!!

Time is flying by.

Updated on 11 Oct 2011:
37 days and counting...

Updated on 13 Oct 2011:
35 days and counting...

Just made an appointment to get my hair colored before surgery. I always break out in hives from the high lites so I made the appointment for the 27th of Oct. So the itching will be over with. The things we go through to look beautiful..

Updated on 15 Oct 2011:
33 days and counting...

Updated on 17 Oct 2011:
Oh my goodness 1 month to go. I just got a big chill and kinda whoozy when I typed that how funny. It will be here before I know it. I am so excited and now alittle anxious, it just hit me. Oh my the emotions that are gonna start rolling through me. It is all good right? :/ Hee Hee

So 31 days and counting!!!

Smiles:)

Updated on 18 Oct 2011:
30 days!!!

Updated on 27 Oct 2011:
20 days and counting!!!

Updated on 29 Oct 2011:
18 days and counting.

I am getting so excited. Not nervous or scared anymore.

Looked at my list and am so ready to go shopping after pre op on the 3rd.

Updated on 2 Nov 2011:
14 days to go. I can't even hold still anymore I am so excited Pre op tomorrow pay my fees then there is no turning back.Updated on 4 Nov 2011:Well had pre op yesterday and all went good.

Less than 2 weeks now, and I can't think off anything else to pick up to have on hand. I asked about CG and they said I would be wrapped up in them when I was out of surgery. Asked the nurse if I would be off by telling people that I was having a hernia repair? She commented that this is basically an extended hernia repair. So I am good on that. Gonna tell my folks tomorrow I think so they have some of the info.

Got the arrangments made for my cousin to come stay with me the Sunday after my surgery. The in-laws are having their Turkey day on the 20th and I want my hubby to be able to go. We are gonna have a Twilight marathon. She will I will be sleeping I am sure. We are usually in line at mid-night for the opening night but not this one it is in theatre's at 12:01 am on the 18th. I will not even be 24 hours out of surgery. So having the marathon of the 1st 3 will have to hold her over for a few weeks. When I do get to go will have to remember not to eat the popcorn. That would be a disaster waiting to happen...

13 days and patiently counting!!!Updated on 7 Nov 2011:Well last night I took everything out of my fridge and scrubbed it all out, cleaned out my dresser. Today I am tackling our back hall it's kinda like a mud room. It's where all my son and hubbies crap is and that will probably take me all day LOL. Tomorrow it's the living room gonna steam clean thats if the hubby and son can move a few things for me tonight. I am guessing this is the nesting that I didn't experiance when I was pregnant. All I want to do is clean clean clean and throw every thing away.Updated on 7 Nov 2011:Oh my goodness 9 days to go....Updated on 8 Nov 2011:8 days to go!!Updated on 9 Nov 2011:Having 2nd thoughts today. This is the first time I have felt this way since I scheduled my surgery. And only 7 days to go. It'll pass right?
Can't wait to get some stronger pain med's for my headache it just wont go away. Going to chiropracter Friday hope that helps.Updated on 13 Nov 2011:Doing some last min. thing around the house today. Checking my inventory of supplies and making sure I have everything. Going to Omaha Monday with my girlfriend to spend a little girl time together so If I need anything will get then. I did go to JcPenny on Friday and picked up 2 of their waist snippers by Maiden Form they were buy one get one 1/2 off so figured I would have them on hand if I need them otherwise I can return them. I am keeping all my reciepts so I can return what I don't use. My folks have a shower chair so I am picking that up Monday also, they are coming up to our house on Sunday following my surgery, should be interesting. They usually don't stick around long so shouldn't be to bad.
Getting my daily med set up for the next 2 weeks and getting RX's refilled and the only RX I have to get ready by Thur a.m. is for the patch for nausea and will get that filled tomorrow when I am out and about. I can't believe that It is only 4 days away and an hour earlier than originally planned.Updated on 15 Nov 2011:1 more day OMG my knee's are getting alittle wobbley.

I think everything is in line and if not O well.Updated on 16 Nov 2011:14 more hours till I arrive at the surgical suite. I am so ready... See ya soon flat lands!!!Updated on 19 Nov 2011:Post op day 2.

Feeling OK I have a headache but think its probably caffeine withdrawl sipping on a diet pepsi is helping. The drains aren't to bad but can't wait till they are gone to take a shower. My hubby washed my hair for me in the kitchen sink, that felt great. Just about ready to zonk out again. Will check back in tomorrow..Updated on 20 Nov 2011:Day 3 post op.

I have been awake all day, I am exhausted I over did it big time. I will be alone tomorrow so I will be able to rest thank goodness.

Not much of an appetite so drinking protien shakes and drinking some gator aid and lots of H2O.Updated on 21 Nov 2011:4 Days Post Op and doing pretty good.

Changed my dressings and took a few pictures.Updated on 22 Nov 2011:Post op day 5

Slept great last night. I am feeling so much better every day. Hubby washed my hair last night I felt almost human again.

Been up for almost an hour and am getting pooped, which I did do yesterday with the help of MOM and a Fleet glycerin suppository.Updated on 23 Nov 2011:Post Op Day 6

Feeling pretty good today. Hubby gave me a sponge bath last night I was in heaven. Can't imagine what it will feel like to take a full shower it's a good thing I have a shower chair I will be in there till the water runs cold lol. Hopfully Monday (the 28th) I will get the go ahead to shower and the drains out. They are collecting less and less every day.Updated on 25 Nov 2011:1 week an 1 day post op

Doing pretty good today.

We live 10 miles out of town so we went to town today was great to get out of the house. Out for about 2 hours and I just ate a little lunch and gonna go watch a movie.Updated on 27 Nov 2011:Well I had a long day yesterday. Was up at about 8:30 and got ready to go out for the day with hubby and a friend. We shopped we ate and we went to a hockey game and was home by midnight. I got a little lite headed during the day but it passed. The hockey game was fun only the 2nd one I have ever been to. We ate at Red Robin I had 1/2 of a prime rib dip, fries and some coleslaw and ice tea to drink yummy!!! We had so much fun. I felt good all day on the way home the tummy was a little tight but no more than when I stay home all day. It felt good to walk around.

I go to the PS tomorrow so will update later..Updated on 28 Nov 2011:Post Op day 11

Went to PS today everything looking good except I had a reaction to the tape they put over the insicion So it is inflammed and very itchy. I thought it was the pain meds making me so itchy but nope the tape. Had the left drain removed not bad at all. Possibly getting right on out Thur or Fri.

Got a call from my work today (Us postal service) and after checking and everthing before about returning after 3 weeks well I now need to be 100% and able to lift 70lbs... Guess I will probably be off till after the 1st of the year. Which works for me... Well till next time..Updated on 28 Nov 2011:Also I slept in the recliner the night of my surgery at the hotel but have been in my own bed since I came home I have a wedge pillow awesome item to have. I am a tummy sleeper and have been on my side for 5 nights now I think. Sleeping like a baby. Thank heavens.Updated on 29 Nov 2011:Post Op day 12

Itching is way better today. Last drain is slowing on out put so that is a good thing.

Our lane to our house is about 1/4 mile walked it very slowly yesterday and today felt great.. As long as it is sunny and above 40 degrees I will be walking it every day, other wise it's to the treadmill.Updated on 30 Nov 2011:Weighed myself todat 13 days post op and I am down 10 pounds from my surgery date woot woot.

I am going to call PS today and set up an appointment for either tomorrow or Friday to get last drain removed.

We have our 1st X-mas gathering this weekend I am so hoping I can wear something cute to show off my new tummy. Not that I will let anyone know what I had done hee hee... Our little secret.Updated on 4 Dec 2011:I think I need to remember I had surgery. I have been on the run since Friday. Not feeling bad but not great either. I have no plans for the entire week but rest.Updated on 5 Dec 2011:Day 18 post op

Wow what a busy weekend glad it's over. Now to relax a few days.

Went to see the new Twilight movie yesterday afternoon it was awesome. But I think with all the activity over the weekend I over did it big time. So I have nothing pressing for the entire week so it is rest time..

I will be three weeks on Thur so I will try to get some new photoes. not much has changed besides the drains are out so we will see.Updated on 6 Dec 2011:Post Op day 19

The whoo whoo is swollen like a grapefruit!! (laughing)
I have pretty much been very lazy the last 2 days getting some movies in and a few cat naps here an there.

We got snow over the weekend so going out and walking the lane to get mail is out. Going to have hubby move my treadmill into the spare room where the TV is so I can putz on that for a few min. a day.

:) smilesUpdated on 13 Dec 2011:Going in today for my 4 week follow up everything seems to be going good. I am going through the motions along with every one else I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to start doing a little more exercise besides walking.Updated on 16 Dec 2011:Had my 4 week follow up on Tue the 13th 2 days before my 4 weeks and have one spot on my right hip that is taking it's own sweet time healing. He treated it with silver nitrate and an anti-biotice ointment. I am putting neo on 2 time a day and it is looking alittle better. I go back on the 27th to have it re checked and at that time I get to ditch the binder. I have been wearing the tank top spanx during the day but I am so short in the torso that they bunch up and get a little uncomfortable.

I went shopping yesterday which was my 4 week mark. I bought a cute long sleeve shirt that is long enough to wear with leggins and a pair of tall furry boots I tried it on last night for the hubby and he really liked it :) I also bought me my first pair of Miss Me jeans they are so sexy lol. Still can't believe I spent that much on a pair of jeans. I thought about it and the last pair of nice jeans I bought was 5-6 years ago so I was due.

We have yet another x-mas gathering this weekend with my hubbies immediate family trying to figure out which outfit to wear could be tuff. lol I have to take a veggie tray and a dessert what a good combo. I am making a very rich dessert. Choc. layer cake with strawberry between the layers, choc. frosting and some more strawberry on top and some heavy whipped cream. It sounds good I hope it turns out as good.

Have a great weekend all...Updated on 17 Dec 2011:4 weeks 2 days Post op pic's addedUpdated on 21 Dec 2011:Oh boy was I the stay puff marshmallow woman yesterday or what. Need to really watch the activity still. I finished up my x-mas shopping on Monday and paid in full for it yesterday. Can't wait for the Holidays to be over, they get more and more chaotic every year.

My owie on my right hip is still open and I am treating it with neo. I go back in on the 27th of Dec. I am supose to be able to ditch the binder after that appointment. Other than that I feel better and better every day.

Updated on 28 Dec 2011:
Had my 6 week follow up and have developed another rash that itches like mad... Figured it out I am having a reaction to kotex panty liners. So back on a steriod and cortisone cream it is doing better with the cream and I switched to good ol 4x4's. I have to go back Tue Jan 3rd to have things looked at to make sure rash is clearing up. Everything else is looking good. Yeah!!!

I was told I could ditch the binder so I have been taking it off in baby steps and wearing a spanx tank shaper when I have the binder off sometimes. I have still been wearing the binder to bed. (security blanket)

I have been walking every day for 15 - 30 min depending on the weather. I feel grat after my walks.

Updated on 16 Jan 2012:
Hi Ladies this week is week 9 Post Op...

Everything is going good. I managed to walk on the treadmill an hour every day last week and felt great after each session.

I go to the PS tomorrow Jan. 17th to have everything checked I have been going in every 2 weeks due to the spot on my right hip slowly closing. I am pretty happy with everything so far. I do have a few concerns, I still feel a bit pudgy in my upper abs. I did gain back the 10 lbs I lost at first but am working them back off slowly with eating better and my walking. I dropped 2 lbs this last week and feel very positive I am back on track.

Happy healing everyone.

Updated on 10 Feb 2012:
I will be 3 months post op this next week.

Doing really good. Back to work full time.

I have some swelling still, notice it mainly at the end of the day. Not doing much exercise right now we are at our busy time at work and it's all I can do to wake up in the morning and make it through the day. Things will slow down in a week or 2 YEAH!!!!!

I have no ENERGY any one else have this problem? Am wondering if I should have blood work done to check thyroid, to see if anything has changed from having TT surgery?

I will try to take some new pictures on my next day off.

Hope everyone is healing well..

Updated on 9 Apr 2012:
Happy spring all, Sorry it's been forever since I have been able to update. Things have been crazy with taxes and the Post Office but the light at the end of the tunnel is approching only 5 more schedlued days at the tax office.

I am soon approching 5 mo and have some concerns. I still have a pouch, I think I just need to tone things but am worried that this will not help. I go back to PS in June so I will address the issue then if it has not resolved.

I have not been able to do any exercise due to work being so hectic but tax season is coming to an end and I am planning on getting my routine going, I joined our Anytime Fitness and am going in tomorrow to get a workout plan started. I get a walk in here an there but know that is not gonna make a dent unless I start doing some tonning also.

I still have swelling and think the nerves are waking up I still have pain in my incission and were the MR was tightened. I can really tell when I have over done it.

The scale moves some days less some days high never more than I was the day of my surgery which I am happy with, my eating habits have been horrible so to stay at or below surgery day weight is a good thing I think. Today is day one of my planned meals so things should start looking better. (fingers crossed)

I will try to get some new pics posted this week.

Hope everyone had a great Easter and are doing well.

Updated on 13 Jun 2012:
Had my 8 Month check up yesterday.

Sounds like there will be some revision in my future. Go back in October...

Updated on 25 Jun 2012:
Opps I miss counted I am only 7 months post op not 8. counted an extra finger in there. LOL.

I started doing my HIP HOP ABS videos and can see some definition changes I also am putting a run in my walkinging (not much) I run 1 min then walk 5 min. and repeat for a 30-45 min. work out.

My eating habits are better. I started logging all my meals on my bodybugg site and wearing the bodybugg helps alot to keep track of my daily activity. I think the weekends are the hardest for me to follow planned meals. My parents moved in with us the 1st of April and my dad does all the cooking and he has alot of trouble understanding that I have to watch my diet. Finally had to tell him that I had a TT and he understands a little bit better but not much.

I am really happy with results so far but as we all know there are still good days and some not so good. I can still tell when I over due it and when I have alittle to much sodium and still swell abit.

I would totally do this all over again in a heart beat. :)