POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews REVIEWS
35 Years Old, 3 Children... New Me, I Cant Wait!! - Blackheath Hospital - London, GB
ORIGINAL POST
I cant wait!! 28 days and this life long tummy...
WORTH IT$5,900
I cant wait!! 28 days and this life long tummy slab of skin will be gone!!! Yea..... Whoop, whoop!!;
I have met my plastic surgeon Matthew James and he has agreed to do a abdominoplasty with lipo to flanks!!
I was a big girl as a child, parents always said "its puppy fat darling. It will go", well you guessed it - it didn't!!
Well a bit about me I'm 35 with 3 children (15,11,8). I am 5'2" and 130lbs. My arms and legs are slim, everything is in proportion except for my tummy.. I have lots of stretch marks which have faded silvery now. My highest weight was 179lbs when pregnant, beach ball comes to mind!! All around my tummy!!
I also had one experience approximately 1 year after my first child was born. My son had a one year checkup by a Health Visitor, who asked when my next child was due?? I was not pregnant, but because all my fat was stored on my tummy, she assumed I was pregnant. You can guess that she didn't stay around for long, when I explained that I wasn't pregnant!!.... AWKWARD!! hahaha...
I enjoy exercising, but I always have this lump of skin bouncing around. I have to literally tuck my stomach pouch into my leggings to feel comfortable. A lot of my friends say you always look nice there is nothing wrong with you, and they cant believe what I hide under my clothes.
I am so excited, nervous about the op and recovery, but I have never had a flat tummy, and I cannot wait.... I trust my surgeon entirely... We need to, don't we!!
The funny thing is normally when I have to post a bill etc or anything really. The letter will sit next to the door for a few days until I pass the postbox. Well the other day I filled in my medical form and pre-assessment for my surgery, and guess what... It got posted straight away!! I had no hesitation whatsoever with posting it.. It went straight into the postbox!! I think that means that I am ready for it!! Hahaha...
I will keep you updated with pics, and news. But we all have to start somewhere, don't we. Why not today?? New me, here I come!!
I cant wait, to feel happy with my body.
xx Helena
I have met my plastic surgeon Matthew James and he has agreed to do a abdominoplasty with lipo to flanks!!
I was a big girl as a child, parents always said "its puppy fat darling. It will go", well you guessed it - it didn't!!
Well a bit about me I'm 35 with 3 children (15,11,8). I am 5'2" and 130lbs. My arms and legs are slim, everything is in proportion except for my tummy.. I have lots of stretch marks which have faded silvery now. My highest weight was 179lbs when pregnant, beach ball comes to mind!! All around my tummy!!
I also had one experience approximately 1 year after my first child was born. My son had a one year checkup by a Health Visitor, who asked when my next child was due?? I was not pregnant, but because all my fat was stored on my tummy, she assumed I was pregnant. You can guess that she didn't stay around for long, when I explained that I wasn't pregnant!!.... AWKWARD!! hahaha...
I enjoy exercising, but I always have this lump of skin bouncing around. I have to literally tuck my stomach pouch into my leggings to feel comfortable. A lot of my friends say you always look nice there is nothing wrong with you, and they cant believe what I hide under my clothes.
I am so excited, nervous about the op and recovery, but I have never had a flat tummy, and I cannot wait.... I trust my surgeon entirely... We need to, don't we!!
The funny thing is normally when I have to post a bill etc or anything really. The letter will sit next to the door for a few days until I pass the postbox. Well the other day I filled in my medical form and pre-assessment for my surgery, and guess what... It got posted straight away!! I had no hesitation whatsoever with posting it.. It went straight into the postbox!! I think that means that I am ready for it!! Hahaha...
I will keep you updated with pics, and news. But we all have to start somewhere, don't we. Why not today?? New me, here I come!!
I cant wait, to feel happy with my body.
xx Helena
xx Helena xx's provider
UPDATED FROM xx Helena xx
20 days pre
Feeling excited...and nervous
Feeling very excited but nervous. Had a lovely long weekend away with family at the seaside. Blew a few cobwebs away.
We came back yesterday to find payment receipt letter on the doorstep. My plastic surgeon Matt James has now received payment for my tummy tuck... No going back now!!! Hubby says he loves me the way that I am, but this is for me... I really want it done, but just scared of operation and recovery!!!
I really wish I could wake up a month after having the operation..
I keep having dreams that I am having the operation... Is that normal? Perhaps it is reality setting in!!
I trust my surgeon and his team. He explained everything in my pre consultation, and he is a top surgeon for a well known London Hospital.. but I must admit that my emotions swing between being super excited to very nervous. What will I be like the days before my operation? ? ? (3 weeks to go! ! )
We came back yesterday to find payment receipt letter on the doorstep. My plastic surgeon Matt James has now received payment for my tummy tuck... No going back now!!! Hubby says he loves me the way that I am, but this is for me... I really want it done, but just scared of operation and recovery!!!
I really wish I could wake up a month after having the operation..
I keep having dreams that I am having the operation... Is that normal? Perhaps it is reality setting in!!
I trust my surgeon and his team. He explained everything in my pre consultation, and he is a top surgeon for a well known London Hospital.. but I must admit that my emotions swing between being super excited to very nervous. What will I be like the days before my operation? ? ? (3 weeks to go! ! )
Replies (3)
April 13, 2015
I'm excited for you!!! The recovery is brutal but the results make it soooooo worth while! Good luck!
April 14, 2015
Thank you for your message.. I really cant wait.. Two weeks to go now!! Nervous anticipation setting in... I just want to be as healthy as I can and normally I am really good with my diet, but I keep being a bit naughty. Had a piece of chocolate cake today at lunchtime.. I think its my nerves!! Lol!! I just hope my recovery is swift and hope and pray that I will be pleased with my results...
April 15, 2015
Hey reading about your journey is like reading my own life . I was not nevous at all for procedure and you know why ? Because of reading all these incredible stories here on RS. And even right now im after a few hours am fine . U do feel a little dizzy but that is part of it. N trust me its all worth.
If you have any questions do ask. Geting answers to your questions will put you to ease n you'll feel better within yourself.
i love RS ladies they r like my family on internet.
another thing why are you paying 3k more than me . I had same thing done as you n my surgeon is dr gary traynor. He is one of the best ones in the world.
April 16, 2015
Oh thank you so much for your reply.. Its lovely to hear from you.. I really hope you are getting on okay?? I met my surgeon Matt James a top London plastic surgeon about 6 weeks ago. He was fantastic, and was so easy to talk to. I felt so at ease and trust him, he is a consultant plastic surgeon for a top london hospital, and the results from photos that I saw were brilliant. I am paying £5,900 for full tummy tuck and lipo which I thought was a good price. Also the private hospital that I am going to is about 10 mins from where I live and is very highly rated for care and hygiene.. It also means that my babies can come and visit me as I am staying in Blackheath Hospital for 3 nights.. I love rs too, it is inspirational and I love to see peoples results. I am seeing Matt James next week for pre-op and I was going to ask him about Arnica and silicone plastic sheets for healing... Do you have any thoughts on these for healing? I am very excited, but also very nervous about recovery.. Would love nothing more than being two months post op thinking phew!! I have done it!! Hahaha!! Take care. xx Helena xx
April 16, 2015
Hi. I have bought a 100ml bottle of arnica purely becauae of its good reviews. I must say i only put it on first time last night n my back is soooo relaxed. So today i massaged my tummy n whole lipo area with it . It worked wonders. I highly recommend it.
I havnt seen my scar yet too scared. Been told to leave it alone until next week when my surgeon wants to see it.
About scar sheets , yes i gave read good reviews but am not sure where i can buy them from. Will ask dr traynor next week when i see him . Im taking it all easy.
I wish you all the very best. You do feel like an old lady but only for a short while. The results are amazing.
If you have any questions, am here to answer them. Xxxx
April 17, 2015
Oh brilliant, I will get some Arnica just incase!! I have ordered some Scar Away Silicone sheets from Amazon (quite expensive £30.00 but no where near as much as the tummy tuck!! Lol!!).. Also bought bio oil too!! Anything that will help!! Hahaha..
I think I will be the same and be quite nervous about looking at my scar!! I have looked at youtube tummy tuck surgery video, quite gruesome but I am fascinated!! I just want to take in as much information as possible!! Lol!! Just cant wait to gave it done!! Thanks again for your message, and wish you well. [RS bleep] Helena [RS bleep]
April 24, 2015
How much is it costing ? I saw a consultant yesterday , I am also depressed because I don't have the money and I want to be happy with my body. I am similar to you but one child. I exercise but can't shift the sag x I'm thinking of you and think you are brave for going for it ! Xx
April 25, 2015
Hi Sexytigs,
Thanks for your message. I know exactly how you feel, some people think oh well its to be expected your a mum - they are so called war wounds of having babies.. But my youngest is nearly 9 years old and my eldest is 15 years old and I am only 35 and I just want to feel happy with my body.. I am still young at heart, and the annoying thing is nearly all of my friends have nice tummy's. Some of them carry a bit of weight there, but they don't have the sagginess which is the stretched skin!! I wouldn't wish this on anyone ofcourse but its just so annoying!! I am slim everywhere apart from my tummy!! Typical round apple shape!! Lol!!
My surgery is costing £5,900 and that's for full tummy tuck, liposuction to abdominal area, flanks, love handles, and back. I am also staying at Blackheath Private Hospital for 3 days. (Go in Tuesday - Friday come home). The price includes surgeon, hospital stay, anaesthetist and aftercare and revision if needed... Which I thought was very good considering surgeon works in Central London, and is a well known professional lecturer and surgeon!! Also a lovely professional man who has an eye for detail, and has great results!!
I applied for interest free credit for 12 months, so will be paying approximately £250 a month, but then will transfer the remaining to a 0% credit card..
Hope that helps, and good luck with whatever you decide.
[RS bleep] Helena [RS bleep]
UPDATED FROM xx Helena xx
11 days pre
Few Questions??
I am seeing plastic surgeon next Wednesday for pre -assessment (6 days before op!!).. I am planning to ask him about his thoughts on Arnica for pre and post op to help with bruising?
Did anyone take Arnica a few days preoperative and post operative?
Would anyone recommend using silicone scar sheets for healing?
When did people feel reasonably normal again? ( Been told 1st week like old lady with a stick, 2 nd week old lady without stick!!) what are weeks 3 and 4 like? I'm planning to rest and not do much for a good month!!
Do you heal quicker when resting? I'm very lucky I have a superb support network, and I can really take it easy if I need to.
Hope your all okay, and looking forward to having a flat tummy for oh the first time in 25 years!!
Xx Helena xx
Did anyone take Arnica a few days preoperative and post operative?
Would anyone recommend using silicone scar sheets for healing?
When did people feel reasonably normal again? ( Been told 1st week like old lady with a stick, 2 nd week old lady without stick!!) what are weeks 3 and 4 like? I'm planning to rest and not do much for a good month!!
Do you heal quicker when resting? I'm very lucky I have a superb support network, and I can really take it easy if I need to.
Hope your all okay, and looking forward to having a flat tummy for oh the first time in 25 years!!
Xx Helena xx
Replies (5)
April 16, 2015
Arnica works great i do recommend. Not sure if start using before hand will make any difference. I am going to ask my surgron about scar sheets next week. [RS bleep]
April 16, 2015
Hi! My surgeon told me to take 2x arnica tablets 3 times a day starting 2 weeks before. I did and my bruising was not too bad overall. I am taping my scar (micropore tape) supplied by my surgeon until 3 months. Results are meant to be great & inexpensive- free for me :D. I think a month is a good time for recovery, or even 6 weeks. I am just over 6 weeks & feel well but no way back to normal! Best way to gauge what first month is like is to read a few RS diaries. People vary a lot, but then some surgeries are more extensive than others...
April 17, 2015
Oh thank you, I will get some Arnica tablets. I'm seeing plastic surgeon on Wednesday and will double check with him. Even if he recommends taking them for a week.. I'm so excited about having it done. I'm more excited today than nervous... I am having a nesting at the moment, just sorted through girls wardrobe's so don't have 'mum what shall I wear today?? Lol!!' No excuse's they can decide!! Also saves me having to keep going upstairs!! Lol!!
I am just hoping that I have a swift recovery... (aren't we all!! Lol!!) so pleased to hear that you are doing okay.. Oh I would love to be 6 weeks post operative!! Take care, and thanks for messaging. xx Helena xx
April 25, 2015
If you could opt for it I would go for the muscle tightening. Almost everyone who has a baby will have separated muscles even if just slightly. And like me you have had 3. Mine were big though 9.02ibs, 8.10ibs and then my daughter at 10ibs. I have muscle repair and think once you are on the table having the TT you may as well incorporate this even if it is slight as it will produce a flatter tummy over all. Also it's just a fascia that the stitch goes through and not the muscle itself. I'm a trainee biomedical scientist and have watched so many videos on this operation... Must be mad lol. But I have to say when compared to a c section, it is less invasive and doesn't go through nearly as many layers. Best of luck poppet with the op again. You will do great and it'll be over and done with before you know it :) just make sure you wiggle those toes relentlessly and maybe ask visitors to come after you have had a sleep, as when you wake up it is all you will want to do. I missed my window of opportunity and as a result now cannot sleep :( maybe tomorrow night I can have some sleeping tablets. Also if you are unsure of anything at all you push that buzzer and don't take no for an answer. We know our bodies better than anyone!!! Positive thoughts and love being sent your way x x x x
April 25, 2015
Oh thank you hun, I really appreciate everyone's lovely kind thoughts and messages. Wow girls we would all be friends for life, and social friends if we were all close to each other!! This support is incredible and is helping so much deal with the anxiety and the emotional stress.. You girls are amazing!! Happy healing and good things to come for all of us!! Xxxx
April 25, 2015
Thank you hun, hope your doing okay. [RS bleep] I will wiggle my tootsies constantly come Tuesday!! Hahaha!! Happy quick healing hun. [RS bleep]
April 20, 2015
its so exciting to see and read those that there time is coming near. I will be there soon.... looking like Aug 7
April 21, 2015
Ah thanks for your message... I am so nervously excited, but desperately want it done!! Your surgery will come round before you know it... Good luck and keep in touch, I will post more pics soon.. Seeing surgeon tomorrow for pre assessment, but this time next week it should be all done, and I hope to be in bed recovering!! [RS bleep] Helena [RS bleep]
April 24, 2015
Yes! You will be having the body you want! Pls share photos! I gotta be patient. I just hope nothing stops me from doing it.
April 21, 2015
I have never taken arnica, however I had no bruising with my full TT so I guess I wouldn't have needed it. The silicone scar sheets are amazing. I had my TT in October and I purchased a brand called Embrace. It's what my plastic surgeon recommended for scar treatment. My scar is pencil thin and very light and it's only been 6 months since my surgery! The down fall is it's very expensive. Each box of 4 sheets is $100 (£70) I have to wear 3 sheets because he gave me a giant incision (that I'm hoping to have corrected at some point) but most people only need 2 sheets at a time. In total I have spent $1500/£1000 on these sheets but they're worth the money!
April 21, 2015
Hi there, thanks for your message.. Wow that sounds amazing!! I have bought some c section scar away silicone sheets, but they are only 7 inches long so I would imagine that I would use two sheets over my scar.. Those sheets sound fantastic though!! I know that I am costing us a fortune, but I think if I am putting myself through this I really want the best outcome possible!! Thanks again for your message, its lovely to hear peoples recommendations. xx Helena Xx
May 2, 2015
Hi hun, I forgot to ask you if you asked your surgeon about silicone scar sheets? Did he recommend using them? xx I will ask my surgeon on Wednesday too. At the moment I have micropore tape over the incisions and just dressings. Hope your okay today hun. [RS bleep]
Replies (4)