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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Tummy tuck w/ implants then implant removal

ORIGINAL POST

Hello, friends. I've been lurking on this site for...

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kweenaweed
$20,000
Hello, friends. I've been lurking on this site for so long and now I think I'm ready to share my story. Brace, yourselves, I tend to talk a lot.
I'm a 43 (almost) year old mom in Arizona. I've always been overweight and it made it very difficult to get pregnant, but 8 years ago we were blessed with a perfect baby boy. My husband is a saint. Never one to date chubby girls, he saw past my body and loved me for who I was. I know I'm so lucky, but despite his understanding, I can tell he has lost his ability to become excited by me. I can literally count on one hand how many times we've had sex since our son was born. And there will be fingers left over! We're so in love, but I quit letting him touch me and he quit trying. I was determined to do something about it, and I got one of those ninja things and started drinking my veggies, and soon I dropped 70 lbs.
I still have a long way to go, but 70 pounds should be something to celebrate, right? Wrong! My once plump body has become a constantly jiggling mass of ooze. My vagina is completely hidden under my long, dangling belly. WTF? I actually look worse. My body is like a well heated lava lamp. Bluuurp goes my belly as it swings from side to side. Who is this person?
I'll tell you what, ladies, taking these pictures has been a humbling and horrific experience. Not one person has ever seen this part of me in 8 years, and only then because I was pregnant and sort of had an excuse.
So I found a doctor who is highly recommended and when I called for the consult, their first available appointment was on my birthday. I think this is a sign. I think this is the last birthday where I have to tuck my pajama pants up under my belly to stop the stickiness. Did I mention I live in the damn desert? Yeah, baby powder is my homeboy.
I haven't met the doctor yet, but Candace has been an angel. She has taken so much time out of her day to answer my questions and put me at ease when I've called.
I have so much more to get off my chest and ask of this community, but for now I will upload these horrible embarrassing pictures and recommend that you all watch a Disney movie afterward to replace what you are about to see...

kweenaweed's provider

John M. Rowley, MD

John M. Rowley, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

5.0 | 12 Reviews
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kweenaweed

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Replies (23)

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September 9, 2016
Thanks for sharing your story. 1st pics are hard to post, I still have a couple I intend to post along with my one year review. Good luck to you and congrats on your weight loss!
September 9, 2016
I wish you well! I lost 80 lbs. and am 9 weeks out from lower body lift, am VERY HAPPY!
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September 9, 2016
Congrats on the weight-loss and your decision to embark on this journey. I found this site very informative and supportive. I'm in recovery myself....not a easy road but I know I'm heading in the right direction. Remember that everyone's experience is their own so don't get super excited nor super depress. Good luck to you and hurry up and post those pics.
September 10, 2016
Congrats on the weight loss!! I was in the same position as you and recently had a tummy tuck, Lipo and breast lift. And I don't regret it one bit!! What a difference not to have a hanging apron :). Good luck!!
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September 10, 2016

Welcome to the community, and thanks for sharing your story! I love your lighthearted style of writing :) Congratulations on your weight loss. I hope you'll continue to update us regularly. Can't wait to see your final results!

UPDATED FROM kweenaweed
2 months pre

This is a great community!

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kweenaweed
Thanks to all you beautiful sisters who have been supporting and encouraging me. I am glad you could identify with my story, but sorry that you carry a similar burden!
I'm freaking out, y'all. I can't afford this! I mean, I have the money, but it is in our dream house down payment savings, and I feel soooo selfish for dipping in to it.
I mean, can you imagine if I do this and my husband still thinks of me as a really cool room mate? What if I don't look any better and I spent all this money? What if my belly isnt the problem? [RS bleep]. [RS bleep]. I don't want to feel this way. This body is my own secret shame and I could just continue wearing that one pair of pants I don't look too bad in...
See, this is what happens when we stop loving ourselves. We stop thinking we deserve things. [RS bleep] I wonder how long I've been this way. This is the first time I've dared to want anything just for me. Maybe I should take my own advice and realize I deserve better than this. We all do.

Replies (10)

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September 12, 2016
I know it's so hard. I keep saying 'I'm doing this!' Then before i know it, I've talked myself out of it. I feel so selfish for spending that kind of money. I feel like maybe you if I try harder that I'll feel prettier. I totally get these feelings you're having dude. Suck.
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September 12, 2016
We're going to stop feeling this way. What would George Costanzo say about the cost of this surgery? "It's a Hyundai!"
When this is done, we are going to feel so sexy that it will radiate to everyone. We have to stop thinking this is selfish. We're not living a full life right now and the people who love us deserve all of us.
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September 12, 2016
Okay, I was in the same boat that you were. I went to Dr. Larry Schlesinger in Honolulu. I have been hiding in my same pair of baggy pants and comfortable dresses for years. When I did my first consult, it totaled up to about 19,000 dollars for Ulitmate Silhoutte Plasty. I almost fainted. My size was yet again holding me back because I just wanted lipo. I finally did it! The first surgery he lipoed my back fat and fixed my very large belly. I am amazed already. I put on a dress and had a flat belly! I sit and cried because that pain of hating myself had lifted somehow. Now 3 weeks later I am over 60 inches smaller all over total. I have the second half of the surgery to go. Which is the other portion that will rid me of the fat and smooth out all my cellulite. I already feel great. I am not scared for people to see me anymore. All I can say is do it. Its is worth the 2 weeks of walking bent over. BTW I can see my vag without having to use a mirror!! I know. TMI but you know what I am saying. Its a big deal.
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September 12, 2016
You can see your vag??? OK, now you're just showing off. I kid, I kid! This is amazing. I can't imagine what it would feel like to just be normal! Congratulations on making it through this one. I'm really happy for you and glad to share this journey with you!
September 12, 2016
I think the tricky thing about this is that not only are you changing your body, but you have to change your mindset as well. Moving on from being "roommates" with your husband will be as much in your head as it is on your body. I think a lot of the change will come from your new confidence and the pride in yourself. If, hypothetically, nothing were to change between you and your husband, would you still be glad you did this for you?
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September 12, 2016
YES. Yes I would still be glad I did it. And I'm thankful for this question, because it is an important one. I also think I'm getting all worst case scenario and I need to stop that. I think when this is done, our marriage will be reborn. I really do. And I'm gonna remind myself of this when my doubts try to sneak back in.
September 12, 2016
I had a tummy tuck and lipo (don't forget the lipo because it will really improve your results) over two years ago. It was life changing for me. I went from avoiding outings with my husband to being excited about them. After the tummy tuck, I exercised more and lost another 20 lbs. Unlike all the other times, I've actually kept the weight off. Kweenaweed, do this for yourself and don't feel guilty about the money. It's expensive, but you'll only do it once in your life and you get to enjoy your results for another 30 plus years. Best wishes!
September 21, 2016
Not only are you doing this for you, but you're also doing this for your marriage! I know how it is having your hubby feel like "your roommate" and it sucks! But once you are all said and done, you're going to look amaze-ballz, and he probably won't be able to keep his hands off of you! Remember: Men are visual creatures, it's just how they roll. So do this for your new life, and most importantly: YOU!
UPDATED FROM kweenaweed
2 months pre

What a difference a good night sleep makes

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kweenaweed
Maybe I was hormonal, or maybe your amazing responses turned everything around, but I woke up feeling much better. I'm more looking forward than ever to my consultation. Exactly one week and one hour from this moment, you guys!
I'm so glad I found this group, and so thankful to y'all for opening up your vulnerable stuff.
Here's a group of total strangers telling me I'm worth it, it's about time I believe it myself!

Replies (4)

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September 12, 2016
Glad you're feeling better!! Excited for you :)
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September 12, 2016
Yayyy!
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September 13, 2016
Hang in there! You will be up and down until finally you look in the mirror and it suddenly changes. You are getting that little piece of yourself that you sacrificed to be a mom. You and your family will be able to focus on so many different things. You will love the beach again, and family pictures. You can finally stop being the camera man!
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September 13, 2016
Here is my link to my journey. My surgery was Aug 24th.
https://www.realself.com/review/honolulu-42-years-needed-tummy-tuck-dr-larry-schlesinger-changing-life#