Something that I've waited my entire life to receive... you changed my life. Dr Sternberg is gold, a good man, exceptional surgeon made me feel valued, important, that I mattered. Thank you. The staff... the girls... I love your energy, your smiles, all the moments when you listened too me as I shared my story. I was so excited. I just want to say thank you for being a part of this moment. Ponte Verda Plastic Surgery is extraordinary and I would recommend them to everyone seeking to have your moment. I had mine and it was better than I ever dreamed.

I a 55 year old female and my face is showing deep wrinkles especially around my nose (parenthesis line) and mouth/chin area. Fillers cost alot of money and don't last as long as they once did. Dr. Sternberg suggested I would be a good candidate for Fat Transfer. He performed liposuction on my thighs and injected the fat in my face and hands about 6 weeks ago. So far I am a satisfied customer. My hands were signs of aging and veins becoming more pronounced. He injected fat in each hand and they look great now. Same thing with my face-I still have some lines but they are not nearly as deep as they used to be. The results are subtle, which is what I prefer. Dr Sternberg, Robin, Lisa and the rest of the staff always make me feel so special. I would highly recommend Dr Sternberg and the Fat Grafting procedure as it was a success for me.

When I was 21 I had had my first breast augmentation and went with saline implant and the surgeon put them over the muscle. I was never happy with them but I was young and thought I was stuck with what I got. I woke up during surgery and I feel like the doctor hurried to get the left one in and the corner of the implant stuck out under my left breast and I had an indention in my left cleavage, if you could really call it cleavage because they were pretty far apart. Ultimately I wasn't pleased with the fact that the implant stuck out, the lack of cleavage and the fact they were as hard as softballs. Fast forward, I am now 36 with two children and happy to say my family is complete. I felt like now was the perfect time so decided to get the look I've always wanted. I went from 390 cc on the left side to 695 cc and from 430 on the right to 745 cc. I was really worried about that size as it sounded so large but my surgeon was great at easing my fears and said he would try a few sizes and wouldn't over do it. They are perfect for my frame as I am 5'10" and 158 pounds. I ended up having a lot more difficult case than initially thought as I had capsular contracture in my left breast which had caused it to harden and look deformed and in order to achieve the cleavage I wanted he had to do a new pocket on the right one to push it more together. You will see in the before photos the hardened left breast and in my bikini laying down how the right went to the side. It is only two weeks out and I couldn't be more pleased. Of course they are still a little swollen and it will take them a while to settle but I got the natural feel and great cleavage I was going for. I will post updates to see progress as I go. Dr. Erez Sternberg at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery is fantastic! Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Updated on 12 Nov 2015: i am very pleased with replaing my saline over with silicone under. They feel so much more natural and i feel loik great at this point. Looking forward to seeing what they look like at 6 months. Updated on 3 May 2016: very pleased with where i am. Received more natural cleavage than I thought possible and love the way they liok in lingerie and bikini. Perfect fit for ny frame.

I've gone to two consults and have chosen to have surgery with Dr. Cayce Rumsey of. Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in late November or early December. Dr. Rumsey was attentive, professional, and extremely encouraging about my expectations. I'm 5'5" and currently 180 pounds. I plan to lose 10-15 between now and my surgery date with clean eating and exercise and my ultimate goal is 145. I've had four ten-pound plus babies and then developed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis at some point between the last two that took a couple of years to diagnose. With proper treatment (Armour Thyroid) I feel alive again and have energy to live! I'm back to exercising daily and it feels great! I do the T-Tapp basic plus workout (17m) daily and either jump on rebounder (30-40m) or walk 1 hr 6/7 days. I see differences in my physique and my weight is coming off, but the only thing to fix my belly is a TT. I will have a TT with extensive muscle repair, umbilical hernia repair, lipo to hips, medial thighs and possible flanks, I think. I'm going to have another consult with Dr. Rumsey in a couple of months to evaluate where I am then to make final decisions. I'm excited and nervous all at once. I'm looking forward to chronicling my journey. Christie Updated on 6 Aug 2014: Final consult with Dr. Rumsey scheduled for 8/25/14 when we will discuss the amount of lipo needed and I'll pick surgery date and pay. It can't come quick enough. Updated on 25 Aug 2014: I had my second consult and paid my deposit today. Dr. Rumsey has his own surgery center and patients stay overnight. I'm scheduled for 5.25 hours of surgery - tummy tuck with extensive muscle repair, umbilical hernia repair, lipo to hips, medial thighs and possibly flanks depending upon weight loss prior to surgery. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and PCOS that make weight loss a challenge, but with proper thyroid treatment (Armour) , clean low-carb eating, and 30-45 minutes daily exercise (T-Tapp & Rebounding are AWESOME), I've lost 9.4 pounds and 11.75" in 4 weeks. I'm currently 175.8 and plan to be 160-165 by surgery day. My date is Tuesday, Nov. 25th, right before Thanksgiving. After surgery, I plan to continue to lose 20 more pounds, but the motivation from losing the belly will be terrific! Dr. Rumsey expects me to have fabulous results. I'm very excited! Updated on 26 Aug 2014: I'm starting The Tummy Team (Google it, I can't put in a link.) core program this week to help my diastasis as much as possible before d-day. Today the diastasis measures: Top - 2 Fingers Wide & Deep Mid - 4.5 Fingers Wide & Super Duper Deep Bottom -1.5 Fingers Wide & Medium Depth My doc said my weight was fine for surgery, but when I said I plan to be down 10-15 before then and another 15-20 after, he said my results would be fabulous. That's encouraging to hear! The amount of lipo I have of medial thighs, hips, and flanks will depend on where I am come surgery time. I'm hopeful to need as little as possible. Updated on 31 Aug 2014: I've begun a core strengthening program for those with diastasis and rebounding is a no-no with a week core. Ugh! I love rebounding and have been dropping weight. I guess it will be on hold until after I heal from surgery and have returned my core muscles to some sense of normalcy. I guess I'll try the elliptical that sits in hubby's home office. I love walking outside, but it is 95+ degrees and crazy humid. Gotta love FL in summer. Updated on 1 Sep 2014: Just some new before pics to chronicle my journey. Down 5.5 lbs. and several inches from initial pics. Still a ways to go. Updated on 1 Sep 2014: Some pics didn't upload. Oops. Updated on 2 Nov 2014: I can't believe how quickly November has come. My pre-op appointment is tomorrow morning. I'm disappointed that I haven't lost more weight, but then again my thyroid has gone a bit wacky. I'm at 173.5 and am fairly confident I can be 170 on surgery day 11/22. We didn't talk about an extended tummy tuck, but tomorrow I plan to ask if it would give me even better results. I'll update tomorrow after the appointment. Updated on 3 Nov 2014: I had my pre-op appt. with Dr. Rumsey today. The office staff is friendly and efficient which I appreciate. I haven't waited more than 10 minutes for an appt. at this point. Dr. Rumsey's nurse, Melissa, is very sweet and takes her time to answer any questions that pop up. The pre-op took 1 hour 45 minutes and apart from paying, the worst part was the pictures, UGH! I added the Exparel so my total went up $395, but that is worth it for me. I need only one dose of Lovenox so I was glad to hear. Blood clots freak me out. I don't have the pics from the appointment yet, but will share when I do. Updated on 3 Nov 2014: I've located a hospital bed rental company and it's only $150 for the month including set-up/delivery and pick-up. That's great news for me since I don't sleep well in a recliner. Also, I got prescriptions for Percocet, Lovenox, Keflex, Phenergan. Since none of my expenses are covered by insurance, I searched for coupons and found Good Rx had coupons for all of these. I figure whatever I save will help. Just passing it on to others. Updated on 12 Nov 2014: I have filled my prescriptions, ordered my hospital bed and recliner, stocked up on gauze pads, stool softener, gas-x, and tylenol. I've bought 4 possible compression garments for after. I have some loose pants to wear. Now what about arnica or bromelain or other needed items? We use arnica gel frequently, but I'm not sure at what point I can begin using it after surgery. I have arnica tablets, but don't use those as often. I've never taken bromelain at all. Can anyone share if they used these and when they began? Also, please share if there are other things I should buy or do now since surgery is fast approaching on 11/25? Thanks in advance for all advice. Updated on 16 Nov 2014: The days are flying by and I have so much I want to get done before the big day. FOOD - I'm cooking bone broth by the gallons and freezing it, need to stock up on groceries, want to make homemade jello and get some crockpot freezer meals ready to ease the cooking burden on my dd13 and dh. They both cook, but I figure it will only help if I'm prepared. I've bought a thermos to take my own bone broth to the surgery center and will take my own crackers and jello, too. I have celiac and have to be extra careful about what I eat to avoid gluten contamination. CLEANING - I want to really deep clean my entire house so that it won't bother me if something gets missed during recovery. My 4 kids are great with chores, but we homeschool so all 4 are home all day most days so that makes just more messes to be cleaned up on a daily basis. SET-UP - Our bedroom is upstairs so I am setting up in our guest room downstairs. I have a guest through 11/18 followed by another 11/20-11/23, after that I need to clean the room, move some clothes and toiletries downstairs, have my lift chair and hospital bed delivered and set up (11/24), set up the toilet riser since that toilet is very low, arrange the medications and supplies within reach, move the roku or apple tv to the room so I'm not bored, bring in laptop and phone cables and who knows what else. SHOPPING - I've bought my Rx meds, colace, gas-x, gauze pads, bacitracin, dial soap, and compression garments (4 to try after). I have arnica gel and tablets and need to order bromelain. There's probably stuff I'm forgetting, too. HOMESCHOOL - I'm behind on checking math from a week of appointments and need to get on track. I need to make sure they all have (next books, copywork, etc) what they need to finish this term strongly. During Dec. and 1/2 of Jan. we will have light school only to help a bit. HELP - My mom will come all day every day as long as I need her. My hubby isn't traveling through year's end, so he can work from home a lot and help, and all of my kids are big enough to do a lot for themselves. THANKSGIVING - since it's 2 days after surgery, I am skipping. Hubby and kids will go to inlaws with other family, my mom will stay with me. I'll make sure they save me some sweet potato souffle and some pumpkin cheesecake that my daughter will make in my absence. I guess my homemade creamed corn will keep til Christmas this year. The rest I don't mind missing. CHRISTMAS - I finished all of my shopping for all 4 kids, hubby, extended family, including stocking stuffers today. We keep it fairly simple - Something they WANT, NEED, can WEAR, AND READ and usually one main gift. I sorted it so that dd13 can wrap everything except her own gifts. Trying to think ahead. THAT'S ALL FOLKS. I'm sure there is lots I'm missing and should be thinking of, so please share! Updated on 17 Nov 2014: I am not a worrier by nature. I make a decision and I'm good with it. But today, well today, I woke before dawn almost hyperventilating over the heavy duty meds I'll need and their addictive nature. It was unlike anything I've experienced before. I have had hydrocodone after 4 c-sections and did fine with it for 4-6 days and then disposed of the rest. This time it is Percocet and I've not taken that before. I don't drink or take anything stronger than ibuprofen normally. I guess I'm fearful because I have relatives who have been addicted to pain killers and it freaked me out this morning. I'm fine now and more rational, but this morning I had a mini freak out! Updated on 20 Nov 2014: I can't believe how close it is to surgery day for me. The remaining time is sure to fly as my dad is in town for the weekend, my littlest has his 5th birthday party on Saturday followed by a haircut for me. I have tried to prepare as much as is possible, now I've got some cleaning to do, but other than that, I am trying to rest and get over this cold that I and all 4 kids came down with. Funny - I went to get a new razor for shaving my legs from the package and found this odd razor with an attached comb. I had no earthly idea what that thing was, so I googled it. It's a bikini trimmer. Talk about perfect timing. I must have been living under a rock because I had no idea such a thing existed. I will post some final pre-op pictures and measurements on Monday before surgery on Tuesday. Can't wait to join everyone already on the flat side. Updated on 20 Nov 2014: Today was hectic with homeschool co-op, my dad arriving for a weekend visit, sewing club for one daughter, baseball championship for oldest son who has been in bed sick for 2 days (they won, go Braves!), 2 other kids sick, and to top it off, I discovered pantry moths! missceegee Member PM this user This afternoon I opened my pantry and saw two moths, then three larva. Then saw they must have come in the bulk cashews I bought recently, but left in the pastic bag. There were probably 10 moths and 100 larva on that bag. Yesterday, there was no problem & today this. I removed everything, vacuumed and cloroxed the entire pantry, every shelf, nook and cranny. We threw away anything opened or questionable. Pricey when everything is gluten free. All jars, bottles, and snapware containers were thoroughly cleaned before returning them to the pantry. I only found 4 larva and 5 other moths away from that shelf with the cashews so I am hopeful I caught this early. Everything in the pantry is now in Mason jars, snapware, or ziplocs if unopened. I cleaned for 5 hours. My kitchen is spotless. My trash is full. It's one am and I'm exhausted. Praying we don't have a recurrence as my surgery is in 4 days and have a 6-8 week recovery. I don't want to be dealing with moths during that time! These things are HORRID! Updated on 23 Nov 2014: This will be a somewhat random brain dump, I'm afraid. RECAP OF MY STATS... I'm 39 and have had 4 babies all via c-section (10lb14oz, 9lb10oz, 10lb5oz, 10lb10oz). I was average build (135-145 pounds when not pregnant) until after baby 3 when all of the baby weight didn't come off like before. Looking back, this is when my thyroid issues began. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, PCOS, and Celiac disease. All managed well at this point, but I still have an extra 20-25 pounds I'd like to lose. I have a huge diastasis and umbilical hernia. My surgery is on 11/25 and should last 5 hours 15 minutes. I am 5'5" tall and currently I weigh 170.5 pounds. My highest pregnant weight was 198 lbs. My highest non pregnant weight was 187 pounds. My goal weight is 145-150 pounds. FEELINGS... I've had one mild anxiety attack while walking around Target this week. It was weird because I've never had one and I'm not the anxious or emotional type. One crying jag in the shower over what if I die and leave my husband raising our four kids alone. A moment of I can't believe we're spending all this money on my stomach. Nesting like I'm about to have a baby. Exhaustion after a final busy week with homeschooling, extra-curricular activities, homeschool co-op, appointments, moth invasion in my pantry, my dad here visiting, all 4 kids having colds, having a cold myself and a birthday party for my littlest yesterday. Peaceful right now because I know this is the best move for me. Not looking forward to recovery at all. Hubby and kids are awesome helpers and my mom will come all day daily as long as is needed. Thankfully she seems to have recovered from the stomach bug that plagued her for two days because I do not want to be throwing up after this surgery. Praying I don't develop a bad cough from this surgery. OTHER... Hospital bed and lift chair are being delivered tomorrow. I made 25 crockpot freezer meals to ease the cooking burden on the family. I have my prescriptions. I've ordered a shower stool (nice to keep long term) for the downstairs shower I'll be using. I'm worried about getting on and off the low modern style toilet down stairs. I have a walker to help with hunchback syndrome. I've taken my stool softeners, been washing with the antibacterial soap, and shaved the nether regions which is weird to me. IMPORTANT NOTE - Tend Skin is an amazing product that helps avoid razor burn and itchiness. I bought some front opening cute pjs, some grippy socks, some slippers. Oh, and a new tv for the room I'll be in because the two year old one that has only been used a dozen times decided now would be a good time to stop working. My friend who is a massage therapist is going to come tomorrow afternoon and give me a wonderful, relaxing massage. Can't wait! I think that is it. I'll be posting my final pre-op pictures in a few minutes. Updated on 23 Nov 2014: Here are my pre-op pictures. Can't wait for the post-op! Updated on 23 Nov 2014: Updated on 24 Nov 2014: In 16 hours I'll begin my journey to the flat side. I'm not nervous at all at this point. Oddly enough. I was achy this morning and felt a bit puny, but felt fine later. I was coughing when I woke, but only from the overnight stuffiness that goes with a cold. I'm hoping that goes away overnight because coughing that hard is not on my agenda! My massage therapist friend came and gave me a massage and said every muscle and joint was stiff and tense, but that's sort of normal for me. My bed and chair were delivered and my room is getting ready downstairs. I have broth and jello. I'm as ready as can be. My surgery time was changed from 10 am to 11:45 am, but that's ok. I just wish I didn't get sent home quite so early the next morning at 7:30. I am not a morning person. See you on the flat side. Updated on 24 Nov 2014: Just a few pics of my recovery set-up. Updated on 24 Nov 2014: I thought I would beat this cold when it came on last week. I used essential oils which really do help, Zicam, and tylenol to beat it back. After the first two days, I was feeling ok. Now, I woke this morning forcefully coughing to clear the gunk that settled over night. I was slightly achey, too. Day goes on and aches are gone, just a tiredness remained. However, I have the post nasal drip tickle cough now. And I'm certain morning will have me hacking up a lung. Not to mention, I could drink the volume of a lake right now and my throat would still be dry and scratchy. And I'm not to eat or drink anything after midnight. That's in 15 minutes. I might die from dry throat by morning if I do that. Nurse warned that surgery could be canceled if I have a fever (I do not.) or if my lungs aren't clear (They are, I'm sure.) It's just the nuisance and the pain that I know will be worsened by this coughing. Oh well, I survived the worst possible sinus infection with coughing after the c-section of my first kid, I can do it again I suppose. Time to quit complaining and look at the bright side, the flat side that is just ahead. I'm off to shower with anti-bacterial dial that smells like a hospital and dries up the outside of the body, too. In TMI news, nerves and too many stool softeners should ensure no constipation after surgery tomorrow. Updated on 25 Nov 2014: Last night I guzzled water, took one last Zicam for my cold, hooked up our warm must humidifier with essential oils diffusing, slathered cold bombing essential oils on topically and went to bed. I fell asleep around 2 am and slept soundly until my 7 year old came and woke me to ask what the weather is like today at 7:30. I would have slept longer. GOOD NEWS is that I'm NOT coughing much. I've had one little cough and that's it so far. Also, my thraot is not painfully dry now. I'm leaning in and inhaling the humidified air and it's helping so much. I am so thankful this morning to feel much better. I'm calm and at peace and ready to go. I have told everyone what surgery I'm having and everyone has been very supportive. Lots of people are praying that all goes well and I am comfortably resting in the Lord's hands. See ya'll on the flat side. Take care. Updated on 25 Nov 2014: Excuse typos. Drugs and iphone don't mix. Surgery was exactly 5 hr 15 min. Belly flap was 6 lb I think someone said. I threw up phlegm coming out of anesthesia from being on my back so long and having a cold. That was AWFUL. Surgive first exhausting potty walk. Just switched from iv to oral pain meds. I'm uncomfortable but no in pain. Except medial thigh lipo areas after the walk and sitting. On hard toilet. Yikes that hurt. Chair here is comfy but the lift one at home will be better. Getting up ain't no joke. I've had 4 c-sections and they pale in comparison thus far. I'm getting loopy so will sign off. Haven't seen anything but bindr yet. Updated on 27 Nov 2014: I'm loopy from meds so this is short and possibly coherent. Just saw belly for first time when I changed dressing this evening. I wasn't up for a shower. I had so hoped to see a flat tummy before swelling began. Too late. I'm huge above incision and my mons is ginormous. Seem to have resolved cough right now. I'm moving well every hour for most part as long as meds don't wear off. I hope that I'll be pleased eventually. Updated on 28 Nov 2014: I've lessened the amount of meds. Now taking 1 Percocet and 3 ibuprofen every 4 hours. Took a shower, not painful but totally exhausting. My belly button is different than some I've seen. I finally saw it all while standing. WOW - it's a huge difference from before. I think when the swelling goes down, I'll be thrilled. I beg vena-pro leg squishers. I like them. They're like mini massagers. Incision is low. I'll post some pics soon. I finally cleared the phlegm clogging my throat and am no longer coughing for which I am very thankful. Updated on 28 Nov 2014: Here are pictures. Updated on 28 Nov 2014: Comparing Before & After Pics. Also, 3 lb was removed from belly flap and 1255 cc's lipo (~3 LB). I'm thrilled so far. Updated on 29 Nov 2014: I woke up too warm and needed to remove binder for a few minutes. Ended up doing complete drressing changes and snapping a few pics. I am not draining a lot and expect to have drains removed on Monday which is 6 days po. Lipo areas are sore and swollen. Began using Arnica gel tonight and taking arnica. No BM yet, haven't had an urge, but have eaten very light with homemade chicken soup, broth & jello, eggs and toast. Did enjoy a 5 chip gluten free cookie that dd13 made for tree trimming day. They chose the tree and got lights up. Will decorate tomorrow. I'm sitting out and being surprised. Feeling pretty good, better without cough and fever and more mobile than expected. Still spending majority of time in recliner with legs up and resting. Off to try to sleep some more. Updated on 29 Nov 2014: Swelling and its not comfy. Lipo is not comfortable. I ordered a Design Veronique to wear after drains removed on Monday. Hopefully better than shifty binder. Taped undies down off drain, so I can wear them. No BM and that is becoming uncomfortable. Otherwise alive and resting. Updated on 30 Nov 2014: Swelling stinks! I have a shelf of swelling above incision and my moms plus some general all over swelling. Walking close to upright. Walker helps bag tire less quickly. Eating small but finally normal diet bc not much appetite. WARNING - TMI Ahead Constipation became real major issue today. I haven't had a BM in 6 days, since th day before surgery. Since then I've taken colace stool softeners regularly since before surgery. I took 4 sennnecot laxatives, 2 cascara sagrada natural laxatives. Nothing. This afternoon I had to go badly. I tried and tried and broke out sweating profusely all over with inability. I somehow managed to pull off everything including compression hose. I can't dress myself yet, but in an emergency can do more than I think. So, I resorted to Ducolax Suppository. In 20 minutes, I had success. I've never been so relieved!! Tomorrow prune juice will become a dietary staple for a while. Updated on 1 Dec 2014: First PO visit was this morning. Went smoothly and was quick. Drains were pulled, no pain, I didn't feel anything except slight pinch when stitch was pulled. I was draining 10 ccs per side in 24 hours. So glad to be free of them. Doc is pleased with progress, says clear up rash, then focus on swelling. Suture removal is next Monday. Yesterday, I developed a red rash all over belly, top of thighs. Today at doc, we discovered it under breasts and some on back. All under areas binder covered. Dr. Rumsey said it looks like heat rash or possibly contact dermatitis. I am to keep binder off for a couple days and let air circulate. Trying hydrocortizone cream on small section to see if it helps. I'm to send picture updates to Melissa, Dr. Rumsey's nurse twice a day. Pic attached. Feels so much better without the drains!!! So, I'm in my recliner in a loose summer gown, keeping tummy cool. Applied hc cream to one spot as test. Miss the binder on occasion, not always! TMI news - all the stool softeners and laxative didn't work, but Ducolax did. Today the rest is kicking in making the opposite problematic. No worries, I'll get sorted soon. Updated on 1 Dec 2014: Forgot pics. Actually dozed while doing last update. Allowed binder or any Spanx type garment when rash clears. Note, rash not itchy but looks like prickley heat. Happy that undies no longer roll down. Pants I wore to doc were no longer tight and are bordering loose. They were active wear pants from Lands End. That's nice. Doc expects all swelling to eventually go down and to be totally flat. I'll dance a jig. Thankful for walker as it saves my back! Just using around house and on short walks. Updated on 2 Dec 2014: My trunk rash has spread over more of abdomen, flanks, & back. There's even a little on my neck and groin area. It looks like heat rash, is generally not itchy, though it got itchy in the night. I'm still without a binder or compression garment until rash clears. That means I'm more swollen. I'm not terribly uncomfortable, but am a bit so, especially around my incision. The extra swelling is discouraging, too. I am taking only ibuprofen for pain right now and it's working. Also taking vitamin C, mucinex (for post nasal drip and cough), Benadryl (for rash), probiotics. Trying a rx cream on one section that hubby had for a different rash. I'm drinking hot tea and broth, eating well. TMI ALERT - Yesterday, I had 3 loose BM after the constipation battle from the day before. I am hoping to find a balance soon. Updated on 3 Dec 2014: My gp doc had told me to use a rx cream for contact dermatitis yesterday. It did help soothe it significantly, but I still felt it needed seeing so. ... This morning I saw my GP doc Who is amazing. He was glad I came. Diff diagnosis. It's a systemic reaction to some medication. No way to know what medication at this point. We have a new plan of action. Zyrtec in am. Benadryl in pm. New stronger steroid cream, Triamcinolone 0.1%, 2-3 times a day. Give it a week and it should gradually improve. Keep binder off. If in a week not well or earlier if not making progress, I'm to return. He and I would rather avoid oral steroids if possible bc of side effects and issues it could cause with healing, but that's what next week will be if we don't see progress this way. I am hopeful this way will work though. I wish I knew what I'm allergic to, but may never know. I've read a lot of surgeons no longer use binders or compression and have great results, so I'm not going to stress over it. I must heal this allergic rash before I think about the rest. Thank you for continued prayers! It means a lot to me to have y'all praying for and thinking of me. Updated on 4 Dec 2014: The new rash treatment is working slowly but surely. Yay!!! I walked 0.25 mile mostly upright, but as I warmed, the rash got itchier, so I decided that was far enough for today. Yay!! I had a normal BM today. Yay!! I'm a bit less swollen today. Yay!! That's all for now. Updated on 4 Dec 2014: You've gotta love Florida in winter, it was 75 degrees and sunny today so I enjoyed a second outdoor walk with my dog. I walked 0.33 mile this time and really enjoyed it. I am having some tight, uncomfortableness on my hips from swelling. It's right above my hips and so swollen it results in creases. It's worse above the right hip. I rubbed the area while I walked and it did seem to resolve some of the hard tightness. Is it important to begin rubbing those lipo areas regularly? The horrid rash that had taken more out of me than I realized is begging to improve. It's 40-50% better, I think, thanks to the wonder steroid cream. I am managing pain with only 2 ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. My family has been a wonderful help. My younger kids - 5, 7, and 10 are all keeping up with their studies and chores and enjoying the beautiful outdoor weather. My eldest daughter, almost 14, has gone above and beyond as chief nurse, cook, baker, laundress, and babysitter. She is quite a gem for whom I am ever grateful! Hubby is great, too, but he will feel better when I'm closer to 100%. Thanks for listening. Updated on 4 Dec 2014: Here are the pics. Updated on 5 Dec 2014: The rash was really itchy in the night last night on my back. I woke to go to the bathroom and found myself half asleep scratching my back. I'd done well not to scratch til then. Of course, the scratching made it made it worse temporarily. I had to reapply cream and get a cold pack. Slept ok otherwise but didn't wake up til 9:30 am. I just took a .5 mile walk at a turtle pace and the weather is cooler, about 65 degrees. It felt heavenly on the healing rash. My swelling is less overall today for which I'm thankful. Still not a flat tummy, but I'm hopeful that will come. Updated on 6 Dec 2014: I'm grateful for many things today: - sunny, beautiful weather - sitting outside to watch my kids ride scooters for 15 min. - the horrid rash is better day by day and should be gone by early next week - no pain, I'm uncomfortable, sore, and exhausted a lot, but not in pain. - ever so slightly less swelling - encouragement from friends and family I'm praying for: - my continued recovery and everyone here - rash resolution - ability to wear compression - good end results, even if it takes a little longer - continued positive outlook - opportunities to serve my family as I regain strength and mobility. Updated on 7 Dec 2014: I've taken daily pictures to track my allergic rash and swelling. I put them in a comparison format and thought I's share. Updated on 8 Dec 2014: I had my 2 week post op this afternoon. My sutures were all removed and according to the doctor. I have no seroma, so that is good. I still have a lot of swelling due to the length of time from surgery, lack of compression, and the allergic reaction. I asked the very kind and personable nurse (not the usual nurse) what she expected my final outcome to be. She said, greatly improved from pre-surgery, of course, but that I should not expect to be flat. WHAT??? She proceeded to remove all of my sutures from lipo, belly button, and all of incision. Suture removal was fine, a couple of pinches, but no big deal. Dr. Rumsey came in, looked it over, commented how well my rash is healing and that my incisions look great. He checked for seroma and found none. Said I was to return in 3-4 weeks. I asked him about what final results might be. I KNOW it's early and that swelling will fluctuate for months, but I wanted to know if he expected me to have a flat stomach in the end. He was non-committal saying it's too soon, too many factors and that we will know more in 3 months. I do not like unknown. I'm a planner. I always start with a plan. I can change the plan or throw the plan out and start over if need be, but I always start with a plan. I feel like I wanted a response that was the surgeon's best guess of my outcome. I know he can't be sure, but I wanted an answer of some sort. Scar treatment is brown paper tape to be changed every 7-10 days. Next appt is 1/5/15. I'm feeling down. My belly was flat at 3 dpo and I loved it. Swelling, the rash, all of it manageable when I thought the end result would be that flat tummy of 3 dpo. Now, knowing that at least one nurse says I shouldn't expect flat, but only improved, it's disheateneing. She mentioned possibility of revision in the future. Said its like tailoring and that it takes a few tries to get the fit just right. A FEW TRIES??? I was feeling encouraged this morning with the swelling down and rash improving, this afternoon despite my normal optimism I'm feeling blue and discouraged. Updated on 9 Dec 2014: Today marks two weeks since my surgery. Yesterday, I was a little down after I got normal answers from the nurse and surgeon. Normal in that they were wait and see final results instead of just telling my ears what I wanted to hear - that tummy perfection was on the horizon. The nurse I mentioned in the previous post was a very kind and personable lady who was simply giving me her honest opinion when I asked. It's not her fault that the answer wasn't what I wanted to hear - that I may not be totally flat and may require a revision and that only time can tell. All of that I was told before surgery, too. It's pretty standard. I suppose I was feeling fragile and vulnerable yesterday and the news I already knew was more crushing than it should have been. Perfection is not a worthy goal for it isn't achievable this side of heaven. Repaired muscles and hernia and much improved appearance that is as close to flat as can be were my goals and I'm going to be more diligent about keeping them in mind. I will enjoy the progress I clearly see and refuse to fret about final results. I did wear a spanx yesterday for the first time and my skin did not react. Last night I switched to a cotton tank under the binder and am remaining with the binder today. It's easier to go to the bathroom and I can tighten or loosen it which I like. I'm comfortable with these since I wore them after 4 c-sections. My swelling was down more this am which is nice. I have very little bruising and I'm most sore on hips and back where lipo was performed. The lipo areas get hard and swollen more than my tummy and I find gentle massage loosens them up and makes them feel better. Right now, I'm gently rubbing the areas I can reach. Soon I hope to have my massage therapist friend come for real lymphatic massage. The lipo areas are also the most sore parts. My belly is still mostly numb. My incision doesn't hurt at all. The belly button looks a bit icky, but normal icky not infected icky. It's just got more healing to do. Here's to positive outlooks for all of us today! Updated on 11 Dec 2014: RASH - It's better every day. I expect to stop treatment in another day or so. COMPRESSION - I am able to wear my binder now. I take it off for a couple hours a day because I feel I might explode otherwise. This is simply due to my dislike of tight things. SWELLING & PAIN - Flatter in am, more swollen in pm. Yesterday I sat upright on the couch for a couple of hours directing kids' studies. Afterwards, I was very uncomfortable and swollen. In fact, by evening I hurt from shoulders to hips. I took a nice warm shower and even took a Valium due the tightness in all of my muscles. This was the first time since 6 days post-op, I think, that I needed more than ibuprofen. I slept well and woke feeling reasonably ok. I decided to direct studies as needed from my recliner today. Much better plan! EXERCISE - I am still walking my street twice per day, sometimes the entire street and sometimes 1/2 of it. Today, I walked 1/2 the street twice for a total of 0.5 mile. I hope to be up to 1 mile per day sometime next week. I am mostly upright for a good part of the day. After sitting or lying down, it takes me a few minutes to straighten. EATING - My appetite is normal now. In fact, yesterday and today I ate a few bites too many at dinner and was very, very uncomfortable as a result. I think it's just going to take a couple weeks to get used to this new body and how little it will stretch comfortably. This is a good thing! ATTITUDE - I'm staying positive, enjoying results as they unfold, trying to slowly return to normal life without overdoing it. My goal is to check in here weekly for a while and then monthly. Updated on 12 Dec 2014: Today is post-op day 17. I had 2 firsts - climbing a flight of stairs and driving. I went upstairs to my room because I needed more warm clothes. It's in the 40s today and I only have 2 long sleeve shirts down here in the guest room. Hurt a bit going up, like a pulling sensation, but coming down was ok. Sneezing is BAD!!! Sneezing makes me feel like I'm having baby contractions. I drove today. We (4 kids plus me) had to pick up two bday gifts for parties this week. Debated going to target which is a longer drive (15m) and more walking, but less money for gifts or driving to local boutique which is 5m drive and less walking but more $$ for gifts. I chose local. Managed to spend $30 on two kids' birthday gifts, so not too bad. I walked probably .5 mile total. It was ok, tiring, but not overly so. The worst part was a congested area on the sidewalk with a group of gesticulating men. I was afraid I or my little ones would be knocked over. I am not a timid person in the least so I put my arm out to guard my belly and my two smallest kids and pushed one man out of the way with a firm excuse me. The men weren't being rude, but we're just oblivious to passersby. We came home to eat leftovers for lunch and I've been resting in my recliner. I love this thing! It has been a necessity. The hospital bed is nice and I'm sleeping in it at night, but if I had to pick one, I'd pick the recliner!!! Lipo areas are sore and tender. I try to rub them when the binder is off. Belly button not fully healed and I'm unsure of it just yet. Incision still covered with paper tape, but no problems. Rash is almost gone. I keep saying that, but it's fading more each day and now I'm only treating it once per day. I can shift some weight onto my left hip a bit when lying down. It's not on my side, but even the little bit helps. I'm a side/tummy sleeper so the back sleeping is hard. It's also tiresome to stay in one position IMO. I think I forgot to mention I had the vena-pro leg squishers for blood clots that were very useful. I'm no longer using them as I'm very mobile taking twice daily walks of 0.25-0.5 mile each plus moving about inside. I did like using them the first couple weeks though. I found them sort of soothing. I guess I'll pass them on to my dad now; he has poor leg circulation. The uh...hmm... Playground will not be reopened anytime soon. I want to be comfy lying flat without binder plus other healing needs to be further along. I have read of some ready at two weeks & more power to them. Not me! I did show hubs the belly and profile yesterday and he was very pleased. He's a super sweet man though and will wait til I show him I'm ready. Has the patience of Job, really. Oh, one more thing - I measured waist and hips. I've lost 3" waist and 2" hips already. Woohoo! Not bad for 2.5 weeks post op and still swollen. I'm taking pictures daily, but figure I'll post them weekly now instead of daily. Blessings on your journeys! Be positive and patient and realistic about goals. I think those points are important! Updated on 18 Dec 2014: Tuesday, 12/16/14, was 3 weeks post op for me. I'm feeling better each day, typically with some backward steps thrown in the mix for sure. APPETITE - Normal, must say all of the yummy baked goods and chocolates of the Christmas season are tempting, but I'm trying to indulge responsibly. It helps that I can only eat Gluten Free items that we make. I ate some BBQ yesterday for lunch from our favorite place - BBQ pork, smoked corn, mashed potatoes. I only ate 1/3 of the meal and was full, but the sodium content caused some minor swelling that seems to be resolving 24 hours later. Bone broth, hot tea, almond thins are go to things for me. I just had a Peanut Butter, Berries, Banana, and Kale protein smoothie for lunch today - YUM! SCAR - I changed my 3M Brown paper scar tape on Monday. It stays on for 7-10 days at a time. The scar looks great everywhere except my left hip where it is quite puckered. I'm hoping that lays flat over time. I do have a vertical scar that is very thin beneath my belly button. The scar is fine, but I do seem to have some excess skin here. BELLY BUTTON - It's mostly healed up. I am not crazy about the appearance, it could simply be that I have so many deep stretch marks, that this is the best it can be. It seems I have some excess skin right in this area that could be tightened up a bit. Time will tell. My belly button is off center by 3/4 - 1". Odd, but true. Still, it's way better than it was already. LIPO AREAS - I had lipo to hips, flanks, and inner thighs. These are the areas that hurt. They swell and get hard and are tender. I'm hoping to begin lymphatic massage with my massage therapist friend soon. Until then, I rub the areas when I'm out of my binder. SWELLING - I'm pretty flat most mornings, I have swelling above hip bones most often and in lipo areas, oh, and the Ken Doll. Sheesh. It's awful. Fortunately it doesn't hurt. ACTIVITY LEVEL - I've been walking all along and am up to 3/4 mile at a time at a bit quicker pace. I'm driving, getting in and out of the van hurts sometimes, but only the lip areas. Shopping and pushing a full cart is a no-no, it hurts the core. Climbing stairs is fine now. I can pick things up off the floor, but try to avoid bending down that far as much as possible. I can do a load of laundry, swish and swipe the bathroom counter, sink, toilet. Still, I rest several hours a day, mainly in my recliner that I am in love with. I will hate to see this thing go. The playground remains closed. SLEEPING - I'm still in the adjustable hospital bed. I can lie on both sides for about 15-20 minutes at a time, curled up. I still sleep in a v-shape. Lying flat pulls too much. I have the oddest, most vivid dreams. It's really bizarre. I also keep trying to do huge full body stretches in my sleep. I find I tense my back, legs and abs very tightly and it's as if my body is fighting to do that big stretch while my sleeping brain is saying, "NO!" This morning around 4 am, this happened and the body must have won a bit because it woke me and I was sore for an hour afterwards. New pics shared. I promise I own more than one pair of undies even if all my pics seem to be in the yellow ones. Hehe. I hope you all are recovering nicely and enjoying a blessedly slowed Christmas season! Updated on 18 Dec 2014: All the pics didn't get loaded. These are mainly of the scar on 12/15/14. Updated on 23 Dec 2014: Today marks exactly 4 weeks since my surgery. Not a lot has changed in the last week, except I did wear a pair of jeans to the grocery store today for the first time. Jeans that did not fit before surgery. I came home and changed, but I wore them. Woohoo. I changed my scar tape this am and when in the shower, there was a stinging sensation on my left hip, right at the end of the scar. It seems that there may be a teensy opening there, either it has never closed or has reopened, I'm not sure. I talked with my nurse and she said to re-tape it for now and then watch for changes, it should close. The scar remains very puckered on my left hip. I have been busier this week and overly tired as a result. I'm looking forward to a slower rest of 2014. I bought sexy undies for the first time in over a decade. However, if I don't quit eating chocolate this holiday season, I'm gonna need a new tummy tuck. Ha! Just kidding, but only slightly. Updated on 8 Jan 2015: Tuesday marked 6 weeks post-op. I am doing well. Incisions are closed, I've just discontinued the paper scar tape, at least for a while, as my skin was becoming overly dry and irritated. I'm using a homemade (by my massage therapist friend) oil/goo on the scar for now. It feels great! Lipo areas still hurt, esp. my back. I'm hoping to start lymphatic massage to help. Too many chocolates and cookies over Christmas and now it's time to get back to reality. So far, I like my shape, though I am swelling in my upper abs in the muscle repair area quite a bit. I was checked for serum and told it's inter-tissue swelling. I think it might be related to the fact that when I wake in the am, my muscles in that area contract hard and involuntarily. It's very weird. I'm trying deep breathing to help before I move at all when I wake. The upper ab swelling is unattractive! As is the Ken Doll. My weight is ~ 165, I think. So still have some swelling going on. Goals for next week: - Return to my bed, even propped since the wonderful adjustable bed leaves tomorrow. - Walk min. of 2 miles at least 5 days per week - Slowly begin T-Tapp exercise video - Sleep more. I've not slept well in a week. I miss my bed and sleeping the way I want. - Gradually increase amount of time I am out of binder/garment when inactive. - Eat well every day and skip the desserts! - Lymph massage 2-3 times per week - MAYBE open the playground. ;) That's it for now. I'm too tired to upload pics, will try to do it tomorrow. Updated on 20 Jan 2015: Today, I am 8 weeks post tummy tuck with lipo to hips, inner thighs, and flanks. I am back to my regular routine for the most part though I still tire more easily than normal. I do think my thyroid is off a bit, but it will settle soon. I am free of all restrictions and allowed to do anything I'm up for. EXERCISE - I can walk 1-2 miles without problems, in fact, my lipo areas feel best when I am moving. They ache and hurt when I sit too long. I have yet to get into a good routine for exercise post surgery, but I'm working on that. I want to return to my T-Tapp video and walking and eventually rebounding. THE PLAYGROUND - Uhm, this was reopened last week. No issues though I don't want any pressure on my belly so hubs gets an arm/core workout. Nothing fantastic to report change wise, but I am more comfortable in my skin now. CONCERNS - My upper abs are swollen all the time, I'm concerned that they will never flatten back out. Surgeon says there isn't much swelling or fat there and that if I overeat, the stomach will distend. Problem is it's always big even if I haven't eaten anything. Mons Pubis is huge. It's always huge, so I'm not sure it's swelling, but may be residual fat. Not sure I would consider lipo later as the lipo areas are the ones that still ache or hurt now. I am only wearing Spanx or the binder occasionally. The doctor has said wear as needed, but wean off of it. SCAR - I'm happy with the scar. It's healing well. I'm still using 3M scar tape for another month. When my skin is too dry, I take it off and use a concoction of Vit. E oil and shea butter and essential oils for a day or two. BELLY BUTTON - not the best, but more due to my stretch marks, I think. Not concerned as long as it doesn't close up. WEIGHT - currently 166 lbs. I was 169.5 on surgery day and 6 pounds was removed. So either I have swelling still or I gained weight over the holidays. I think it's a bit of both perhaps. I'm hoping it is mostly swelling. I would still like to lose 20 lbs. CLOTHING - things fit better, but I don't wear drastically smaller sizes. I wore L and XL before and now I wear L. Mediums are too tight. I cannot yet fit into size 12 jeans, but my 14s fit nicely. I'd like to be a 10. Overall, I am happy with results. I need to begin exercising more regularly and get a better picture of how I feel. So far so good. The upper ab swelling has got to go before I can be really content. The mons is troubling, but easier to accept. Updated on 20 Jan 2015: just a few more pics... Updated on 5 Feb 2015: It's 10.5 weeks since my tummy tuck and liposuction surgery. I'm doing well. - no restrictions any more - can lift my 5 year old easily - no pain along scar and scar is flattening nicely - upper and sore and seem to spasm, esp when I first wake up or move after lying down a while; seizes up tight as a rock and not comfortable; deep breathing helps - still using 3m brown paper tape on scar per surgeon until 4 months post op; when I change tape every week, I leave it off a day and treat with an essential oil concoction because the tape is drying - happy with scar and belly button - flanks still hurt from lipo esp after sleeping or resting a while; moving and being active helps a ton - Mons is still ridiculously large. Not sure it's just swelling , but we will see. - upper abs are now more swollen than anything. Under bb is very flat. This looks like an alien - have not re-established a good workout routine and need to make this a top priority - too many cookies/treats between Christmas and the month of birthdays (Jan.) means I lost zero pounds, but I haven't gained I hope everyone here is doing well. I'm happy overall, but want the upper ab issue gone along with the last 15-20 lbs! Updated on 27 Jul 2015: Hmm. I've gained 10 pounds post surgery due partially to my thyroid being out of whack post surgery and partially to real life interfering with regular exercise. Ugh. I nursed my eldest child through the flu and pneumonia for 3 weeks and now I and my 8 year old have the flu. Not our healthiest month. On the plus side, I'm sure I'm losing at least a couple pounds. I still have the upper abdomen bulge from before the weight gain, so I'm wondering if a revision might be in order. Definitely better that what I started with. While perfection isn't s worthy goal, I am not sure I'm satisfied with the end result just yet. If I can get the extra weight off, I'll have a better idea. The scars have all healed well. I'm pleased with my doctor, just want to see me at 160 lb before I decide on revision. At the moment, I would be happy to quit having violent coughing interspersed with raging fevers! Updated on 8 Jul 2024: Over the past 10 years, I ballooned up to 205 lbs which was due to poor eating, too little exercise, and loads of stress. I have lived on a farm for 3.5 years now so lots of exercise happens naturally but poor eating and stress led to T2 diabetes, all around crappy labs, being uncomfortable in my skin, etc. On 4/1/24 I was 205 lbs. I have changed my lifestyle and eating habits, begun intermittent fasting, and taking needed supplements. As of 7/7/24, I weigh 169 lbs. almost what I weighed on surgery day. (166 lbs). I reversed the diabetes within a few weeks and everything is trending better. Goal is 155 lbs by year end. 145 would be great, but at almost 50 years old, I’ll be happy with 155. Here are new pics of my much older body.

Dr. Snyder operated on my daughter at Nemours a few years ago and did an amazing job, he is a very talented surgeon. So, when it was my turn to have a "mommy makeover" I knew exactly who I wanted to go see! Everyone in the office has been so helpful and caring so far, from the front office to the nurses. Updated on 6 Feb 2014: I saw Dr. Snyder at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery for my preop appointment last week, and am getting very excited for my upcoming surgery. I spent a good portion of the appointment with Dr. Snyder's nurse, Jennifer and I cannot say enough great things about her as well; she went through the entire surgery, what to expect, all of my pre/post instructions. I love that she was there for my initial consultation, my preop and will be there for my surgery, a familiar face! Dr. Snyder then reviewed the surgery with me, what to expect, where my incisions will be, etc. After talking with him my nerves melted away and I know that I am in amazing hands. At this point, I guess most of my anxiety lies in having to be off work after surgery, not be able to be up and around my house, with my daughter, etc. I have been reading the entries from women on this site that have had similar surgeries, how did you prepare your household before a recovery this long? I have a supportive husband but I handle all of the cooking, most of the cleaning, laundry, homework help, etc. Any advice is much appreciated :) Updated on 14 Feb 2014: Today was 3 days since surgery and I am doing more things little by little! The first night I stayed in the overnight facility at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery with a nurse which was great because I think that first night may have been to intense for my hubby! Once I came home the next day I did take Percocet every 4 hours but had some numb areas as Dr. Snyder had used Exparel which is longer lasting and better than a pain pump. That's stuff was a godsend! By the second morning I had switched over to ibuprofen which was nice as the Percocet had made me hot and itchy! Day 2, I ate more (fruit: strawberries and bananas, crackers, soup) I drank more and felt much better getting up and down. I attempted a shower on Day 2 and it was a hot mess! I didn't want to move without my binder on (love/hate relationship with that thing!) and felt like I was too fragile to be moving without garment or bra and dressings on. I didn't even wash my hair which was what I wanted to do most! But, it really tired me out and I slept pretty good the night of Day 2, I only woke up once needing more ibuprofen. So today, Day 3, I can get up all by myself! I have more appetite, but am still very sore and I only get up to use the bathroom every 2 hours or so. I took a real shower today that was 100% more successful than yesterday, I washed my hair and everything. Only things I am concerned about this far: haven't had a bowel movement yet even tho I am taking lots of Colace (sorry if that's TMI!), my back is starting to hurt from all of this reclining, I am ready to be up and moving already, I don't do well stuck in a recliner! My husband has turned out to be the most amazing caretaker! He has surprised me and I will owe him big time after this! He has been telling me drink more, eat more, logging my meds, etc. But, I am so grateful that I do not have drains, I think that may have been too much. I woke up from surgery asking the nurses if I had drains as Dr. Snyder had told me he was going to try and do the procedure without placing them :) I didn't snap a picture when I had the binder and bra off before my shower, but I will try to add a picture to my next update. Updated on 27 Feb 2014: I think the 2 week mark was a turning point for me. After the first week I was still very sore in my abdomen, as if I had done some crazy intense ab workouts. My breast have not been painful at all, maybe I am just not noticing compared to the discomfort from my abdomen? Dr. Snyder told me at my 1 week follow up that I could go back to sleeping in my bed and get out of that awful recliner which helped my back so much! Wearing Spanx is also better than that binder garment I was not the biggest fan of. I went back to work 2 days before the 2 week mark, but I have been taking it slow. I did have to come home and sneak a nap one afternoon ;) Most of my coworkers knew what I was having done so they have been helping me, and I sit at a desk so nothing too strenuous. Even with the swelling my clothes are too big and don't fit the same, I cannot wait for everything to settle down so I can go shopping! I made a freezer full of meals (my hubby can't cook) so I have still been eating good, I would definitely recommend doing that ahead of time. I have eaten 2 whole pineapples after surgery and I have hardly any bruising! Even on my hips where I had liposuction (which I hear usually bruises) I have always been told that eating fresh pineapple can help reduce bruising but now I am definitely a believer. Every time I look down at my new flat tummy and perky breasts I think why didn't I do this sooner?

scheduled surgery with Dr. Hancock and planned a month off with babysitters and time off from work. They scheduled my pre-op on a Wednesday before Monday surgery. Apparently, there was a question regarding my LDN medication and they tried reaching my internist's office. They were upset they weren't able to reach the doctor or get the answer they wanted regarding whether to stop the medication before surgery, so canceled the surgery on the Friday prior. Once I found out about this at noon on Friday, I went directly to my internist's office and rectified the situation. Dr. Hancock finally called me directly and we discussed all of this. She said it was too late, they had taken me off the schedule, that anesthesia had also made the decision and that she had to "trust me as a patient". She said she had gotten different information on different days. This was the first time she had opted to pick up the phone and call me. Nothing changed. I felt like she was also accusatory in some sense. I told her I thought this situation was handled incredibly poorly and unprofessionally!! I can't imagine they wouldn't work through these kinds of things much sooner in case there was any issue or question. This makes me second guess my choice of practitioner and practice. I've worked in the operating room for many years and in physician's offices. I don't think I will be rescheduling and I hope they can streamline their communication in the future so other patients won't have the same poor experience. I feel like this happened for a reason. Edit: I just found out that the office and doctor both were not up to date on Low Dose Naltrexone. Apparently due to the fact that I had requested no narcotics with anesthesia and this medication (which at high doses is used for opiate and alcohol addiction) which I take for an autoimmune disease, they thought I was an addict. Doctors, please actually talk to your patients, their doctors and be up to date!! I rearranged my entire Summer for this and was accused of not telling the truth.

It was amazing! I love the results I have from SculpSure! It kicks up the things I’m already doing by eating healthy and being active. It’s given me great results! It was a little uncomfortable during the treatment but it was over after 25 minutes. I was sore for a couple days but I was able to be active immediately after having my treatment.

So I had my first consultation for a breast augmentation procedure two days ago with Dr. Paul Scioscia of Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, and was so please with my appointment. I walked out feel confident, and comfortable and I loved Dr. Scioscia's plans for my breasts. Then I had a second consultation with Dr. Fallucco yesterday morning, and walked out in tears. He told me that Dr. Scioscia's plan of a basic breast augmentation with dual plane placement to correct a lack of my lower pole would not work, and that my surgery would be double the cost and twice as hard to recover from based on special scoring that he would have to do to the underside of my breast to achieve my desired lower pole fullness and custom anatomical implants. I felt so confused and dejected. I was so certain walking out of PVPS two days ago that Dr. Scioscia was the right doctor for me, and I can't get rid of this gut feeling that he is the surgeon that should perform my augmentation. So instead of turning away and refusing surgery in general (which is pretty indicative of my personality), I decided to get a third opinion and have an appointment schedule with another doctor at PVPS to review the proposed plans of the two doctors that I have already seen, and give me some more insight on what he feels needs to be done. Until then, I will continue my four years of research so that I can begin to understand why the doctors want to take the routes that the have chosen. I just want to make the best and most informed decision possible. I will continue to update with my journey and will shortly post picture of my current natural breasts so that others can see what I am referring to when I say a lack of a lower pole. I also believe that I have a slight case of tuberous breast which I will bring up to Dr. Burk in my third opinion. Updated on 29 Mar 2016: So I scheduled my surgery today!!!!! I had my third opinion consultation which turned out just as I expected. I was told by Dr. Burk that Dr. Fallucco's plan was far too aggressive for me, and that the initial plan I set with Dr. Scioscia was the right course of action. I had one more follow up appointment this morning with Dr. Scioscia and clarified everything and set my date. I will be happening on May 12th 2016, so I need to figure out how to change the date on this review. I still have a few things to take care of before my pre-op appointment on April 26th. I have genetic counseling scheduled on the 6th because I have a pretty drastic history of breast cancer in my family, and we want to do some screenings first to get that out of the way, and I also have a prescription for a baseline mammogram that I will need to complete. I'm not sure where to go to get this prescription filled, but I will do some research and figure it out. My emotional state right now is very surreal. I am so excited, and so overwhelmingly nervous and yet I still feel kind of detached. I have never had surgery. I've never even had a cavity filled, so I believe this anxiousness has to do solely with the idea of going under the knife and nothing to do with the type of surgery I'm getting. It will be a face-your-fears situation though, because I will not under any circumstances be backing out! Updated on 5 Jun 2016: So, I had to push my date back due to some necessary financial expendatures, but my new date has been set of June 27th. I was really upset at first, but I also started a new job, so after the fact I was greatful to get settled in there and still managed to get the time off approved by management. I have not finished either my breast mammogram, nor my genetic counseling, which I really need to take care of because I am only three weeks out exactly. I have been having the hardest time getting this mammogram done, because the hospital that accepts my insurance has a policy where they can't release results to other doctors/practitioners outside of that hospital. I also apparently am not even allowed to schedule it without a note from my PCP. So, the next step is to get a PCP or a GYNO, and have the mammogram completed that way so I can have access to my results. The genetic testing is basically done. I just need to drive to the hospital to drop off some paperwork, and they will release my results to me..... I don't get it. I can take results for an intensive and personal test done, but I can't get a mammogram. Stupid :( Otherwise, I am really excited! I am having a struggle quitting smoking, but have cut down drastically, from a pack a day to about 3. The patch is helping but the nicotine itself also causes problems, so I'm not sure what I am going to do once I have to take the patch off. Just grin and bear it I guess, although I fear for the lives of the ones around me at that time lol. I have also begun to make a list of necessary items for my surgery and recovery, so that I can slowly (over the nest few weeks) begin to collect the things that I need. Pre-op appointment is on June 15th :)

After getting so much information from reading RS over the last six months or so, and corresponding with several lovely, informative women, I have decided to jump on this band wagon and blog my experience for all of you to see and take away what you wish. I am looking forward to building new friendships along the way and giving and receiving much needed support. This has not been an easy decision for me to make, but I am excitingly and nervously moving forward. Please hold my hand as anesthesia and surgery have never been in my 58 years. My story is very similar to yours in that I have been carrying around these big "Ta-Tas" since I was a very young woman. When I had the knockout figure with a cute, perky, 36 C, I was so naive that I didn't know how adorable my figure was. You know what happens after that cute, perky, adorable girl gets more mature......Everything goes south!!!! Now I think I am a 38 DDD. Oh well, at least I am living at a time when the medical technology and physicians are so on top of everything that I now have a choice in what I do with my body. Poor Grandma, she carried her big ole' "Ta-Tas" around her whole life. All 92 of them!! God Bless you Grandma, I miss you everyday! xoxo A hairdresser for more than "Forty (WOW) Years", my back can't take it any longer. I am 5'1" and 162 lbs. Holding my arms up cutting, coloring, perming and on my feet all day long has taken it's toll on my back. Having to give up my business and say goodbye to my very faithful clients after many years of laughter and tears, this was not easy, but it was time. I don't know why I never even thought of getting a BR before nor did any physician or medical professional ever suggest or mention it. I don't know. Maybe I was too busy with doing for everyone else, I never really took the time to focus on ME? (Novel idea huh...:) It's funny how life just happens. After much research and searching for a board certified, experienced PS that posted before/after pictures and was within a radius of where I wanted to travel, I found my guy! I made an appointment for a consultation with him, grabbed my husband and off we went. (Hubby is very supportive with this and he knew if he came with me, we would stop for something to eat on the way home. It works every time). My consultation was on Wednesday, January 7 2015. My research was well worth it as I knew after I had my consultation, met the doctor and staff and left there, I had found Dr. Right for my BR! I loved him from the get-go! I did bring with me a folder of paperwork to show the different appointments, documentations and list of over the counter remedies that I have tried to use over the years to relieve my pain. I was assured that as soon as the insurance company made a decision, they would let me know. So, here I am on Super Bowl Sunday, Saturday, February 1, 2015 letting you know that I have been APPROVED by insurance to do this procedure for medical reasons, my pre-op is this Tuesday, February 3rd and I am scheduled for surgery the end of the month on Monday, February 23. Also my out of pocket expense will be my co-payment of $15.00!!!! This is all happening way too fast!!!! Maybe that is better.......I will be flying to Delaware to see my eldest daughter and twin baby granddaughters on March 28th. I will be about 4 1/2 weeks post op......... Updated on 1 Feb 2015: Well, who knew that my left breast was larger than my right? Not me!! Nor my husband!! It took my surgeon to tell me this. Just goes to show you how often I have really looked at these huge appendages...Funny though, now that I know that surgery will be in a few weeks, I am feeling kind of sad but glad that they will be gone....how can that be? Updated on 3 Feb 2015: Hubby is driving and I am posting.....nervously, anxiously, excitingly. I have never going through any surgery before. I take that back, I had a TVT (tension vaginal tape) procedure done years ago for a post baby leaky badder. But other than that which was a breeze that has been it, (thank God) until now. I have my list of questions for Dr. Burk. My surgery is scheduled for February 23, 2015 at 2:00pm. I am concerned about the time as I am hypoglycemic and have never gone that long without some kind of protein in my system. Also have severe sleep apnea and was wondering if a pulmonologist checkup and current numbers would be helpful to the anesteologist during my procedure. I also want to clarify how much he thinks he can remove safely and stress to him that I want to be a very very small C. Not a medium, not a large. SMALL and perky. Dr. Burk also said that he would lipo my side boob fat. I think I will probably come home with instructions for pre-op and supplies, what kind of bras to get, and a list of what to do or not before surgery etc. Some women have talked about blue paper tape for sensitive skin by 3M. About $6.00 a roll. Does anyone have experience using this or for that matter any suggestion for prepping the puppies before surgery with creams or ointments? I will be traveling by plane about 5 weeks pos-op to visit my daughter and twin granddaughters. I hope that is enough time to be doing pretty well. (The power of positive thinking.) Listen to me babble on and on. I am almost at my destination. Thanks for listening, it really helped me not be so anxious before I arrive. Talk soon! . Updated on 7 Feb 2015: My pre-op is behind me and all is well. I met Dr. Burk's nurse Carol and she was just as patient and attentive as Dr. Burk is. I really felt good at that appointment. She spent about 1 1/2 hrs. with me and my husband going over everything step by step from beginning to end so I know what to expect. I left with a few prescriptions to fill for pain, relaxing, and nausea to have on hand when I get home. I have been trying to eat as clean as I can before surgery and maybe loose a few more pounds. I have also increased my water intake as before surgery and after, I was told that water will help flush all of the anesthesia effects from my body. Taking long walks and doing some raking in my yard has given me the extra exercise that I need. If I have to rest for a while after surgery, I am going to move as much as I can now. I have never been a patient before and don't find it too comfortable to rest for too long. I am always going or doing something. So this will be very different for me. I am posting some pictures of an after surgery bra that I bought on E-bay. It was gently used and the brand is Caromed. They make bras especially for surgeries. I figured if it was cheap enough and I was only going to use it for a short time, I would take a chance and buy it. So I bid on it and paid $15.00. Quite a bargain I think......I also had my husband take pictures of me in an orange blouse that I hardly ever wear (when you see the pictures, you will see why). If I do wear it, I wear a shell underneath and leave the blouse just open down the front. I want to see how it looks before surgery and then again after. We should see quite a difference (I hope!) Thank you for reading my posts and also for all the support you give...... Updated on 10 Feb 2015: The phone rang this afternoon and it was the drs. office. They knew that I am going to be travelling the end of March and told me that if they had a cancellation, that they would move me up so that I would be about 6 weeks post op before travelling. Well guess what???? Today was my lucky day. They called and moved my surgery up from Feb. 23 to the 19th. I am very happy about this.....just have less time to be anxious. I guess that is good. Let's just get r done! Updated on 13 Feb 2015: Today my nerves were off the chart! I am trying to get everything done before surgery, like it will be the end of the world or something. Today was housecleaning day. Dusted, vacuumed, washed windows, washed floors, neatened up cabinets.....you name it I did it! I think I am getting paranoid! Tomorrow will be bookwork, make sure bills are paid, taxes prepared, blah, blah, blah....I HAD A MELTDOWN and did the UGLY CRY!!!!! Hubby just shook his head, chuckled and said, "Everything is going to be just fine...." I don't know whether to listen to his advice or bite his head off!!!! I do feel better since I let it all out! The rest of my day went well until my sister called and told me that my 80 year old mother was going to go to lunch with my daughter and niece today when she was getting pain in her stomach and feeling lightheaded. Long story short, my daughter and niece drove her to the ER where she is tonight being tested and monitored. Mom has diverticulitis and has a small hole in her small intestine.....also has a unrinary tract infection...(Mom never drinks enough liquid, never has) so they are letting her GI system rest and are treating her for UTI. I am in the southeast, and she is in the northeast......states away!!! I am fortunate to have several other siblings and family members near her and there to support her. But that just added to my stress level which I am trying to tone down..... tomorrow will be better.....a good nights sleep always works....nite, nite.....thanks for listening. P.S. Here is a picture of the beautiful PS Center that I will be having my surgery performed at! Updated on 17 Feb 2015: My surgery date is quickly approaching. All kinds of things are going through my head and I haven't been sleeping that well the past few nights. I look at my breasts and can't imagine that part of me will be changed. Today I worked a 12 hour day, (feeling guilty about taking so much time off to re-couperate) and tomorrow I have a chiropractor appt in the morning. The rest of the day I think I will just hunker down and nest in my home and get everything ready. I will try to contain my excitement although that is going to be hard. I pray and wish for all the ladies out there getting ready like myself a smooth, beautiful experience throughout! God Bless! Updated on 18 Feb 2015: And all through the house, I am getting ready for tomorrow. I have spoken and seen (face time) my daughters and mother tonight. I am going to take a nice long hot shower, (shave my legs and other parts) and try to get to bed early. The alarm will be going off at 5:00 am, on the road at 6:15 and to my appt. at 7:30. Surgery is scheduled for first thing at 8:30am. I am happy about that as my doctor will be well rested and alert! Ha! Ha! Tonight I received an e-mail from the patient care coordinator wishing me well tomorrow and will be thinking of me. How sweet was that. I have been so very happy with my experience so far with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Center. Everyone has been over the top so nice.....she assured me in her e-mail that I was in expert hands so that made me feel even better. He has a reputation of being a type A perfectionist. I don't know about you, but that is exactly the type of surgeon I want. I wish and will say a prayer tonight for every woman undergoing surgery with me tomorrow and pray that all goes beautifully and that everyone's surgery enriches their new life more than they ever could have imagined. Love you girls! We will talk soon! As they say here, "See You On The Other Side". Updated on 21 Feb 2015: Good Morning Ladies! Today is 2 days post-op for me. All is going pretty well. My pain is tolerable with one Demerol every 4-6 hours. My experience at the PS Center was just fabulous! I was treated like royalty and kept comfortable and informed each step of the way. Not to mention how utterly gorgeous the place is. Almost like being in a European Villa! Surgery went off without a hitch and it is such a good feeling to be on the other side. The last few weeks building up to surgery were just so stressful, thinking about everything that could go wrong and my silly imagination getting away from me. Post op definitely feels much better! We are about one hour ride from the PS Center so the ride home was just long enough. Thursday when I got home I mostly just rested and took pain meds faithfully when the time was here. Ate very light and didn't sleep too well. I have a cozy comfy recliner chair set up for me with all kinds of pillows to put under legs, arms, etc. And a nice warm soft blankly on top. My sweet husband has been sleeping in his recliner right next to me and we have been holding hands at night. I will insist he goes to bed tonight as I am fine during the night and will call him if I need to get up. We just finished having a nice breakfast and I feel pretty good right now. I received a call from Dr. Burk's nurse yesterday, just checking up on how I am doing and to make sure that I have enough pain meds to carry me through the weekend. Which I do. I also have the ok to take a shower if I wish. It's funny, I am afraid to look at my new breasts. I don't do well with stitches on myself and am afraid I am going to get queazy and lightheaded. I may put it off for another day. Dr. Burk's nurse Carol did tell me though that they look beautiful and that he did a beautiful job. I am sure they are because I felt so comfortable with Ponte Vedra PS Center from the start. I will rest again today as resting is never in my life and I am looking forward to just taking care of me. A novel idea Huh? Have a wonderful day my BFF's and happy healing. I will post a few pictures soon.... Updated on 21 Feb 2015: Well I still don't feel like taking a shower yet, but after breakfast I was very uncomfortable in my bra. I am very swollen and the pressure had to be relieved even for a few minutes. So hubby helped me do the unveiling and wow, pretty perky and cute. I think that when the swelling goes down and they heal, they are going to be perfect. So here are a few pictures for you ladies to see! Updated on 23 Feb 2015: Hi ladies, It is now the morning of day 4. Day 3 was a little bit of a roller coaster ride for me. Still eating light foods, drinking lots of water, tea, etc. 2 stool softeners taken so far but not BM yet that amounts to anything. A few small hard pellets found in toilet last night. Will try to increase fluids today and take another softener. I mostly rested in the morning yesterday as when I stay up too long I still feel light headed. No Demerol though all day as my pain level is way down. I just took an ibuprofen 200mg. once in the afternoon. My husband had to go back to work yesterday, but came home around noon time for two hours for lunch. I tried to take my first shower with his assistance, but after shampooing my hair, I felt queasy and lightheaded. So that did not go as planned. I guess I am still weak. It feels better though to have my hair cleaned. I was hoping to sit outside today as the temperature was around 77 degrees and it was gorgeous out, but that did not happen. I just rested and did do a lot of sleeping. In the evening my dear sister and her husband made a wonderful dinner for us and brought it over to eat. We are Italian so her dinner consisted of pasta in a light chicken broth with sausage and butternut squash, salad, and of course ciabatta bread. I did eat a little bit of everything then we sat at the table and played "Sequence" a board game. The girls against the boys! Guess who won? The GIRLS OF COURSE! After that I needed to rest in my recliner and we watched the OSCAR Awards. They left early, and hubby and I watched to the end. How about GAGA's tribute to Julie Andrews? Wow we! I just love the both! I slept through the night in my chair which is comfy cozy and feel well rested this morning. It is now 6:45 am on Monday morning. Hubby off to work again, this morning I feel like some of the swelling has gone down. I was rubbing my upper chest this morning when I heard a squishing sound.....Has anyone had that experience before? It almost felt and sounded like fluid moving around in there. Is that just the puffiness going down? What the heck? My pain level is 0, just some light itching. Maybe today I will sit at the table for a while and try to do some paperwork that needs my attention. So far, so good, ladies! I still can't get a handle on the new me. My sis and bro-in-love say I look so much younger and more petite now! I will take that compliment any day! Happy journey shout out to everyone out there for today! God bless and take care of yourself. We only get one shot at this life! Let's be all we can be and make it a great one!! XOXO Updated on 2 Mar 2015: Hi ladies, My recovery is going super duper! I am so pleased with my results and still can't believe the big boobies are gone! I had my one week post-op visit with Dr. Burke and stitches were removed and new tape applied as he believes in tape for about 5-6 weeks. He says that the tape will keep the scarring flat, and his stitches are so fine, I believe when all is said and done I will have very faint scars. He also told me that he removed a total of 1,000 grams, which is a little over 2 lbs. That is a lot of tissue! And was told that I was a model patient. I just love this man! He is a perfectionist in every way and it shows in his work. I have been feeling really good, almost back to normal although no lifting arms over my shoulders for another week and no more than a leisurely walk also. Easy peasy and over the moon happy! I feel amazing like someone gave me not only a new set of ta ta's, but a new re-start on life. I can breathe more easily, my lower back pain is totally gone, and my clothes look so much better on me. I will post a few more pictures for all to see. Updated on 2 Mar 2015: If you look at pictures above, you will see the before pictures with this surgical bra and this orange blouse before surgery. Look again now and see the difference! I have never been able to wear this orange blouse closed because of the separation in the chest area. I always wore it open with a shell underneath. Well now, I can wear it just buttoned up and no separation! Amazing!