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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

I Got My Flat Stomach Back on 11/6/2013: SIX Years Later PLUS I Had a Robotic Hysterectomy 3/2019

UPDATED FROM AmyS33
6 years post

6 Years Later (Last Update!)

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AmyS33
WORTH IT$7,450
So 6 years ago TODAY I had my tummy tuck!
THE SCAR: It’s pretty non-existent. You really have to look for it in the photo I attached where my underwear is not showing.
SENSATION: Still cannot feel anything and I still have to 'pat' my incision area if I have an itch there! I think at this point, the nerves will NOT be attaching completely. That's ok!
AB EXERCISES: I still have NOT done a crunch, plank, or sit-up in six years. If you have diastasis-recti or you had a tummy tuck, do not do any ab exercises that push it back out! Google the ‘Tupler Technique’. I do the 'elevator' exercise everyday to keep my belly flat.
MAINTENANCE: The best thing I do to maintain my belly is lift weights and 20 minutes a day of cardio. It’s all about weights, cardio, and a good eating plan! I like to eat 80/20. 80% clean, and 20% of the stuff I really enjoy like chocolate!
HYSTERECTOMY: So in March 2019, I had a robotic hysterectomy (along with a sacrocolpopexy and tot sling). My twins really did a number on my lady bits! You can see in my photo that it has not affected my tummy tuck at all -- I was worried about that to be honest. My scars are even starting to fade! I only use the Palmer's concentrated cocoa butter. (I used this for my tummy tuck scar too).
So this will be my last update, unless something crazy happens! I love getting emails from everyone and questions, so please email me if you ever want to chat!
Having a tummy tuck is quite a journey, and one I do not regret. It's a lot of work to maintain, but 100% worth it!
XOXO

AmyS33's provider

David P. Rigan, MD

David P. Rigan, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

AmyS33

AmyS33 rating for Dr. Rigan:

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Replies (5)

November 9, 2019
Thanks for sharing you look great. Im 6months PO. Started exercises and jogging and some classes. I didnt know I should not do ab workouts! I have not done much yet but I was hoping to start in a year.. keep it going girl.
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December 9, 2019
Thank you and welcome to the flat side for you as well! :-)
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September 2, 2020
You look amazing.
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September 4, 2020
Thank you!! It's been quite a lot of work to keep it flat!
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October 3, 2020
I've thought about tummy tuck. One of the main reasons I am on the fence is because of how the belly button looks so so terrible after. I personally love the way my belly button looks right now in its natural state but practically every surgery I see, it just looks bad....
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October 3, 2020
nothing is happening to the belly button if you have a good surgeon, this is the key, TT is anninvasive srgery but it's so worth it, why keeping being miserable?We mothers deserve to have our lives back again, I had diastasis recti and TT on june 30th 2020, the best decision ever, My diastasis case was severe, ripped and dropped so I had a B on my stomach
UPDATED FROM AmyS33
5 years post

5 Years Later!

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AmyS33
Well, it's hard to believe it has been 5 years (to the day actually) since I had my tummy tuck with muscle repair. I have zero regrets!
Not much has changed. The scar is as white as the 4 year mark. The numbness is still there, although I am completely used to it. Still working out hard to make sure none of the work is undone. It's not easy to maintain it. I'm also still NOT doing planks, crunches, sit ups, etc. Only Tupler Technique!
I won't be updating this anymore after today, but I am always around for questions and comments! I remember so many people would stop at the 2 month mark after the surgery. I wanted to be one who kept it going!
I wish all of you happy healing after reaching the flat side! Xo

Replies (4)

November 6, 2018
Thank you so much about the advice on doing the Tupler technique!! I will Most definitely check that out ! You look amazing !
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November 7, 2018
Thank you and yes, check it out!! :)
November 7, 2018
Thanks for all the updates! Can I ask what kind of exercise you do now and hows your food like? Are you always on a diet? I am concerned about weight gain after TT!! You look amazing girl!
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November 7, 2018
Hi! Thank you for the kind words. So since the tummy tuck, I eat pretty clean with cheat meals here and there. I count calories as well as macros. I eat for my body type which is an endomorph, so low carb works well for me. I do 25% carbs, 35% protein, and 40% fats. I like cheat meals here and there to throw my system off and also because I love sugary stuff! Lol .... Anyway, my surgeon told me that you would have to gain about 25lbs to undo tummy tuck results and look like you never had one. You'll be fine! ;)
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November 7, 2018
Oh this site... I responded to your post and can't find it! Well I'll say it again.... you look wonderful and u thank you because you are the reason I never do those ab exercises. Pull in only!!!!! You made a huge difference in my life with that advice... than you and keep posting!!!
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November 7, 2018
OMG - your post made my day! The pull ins are great, aren't they? When I started crunches and sit ups 6 months after my TT, I noticed how puffy I was. I did reaearch and WALLA! ;) Thanks again for your post!!!
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November 8, 2018
Hey girlie girl I just wanted to stop by and say hi and say happy 5 year mark of our tummy tuck surgery, hope you're doing well it's nice to see you if you want email me you can
Jennellemwheeler@gmail.com
UPDATED FROM AmyS33
4 years post

4 Years Later

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AmyS33
So 4 years ago TODAY I had my tummy tuck. That sentence alone is just nuts. There are now over 22,000 Reviews on this website for Tummy Tucks alone. I’m proud I’m one of them!
So, some details ...
THE SCAR: It’s pretty non-existent. It’s hardly noticeable at all. To the point where I can get away with a string bikini and not even see the scar. YAY!
SENSATION: Still cannot feel anything. It’s absolutely bizarre. I guess after four years, those nerves are never going to attach themselves, huh? I'll always feel like I'm touching someone else's lower belly.
AB EXERCISES: I still have NOT done a crunch, plank, or sit-up in four years. Ladies, if you have diastasis recti or you had a tummy tuck, DON’T do any ab exercises that push it back out! Google this. And Google the ‘Tupler Technique’. I do the 'elevator' exercise while in the car everyday :)
MAINTENANCE: The best thing I do to maintain my belly is lift weights. Building muscle has really let this belly shine through! I can honestly say I am about 10-12 lbs heavier than when I had the surgery, but nothing that would cancel out my results. Keep this in mind though if you’re considering a tummy tuck: It is hard work to maintain a good result. Gain 30 lbs and you’re going to see your great result disintegrate before your eyes. It’s all about weights, cardio, and a good eating plan!
I’d like to give a shout out to ‘Iggyserge1! She is a good friend of mine and was welcomed to the flat side just a couple weeks ago by the same plastic surgeon I used (Dr. David P. Rigan – Buffalo, NY). Trust me folks, her belly looks fab! Hopefully she'll update her review soon!
I hope you're all doing well and healing wonderfully !

Replies (5)

November 6, 2017
You have been a true mentor & inspiration to me & I built up the courage to finally take the plunge! My diastasis was so bad...but this has truly been life-changing! Thank you!
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November 7, 2017
You're welcome! Love ya girl!
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November 13, 2017
Wow just went through your review (Im 5 weeks post op). You even had amazing results right out! Thanks for all the tips and that Tupler technique!
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January 24, 2018
Loved reading your updates! I am 2.5 weeks out from my TT. I am feeling great, zero pain but uncomfortable at times. My incision looks "pretty" and my swelling has been minimal. I am trying to do more each day but then I notice the swell & I will immediately lay down & ice. I have only taken my compression garment to wash. My surgeon highly recommended a soft pulse device that has done wonders for pain & swelling. I was off my pain med 2 days after surgery. Unbelievable because after I had my boobs done i was wanting pain meds 3 weeks out. I encourage everyone to ask your surgeon about the soft pulse device. I swear that it has made my recovery way better along with clean eating & taking it easy. Thanks again for all you posted. It really helps to see light at the end of this!
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January 24, 2018
Awesome!! I wish I would have known about it! Glad you're doing well and welcome to the flat side!
January 29, 2018
wow,i wish i saw your review earlier !! i just discover your review and bookmark it for later to read. i am scheduled TT on 2/2/2018 in just few days!!! i am now mix of excited and nervous feeling . thanks for sharing your journey ! and man not just your results are wonderful your scar is looking so well!!!
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January 30, 2018
Hi! I am super excited for you! 2/2 will be here before you know it! Did you start a Review? I will check it out! :)
January 30, 2018
you look great! thank you for updating 4 years after!! I really was curious how things hold up over the years!! awesome review.