50 Year Old Mother of 2 Beautiful Adults, 1 Grandson and Another Grandchild Coming Aug 2016. - Bristol, TN

I didn't have lipo...he said I could have it on Friday and go to work on Monday! He did say I had to wear a tight girdle for 1 week without taking it off and then 6 weeks but could take off for showers and bed. If you had it to do over, would you do lipo? Was it worth the pain? Do you think,from my pics, that I would be glad I did it? How long did your pain last?

I had my full tummy tuck with muscle repair 2/12/16, then had full abdominal lipo the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Yes it was painful, but so so so happy I did it I absolutely love the way my tummy looks now! The only thing I don't like is the amount of numbness I still have, but small price to pay

@WeberAsher thank you so very much for letting me know. I was trying hard to decide if I should spend the money! I was already numb from 2 c-sections so that isn't a problem for me but I was worried if the pain and expense were worth it!

I never had anyone treat me so well @Grammaj! He's just a wonderful man! I do have to say that I'm really happy with my progress and wish I'd done it 20 years ago!

So sorry I've been slack updating! I'm doing very well! First day back to work is tomorrow. I still get winded easily so I bought a used elliptical machine to get started working out! I didn't have lipo and my PS made a comment about how much better I'd look if I had it done but I've decided to just use diet and exercise to finish the job! Thanks for checking! I've been crazy busy!

That is great that you are doing so well and even ready to start exercising! If you had had lipo too you would probably have taken longer to recover. I figure the main thing for you (like me) was to get rid of that flap and all its problems forever!!! May I ask how tall you are and what your weight was when you had the surgery?

I'm 5'5" and my weight was 161...which even though he removed 3 pounds of skin and fat, my weight has stayed the same. ..I hope the swelling is part of the reason.

I am 5'4 1/2 and about 165 ish pounds so we are pretty similar. I really wanted to be 150 pounds before the surgery so I am trying to eat well and just hope I lose at least a few pounds. I am sure the swelling is the reason your weight hasn't shifted yet. Thanks for replying so promptly, especially with being so busy. I hope going back to work is ok.

Hi Kim. How are you doing now? Hard to believe it has been almost a month since I last messaged you! I presume you have continued to heal well and managed to return to work without too much difficulty. I know you said you were getting married in April so you must be getting excited :-). Any news - when you time - would be great. Bye.

Hi Elaine, I'm back at work and was doing great but ended up with a staph infection in the incision almost 3 weeks ago. He cut it open last Monday and I go back today to get it checked but I developed an allergy to something and having been packing it for a few days. I think I've gained weight from just eating and sitting as this has zapped my energy and I'm not allowed to workout yet. ...so really not ready for the wedding! Just praying this heals in the next few weeks so I can get down to at least 155ish. I'm going on your page now to get updates. I've just been so blah that I haven't really been on here much. Thanks for checking on me! I'm sure by summer I'll be back to my happy self!

Hi Kim. That is a drag that you developed an infection. Hopefully it is all mended now and you are starting to get some energy back. Don't worry if you might have gained a few pounds through all this as I am sure you will get it off once you are able to exercise again and it will be more rewarding because you won't have the big flap anymore. Yay! It is still hard to believe that I am going to do this too and no longer have the flap. My goal is to gets pics etc posted this weekend. My surgery is April 1st. I saw my surgeon on the 10th - hadn't seen him in three years (when I first decided I was going to do this and then chickened out). It seems even more real now after seeing him! I am getting a bit more excited about it now and hoping I have a reasonable recovery. When is your wedding? I am going to start thinking positive thoughts about you getting your energy back and full healing - corny as that may sound :-). Take care.

Oh Elaine, I'm so excited for you and will send up extra prayers on the 1st! You will be so happy to have the flap gone! Even with this weight gain, just having that flap gone is fabulous! My site is healing and close to being closed now. Word if advice. ...DON'T lift heavy stuff for at least 6 weeks. ..I think that may be why I've had a setback. I'm getting my energy slowly but surely! The wedding is April 23rd! Just around the corner! I can't wait to follow your story and I know it will be awesome! :)

Thank you Kim!! April 23 and I will be three weeks in recovery. I am so excited for you!! i am going to stay at a friends place so I won't see all the things that need doing around my own house. I am not good at sitting still but determined to do it because it does seem to be what can make the big difference in recovery.

Smart woman!! Seeing all I needed to do is what kept me from sitting and resting like I should have...you are doing the right thing! I'll be checking on you!

I'm so sorry you are having this problem. My PS said the best thing for infection is Betadine. I hope that helps and you get better fast so you can enjoy your new body!

Oh and yes you look great! :)

Thank you so very much! I feel so good about myself!

I know you do! My surgery is set for the 3rd of March 2 days before my 50th Birthday, it's my gift to myself, my 50 and Fab new body and new outlook.

That is so awesome and what a GREAT birthday present! You'll look and feel so confident! No one will know you've even hit the 5-0 because you'll be so hot!