New Scar Pics! -Tummy Tuck with MR, No Lipo... So Happy!- Dallas, TX

When I got pregnant I gained 50 lbs and had a 10 lb 2.6 baby, naturally.
It took a long time to lose all the weight but I finally did it! I was very unhappy with the all the saggy, loose belly skin that was left behind and really missed being able to wear a bikini or sit down without my belly flopping out. I could never relax my abs or I would look 4 mos pregnant. The skin all around my belly was puckered and pruny. It was really the skin that bothered me most.

Years ago, I looked into laser resurfacing and other non-surgical methods, but every doctor I spoke to told me I needed a full tummy tuck to make any real difference and give me what I wanted. I decided to think on it a bit more.

My daughter is 9 now, and I finally decided to have the procedure. Full tummy tuck with muscle fascia tightening. No lipo because I don't need it at 5'9" and 133 lbs.

I am in the first week of my recovery right now. I read a lot of stories on this site and was prepared for the worst... but so far the experience has been pretty good! My only annoyances have been the tubes (in the way and a pain, but understandably necessary) and I still can't walk fully upright.. so my back hurts if I stand and walk around too much since I'm all hunched. I feel like my recovery has been very easy with no complications so far... partly due to the fact that I am a yoga instructor, so I am in excellent health. I have also been taking Arnica every 4 hrs to reduce swelling. I have no bruises and very little drainage.

I spoke to quite a few doctors in the Dallas, Plano, Richardson, and Southlake areas before deciding on Dr. Deuber. I chose him due to his honesty, realistic expectations, passion and excitement, and price. His wife (a nurse in the office) has taken yoga classes from me, so they really understood what I wanted to achieve. I was able to text them day or night and email and always got quick and thorough responses. I felt very comfortable and supported!

Below is a day by day so far...

Day 1 - had surgery early morning, home by early afternoon. sleeping off and on, not eating much. little nauseous from the anesthesia. taking hydrocodone and arnica every 4 hrs. able to walk to the bathroom ok. Slept fine in a recliner. no need for sleep pills.
Day 2 - eating well. no nausea. still taking hydrocodone and arnica. took the first shower. very scary taking the compression garment and gauze off for the first time. all went fine. emptying drainage bulbs twice a day.. each time the amount is below the first indicator line. slept fine on the couch sitting up.
Day 3 - switched to ibprofin and still taking arnica. moving around more. able to stand a little straighter. the swelling has really kicked in today as I can feel the pressure against the binding garment. lower back hurts from hunching.
Day 4 - stopped taking all pain meds so i won't be constipated. don't need them anymore anyway. had my first bowel movement today. Everyday I am able to move around better.
Day 5 - went to PS and got one drain removed (didn't hurt at all). can't wait for the other to be removed. Husband drove me and afterward we went out for a beer and some food. drinking is ok now. Able to sleep on my back in bed with my legs propped up.
Day 7 - walking more upright. back hurts less. feeling great! just a little tight. Still taking Arnica every 4 hrs. Swelling seems to have gone down a bit.