POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Mommy Makeover at age 55 Mother of 5, Gramma of 1
ORIGINAL POST
Like so many women here, I've lost weight, worked...
WORTH IT$6,531
Like so many women here, I've lost weight, worked out, starved myself, taken laxatives, body cleanse and hide my naked body from my husband. Now that menopause is here, I see a pear shaped troll in the mirror and live in spandex under my clothes. I'm 5'3 (or at least used to be) and weigh 140 lbs. I've been working with a younger group of women and now realize that I haven't resembled that body since my 1st son was born in 1979. I still looked 5 months pregnant when he was 6 months old. 14 years later I had another 4 kids all 2 years apart. I feel frumpy and disgusting. I remarried 2 years ago, and my husband insisted that he didn't marry "That Girl" and fought me every inch of the way on having this surgery. I've been back and forth with him on this, then just last week, he decided to support me. I booked my surgery last Thursday for February 23rd and couldn't be more excited!! Dr Harris has been wonderful as I've seen him twice over the last few months making my inquiries. One of the girls had him to work for her and recommended him to me. He explained to me that my abdominal muscles are separated from my rib cage to my pubic bone. The wide separation is the reason I haven't been successful on my own. The cause is most likely the multiple pregnancies. I have a short torso and my babies were all large. Where else can they go but out front? He explained the procedure in detail. You may notice an old scar from my rib cage to belly button. He will reopen that which will allow him to remove more fat from my upper torso as well as narrowing the scar to a hairline width. He'll also be able to make the lower incision shorter as a result. I'll get liposuction around my hips which will get rid of my "muffin tops" Yes I know I'm going to be sore but I'm more concerned about time off work. It's being said 2-3 weeks. If I know me, I'll be back at my desk before I'm supposed to be. So I have to learn patience. I've priced a toilet seat lift with handles for the earlier days, and my Mom said I can use her walker. I'll most likely use the spare room as my bed sits up very high. This spare bed will be easier to get in and out of. I'll be well supplied with fiber foods and also some laxatives for back up. I know the pain med's are brutal on the bowels. I'll post some before pix for you now. Pre-op is Jan 13, just around the corner. I will post periodically to share my anxiety with you ;)
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UPDATED FROM Agingandyoung
2 months pre
More pre-op pix
42 sleeps until pre-op appointment then countdown for surgery Feb 23. I'm focus on the problem so I don't change my mind.
Replies (17)
December 2, 2015
Good Luck. Welcome to the flat side!!!!!
December 6, 2015
Thank you! I'm not there yet. 39 days till pre-op appointment. Surgery is Feb 23. I'm very concerned that having TT and lipo will give me what I'm hoping for Constipation is also a post op concern
December 6, 2015
Hi. I did not used the restroom for 3 days. So I drank milk which i cant do it make me used the bathroom lol. The first 3 days you basically handicap. Make sure you have someone. I couldnot use the bathroom. So i used a female urinal. But your outcome will be worth it. Check out my pictures. Im loving my tummy.. In 2 weeks im having a butt fat transfer..
December 8, 2015
Thank you! I read here that sitting on a heating pad helps. I normally have problems with constipation so I'm ready to step it up on fibre or even suppositories if I have to! Your pix are great! Keep me posted on the cheeky procedure!
January 18, 2016
I just had lumbar disc surgery (definitely not cosmetic!)--and learned that most disc re-herniations happen on the toilet in the oh-so-constipated days after surgery. I was terrified of a re-herniation, so I planned ahead carefully, haha. Here is my advice. Start taking stool softeners a few days prior to surgery, just to make sure no poop is still high in your bowels before surgery (if it's up high, the combo of anesthesia & pain meds can keep it there, where it will harden like a rock, not kidding). Anesthesia slows your digestive system, which can last several days. But we all know it's the pain meds/opiates that will constipate the heck out you, whether by IV or in a pill. In the hospital, you'll likely get them IV, in lovely high doses. While you're high on that and the pain, you need to remember this (or write it down and have hubby remember)--most nurses will hand you a stool softener a day, but ask for two, or for one twice a day while in the hospital. Here's what to stock at home: 1. Prunes: There is nothing like several prunes coming DOWN the pipeline to naturally push things downward more easily. Or if you prefer, prune juice (which you can mix w/Dr Pepper if you don't like the taste). 2. Stool softeners: If you use docusate sodium, get the 250 mg, not the 100 mg. Take this EVERY day while you are on pain meds and for a few days after. When in doubt, take the max daily dose. It can't hurt you, but also can't work well unless you're staying well hydrated 3. A laxative such as Bisacodyl USP 5 mg is a MUST. Take this the day you get home from the hospital. You can take up to 3 per day. Don't forget! Take this every day, as long as you are on pain meds. No, I'm not overdoing it--I promise you. 4. Eat soft, "stone" fruits such as plums, peaches, and nectarines, if you can. They naturally help things to move along. Avoid bananas and rice (constipating) and gassy foods such as broccoli and bell peppers. 5. Stay extra hydrated, before and after surgery. You can actually "pre-hydrate" in the days leading up to surgery. Tip: this also keeps your veins plump and close to the surface, making the IV much easier to put in (one less little trauma). Water is ideal, of course, but non carbonated clear liquids (juice, tea) are fine, too. If you have a tendency to be constipated already, or if you're really worried, buy box of suppositories (really no big deal) and a Fleet enema to have on hand, in case you just can't poop. If you follow these instructions, on my honor, you will poop when you're body is ready and be back to your regularly scheduled poop programming within a couple of days. The most common screw up of this routine is forgetting to take the stool softeners/laxatives. I opted to take them with every dose of daytime pain meds, just to be consistent and to remember more easily. Remember, you'll be stoned and in pain and miserable at first. The last thing on your mind will be future pooping issue. Make sure your caregiver KNOWS about this issue and stays on top of it from day ONE at home. Sorry for the novel, but I really hope this helps all of you with upcoming surgeries.
January 18, 2016
GrammaJ, I hope that wall of poopy text didn't scare you away, lol. I'm interested in your response/thoughts to my ideas.. I did think of one more thing that's sort of but not exactly related. Make sure you have super loose at the waist clothing to wear for the first several WEEKS. I mean, super loose! This will allow things to move through naturally, despite the abdom swelling. But it will also make sure you're comfortable. I EPICALLY FAILED on this one w/my back surgery. The incision is right where a tag goes on a pair of even sweatpants. So cut out the tag, right? Omg, no! The little prickly leftovers from the tag absolutely tormented me. I realize your tummy incision will be lower than the waist, but your abdomen will surely have similar swelling/sensitivity issues for a bit. I would hit Target and buy some loose, old lady nightgowns and/or L/XL men's basic sweats with drawstrings, haha, to ensure comfort.
January 19, 2016
Heh Chelly! Thank you so much for all this info. Generally I'm a "miss a day" without surgery or pain Meds so I'm usually well stocked with fruit, bran buds and Metamucil. I'm going to save all your info and add things to my shopping list. I once had surgery and got so constipated that 2 stitches split open. I'm not messing with that issue!! Lol. Thanks again Chelly. This is all VERY useful!!
January 19, 2016
You are so welcome. I will never forget after giving birth to my oldest son, an 8 pounder. I tore so badly from front to back that I needed over 150 stitches. Nobody warned me at ALL about constipation after birth and pain meds, and O.M.G. I thought I was going to rip my stitches out and DIE when I finally needed to go. Completely traumatized. Ever since, I've been REALLY careful, lol.
August 3, 2016
It looks like me! I so want this surgery! It's like a dream really! So excited for you!
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