No More Mommy Tummy :-) - Atlanta, GA

9 days post op. Still adjusting to not being able to get around quickly and being tired easily. I am going to my 1st post op appt today. Hoping to get the drains out, but a little concerned about the pain while taking them out after reading some of the others stories.

Drains removed today at my 1st post op. Woohoo!!!! It felt like a quick burning sensation. I also had my stitches clipped and tape changed. The gauge was removed from my belly buttonfor the first time. I stood in the mirror at the doctor's office without drains, without gauge over my belly button, and without my binder; I had tears in my ears. It was so exciting to see my new flat tummy!

I am 5' 9" and weigh 145 lbs. I look rather tall and slender in clothes, but my tummy was stretched and saggy from my pregnancies (2 children - 19 and 10). I gained about 40 lbs during each pregnancy and both of my babies weighed right at 8 lbs. So, my tummy skin was screaming for room (which is why I also ended up with a ton of stretch marks). I was always sucking my stomach in to try to hide all of the extra loose skin. I tried crunches, sit-ups, skin tightening lotions, etc. nothing worked. I wore panty girdles and became a master at figuring out where to position the top of my skirt or pants so that the skin would not hang over the top too much or bulge too much underneath. When I wore something fitting it was exhausting always checking and repositioning all throughout the day. People would say to me, "Oh you are so skinny." I was thinking, if they only knew what my mommy tummy looks like underneath these clothes (lol). I decided to get a tummy tuck to get rid of the mommy tummy. I could be free to wear my cute little snug fitting sweaters, dresses, and other clothing. I would be able to stop sucking in my stomach all day and go without a girdle which means that I could breathe and eat like regular people when I'm out in public (lol). I am currently 7 days post op. My first few days were a little difficult. I was so nauseous. I actually got so nauseous that threw up when I was 4 days post op. Felt like someone was ripping my abdominal muscles out with a metal rake that had been dipped in alcohol. Thank goodness that has calmed down. I have two drains. I had a pain pump (which was empty and removed at 3 days post op). I still have quite a bit of swelling on my tummy. I go for my post-op appt in 2 days. I am looking forward to it. I am hoping to have the drains removed. Although, I have so much swelling and fluid that I doubt that they will take them out (they are definitely a nuisance). Other than an aching back (from walking hunched over), some muscles spasms, and shortness of breath, I'm good :-) I am actually really excited about my new tummy once everything comes together.