POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Full Tummy Tuck with M.R. From U.K. going to Belgium.
UPDATED FROM WJ. Puffa
4 months post
Been a bit lazy..but!
WORTH IT$5,900
Been indulging in the odd glass of wine and dessert..but as I walk around 12 miles each day (at least 6 miles at power walk pace up & down) I seem to have gotten away with the indulgences. I still eat healthy 90% of the time..and I eat cos' I like my food!
I am now 108lbs after scoffing (gained 3lbs since 2 month stage) but I have gained muscle tone aswell. I can now lift heavier weights..and do not look like I have put on weight round the waist since this op..I reckon some good definition will be possible in a few months..when the soreness (from ab work)/numbness improves.
I now jog 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes max (not a lover of jogging!) I run up & down my staircase 10 times if I have a glass of wine!
I do HIIT, only been doing 15 - 20 minutes 2 - 3 times per week. Weights..spent 10 minutes 2 -3 times per week.
Seems to keep my body stable. I do like efficient workouts.lol.
Going cycling in the forest for the first time since op..not afraid of a few jolts now. Getting a kayak next month..so that will be good exercise, without feeling like exercise (I will kayak to a cove, swim with the fish and devour a picnic!!) Coastal walks burn any last bit if fat from my butt..plenty of inclines. I managed to "hurdle" up the steep cliff steps last weekend..hooray!
Still amazed to think I could barely move at the end of December/beginning of January. I even used a wheelchair to do my shopping, my swelling and fatigue was so bad.
It is worth keeping a blog and looking back. That swelling phase! Talk about paranoia! I no longer spend hours worrying, looking up "is this normal?" posts on the web : - P
Like I have previously said, I do not have a washboard tummy. I still have a few stretch marks. My belly has a little loose skin when bent 100% over...but it could not be pulled tighter..else I would be bent. I did not notice the stretch marks 1 month post op because my belly was that swollen, it stretched those marks out! They are nowhere near as bad as they were. They will fade well.
I am a size 6 (U.K.) & I can wear slender dresses and bikinis...WOW! Bodycon dresses (notoriously difficult to wear unless you eat nothing or were blessed with amazing genes) are nearly ok to wear..when the scar tissue line flattens completely..but I am not keen on them anyway!
I just wish my boobs had not reduced so fast! Lol. Got enough boobage just..but miss what I had! If only I could train fat to go there first!!!
Would I do it again, if I knew what was involved for me?
Yes...because my figure is better. My posture is better. I look after my back better now.
It has given me a sense of freedom..not worrying about what I wear so much. I don't buy the baggiest cover-up clothes like I used to.
I am encouraged to stay fit and healthy.
I feel good in my dresses. I an wear a wet suit without sucking in my belly. I do not look pregnant.
I look forward to Summer.
Best wishes to all.
I am now 108lbs after scoffing (gained 3lbs since 2 month stage) but I have gained muscle tone aswell. I can now lift heavier weights..and do not look like I have put on weight round the waist since this op..I reckon some good definition will be possible in a few months..when the soreness (from ab work)/numbness improves.
I now jog 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes max (not a lover of jogging!) I run up & down my staircase 10 times if I have a glass of wine!
I do HIIT, only been doing 15 - 20 minutes 2 - 3 times per week. Weights..spent 10 minutes 2 -3 times per week.
Seems to keep my body stable. I do like efficient workouts.lol.
Going cycling in the forest for the first time since op..not afraid of a few jolts now. Getting a kayak next month..so that will be good exercise, without feeling like exercise (I will kayak to a cove, swim with the fish and devour a picnic!!) Coastal walks burn any last bit if fat from my butt..plenty of inclines. I managed to "hurdle" up the steep cliff steps last weekend..hooray!
Still amazed to think I could barely move at the end of December/beginning of January. I even used a wheelchair to do my shopping, my swelling and fatigue was so bad.
It is worth keeping a blog and looking back. That swelling phase! Talk about paranoia! I no longer spend hours worrying, looking up "is this normal?" posts on the web : - P
Like I have previously said, I do not have a washboard tummy. I still have a few stretch marks. My belly has a little loose skin when bent 100% over...but it could not be pulled tighter..else I would be bent. I did not notice the stretch marks 1 month post op because my belly was that swollen, it stretched those marks out! They are nowhere near as bad as they were. They will fade well.
I am a size 6 (U.K.) & I can wear slender dresses and bikinis...WOW! Bodycon dresses (notoriously difficult to wear unless you eat nothing or were blessed with amazing genes) are nearly ok to wear..when the scar tissue line flattens completely..but I am not keen on them anyway!
I just wish my boobs had not reduced so fast! Lol. Got enough boobage just..but miss what I had! If only I could train fat to go there first!!!
Would I do it again, if I knew what was involved for me?
Yes...because my figure is better. My posture is better. I look after my back better now.
It has given me a sense of freedom..not worrying about what I wear so much. I don't buy the baggiest cover-up clothes like I used to.
I am encouraged to stay fit and healthy.
I feel good in my dresses. I an wear a wet suit without sucking in my belly. I do not look pregnant.
I look forward to Summer.
Best wishes to all.
WJ. Puffa's provider
UPDATED FROM WJ. Puffa
3 months post
3 months post update
Well, life is pretty much back to normal.
I have just returned from that magical trip to the Maldives I was a bit nervous about after the slight set back I had.
My belly and ankles swelled up on the flight, despite moving about! It was 10+ hours flight...but my belly always swells up on a long journey..even by car/coach.
I managed to wear my skirtini. They were most flattering. They hid my vertical scar quite well..and hid my hip to hip and the slight swelling around my pubic area (smaller swelling than ever..so it does bog off eventually!) I am NOT super flat yet. I need to work those abs a bit when they are settled more..I do not overdo their work out as it would hurt.
I managed to do my scuba diving!! I was so chuffed about that..as I was only 11 weeks post op.
Hooray. The dive belt sat on my hip scars a little, but, did not cause me trouble. I feel their slight tenderness, but, nothing painful. I was careful at all times.The tank weight was also fine for me to carry. I have been increasing my strength each week, but, was still pleased I managed so well.
I did a lot of swimming/snorkelling. It felt good..although a little strange with the newly positioned lower abs. I could feel them being worked as I swam.
I also managed to kayak. My fitness is at a reasonable level again. I think walking 12 miles a day 5x a week has helped!
I can lift reasonable weight at work..but no more than 10kg at once. I am wary of my previous back trouble. I nearly ruined it with a shopping trip prior to my holiday..but..thankfully now my muscles are re positioned my posture has improved and I did not suffer too long.
It was hot in the Maldives, but, I put enough sunscreen on my bb and had no trouble with it being exposed for the first time in 27 years! I would have been overdressed in a swimsuit..all the other women were strutting about in bikinis..but I wore mine !!!! At 43 years I fitted in. Lol. I also wore my beautiful wedding renewal dress to a lovely anniversary dinner on the beach..and looked quite reasonable..despite being a complete piggy all week!
My tummy below bb to main scar is still very weird to touch. Numb..but can feel the odd pinch...although one day I was pulling on my skin instead of my trousers! I do not like anything on this area...weird sensation...and tender if leant on.
I can do small crunchies/ side & front planks/star jumps no problem. I manage 5 push ups per set. I still find leg raises/toe taps tough. I can power walk 10 miles.
I run up and down my stairs 10 times twice a day. I also lift 10kg dumbbells far better now.
I bloat a bit with ovulation and pmt..but not suffered too badly this month. It was horrendous last month! Not too chuffed with a 4 month pregnant bloat! Now it is a modest 2 month bloat, so I can still fit my U.K. size 6 clothes : - P
Scar healing well..salty sea seems to have helped. It is pink, a bit wider atm, but, smoothing out. I am so chuffed that it has dropped (about 2cm) to a point where I can wear skimpier knickers...it seemed a bit high at first.
The good and the bad:
Not so good: Had to donate a lot of good clothes to my daughter..as they were too big.
Cost me a pretty penny buying new clothes to fit. Had trouble finding small size in certain shops (tunic for beach..smallest size still drowned me)
Good: to have nice new jeans/dresses and tops!!
Sales usually have size 6 left!!
Hope everyone else is recovering well.
I have just returned from that magical trip to the Maldives I was a bit nervous about after the slight set back I had.
My belly and ankles swelled up on the flight, despite moving about! It was 10+ hours flight...but my belly always swells up on a long journey..even by car/coach.
I managed to wear my skirtini. They were most flattering. They hid my vertical scar quite well..and hid my hip to hip and the slight swelling around my pubic area (smaller swelling than ever..so it does bog off eventually!) I am NOT super flat yet. I need to work those abs a bit when they are settled more..I do not overdo their work out as it would hurt.
I managed to do my scuba diving!! I was so chuffed about that..as I was only 11 weeks post op.
Hooray. The dive belt sat on my hip scars a little, but, did not cause me trouble. I feel their slight tenderness, but, nothing painful. I was careful at all times.The tank weight was also fine for me to carry. I have been increasing my strength each week, but, was still pleased I managed so well.
I did a lot of swimming/snorkelling. It felt good..although a little strange with the newly positioned lower abs. I could feel them being worked as I swam.
I also managed to kayak. My fitness is at a reasonable level again. I think walking 12 miles a day 5x a week has helped!
I can lift reasonable weight at work..but no more than 10kg at once. I am wary of my previous back trouble. I nearly ruined it with a shopping trip prior to my holiday..but..thankfully now my muscles are re positioned my posture has improved and I did not suffer too long.
It was hot in the Maldives, but, I put enough sunscreen on my bb and had no trouble with it being exposed for the first time in 27 years! I would have been overdressed in a swimsuit..all the other women were strutting about in bikinis..but I wore mine !!!! At 43 years I fitted in. Lol. I also wore my beautiful wedding renewal dress to a lovely anniversary dinner on the beach..and looked quite reasonable..despite being a complete piggy all week!
My tummy below bb to main scar is still very weird to touch. Numb..but can feel the odd pinch...although one day I was pulling on my skin instead of my trousers! I do not like anything on this area...weird sensation...and tender if leant on.
I can do small crunchies/ side & front planks/star jumps no problem. I manage 5 push ups per set. I still find leg raises/toe taps tough. I can power walk 10 miles.
I run up and down my stairs 10 times twice a day. I also lift 10kg dumbbells far better now.
I bloat a bit with ovulation and pmt..but not suffered too badly this month. It was horrendous last month! Not too chuffed with a 4 month pregnant bloat! Now it is a modest 2 month bloat, so I can still fit my U.K. size 6 clothes : - P
Scar healing well..salty sea seems to have helped. It is pink, a bit wider atm, but, smoothing out. I am so chuffed that it has dropped (about 2cm) to a point where I can wear skimpier knickers...it seemed a bit high at first.
The good and the bad:
Not so good: Had to donate a lot of good clothes to my daughter..as they were too big.
Cost me a pretty penny buying new clothes to fit. Had trouble finding small size in certain shops (tunic for beach..smallest size still drowned me)
Good: to have nice new jeans/dresses and tops!!
Sales usually have size 6 left!!
Hope everyone else is recovering well.
Replies (2)
HA
March 24, 2015
What a fantastic update! I'm glad that things are going so well for you.
WP
March 26, 2015
Thanks, it is great to have reached this stage. Weeks fly by now. A lot different from the first few pensive scary weeks! I hope it gives hope to other tters...you do get back to normality. You must give yourself time. Realistic expectations are so important. I am happy with how I am now. I am not wash board style lol...but there is a possibility of further improvement to my physique now that my abs are back in position...never a chance pre op. My back aches are gone so far.
:-D
F
March 25, 2015
I'm over here smiling reading your post : )
Happiness & Best Wishes to you! Awesome!
WP
March 26, 2015
Hello! Thank you.
Yes, finally got through the hard part ! The first month seemed like an eternity. Gradual , tiny, improvements...week by week.
Swelling was no fun..but the major part seems to have gone for good.
Just a small swell around middle part of horizontal incision.
Still amazed how the scar has dropped to be hidden well.
The vertical scar is healing quicker and is not red at all..looks like a scratch..turned skin tone colour already. Few silvery streaks of my old stretch marks around that bit..but again..not glaringly obvious and hidden by skirtini. I find these much more forgiving/flattering than the swim shorts, they hide the vertical well and the last bulgy bit of incision swelling down in the nether regions!
Now I can run! I can do everything I used to do. I am more careful how I go about matters. My belly still has that weird numb but tender/sensitive feeling. I try to maintain good posture and pick heavy items up by squatting.
The fitness definitely helped me through this. Walking has made a huge difference in the past few weeks. Easy to do (well, after 4 weeks!) & free. Built up my stamina again...and kept weight stable.
Managed to maintain stable weight whilst procrastinating the first four weeks without doing much...but ate healthily (apart from choc pud and cheesecake, wine & cocktails in week 5 & 8 & 9!!
How are you doing? You still up for op in Summer? Hope you got everything sorted with work etc.
I wish everything to turn out as planned for you.
x
F
March 30, 2015
Hi there! I'm doing very well girl working out like CRAZY!! Goodness but it's worth it because I'm seeing a major change in my body FINALLY I guess for some people it takes longer but the inches are melting off. Hopefully I'll still get the surgery done in June it's 50/50 chance so I'm staying positive, if not I'm going to continue to work hard and look the best that I can look on my own : ) However if I can't get the surgery in June I know for sure I can get it done in March of "2016" because the funds will be available. In the meantime I just look at as the opportunity to get slimmer and slimmer which will result in even better results. As far as you..YOU GO GIRL...WOW....I'm so happy for you! All your hard work has payed off and that's the best feeling in the world! I do agree that your early preparation for this surgery has provided you with a speedy recovery! Also girl don't feel guilty about those cocktails and cheesecake because you put in the work to enjoy that. Stay being the strong woman you are!!! ****Best Wishes Always***
"Turinky" : )
UPDATED FROM WJ. Puffa
3 months post
Bikini/Skirtini !!
For the first time in 28 years, I am taking bikinis on a trip!
I am starting to workout well now; gentle crunches, jump squats, leg raises,side planks, push ups and 5kg dumbbells, in addition to power walking, the odd jog. I am back at the gym this weekend.
I will be kayaking, sailing, swimming and , hopefully, scuba diving on my trip, in addition to a bit of work!
I am feeling a whole lot better all round; physically & mentally. Much stronger..and getting stronger each week.
I still have a way to go. It will take a good 6 months to tone these abs, especially the lower abs. I have to remember my posture. I can suck my belly in a bit, but, it does not look horrendous if I do not.
The tightness will improve with ab workouts. I cannot do too much just yet as it would hurt.
My wrinkly skin has gone!
I still have a bit of swelling in the middle of my hip to hip incision, but, not too bad now. The bloating is under better control.
The following photos were taken in the evening, after a bit if a food scoffing afternoon! So...whoopee..in the morning of course it would be better.
Hormones are the worst enemy..they cause bloating..twice a month!
I can laugh easier now...still not at full strength. I can sneeze...but would rather stifle it. I can cough a bit more too.
I am still tingly round my bb area. I do not like to be bumped anywhere there. I get the occasional twinge from my incision, but, no need to take any meds.
I am working at near full speed (cannot yet lift 25kg...nor do I want to!)
I am wary of posture when lifting anything. I never want a painful back ever again...so far so good.
I have not wept like a silly billy for 2 whole weeks!!!
I think I am finally in a good place most of the time.
Oh..I do wear my binder to work..but not for the usual reason...it is to protect my belly from getting bumped into!
I do not need it for workouts or any other reason, I no longer swell up like a balloon...NICE!!
I sleep on my back all the time!!! I like it!
I still have 2 pillows! I can lie on my side or front...I choose not to.
My weight has increased from 103lbs to 107 since working out..my muscles have gained strength.
It has been a fairly tough recovery at times for me, but, I wanted to be honest about the ups & downs.
Not everyone will go through it the same way. Most will worry themselves silly at times..."What is happening? Is this normal? OMG! What is that?!
I was scared of everything..falling over, choking, moving...lol Fragility..my word..not used to being so helpless.
I have never had an op before..this is major surgery!
The first 2 weeks seemed like years.
I am an active person..having to stay put gave me cabin fever. I had to get outside..even if it meant using a wheelchair. Unlike others, I was not mobile at the beginning..despite trying.
If you could see me now!! 15 miles today!
Photos will show my vertical scar a little bit at the top of bikini bottom..but it has healed nicely so far. Hip to hip is reddish and thicker (3mm tops) at present..but has sunk into bikini line! I still have stretchmarks..did not see them in the first few weeks..but there are some still there. They are a light pink atm until they settle again. They did go to a white colour before and are not that noticeable unless under very bright light (interrogation lamp!) THEY ARE NOT WRINKLY THOUGH!! Yipee. I am pleased to wear slimmer dresses and BIKINIS!
I am now a size 6. I am having to sort through my wardrobe!
I hope despite my story, you find some encouragement. I hope all goes smoothly for you all.
Always ask on here and get support.
Thanks xx
Get help and plenty of rest.
I am starting to workout well now; gentle crunches, jump squats, leg raises,side planks, push ups and 5kg dumbbells, in addition to power walking, the odd jog. I am back at the gym this weekend.
I will be kayaking, sailing, swimming and , hopefully, scuba diving on my trip, in addition to a bit of work!
I am feeling a whole lot better all round; physically & mentally. Much stronger..and getting stronger each week.
I still have a way to go. It will take a good 6 months to tone these abs, especially the lower abs. I have to remember my posture. I can suck my belly in a bit, but, it does not look horrendous if I do not.
The tightness will improve with ab workouts. I cannot do too much just yet as it would hurt.
My wrinkly skin has gone!
I still have a bit of swelling in the middle of my hip to hip incision, but, not too bad now. The bloating is under better control.
The following photos were taken in the evening, after a bit if a food scoffing afternoon! So...whoopee..in the morning of course it would be better.
Hormones are the worst enemy..they cause bloating..twice a month!
I can laugh easier now...still not at full strength. I can sneeze...but would rather stifle it. I can cough a bit more too.
I am still tingly round my bb area. I do not like to be bumped anywhere there. I get the occasional twinge from my incision, but, no need to take any meds.
I am working at near full speed (cannot yet lift 25kg...nor do I want to!)
I am wary of posture when lifting anything. I never want a painful back ever again...so far so good.
I have not wept like a silly billy for 2 whole weeks!!!
I think I am finally in a good place most of the time.
Oh..I do wear my binder to work..but not for the usual reason...it is to protect my belly from getting bumped into!
I do not need it for workouts or any other reason, I no longer swell up like a balloon...NICE!!
I sleep on my back all the time!!! I like it!
I still have 2 pillows! I can lie on my side or front...I choose not to.
My weight has increased from 103lbs to 107 since working out..my muscles have gained strength.
It has been a fairly tough recovery at times for me, but, I wanted to be honest about the ups & downs.
Not everyone will go through it the same way. Most will worry themselves silly at times..."What is happening? Is this normal? OMG! What is that?!
I was scared of everything..falling over, choking, moving...lol Fragility..my word..not used to being so helpless.
I have never had an op before..this is major surgery!
The first 2 weeks seemed like years.
I am an active person..having to stay put gave me cabin fever. I had to get outside..even if it meant using a wheelchair. Unlike others, I was not mobile at the beginning..despite trying.
If you could see me now!! 15 miles today!
Photos will show my vertical scar a little bit at the top of bikini bottom..but it has healed nicely so far. Hip to hip is reddish and thicker (3mm tops) at present..but has sunk into bikini line! I still have stretchmarks..did not see them in the first few weeks..but there are some still there. They are a light pink atm until they settle again. They did go to a white colour before and are not that noticeable unless under very bright light (interrogation lamp!) THEY ARE NOT WRINKLY THOUGH!! Yipee. I am pleased to wear slimmer dresses and BIKINIS!
I am now a size 6. I am having to sort through my wardrobe!
I hope despite my story, you find some encouragement. I hope all goes smoothly for you all.
Always ask on here and get support.
Thanks xx
Get help and plenty of rest.
Replies (4)
V
March 5, 2015
You look great. I love your bikini selection! Rock on!
WP
March 6, 2015
Thank you. I really like the skirtinis. .they are forgiving too. I got them from good old BHS online and they had a sale on! Next year, I might get bikini bottoms..it is a bit early at 11 weeks for me...with a vertical scar to hide...although it is not as obvious as the hip to hip..more akin to an accidental cut from a cardboard box. Not red like the hip to hip...thankfully.
How are you?
A
March 6, 2015
Look at that itty, bitty waist! You look FANTASTIC!!!!
WP
March 6, 2015
Thanks. Yeah..finally getting the size under control. The bloating/swelling is far better now.
I wish it was firmer as it was in earlier weeks..like you said..lol. The twinges are also there...nobody must bump into my belly..else they get slapped!!
If I carry on planking,walking, doing push ups and those elevators...maybe it will be even better :-D
Your tummy is lovely..and I did not see any stretchmarks either.
Your blog has been great to read.
Y
March 9, 2015
you look fantastic! our milestones are so similar, cept you are probably a bit more active than me:) I'm still numb around the center line and don't like to be touched (accidentally punched myself in the gut the other day WHOA:)lol) I ran 3 miles last week and it felt great!
my scars are fairly red also (dr said was normal) what are you using if anything to put on it? I had some maderma, but I'm so bad at remembering to use it!
Love the bikini! Just ordered a tankini, will have to post a selfie once it comes in!
WP
April 9, 2015
Again..never saw your post earlier..sorry.
I was using Bio oil. I now use cocoa butter..but not everyday...cos' I am lazy! I hate being touched/bashed near bb and numb area still. I still dislike sneezing..and coughing..but it does not kill me anymore.
How is the tankini? I did consider a tankini as I was worried the skirtini would not cover all the vertical scar..but just came up ok...I had to pull it up on holiday, just to ensure the swimming sessions had not revealed the scar..but was ok. I also found slapping on factor 30 sunscreen was fine on my new bb and scar.
F
March 12, 2015
Hi Lady!!! You look Beautiful. I'm so happy for you! That you healed up well and got the results you were looking for! Your Awesome!!! : ) : )
WP
April 9, 2015
Healing well now..still have a few stretch marks (I did not have enough hanging skin to remove them all) My vertical scar is hidden in the skirtini. My bulgy bit is smaller each month. I have the swelling where the scar tissue is on hip to hip line..the sides are flat..it is the mid lower ab area that gets more wear n tear that takes a bit longer. Hip scar is wider (2/3mm) and pink in middle..narrower at hips. Vertical is near faded now..but a bit puffy from scar tissue..but good enough. I attribute my seafood / lean protein diet to helping me heal well. And I drink espressos everyday!!
Replies (2)