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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift

ORIGINAL POST

I am 33 years old and i grew up in California, a...

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WORTH IT$9,416

I am 33 years old and i grew up in California, a breeding zone for image disorders and bikini summers. From a very young age i learned that a protruding belly was unlovable and my worth was contingent with my weight. I dieted, took diet pills, did speed and anything i could to "fit" the mold. Of course, this led into a decade or more of eating disorder behaviors and substance abuse. It has not been an easy road to recovery but i have come very far: sober 6 years, maintaining my weight for 5 years. I scheduled a tummy tuck for December in the sincere hope that it would mirror a very important step in my recovery. I know it seems ironic- even all out hypocritical - that in my search for self acceptance i am compelled to do this. When i look down or feel into my stomach there is anxiety and pain and trauma. I have never had children but my weight fluctuations have stretched my middle beyond self-repair. Will it actually help heal the deep wounds that i hold inside myself? No. Will violence and abuse (the nature of surgery) be what it takes to appease my sense of self, or feel less focused on my imperfections and less anxious with everyday life? No. Am i taking another short-cut? Maybe. You see there are so many questions unanswered and yet I am willing to proceed...and SUPER excited about it!! I have to quit smoking which is a benefit. More later...thanks for reading!

5'6: 160 lbs.
full tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of the hips, flanks and back.

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Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired)

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (4)

September 29, 2012
Hi iam 53 yrs young i going in for a tummy tuck oct31st halloween,,,, i read your story and i think having this surgery will be good for you. i quit smoking in 1999 and it was for the better.. i've had a son almost 32 yrs ago and i was very tiny when i got pregnant with him.. since then over the years my body has changed and i want this TT AND LIPO. it's so important to me and should be for you.. you will love your body even more , so if i were you i would have this done.. it's amazing how the before and after pics look.. i'am hoping for the best. and i wish you joy happiness, lot's of prayer's.... i have don it all when it comes to bad things like the drugs and the drinking.. not no more.. God bless you...
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September 29, 2012
Thank you for your comment. It is very scary to talk openly about this in such a public arena and it really helps to have some support! I'm sure that you will be happy with your results too! Omg Halloween! Blessing to you Brenna :)
September 29, 2012
Thanks for your caring concern. I wish you all the luck and great healing afterwards.. I'am really looking forward to my Surgery.. Best wishes... Keep in touch...
September 29, 2012
Thanks for your caring concern. I wish you all the luck and great healing afterwards.. I'am really looking forward to my Surgery.. Best wishes... Keep in touch...
UPDATED FROM zen image
3 months pre

One thing that I am concerned about is how my...

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One thing that I am concerned about is how my bulimia will affect the surgery. I am very close to total recovery but purge occasionally (maybe once a week). I guess that I should have told this to the surgeon before i scheduled the surgery, but now I KNOW i must provide full disclosure in order to fully care for myself. i am scared!! Anyone go this this too??

I wanted to add some more details with less drama: I practice yoga 4-5 times a week and take a spin class maybe twice a week. I am a massage therapist and also in school for my Masters in Medicine. Taking 3 weeks off from school and who knows how long i will have to take off from work?! I have a vacation planned Jan 2 so God willing, I can join in the fun and enjoy my family--toddler niece and nephew! Has anyone worn a bathing suit and gone swimming 3 weeks PO??

I'm going through the self-proclaime phase of "what should i do about my boobs?" Oh well. It's so hard to stay focused sometimes ;-)

Replies (7)

September 29, 2012
Good luck on quitting smoking....You can do it! I quit over three years ago and what I kept in mind was that I was not going to let that little stick tell me what to do....because that is what it did....controlled me. I wish you luck on your surgery and will pray that this does not have any affect on your bulimia. Best wishes to you!
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September 29, 2012
Thank you so much! It will be such a relief to let it go.
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September 29, 2012
What an honest account of your life and congratulations on beating a hell of a lot. I had surgery on the 10th of September I had to give up smoking 6 weeks prior I'm disgusted to say I started again last week . Im also a massage therapist and have been advised to take 6 weeks off work as you know massage is strenuous on your body . Anyway good luck with your surgery . It's a massive confidence boost .
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September 29, 2012
you gave it up once and i bet you could do it again. I can imagine that the pre and post surgery anxiety makes is so very hard to not smoke. It's asking a lot, but from the research it is so undeniably crucial for the healing process. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the comment!
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September 29, 2012
really hope you can find your inner peace. you seem like a lovely person and i wish you everything that is good [RS bleep]
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September 30, 2012
thanks, i'm all about inner peace
September 29, 2012
Same here to u thanks so much. I do treasure Life so much..xxxx to you dear lady...
UPDATED FROM zen image
3 months pre

Well, I've decided to quit the cigarettes and the...

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Well, I've decided to quit the cigarettes and the purging cold-turkey. That is quite a lot to ask of myself seeing as i have been in battle with both for so long, HOW MANY times have i said that only to be disappointed!? However, the idea of going under the knife has me frightened and i want to be in tip top physical and mental health when i finally do this. This is NOT something that will be easy but I have tons of support and love from my family and I am ready to retire these habits because they simply don't cherish/represent/honor my Real Self becoming. Love and Light to all of you who are fighting a hard battle. Cheers! :)

Replies (6)

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October 1, 2012
Well, I've decided to quit the cigarettes and the purging cold-turkey. That is quite a lot to ask of myself seeing as i have been in battle with both for so long, HOW MANY times have i said that only to be disappointed!? However, the idea of going under the knife has me frightened and i want to be in tip top physical and mental health when i finally do this. This is NOT something that will be easy but I have tons of support and love from my family and I am ready to retire these habits because they simply don't cherish/represent/honor my Real Self becoming. Love and Light to all of you who are fighting a hard battle. Cheers! :)
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October 1, 2012
that was supposed to go in the review box. ooops. i thinks it's weird that we cant delete or edit posts...
October 1, 2012
This is great really try hard and not smoke any more.. It's son bad for your mind & body.. Your better off with a new start, & a new body. You will feel so much better . And those smoke sticks are very bad.. Think about how much longer you will live giving up those bad things... Your family will really love you even more for doing this... You Go Girl...
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October 1, 2012
Thanks Brenna! I know my Mom is gonna be soooo happy :) It's also ironic to be a doctor who smokes! xoxo
October 1, 2012
Great thinking. I wish you so much luck, & healthy Happiness...that's so neat you are a Doctor.. What kind? May I ask.. We used to live in Nee Mexico.. It's a very pretty state.. I have a friend in Albq.., do have a nice day.. When is your surgery again??? Take care...
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October 1, 2012
Ok i jumped the gun a little--i'm in school to be a Doctor. I'm not gonna say too much because it is such a public space. My surgery is Dec 13. 10 weeks!