Extended Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair, Lipo of Upper Abdomen, Flanks, and Lateral Thighs - Carmel, IN

Hi everyone. So, a little about myself...I am 5'9", 45 years old, and weigh 250 lbs. The last time I was truly happy with my figure was about 20 years ago. I’ve had two children, and my weight has fluctuated up and down over the last several years. To compound the weight issue, I have had back surgery. Prior to and after this, I have been pretty limited on activity. And the pounds crept on. Boy did they ever. I have, however, managed to lose 40 pounds strictly by counting calores and have been recently walking (3+ miles/day) and swimming (but my body seems to enjoy this weight because it's hanging on to every pound for dear life!). My sagging “apron” and bulging upper belly have caused me to become very self conscious, so much so that I regularly cross my arms over my belly when I do not have a desk or table in front of me to hide the monster. I am a pretty outgoing and bubbly person, but my low self image (due to the waist down) really has had an impact on me. I have gone to great extremes to hide that gut—very loose clothing always, and I do not enjoy standing up in front of people (presentations at the office). To add insult to injury, prior to my recent weight loss, I could not fasten airline seatbelts and had to ask for the dreaded extender, which you completely understand how appalling this is if you’ve ever been in this position and had to endure the glares of the various (tiny) flight attendants who inevitably draw more attention to this extremely embarrassing situation. Ah, but I digress...

In viewing hundreds of before and after pictures, I have seen some pretty miraculous results. So, after much research and deliberation, I have decided to do something about this.

I narrowed my search to three plastic surgeons with whom I wanted to schedule consultations. The first consultation took place mid-May of this year. First off, if you’ve never stepped foot inside a PS office, you may be surprised (at least I was). I was expecting the staff to be in typical scrub attire. Nope, not at all. Instead, what I saw was a group of very attractive women, in skirts, heels, fully accessorized to the last detail. My first thought, which came from years of self doubt, was, “I don’t belong here. Has my vanity taken control? I’m not built like this. I think I’m in the wrong place.” I did not resemble anyone walking into the waiting area. My husband was with me and reassured me that I was in the right place…”just relax,” he said. He’s been very supportive through everything, and I love him dearly! He's my rock and steady support system.

When we were called back for the consultation, the PS had a terrific bedside manner and was very personable. This PS is local (25 minutes from my house) and performs the drainless tummy tuck (“TT”). I am very drawn to the drainless TT. From what I’ve read in multiple reviews, it seems a lot of the discomfort after surgery comes from hassling with those darn drains. During my consultation, the PS was thorough and was pleased that I had some knowledge and familiarity with the procedure. I have watched numerous TT operations on YouTube and also simulated surgeries on various PS websites, not to mention reading hundreds of reviews here (thanks everyone, you rock!!). My main questions for the PS related to: TT vs. Extended TT vs. Lipo. I told the PS that I am looking for the most cost effective solution that will give me the greatest results; in other words, I want “the biggest bang for the buck”. Since I’m a big girl, I’m not at all expecting a washboard tummy afterwards. Let’s be realistic: I’m certainly not going into this with the expectation that I will become a swimsuit model. My goal is to gain a greater sense of self confidence and less “hiding” in clothes/behind desks. The PS believes the greatest results specific for me will come from an Extended TT with muscle tightening/correction of the upper abdomen (a/k/a diastasis) plus lipo of the upper abdomen, flanks and outer thighs. After a general discussion, he said I appear to be a good candidate for this surgery, both physically and emotionally. He said my head is in a good place. (In other words, I think my expectations are realistic.) I know I will be very, very sore afterwards, but I do believe this will be worth the effort and expense. With the lipo, he will insert a couple of very small drains to drain the excess fluids from my sides/back (so I’m not totally getting away from drainless, gah!). In case you have not heard of a drainless TT, the PS takes extra time to suture the abdomen which closes up the space where fluid would normally collect, thereby eliminating the need for these drains. (I am also considering upper arm lipo but thought of this after my consult and have not yet discussed this. Anyone who had this done, I'd be interested in hearing your results.)

I’ve read many reviews by ladies who are petrified to be put to sleep. My own personal experiences with general anesthesia have been very positive. Once they start the drip, it seems like it takes about 5 seconds for the room to start spinning, so I close my eyes and then BOOM I’m out. Best sleep ever!

I had such a great feeling about this PS that I’m going with him. The main considerations are 1) neither of the other two PS perform drainless TTs; 2) one PS is located in Cincinnati, which is too far from home (I live near Indianapolis), making it difficult for follow-up appointments, not to mention the ride home; and 3) the PS with whom I had the consult keeps you overnight in the hospital (which I truly believe I will need). My PS was very calm during our consultation, very knowledgeable and seemed extremely confident that he could provide some much-needed contouring to this bod of mine. At one point, he had me stand next to my husband. The PS used both hands to simulate what my belly would look like after surgery (drawing in my waist). He also said the extended TT and lipo will smooth the dimples in my butt. When the PS pulled up extra skin in my hip area, it lifted my butt. The sound that was emitted by my husband was all I needed to hear. Let’s just say it was a good sound (I think he almost swallowed his tongue. LOL). I left there with some very good information and was encouraged for the first time in a really long time.

A couple months have passed since my consultation, but I called yesterday, scheduled the surgery, and paid the deposit! I’m very excited, and a little anxious. I think it’s just the fear of what's yet to come...not that I won’t wake up. My pre-op appointment is this Monday, August 5, and my surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21. OMG. It was the most amazing feeling when I hung up the phone after scheduling the surgery. I was so excited and relieved…I started crying. It’s going to be a whirlwind between now and the surgery because I was not expecting to do this until November. Any helpful comments would be greatly appreciated. I have purchased a shower seat and a walker (I have a bad back, so I assume this will really come in handy). I feel like I'm behind the 8 ball here since they were able to get me in so quickly.

That’s about it, fellow TT’ers! Any words of wisdom to make things easier/more convenient would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to your comments and would be happy to answer any questions anyone has.

I completed the pre-op with the surgeon yesterday. All went well. The embarrassing part is those darn before pics in those tiny tissue panties. Argh! I do not have copies of those, so I will take some of my own soon and promise I will post them. I know pictures are worth a thousand words, and I know I've scoured loads of pictures myself and realize the importance of them. I will try to get those posted this week.

I received my scripts for post-surgery and will have those filled and ready to go. It doesn't sound as though a CG is required. My PS is more about the compression garment afterwards (and suggested bicycle shorts or Under Armour) and not so much the binder. He does not believe Spanx will provide enough support (I agree with this). I know I've read reviews from you guys about this very topic and haven't made any decisions yet. Any thoughts?

I am posting a few before pictures (as hard as it is to do). So ready for this!