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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Cautiously Optimistic - Coral Gables, FL

ORIGINAL POST

I am 39 years old, married with 3 children (5, 4...

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CJD mom
WORTH IT$6,000
I am 39 years old, married with 3 children (5, 4 and 11 months). I have a diastases recti in need of serious repair. I had excess skin since my 2nd child but after my last 10lb baby; I still look like I am 5 months pregnant. My TT surgery is scheduled for September 20th. I am extremely nervous and worried about the recovery. I am praying for a smooth speedy recovery so I can snuggle my 11 month old and play with my 5 and 4 year old as soon as possible. I am taking 10 days off of work. I work from home so I hope my return to work will be uneventful. My hubby will be home with me and my mom will stay with us for a few days to help with the kids. I am happy I found this site. Seeing the results and reading helpful advice has really made me feel better about my decision. I will post before pictures soon.

CJD mom's provider

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

CJD mom

CJD mom rating for Dr. Hunsaker:

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Replies (4)

September 1, 2013
Everything is gonna be o.k. I know about them nerves my surgery is on the 26th I keep telling myself I picked him because he's the best and with all the support on this sight it helps a lot. I love this sight good luck!!
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September 2, 2013
Thanks Amanda. .I will make sure to try and post after my surgery on the 20th since you are within the same week.
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September 2, 2013
After reading that you were returning back to work after 10 days, I was like whoa..... but then saw that you work from home. I think that's wonderful! Working from home is the best thing ever! Just stay as healthy as you can now before your surgery. Get all your playing and snuggling in too bc for the first few days, it'll be hard to do all that. :( Have no fear, knowing kids your 4 & 5 year olds will be super sweet and gentle with you. They have that intuition. Your 11 month old... well...it can go either way. LOL Maybe try to set up some future play dates they can attend. That would help with getting their wiggles out and give you some peace and quiet. I'm 10 days PO and I'm doing okay. Listen to your body and try not to over do it. HTH!
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September 2, 2013
Thanks geeDub, if I look as good as your after pictures I will be happy. I took some pictures and will post them soon. I took them to hopefully help others but also to keep motivating myself and not back down because of fear.
UPDATED FROM CJD mom
17 days pre

Getting ready for my pre-op appt on Friday

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CJD mom
I am getting ready for my pre-op appt on Friday. Thanks to my TT friends I have a nice little list for my PS. If you can think of any questions you wish you would have asked before surgery, please let me know. As promise, I am adding some current photos. The 1st picture shows me laying down just lifting my head and you can see how large my diastasis recti is.

Replies (4)

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September 3, 2013
Good luck! We go on the same day!
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September 3, 2013
Good luck, your gonna have great results!!!!
September 4, 2013
Best of luck and prayers to you. What's on your list of pre op questions?
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September 4, 2013
Thanks for the prayers. They are very welcomed and needed. Let me add a post about my list now.
UPDATED FROM CJD mom
15 days pre

Telling friends and family/Getting ready for pre-op appt

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CJD mom
I have made peace with my decision and I know my reasons for having the surgery but I was still a little concerned about telling friends and family. I am happy to report that I have received nothing but positive comments and support from everyone.

I little bit more about me. I am 5'5 currently 180 lbs. I will be 40 in April 2014 and my goal is to get to around 150 by my birthday. My highest weight was 235 while pregnant with my last child (he will be 1 on the 10th).

My questions for the doctor so far in no particular order:
(I am sure these probably will be answered before I pull out my list)
1.When should scar treatment start? Any suggestion for what scar treatment to use..
2. Do I need an extra binder? If so, what size should I order. I know one will be given as apart of the surgery.
3. Compression garment. Will one be given to me? I know they sell them but for how much ;what size is needed.
4. I have stairs. Would it be ok for me to go up an downstairs to my room? About 15 steps
5. How long will I have to wear the binder?
6. What are his thoughts on Lymphatic massage
7. What is the purpose for the blood work during pre-op? What are the expected results to determine if we move forward.
8. I know the day of the surgery but not the time. Can that be given to me now? (My hubby will be with me so I need to make arrangement for pick/drop off for the kids.)
9. What are his thoughts on arnica gel & bromelian?
10. Do they provide a special food plan that should be follow after surgery? (I work better with a daily menu or suggested foods given.)
11. Where will the drains be position? In the pubic area or closer towards the hips. How long can expect to have them in? When should I be concerned about the drains?
12. When is my 1st post op visit? (Again with kids need to make arrangements. I have limited family in Florida.)
13. They said before I will be given my Rx in advance but I wanted to confirm what they will be.
14. Would a cold gel pack be ok lower back pain while I am recovery?
15. Will something be given to prevent nausea?

I am preparing for my surgery:

Bed Lounger – I didn't want to invest in a recliner. I found a nice one on www.bedlouge.com. They offered free shipping and at the time $25 off.
Scar Guard
My lovely sister in law is allowing me to use her 3 in 1 -shower seat, raised toliet seat, and walker
Gel pack large-for my back. I have had back pain since my 1st child so I am anticipating the need to ice my back
Sterile gloves
maxi pads – for the incision/padding

Replies (16)

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September 4, 2013
Best of luck on your surgery. My thoughts & prayers are with you!!!
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September 4, 2013
Thank you. I will provide updates. Everyone's journey has been so helpful to me.
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September 4, 2013
Who is your doctor?
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September 5, 2013
Hi, my PS name is Robert Hunsaker, MD. I will provide an full review after my surgery. My consultation visit with him went well. My husband came along with me and we both felt at ease with him. eHe did a detailed physical exam, reviewed my medical history, gave me full explanation of what will happen and what I could expect. He answers all my questions (I had a list) and made sure I understood fully. I didn't feel rushed and he gave me his full attention.
September 7, 2013
You will do great! Your list of questions are really good, too. Ask him if you can start taking Bromelain n Arnica for swelling. Also always wear your binder! Rest n relax.....Your body will tell you ya doin too much!
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September 7, 2013
Thanks Vee. I am getting excited. He recommended I only take a multi vitamin and vitamin C before surgery. I received my Rx for nausea, pain & antibiotics.
September 7, 2013
Okay great!! Compress, compress! Always wear your binder!!!
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September 8, 2013
Hey girl! Thank for stopping mp by bp my blog :) nice to meet you! You are going to love your results :) ! I am so thrilled with my new tummy and flipping having an affair with my breast! Lol ! I highly recommend arnica 3-4 days prior and 7-10 post if your Dr ok's it. Also bromelain and turmeric post op for swelling. I didn't use it for a little lipo I had in January - was horribly swollen. I used it this time for more lipo and TT- difference is night and day!!! I did post pictures on my blog so people can view and read the reviews. I have 2 story house, the stair didnt bother me, actually i think it helped get strength back, i didnt ise a bed lounger- but did use about 8 pillows, lol. No recliner or hosp bed- just my familiar stuff. Did fine. Best to you on your journey!!! (((((Hugs))))
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September 8, 2013
Thanks D37. Question do you use the cream arnica or a pill? I am dropping of my prescription today and was going to see what they have and also GNC.
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September 8, 2013
I did arnica 30x pre and post by mouth then the cream post on my bruising. GNC has it. I ordered mine from pureformulas.com as they had everything I wanted. Fast shipping too. Not alot of additives.
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September 8, 2013
Oh, I am 41/2 weeks post op now btw :)
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September 8, 2013
4 and 1/2 weeks. Lol