POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
On the road to recovery!
ORIGINAL POST
I am 95% sure I want to have a TT. I am 5' 4",...
WORTH IT$10,000
I am 95% sure I want to have a TT. I am 5' 4", 125 lbs relatively active 47 yr old woman. I have been married to the same wonderful man for the last 24 yrs. We have 1 son who was born almost 3 wks early via CS and was 9 lbs 8 oz at birth. During my pregnancy I gained a lot of weight that until 5 years ago I was not able to lose.
Over the past 5 years I have lost a total of 100 lbs, I have kept 80 lbs off for 4 years and the last 20 lbs for a year. Between the my pregnancy and my weight loss I have a lot of loose skin and that infamous skin flap that seems to come with having a CS. Loosing the weight has changed my life, I am happier, more confident, I enjoy life more and I have been able to go back to my old job.
During the month of April I "interviewed" two PS's both came highly recommended by friends. I am at the point where I have decided which surgeon I would like to do the surgery but I haven't yet committed to doing the surgery.
To say I am nervous/scared would be an understatement. Honestly, I look good in my clothes even the PS's were surprised by the amount of loose skin under the clothes. One commented at how well I hide it. It is not about what I look like in my clothes it is more about what I look like in a bikini.
I am worried about how long the recovery time is. I am a Flight Attendant, it would be interesting to hear from other FA's. Things that would interest me are: how long they were off work for, how the swelling was when they were at work and that sort of thing. One of the PS I went to see said I would be back at work in 4 wks. I think that might be a little ambitious considering the type of physical work I do not to mention the fact that she I am at work my body is in a pressurized enviorment. I also have a high pain tolerance but I am worried about the pain level after surgery. I have had drains before and I have to say they probably worry me more than anything.
Over the past 5 years I have lost a total of 100 lbs, I have kept 80 lbs off for 4 years and the last 20 lbs for a year. Between the my pregnancy and my weight loss I have a lot of loose skin and that infamous skin flap that seems to come with having a CS. Loosing the weight has changed my life, I am happier, more confident, I enjoy life more and I have been able to go back to my old job.
During the month of April I "interviewed" two PS's both came highly recommended by friends. I am at the point where I have decided which surgeon I would like to do the surgery but I haven't yet committed to doing the surgery.
To say I am nervous/scared would be an understatement. Honestly, I look good in my clothes even the PS's were surprised by the amount of loose skin under the clothes. One commented at how well I hide it. It is not about what I look like in my clothes it is more about what I look like in a bikini.
I am worried about how long the recovery time is. I am a Flight Attendant, it would be interesting to hear from other FA's. Things that would interest me are: how long they were off work for, how the swelling was when they were at work and that sort of thing. One of the PS I went to see said I would be back at work in 4 wks. I think that might be a little ambitious considering the type of physical work I do not to mention the fact that she I am at work my body is in a pressurized enviorment. I also have a high pain tolerance but I am worried about the pain level after surgery. I have had drains before and I have to say they probably worry me more than anything.
YYCFlygirl's provider
Replies (3)
UPDATED FROM YYCFlygirl
5 months pre
Surgery booked
Booked my surgery for Oct 2nd. Feeling excited and very nervous! 18 wks till I'm on the flat side. :-)
Replies (17)
May 24, 2013
Glad to see another canadian on the board...I am one province over in Saskatoon....
Carolyn
May 24, 2013
Well I'm technically a CAMERICAN. I was born in Montreal but grew up in the states. So does that count? lol
June 2, 2013
I'm a proud Calgarian!! Woo hoo!! I went to Dr Hall Findlay myself and think anyone from here is crazy to not go to her...amazing!!!! Congrats to all my fellow Canadian (and non) and happy healing ;)
May 24, 2013
Excellent!!! Your weight loss journey is inspiring! I am 1 month PO and although I work for an airline I'm not a FA. I would probably say 6 weeks would be more like it. I'm not sure if you have to lift bags, etc. I know at this point, I wouldn't want to be doing that but I also had lipo and BA. I"m lucky enough to get up and out of bed without too much problems at this point. :) Would love to see some pre-op pictures if you get the time. People would tell me also how I didn't need a TT, etc and then I would show them my 'ledge'. The quickly changed their minds. Excited to following your journey.
June 3, 2013
Looks like people say the same to you as they do to me. Only difference is you have a "ledge" and I have a "flap". Once they see the mess my stomach is in then they understand why I'm having the surgery. My Dr has said I will need at least 6-8 wks before I can go back to work. I will get some pre-op pics taken. Thanks :-)
June 2, 2013
You look amazing, your hard work has certainly paid off! You are in amazing hands with Dr Hall Findlay...I went to her last month for a BA ad my results are amazing. Hardly any pain, no bruising (a good surgeon won't bruise, or so I hear) and great care from her and all her staff. Congrats again, I look forward to seeing your amazing results!
June 2, 2013
Lol...apparently I really like the word "amazing" today, what else can I say?!
June 4, 2013
I'm booked with the same DOC for Oct 16....!! my friend went with her and is very happy...
June 4, 2013
Well then it looks like we will be sharing recovery stories on the flat side :-)
June 4, 2013
are you planning on staying at the hospital? That, and the no drains were big selling features for me...did you consult with any other docs?
June 4, 2013
Yes, I stay at the hospital for 3-4 days. I think that is a good thing for me, I tend to be a busy body so it is better for me to be out of commission in a hospital than at home.
No drains was a huge selling feature for me too. I had 3 consults. I really liked 2 of the docs. The biggest deciding factors were, no drains vs drains, hospital stay vs day surgery. I'm having a tt with lipo, muscle repair and a minor lift due to an "old" breast reduction that needs a touch up.
June 4, 2013
Thanks for your reply...I've been debating going for other consults but I really think I'm sold on the hosplital stay and no drains...I have 3 little kids at home so staying away 3-4 days will mean i CANT get up and make lunches...:) Good luck and keep in touch..nice to know someone going to the same place...
June 4, 2013
WOW! Congratulations on your weight loss-you look great! You are going to have amazing results! I really cannot say enough great things about Dr. Hall-Findlay and her staff as well as the Mineral Springs Hospital and the nurses there! I do not like hospitals but I am glad I stayed the full 4 nights!
:)
UPDATED FROM YYCFlygirl
4 months pre
Tummy pictures
Never ever thought I would post pictures of my tummy online. Feeling a little embarrassed by them. You would never guess I have all this skin when i'm in clothes. Roll on October!
Replies (13)
June 5, 2013
Hi there! I am not a flight attendant, but do travel for work, and that was really hard on me until I was about eight weeks post op. Even out to four months, spending long hours driving or flying made me swell a lot. I am not sure how your schedule works, but you will want to have adequate time between trips to "recover" even after you are two or three months out, if you are like me. The pressurized cabins really seemed to make me swell, but it would go away in twenty four hours.
June 11, 2013
Thanks for letting me know about your experience flying. I should be off/away from pressurized cabins for 6-8wks. I usually don't have 24 hrs on a layover to recover. I hope the swelling isn't to bad by then or I will need to take a couple of different size uniforms with me.
June 6, 2013
I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. :) You look great.
June 15, 2013
You are going to have GREAT results. Wow, trust me. I am so happy for you, and excited to see the outcome. Let me know if you have any questions! I'd be happy to help in any way that I can :)
June 16, 2013
Thanks I really appreciate the support and I am pretty sure I will have questions for you.
June 15, 2013
Your plank photo has mine beat! haha
June 16, 2013
I am so excited for you...can't wait to see how you progress...you are going to look great. I can tell you've got great abs under there and you actually have great skin too...it will turn out so well!
July 5, 2013
I'm glad you can tell :-) I am not sure I can. I have never been one to go to the gym but I was an avid horse rider, haven't ridden for a year. Now I am thinking I might need a personal trainer but i'm not sure if I need one before surgery.
June 17, 2013
Omg you are going to LOVE your results!!! I started researching This procedure in January. Time will fly!! I can't believe I'm almost 2 weeks post op. this surgery is life changing!! I look forward to following you! Good luck! : )
July 5, 2013
I hope you are right, I am still nervous about the surgery. I am at a bit of a funny place. I wish it was sooner rather than later but it seems like the time is flying by.
July 17, 2013
I agree--I think you will have FANTASTIC results. Can't wait to see the new you!
Welcome to the community. Â Great job on the weight loss. Â I say go for this and finish up the journey. Â You will love the results and feel like a completely new woman.
The pain is all temporary and different from person to person. Â Do not let the thought of pain scare you away from doing this. Â Make sure to have at least 3 full weeks off after surgery. Â
Â
Thank you for posting your pictures. Â Wow you have done an amazing job with the weight loss! Â You look like a completely different woman. Â
I would say the more time you can allow for recovery, the better. Â