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After many pregnancies, during which I typically gained about 50 lbs from my baseline 5'5", 120 lbs, my main midline abdominal muscles had separated. There were no exercises that would fix that or remove that "fat pad" that came with my first pregnancy and never left. Dr Gurley's website had a lot of successful photos, detailed her great resume, and I knew she had been established in St Louis for many years, so I chose to see her.
The office experience was pleasant from the parking to the staff to scheduling and payment. I had one issue a few weeks post-op and the office got me in to be seen within 24 hours. Everything was clearly spelled out.
I am now seven weeks out. Some important issues to me: I didn't really see how extensive the horizontal scar was going to be. Mine goes across the most of my abdomen, about two inches below my belly button. This varies from person to person. I had more muscle issues to correct above my belly button, making my incision need to be higher. I did not have any liposuction. I did not go home with any drains.
The pain was significant the first couple of days, but I was up and around within the first couple of days. I only needed that post-op binder garment for a few days really, then just wore Spanx-type garments. I was tired the first few weeks, but was able to back at work full time by post-op day 4. I never took any narcotics, because they are very constipating for me. I had a few small fluid collections "seromas" that did not need to be drained and went away on their own. The umbilical stitches came out with a gentle tug around 5 weeks.
The psychological part surprised me. I was weirdly depressed and apathetic the first few days after surgery. I don't know if it was the anesthesia (although I've never experience these symptoms with prior orthopedic surgeries) or if the valium contributed. I stopped the valium after a couple of days and the world seemed less bleak. Dr Gurley provides a helpful sheet that talks about emotional ups and downs after surgery. My experience seemed deeply physiologic, not just related to some surgical discomfort, inactivity, or cosmetic concerns. I recommend being prepared for this, as my husband and world looked SO DARK for that first several days!
After that, I have had a nice steady improvement and resumed exercise last week. My weight is about the same as pre-operatively. I haven't needed to wear any special support underwear for a few weeks. I expect to have further improvements over the months to come.
I can highly recommend this procedure and Dr Gurley.
The office experience was pleasant from the parking to the staff to scheduling and payment. I had one issue a few weeks post-op and the office got me in to be seen within 24 hours. Everything was clearly spelled out.
I am now seven weeks out. Some important issues to me: I didn't really see how extensive the horizontal scar was going to be. Mine goes across the most of my abdomen, about two inches below my belly button. This varies from person to person. I had more muscle issues to correct above my belly button, making my incision need to be higher. I did not have any liposuction. I did not go home with any drains.
The pain was significant the first couple of days, but I was up and around within the first couple of days. I only needed that post-op binder garment for a few days really, then just wore Spanx-type garments. I was tired the first few weeks, but was able to back at work full time by post-op day 4. I never took any narcotics, because they are very constipating for me. I had a few small fluid collections "seromas" that did not need to be drained and went away on their own. The umbilical stitches came out with a gentle tug around 5 weeks.
The psychological part surprised me. I was weirdly depressed and apathetic the first few days after surgery. I don't know if it was the anesthesia (although I've never experience these symptoms with prior orthopedic surgeries) or if the valium contributed. I stopped the valium after a couple of days and the world seemed less bleak. Dr Gurley provides a helpful sheet that talks about emotional ups and downs after surgery. My experience seemed deeply physiologic, not just related to some surgical discomfort, inactivity, or cosmetic concerns. I recommend being prepared for this, as my husband and world looked SO DARK for that first several days!
After that, I have had a nice steady improvement and resumed exercise last week. My weight is about the same as pre-operatively. I haven't needed to wear any special support underwear for a few weeks. I expect to have further improvements over the months to come.
I can highly recommend this procedure and Dr Gurley.
Provider Review
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
14825 N. Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield, Missouri