POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck Reviews
49 with a No Drain TT and Lift Without Implants - Danville, CA
UPDATED FROM seussmd
8 months post
Just not certain, and I wanted to be
seussmdAugust 15, 2016
$16,000
OK so I went MIA for a bit. I felt like I needed to step away and just allow time to continue. It's been just over 7 months from my surgery where I had a BL with no implants and a drainless TT.
I can look at my photos and see the difference. It's there, and I acknowledge the improvement. It just isn't quite where I thought to be after investing my time, energy, emotions and finances into this. I hoped if I stepped away and gave the body time to heal that at 5 months, 6 months, 7 - I could breath a sigh of relief and say "Oh see how silly you were to be so concerned!" but here I am at 7 months and the scars are healing nicely but I have pleating on the sides,still and I have a pooch in the lower belly still. I have never "woke up on the flat side" - I can see where the pleating has decreased, and the swelling has gone down - but I still have significant swelling and there is still pleating on the sides. I took some photos of me sitting down and you can see that it's smooshy.
I think I must have put on weight, having a time with my jeans and shorts - too snug. I went on a vacation last month and brought some swim shorts with me but I didn't wear most of them because they are lighter in color, and well - kinda got a bit of a camel toe still. I couldn't wear one of the tops because my nipple fell out and one of the bottoms because my scars showed but overall I can see I look better than I did.
I can look at my photos and see the difference. It's there, and I acknowledge the improvement. It just isn't quite where I thought to be after investing my time, energy, emotions and finances into this. I hoped if I stepped away and gave the body time to heal that at 5 months, 6 months, 7 - I could breath a sigh of relief and say "Oh see how silly you were to be so concerned!" but here I am at 7 months and the scars are healing nicely but I have pleating on the sides,still and I have a pooch in the lower belly still. I have never "woke up on the flat side" - I can see where the pleating has decreased, and the swelling has gone down - but I still have significant swelling and there is still pleating on the sides. I took some photos of me sitting down and you can see that it's smooshy.
I think I must have put on weight, having a time with my jeans and shorts - too snug. I went on a vacation last month and brought some swim shorts with me but I didn't wear most of them because they are lighter in color, and well - kinda got a bit of a camel toe still. I couldn't wear one of the tops because my nipple fell out and one of the bottoms because my scars showed but overall I can see I look better than I did.
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UPDATED FROM seussmd
3 months post
My belly button itches now...
seussmdMarch 30, 2016
It started about 3 days ago but OMG the itching and I can't scratch it. I mean it isn't IN the belly button but I don't have any feeling on my stomach yet so when I scratch it isn't actually addressing the itch either. I want to get my Nerf gun and shoot styrofoam bullets at something.
I haven't done any more posting because there wasn't much change. Still not much - my incisions are fine, they are healing great from what i can see. I haven't done any scar therapy so its just them doing what they do which is fine. I'm wearing my normal clothes, but still wearing CGs for 10-12 hours a day. I still have swelling at the bottom part of my stomach - never flat. It's gotten better, I can see that, but it's not flat. Even now - and I worry that the skin will be stretched out permanently as a result. :-(
My incision is low enough so underwear or shorts hide it - I'm not feeling self conscious about the incisions its more the swelling. For my breasts, they are still an odd shape and where the incisions are they fold or move differently. I'm trying to take a deep breath and remember my PS said things will change for at least 3 months, swelling can happen for months and that your body takes time to heal. He asked me to be patient and I'm trying to.
I got the ok to work out 3 weeks ago so I started cardio and body weight exercises. Boy is my stamina not quite there but I do try. Today I did arm, chest and back with just 5 lb weights - really??? my left boob kept getting zingers, I had to take an advil. I did a SMALL amount of core and stomach work outs and whew, wow... I'm ready for bed.
It's better, I see that - I can look at the before and after and see it. And my damn belly button ITCHES.
I haven't done any more posting because there wasn't much change. Still not much - my incisions are fine, they are healing great from what i can see. I haven't done any scar therapy so its just them doing what they do which is fine. I'm wearing my normal clothes, but still wearing CGs for 10-12 hours a day. I still have swelling at the bottom part of my stomach - never flat. It's gotten better, I can see that, but it's not flat. Even now - and I worry that the skin will be stretched out permanently as a result. :-(
My incision is low enough so underwear or shorts hide it - I'm not feeling self conscious about the incisions its more the swelling. For my breasts, they are still an odd shape and where the incisions are they fold or move differently. I'm trying to take a deep breath and remember my PS said things will change for at least 3 months, swelling can happen for months and that your body takes time to heal. He asked me to be patient and I'm trying to.
I got the ok to work out 3 weeks ago so I started cardio and body weight exercises. Boy is my stamina not quite there but I do try. Today I did arm, chest and back with just 5 lb weights - really??? my left boob kept getting zingers, I had to take an advil. I did a SMALL amount of core and stomach work outs and whew, wow... I'm ready for bed.
It's better, I see that - I can look at the before and after and see it. And my damn belly button ITCHES.
Replies (2)
April 12, 2016
Hey Seuss, thought of you the other day, as we hadn't heard from you for awhile, and was wondering how you've been. You have a PS appt coming up, yes? Or has it been? Do hope that your swelling has decreased and you're feeling better and better every day. Sending warm wishes and big hugz, sistah! :-)
April 23, 2016
Wow, you look great, boons good incision flattened out...on your way to fabulous
April 24, 2016
aww thanks ! I think you are looking pretty great too - once you got that pesky incision healed up, and that must have been frustrating!
I am trying to be patient, I'm not by nature but hoping I can get there. I do think the incisions are doing REALLY well, I haven't put anything on them just letting them heal on their own.
I am trying to be patient, I'm not by nature but hoping I can get there. I do think the incisions are doing REALLY well, I haven't put anything on them just letting them heal on their own.
UPDATED FROM seussmd
3 months post
9 weeks out - post TT and BL
seussmdMarch 4, 2016
I don't have an appointment until April, so I'm just... wearing compression garments, taking my supplements, and doing what the post op stuff says to do. I did call the office this week and ask a bunch of questions for "When can I..". So.. I can start doing massages, chiropractic (just make sure I'm communicating with them and mindful of the pressure etc); nothing on my incisions yet - 3 months so I'll ask him next month if I can do any scar therapy. Working out - I'm cleared to go but no core work and be mindful of my body. I was warned working out would increase my swelling - and that was disappointing.
Seriously - I told the nurse I've never NOT had swelling in my stomach. It's gotten better, I can see that the pleating is less than when I first had the TT but I see everyone say "I'll see you on the flat side!" and I'm still waiting for the flat part. Now, before you comment negatively - I can SEE the difference. I meant the "mouth" is gone - I can look at the before and see the improvements. I'm about 90% back to where I need to be, I feel much better than I did and the incisions are healing well. I'm HOPING ... silently hoping that the swelling stops and I actually do have a flat belly from top to bottom. It's never not swollen. When I wake up its there, throughout the day under my CG it's there, and when I go to bed it's there. I really need to start working out again I feel sluggish and every time I eat, I feel like my belly is fat (and I KNOW it isn't but it feels that way). I miss working out and I've gotten out of the habit.
Also - is anyone else feel like they are eating all the time ??? or eating ridiculous things? I keep reaching for animal crackers, skittles, sweet tarts, chips.. wth?? It's emotional right??
It really is better, I know it is. I just keep comparing myself to where everyone else is at this point and I have to stop. Breath. Enjoy those before and afters and see that I have come so far. I am too tired these days, too emotional and I need to look again I know this is more about other stressors in my life. Work, home, life in general - and I'm just putting it on this. I will look at the photos- see the progress, focus on what is good and stay patient. Tomorrow, I will get back on track with a small workout, get back to clean eating and stop wallowing! Onward and upward!!
Seriously - I told the nurse I've never NOT had swelling in my stomach. It's gotten better, I can see that the pleating is less than when I first had the TT but I see everyone say "I'll see you on the flat side!" and I'm still waiting for the flat part. Now, before you comment negatively - I can SEE the difference. I meant the "mouth" is gone - I can look at the before and see the improvements. I'm about 90% back to where I need to be, I feel much better than I did and the incisions are healing well. I'm HOPING ... silently hoping that the swelling stops and I actually do have a flat belly from top to bottom. It's never not swollen. When I wake up its there, throughout the day under my CG it's there, and when I go to bed it's there. I really need to start working out again I feel sluggish and every time I eat, I feel like my belly is fat (and I KNOW it isn't but it feels that way). I miss working out and I've gotten out of the habit.
Also - is anyone else feel like they are eating all the time ??? or eating ridiculous things? I keep reaching for animal crackers, skittles, sweet tarts, chips.. wth?? It's emotional right??
It really is better, I know it is. I just keep comparing myself to where everyone else is at this point and I have to stop. Breath. Enjoy those before and afters and see that I have come so far. I am too tired these days, too emotional and I need to look again I know this is more about other stressors in my life. Work, home, life in general - and I'm just putting it on this. I will look at the photos- see the progress, focus on what is good and stay patient. Tomorrow, I will get back on track with a small workout, get back to clean eating and stop wallowing! Onward and upward!!
Replies (3)
March 4, 2016
Maybe you could benefit from an intestinal cleanse to clean the bowels and decrease inflammation. Or If you haven't yet take some supplements such as
1.arnica
2.bromelain
3.Vitamin C 500-1000 mg prior and after.
4. ginger,and cayenne to prevent blood clots and help with swelling.
7. Especially probiotics to replenish gut bacteria. Take after you've completely finished your
antibiotics. Probiotics strengthen the immune system and also help fight infection the natural way. Try RENEW Life from Thevitaminshoppe.com
8. Liquid silver or colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic.
I hope this helps
1.arnica
2.bromelain
3.Vitamin C 500-1000 mg prior and after.
4. ginger,and cayenne to prevent blood clots and help with swelling.
7. Especially probiotics to replenish gut bacteria. Take after you've completely finished your
antibiotics. Probiotics strengthen the immune system and also help fight infection the natural way. Try RENEW Life from Thevitaminshoppe.com
8. Liquid silver or colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic.
I hope this helps
March 4, 2016
Thank you! Right now I take Arnica, Bromelain, Vitamin C plus I also take a multi vitamin, and antioxidant. I drink about 8 of the 16 oz bottles of water per day.
I can try the RENEW life but I'm not thinking the swelling is bowel related, ha I am VERY regular if that's not TMI.
I can try the RENEW life but I'm not thinking the swelling is bowel related, ha I am VERY regular if that's not TMI.
March 7, 2016
I've just read your entire Post and discovered we are so similar in so many ways, although you are further along on your journey than I. Your writing is eloquent and in that "I'm talking to a girlfriend" style that I so love, so thanks for sharing. I've also been stressing about many of the same things and wonder if it's because of having a drainless TT as well (I'll have to ask my PS if the lack of drains impacts swelling, though I had thought it decreased swelling).
You know, we are the most critical of ourselves, no doubt due to the fact that we've lived with the Befores our entire lives and have dreamed of the "perfect" Afters... but our sistahs don't have that emotional overlay and look at our pics very objectively. Despite how you feel, you really do look amazing... I kept thinking, "OMG, her waist is sooooo tiny! And her breasts are amaazing!" When I'm having my fret-du-jour, I look at the Before pics I have taped on my bathroom mirror... and despite not being where I thought I'd be by now, where I want to be by now or where I expected to be by now... I'm a helluva lot further than I was "back then". Keep the faith that one day all of "this" will be but a blip in the beautiful flat 'n perky world to come! :-)
You know, we are the most critical of ourselves, no doubt due to the fact that we've lived with the Befores our entire lives and have dreamed of the "perfect" Afters... but our sistahs don't have that emotional overlay and look at our pics very objectively. Despite how you feel, you really do look amazing... I kept thinking, "OMG, her waist is sooooo tiny! And her breasts are amaazing!" When I'm having my fret-du-jour, I look at the Before pics I have taped on my bathroom mirror... and despite not being where I thought I'd be by now, where I want to be by now or where I expected to be by now... I'm a helluva lot further than I was "back then". Keep the faith that one day all of "this" will be but a blip in the beautiful flat 'n perky world to come! :-)
March 8, 2016
Oh every thing I eat I feel makes my belly huge - it's an internal emotional reaction not truth if I look at the photos but I read your bacon comment and thought "Yup, I know!" I think that's why I have enjoyed your posts as well, I see so much of my thoughts in what you write!
Agreed - we are most critical. I see every flaw, every wrinkle, roll, scar, hair - whatever it is. I know I hoped to be at another point by now, and I do feel whiny, or negative about my disappointment. I see my PS next month and he's been so happy so far with the progress. Like you, he comments about my waist, ha - says the same thing "OMG your waist is so tiny!"
I have to do what you do, read back to the beginning. I took photos from day 3 on and I made collages to see the progress from day 4, 1 month, 1 1/2 months and now. That way when I THINK I am not any better, I can see the difference.
Of course now I'm looking up lipo and fat transfer hahaha - and I took a makeup class to try to do my make up "right". OMG I should have taken a picture this morning of my attempt... I definitely need to practice more, I looked crazy and had the BIGGEST DARKEST EYEBROWS
Agreed - we are most critical. I see every flaw, every wrinkle, roll, scar, hair - whatever it is. I know I hoped to be at another point by now, and I do feel whiny, or negative about my disappointment. I see my PS next month and he's been so happy so far with the progress. Like you, he comments about my waist, ha - says the same thing "OMG your waist is so tiny!"
I have to do what you do, read back to the beginning. I took photos from day 3 on and I made collages to see the progress from day 4, 1 month, 1 1/2 months and now. That way when I THINK I am not any better, I can see the difference.
Of course now I'm looking up lipo and fat transfer hahaha - and I took a makeup class to try to do my make up "right". OMG I should have taken a picture this morning of my attempt... I definitely need to practice more, I looked crazy and had the BIGGEST DARKEST EYEBROWS
March 30, 2016
Hi: I cannot believe you said about the eating part.... I NEVER eat sweets, cakes, etc. However, I was CRAZED for all that stuff for a solid 3 weeks (starting at week 3) and put on all my weight that I had lost... (8lbs) UGH. I literally could not control myself. I am better but still want something sweet but rarely will give in at this point. I am always swollen in my lower belly too (just called to go in to see if fluid). I did have drains but it seems since the T scar closed, it started to get fuller looking there. I'll be really surprised if I do not have fluid in there. Keep strong and I hear you on all fore fronts! We all get discouraged and it's completely normal. You do look great but you will look even better as time goes by! Hugs :)
Replies (1)