I have wanted this done for 10 years but was worried about regretting it, the outcome, how my belly button would look, was I choosing the right doctor, etc. I also beat myself up thinking I should workout harder and just do it naturally. I was pretty active and knew it was so hard to get rid of my tummy and the last thing my body wanted to lose. I write this to inspire those that waited like me. I'm only on day two, but couldn't be happier. I know the recovery hasn't happened and a lot could happen with my scar but my surgeon did amazing so far and I'm so thankful I chose him. I plan to get the siligen sphere for my belly button and plan to wear the sheets religously once I'm allowed. I'm 5'6, 160 lbs. I did an extended tummy tuck with lipo 360. Dr.Gill -The Woodlands,TX
Updated on 18 Jun 2020:
I’m pretty mobile and make myself walk pretty often. My fiancé is the greatest for taking care of me and hasn’t even been frustrated with me. I’m trying to be very careful to not put any tension on my sutures and to eat very healthy. I have aloe, protein shakes, pineapples, applesauce, vitamins, yogurt, etc. I randomly weighed this morning and am down 3lbs from my surgery date. I have no idea how since there is so much swelling but I’ll take it. I was told it was around 3-4lbs of skin that they removed. I’ll know more at my post op on Tuesday. I love this photo showing where my freckles moved to and I’m loving my BB so far. I know they change but I hope mine stays this way. Here are a few more pics so you can see how far the incision went back.
Updated on 18 Jun 2020:
Here is a pic of how far back my scar had to go. I preferred this so that he could get all the love handle skin. See video. I’ll take a scar any day over the skin/fat ???? He did an incredible job keeping my scar so low. I can also tell he did an amazing job on my bra fat lipo. I’m bruised up and can’t wait to see the final results.
Updated on 19 Jun 2020:
My surgery was Monday, today is Friday. Every day gets a little better. I may have tried to get off my meds too quick because I woke up extremely uncomfortable and irritable. I think the lipo spots hurt more than the TT incisions. I am hoping to have a BM today. For some reason, that hasn’t happened yet. I eat well, drink aloe, take mirilax, and move... not real sure why that hasn’t happened. I’m going to sit on the back porch for some fresh air. I’ll update after my shower. Here is the video of before surgery as promised. I am still so happy I did this I have been working from home and really didn’t expect to be able to. I get tired fast but if you have a desk job, you can def. do that from home. I was doing that by day two.
Updated on 19 Jun 2020:
40- 5’6” 160 lbs Extended TT with lipo
Updated on 20 Jun 2020:
This may be TMI but I finally had a BM last night after buying magnesium to drink and drinking half the bottle. That was not fun. I want to give you the good, bad, and ugly to avoid any issues I’ve had. I should have started the mirilax a few days before my surgery or something. The pain pills definitely create problems in that area and with the binder so tight, I’m sure it doesn’t help. My organs are not used to being squeezed, lol. I def. am not eating a lot but I think that’s the norm. Half a yogurt fills me up. I do drink a lot of fluids, mainly water. I have been lightly massaging my tummy through my binder when I can because the swelling is real. I haven’t even been tempted to try anything on at all. I want good scars so I’ve just been doing what they say. I’ll shower again today and try to get more pics. I want the drains out, I want off pain pills, I want to get back to my normal routine. I’ve decided that I’ve really tried to get off pain pills probably way too fast. My fiancé said to get through the first week first with them and then worry about that, lol. He has a point. I woke up in pain this morning. I try to only take one pain pill if needed, like to sleep, but I probably shouldn’t let it wear off completely. I just hate medicine but Tylenol isn’t really cutting it. Moving around helps get my blood going and makes me feel better so I did that and came to the back porch to have yogurt this morning. Sitting up helps rather than being in the bed sometimes. This has been hard, I won’t lie, but worth it. Make sure you have good care givers. Between my fiancé and my son, they have made this a breeze. Don’t do this alone. I do get agitated easily which isn’t like me, but pain brings stuff out of you. I’m trying to think of ways to make it up to them, lol. On the drains, I have two. One never had fluid (nurse says it’s normal), the other is down to like 80 a day I think, like 40 twice a day. I’ll look at the log to be sure and update you on those. I was warned of the drains but as long as you pay close attention to them and not yank them out or anything I think they’ve been tolerable, just annoying. On the mons- I was super creeped out about this prior and didn’t want this messed up or lifted too high or anything. I’ve seen some high ones where the hair line went too high. It turned out great. I really cannot say enough about Dr. Gil. I can tell it was lifted a bit but not too much and looks natural. I do recommend getting waxed like 3- 4 days prior to surgery like I did to allow your pores to close and stuff prior to surgery and easy recovery. It’s been a breeze in that department.
Updated on 21 Jun 2020:
I’ve slept a lot today. I’ve been extremely tired. The scale is down a lot from the day of surgery but I imagine that’s from eating a lot less/skin removal. I’ve only taken tylenol today and my drains are producing like 50 cc for the whole day. I really hope this is a good sign. I’m the most sore where the lipo was done on my lower waist on my back . I feel like the lipo causes more pain than anything. I’m keeping my incisions as padded as possible because the ones on my back are sensitive. My digestive health has been the worst. I am usually very regular but I’ve been gassy and have to take mirilax and magnesium to keep me normal. I think the binder is what causes this. I hope it’s not too tight. I try to keep it where the doctor marked it. It feels so good to have it off when I shower. I’ll try to post more pics. If you have tried everything like I did, stop beating yourself up and do this. It’s an instant boost of confidence and the recovery is worth it.
Updated on 21 Jun 2020:
I’m super swollen. This photo was 3 days post op.
Updated on 22 Jun 2020:
I can stand about 90% straight. I’m up a lot more today. My Silagen belly button sphere came in today. I can’t wear it until I get cleared by my doc which will probably be another week or so. I see him in the morning at 8:30 and will ask. I’m only on Tylenol now and working a lot from my bed today on my laptop. Today is a good day. My incisions itch but the nurse said to take Benadryl. I’ll be happy when I can get the tape off and drains out. I’m not sure if they’ll come out tomorrow. From what I’ve heard, doubtful! Lol! My appetite is increasing a bit but not much. I’m down at least 5 lbs since surgery but that may just be because the fluid is down and skin is gone. I can’t wait to see the 140’s again and to exercise again!
Updated on 23 Jun 2020:
My one week follow up was today. My drains did not come out, we’re hoping for Thursday or Friday. Boo! I still would never opt for a drain-less TT as much as I hate these things. Dr. G did tighten my binder and marked it for goals this week to tighten it to. He wants me to work on removing tape with Vaseleine/aquaphor this week in the shower so we can begin silicone treatment next week. He also said to put it in my BB. I like how proactive he is with scar therapy. I did weigh my lowest today, 154 lbs. I had a bad shower this morning and got a little light headed and sick before the doc appt. which hasn’t happened since day 2. I think I just had nothing in my tummy and needed food. I drank water and ate something on the way to my appt. and felt better. I’m still extremely happy with my progress and results. I also love that Dr. G has a nurse call you daily to make sure you’re okay. It’s nice.
Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
Today was a huge turning point for me. I feel good. I’m not as tired. Since the doc made my binder tighter yesterday, I feel like it helped me more for some reason ?????? I got my nails and toes done today, no pain meds, and full force able to work from home without breaks or help from coworkers :) I’ll take more pics hopefully tonight. Last night we did the aquaphor and arnica under my pads and binder. We did take my lipo band aids off my back last night and the holes are barely noticeable. We moisturized them with the arnica ointment, I’ll show after photos later.
Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
Updated on 25 Jun 2020:
Can we talk about the itch? I am itching like crazy and have no idea why. I had to take my binder off and cover my tummy in hydrocortisone until I hear back from the nurse today ?????? I’m not gonna leave it off for more than an hour but I’m going crazy. I took allergy meds too ?????? Here are the photos of my lipo holes on my back after . I can barely see them. I put silicone on them. I’m praying my drains come out tomorrow. I’m chugging water. :)
Updated on 25 Jun 2020:
I dated yesterday wrong, today is the 25th. My itching is better but still annoying. All my surgery tape came off in the shower so I put silicone tape to cover my incision. What’s your best scar advice? My surgeon said to use bicorneium. Tape/sheets or cream? I have the most sensitive skin.
Updated on 26 Jun 2020:
Still swell hell! I woke up miserable so I stripped down Here’s a pic from before my shower (removal of tape) yesterday. Ignore my granny depends, lol, my drains still leak and I don’t want to ruin my panties. I ran out of the purple depends, lol! They made me a little more happy. The lipo is what makes you hurt the most. If you don’t need it or can skip it, I would. I think I needed it, especially at the bra fat area and my lower back to make my waist look better. I am on Tylenol PM only now and it helps sleep a lot. The swelling is real but getting better daily! Once these drains are gone I think everything will be different, maybe I will start walking in the neighborhood. My fiancé does Bodypump every morning and I’m jealous, lol! I miss it so much. He said he can’t have a 10 on his arm and be a 3. He’s truly been the greatest and confirms daily why I should marry him. He takes great care of me!
Updated on 26 Jun 2020:
Updated on 26 Jun 2020:
Don’t use the arnica ointment overnight. It caused a rash on me. It’s all gone now and I’m no longer itchy. It’s great for bruising but don’t wrap it. It’ll cause issues.
Updated on 26 Jun 2020:
I’m super happy with the symmetry of the scars and think they’ll turn out great! I’m getting in the shower so I wanted to show you a quick peek before I put my silicone sheets back on.
Updated on 28 Jun 2020:
Today is a new day! Tomorrow will be two weeks post OP and I'm feeling much better. I actually slept on my side last night some and didn't wake up in so much pain. I was able to snuggle w/ my fiancé more which I have missed. I'm hoping my drains come out tomorrow but also want to keep them in as long as needed to get rid of this fluid. I'll try to take some more pics but the swelling is still real. I think the lipo on my lower back is what was hurting me so much and is finally getting better. I've been doing my own massages on my tummy and my fiancé helps with massaging my back. I'm looking for a mobile lymphatic massage therapist. I only take the Tylenol pm at night.
Updated on 28 Jun 2020:
This is for the belly button. I think they just started making them. It’s super soft. I am going to ask my doc when I can start it. I don’t want my BB to close up like I hear they do. Excuse my ratchet nails, haha. This came in before I had them redone. I ordered the scar sheet from New Gel because they had a 20% off coupon at DermWarehouse and they work as well as Silagen sheets. It hasn’t come in yet. I am going to apply the cream then lay the sheet over it and wear it under my garment daily. I am using the Silagen and Biocorneium cream as well right now. They’re my fav so far. Send any scar advice my way :)
Updated on 29 Jun 2020:
I know we’re not supposed to look at the scale but I’m super pumped about it. I was like 160-162 morning of surgery and I’m excited about this. They said like 3 lbs was skin and I’m sure I’ve lost muscle since I haven’t been able to work out but the fluid is going down and I’m starting to see my shape :) My drains won’t come out today as I hoped but maybe Wednesday. I’d rather be safe than sorry so I’ll deal with it. I did cut the stitch attached to me with the drains and have some major relief. I know the nurse wasn’t happy about it but it was tearing me up down there. I’m keeping them taped and they’re fine and she said just make sure I don’t yank them out. Looking forward to Wednesday. I’m up and about a normal and working so I’m a happy girl.
Updated on 1 Jul 2020:
I still have drains. The nurse is going to call me this morning. I have a feeling she will leave them through Friday. The swelling is getting better. I ordered the silicone scar sheet through New Gel so I’m going to start using it too but it’s not quite long enough to cover the whole extended TT. I’m over the drains and really can’t wait to get them out. My compression garments should be in soon too but I’m not sure when I can wear those. I haven’t tried any of my clothes on due to the drains so I’m really not sure how they’ll fit. These compression garments (brand) came highly recommended for after you’re out of your binder, preferred over spanx. I was told they are great under the binder too.
Updated on 1 Jul 2020:
Updated on 3 Jul 2020:
The nurse called this morning, have to wait until Monday to see if I can get drains out. As much as I want them out, I prefer leave them in until the fluid is gone. I don’t want any complication. I woke up feeling super thin this morning. Lowest weight yet, but I’m certain some is muscle since I haven’t been able to do any body pump. I did walk around the block yesterday in my neighborhood. I am still taking Tylenol PM to sleep but I’ve been able to sleep on my side a little which I love. My compression garments never got delivered and they say that it’s because they we’re damaged and now they conveniently do not have my size, so I think I’m going to order this one because I want to keep a tighter compression for a while. My scars are looking great with no issues so I’m super exited about that. I lucked out with a great surgeon in my opinion.
Updated on 3 Jul 2020:
Updated on 4 Jul 2020:
I put my silicone sphere in my belly button today. It’s a little too big to go all the way in but I don’t want a tiny bb so I pushed it in as far as it would go and taped over it. I’ll keep you posted.
Updated on 4 Jul 2020:
Updated on 6 Jul 2020:
The nurse will call me today to see if I can get my drains out. I’m still at about 35 a day (same as Friday when she said no) and have been super active so I’m sure the answer is no. I feel like me, 100 percent again, minus the drains- I just want to dress normal. I am standing up straight and doing just about everything. I do get tired around 4 and crash but I keep pushing myself. I’m going crazy not working out but walking has been good. I’m about to go for a walk now. Today is 3 weeks, I’ve had drains longer than anyone I know! Lol!
Updated on 6 Jul 2020:
I forgot to mention that my silicone sphere is too big for my belly button. I have a real tiny BB.I alway did though if you look at my before photos so I have made my own ball out of silicone tape instead and hoping it does the trick. I do not want a closed up belly button. My sphere is for sale if anyone wants it, lol!
Updated on 7 Jul 2020:
Soooo, don’t do what I did! I cut my drain stitch like a week into surgery because I couldn’t handle the pulling on my skin and was taping the drains down. I went for a walk this morning and they slid out! I probably should have had them in until Thursday but thankfully my doc wasn’t too concerned since I’ve had them in for 3 weeks. I start lymphatic massages Thursday. I feel free and am so thankful those are gone!
Updated on 10 Jul 2020:
I got my first lymphatic massage yesterday. She focused on my tummy and my scar and the diff in the way the scar felt after was crazy. I’m going to do these weekly. I’ll try to post a pic this morning after I shower. I would have started these sooner, but I had to wait for the drains to be removed. I believe if you’re going to spend this kind of money you should budget for the post care. Your body has gone through something traumatic and the post care is just as important as the surgery. Invest in your surgery for great results.
Updated on 10 Jul 2020:
Well, my old swimsuit covers all my scars, including in the back. I’m super happy. I’m still super swollen and can tell these bottoms will be loose when the swelling leaves. I really haven’t tried on much due to the swelling and the drains but now that they’re out, I may! All I know is that I have 99 problems but a gut is no longer one! Lol!
Updated on 10 Jul 2020:
Here’s a pic. I look swollen, uneven, and even my legs look swollen but it’s part of the process. Love yourself through it. It’ll be worth it. Your body just did hard things!
Updated on 11 Jul 2020:
Today was my first time shopping. I enjoyed it so much! My stomach now with all of the swelling still looks better than it did. I’m excited to see what it’ll look like when the swelling is gone.
Updated on 14 Jul 2020:
I was at my lowest weight this morning. I know I’ve lost muscle but there’s something very mental with the scale... I was excited.
Updated on 17 Jul 2020:
I put my treadmill in my living room! Haha! No excuses now! My doc didn’t seem too happy with me walking outside in the heat so I had to do something. I have my 2 lb arm weights and used those yesterday too. I am so ready to be fully released but I don’t think my body is yet. My massage lady comes today at 2, but this time for an 1.5 hours instead of 1. I really thing the lipo is what has me so swollen, so I’m going to have her focus on my back today where the lipo was done on the small of my waist, sides, and bra area. I wish I kinda wouldn’t have done that because I don’t know that it did a whole lot and it’s so hard on your body. I’m not sure, they act like it would be silly to not do it while you’re already in surgery but I feel like it just leaves you super bruised, without much results. It can’t be good for you. I am sharing the scar sheet I use, new garments I ordered to hopefully switch to at 6 weeks, and of course, the treadmill.
Updated on 18 Jul 2020:
I woke up this morning feeling less bloated than ever. I did have a 1.5 hour massage yesterday with cupping. It was amazing! I walked 20 flights of stairs on my treadmill this morning and did some arm weights. I can’t wait until I can go without my binder.
Updated on 23 Jul 2020:
Hi! I just wanted to send an update since I will be 6 weeks on Monday. I am getting another massage/cupping session today which I’m really excited about. I do feel like I’m spending a lot doing this but I feel like it’s imperative after spending this much on a surgery. I’m super duper happy with my scars. I do still have tons of swelling from the lipo on my back but I wear my garments 24/7 and it helps. I have a feeling I’ll be wearing them for a while. I am walking a lot. Sleeping is way more comfy and I no longer take Tylenol PM. I do take my supplements religiously. Guys! Supplements matter, make sure you’re taking a high quality one. These are about as close to an IV as you can get due to the isotonic design and they have pycnogenol in it which helps with the inflammation. If you want them at wholesale, I can help. I’m a huge advocate for proper nutrition. I had psoriasis 5 years ago and one month on these it was gone, so yes, these work and give your cells optimal nutrition. Stay healthy around this Covid after surgery! I pray all of you have amazing results! I’ll update with pics next week at my appt. Here’s one of my scar today. It looks the same everywhere.
Updated on 23 Jul 2020:
I forgot to post the supplements I take that I talked about in my last post.
Updated on 27 Jul 2020:
I’m 6 weeks today! Yay! I’m still swollen but I’m okay with that and just listening to my body! Here’s an updated photo. My BB has a ball of silicone tape and tape over it for optimal healing. I’m super happy with my scars and just look forward to more healing. I have an appt. tomorrow with my surgeon and I’m hoping to be released to exercise.
Updated on 11 Aug 2020:
Today is 8 weeks. The swelling is still crazy but I took this photo in Colorado on vacation after no compression and lots of exercise in a week. You can see the swelling on the sides. I love being normal again. I have a massage today that is much needed. I hope everyone is doing great in their recovery!
Updated on 20 Jan 2021:
I had my first fraxel laser on my scar yesterday and they injected my scar anywhere it was thick with a steroid. It was red for a little bit but I woke up to it calming down. I bought 3 treatments so I’ll keep you posted.
Updated on 7 Nov 2022:
Still the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve lost 20 lbs since surgery. Here’s a recent pic. Follow me on my breast revision now. Very happy with my TT and my belly button. I have a separate post on my breast journey. I had surgery on 10/20. I’m not going to post doc I chose yet. I will soon but choosing a doctor is a very personal thing.
I love Dr. Gill because he was honest and he didn’t want to do my breast surgery due to the amount of surgeries I’ve had on my breast and I’m thankful for his honesty.