POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
Surgery Date Secured with a $1600 Deposit!!! - Denver, CO
ORIGINAL POST
I have been stalking this site for a very long...
cmartin99January 8, 2016
$16,000
I have been stalking this site for a very long time now and it has been so helpful to see everyone's reviews, pictures, advice, etc... After a few consultations, I decided to pull the trigger and schedule a breast augmentation, tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo to my flanks. I am 100 percent sure of going through with the breast augmentation, however, I am quite hesitant about the tummy tuck. I have seen a mix of reviews on the procedure and I'm just not convinced that my stomach is bad enough to go through such a major surgery and end up with such a noticeable scar. I am 5'8 and 130 lbs. I work out 3-5 days a week and consider myself pretty fit. My problem is that after having two large babies, I have some loose sagging skin in the abdomen area. I know that I will not look much different in clothing after this procedure so I am just questioning if it's going to be worth it! I have a couple weeks to make a final decision as I can use the 1600 deposit on my BA if I decide to forego the tuck. Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!
UPDATED FROM cmartin99
8 days pre
Pre-op done!
cmartin99February 3, 2016
I had my pre-op last week and decided that I'm going through with the breast augmentation and the full tummy tuck with lipo. I just know that I would have regretted not doing the tummy tuck come swimsuit season! So, I'm all paid in full and scheduled for 2/11 at 7:30am. I received all of my prescriptions, my leg compression device and my compression garment. I'm supposed to start wearing it to get used to the feeling of it. I went shopping over the weekend for some supplies and I THINK I am ready. I also ordered some awesome pillows from Amazon thanks to another RealSelfer....thanks!!! My sister is coming down to help out for the first 4-5 days so my husband won't have to do it all on his own. We have a seven year old and a two year old so there is never a dull moment in our house.
Mentally I am freaking out, I'm really scared of the recovery and I'm scared of the scar that will be left. On the other hand I am thrilled to turn my B cups into D cups and to rid myself of the saggy skin in my tummy. I hate the way my stomach looks after these big babies. I just pray that this all ends up worth it in the end. I have read such a mix of reviews and I just have to pray that mine turns out good with no major set backs or complications.
I have began taking all off the recovery vitamins that I got from the doc and I'm hoping they will help with the swelling and bruising. Guess we will see! I will post a couple more before photos.
Mentally I am freaking out, I'm really scared of the recovery and I'm scared of the scar that will be left. On the other hand I am thrilled to turn my B cups into D cups and to rid myself of the saggy skin in my tummy. I hate the way my stomach looks after these big babies. I just pray that this all ends up worth it in the end. I have read such a mix of reviews and I just have to pray that mine turns out good with no major set backs or complications.
I have began taking all off the recovery vitamins that I got from the doc and I'm hoping they will help with the swelling and bruising. Guess we will see! I will post a couple more before photos.
Replies (11)

February 3, 2016
CMartin99
The recovery is doable and is something you can handle.
I remember being at your stage of planning for surgery and feeling that the 'recovery' was the worst of all fears. My immediate post-op recovery was about 6 weeks, with the first 3-4 days being the hardest. I had a drastic improvements on day 3 or 4, and really started feeling better at that point with noticeable daily improvements. I showered every other day, watched movies, played games, read, drank my favorite teas, visited with family, and walked a little. I worked only very lightly (folded some clothes or washed some dishes). I took it easy because I didn't want to wear myself out. I wanted to heal well.
Regarding your concerns of having feelings of regret, I had them a couple times. A lot of people admit to having those feelings. For me the feelings of regret were short lived (i.e., for a few moments until my medications kicked in; or if I'm tired from a long day and can't rest comfortably due to the swelling). Regret for parts of the journey seem par for the course. Time is our friend on this journey.
There are many more times that I feel positive about how the surgery is affecting my self-perception and self-confidence. All my clothes are loose in all the right places. Most of my wardrobe will have to be replaced. I am down 22 lbs since I made the decision to have a TT. I look like I did over 20 years ago. Dr. Campanile is a great surgeon and his team is wonderful. I love how my tummy is healing. His style has folds that do take some time to flatten; and I can already see how natural the final look is going to be.
The recovery is doable and is something you can handle.
I remember being at your stage of planning for surgery and feeling that the 'recovery' was the worst of all fears. My immediate post-op recovery was about 6 weeks, with the first 3-4 days being the hardest. I had a drastic improvements on day 3 or 4, and really started feeling better at that point with noticeable daily improvements. I showered every other day, watched movies, played games, read, drank my favorite teas, visited with family, and walked a little. I worked only very lightly (folded some clothes or washed some dishes). I took it easy because I didn't want to wear myself out. I wanted to heal well.
Regarding your concerns of having feelings of regret, I had them a couple times. A lot of people admit to having those feelings. For me the feelings of regret were short lived (i.e., for a few moments until my medications kicked in; or if I'm tired from a long day and can't rest comfortably due to the swelling). Regret for parts of the journey seem par for the course. Time is our friend on this journey.
There are many more times that I feel positive about how the surgery is affecting my self-perception and self-confidence. All my clothes are loose in all the right places. Most of my wardrobe will have to be replaced. I am down 22 lbs since I made the decision to have a TT. I look like I did over 20 years ago. Dr. Campanile is a great surgeon and his team is wonderful. I love how my tummy is healing. His style has folds that do take some time to flatten; and I can already see how natural the final look is going to be.
February 3, 2016
DebbieBear, thank you so much for this post. It has made me feel so much better. I appreciate the positive comments. I have heard enough negative from people telling me that I'm crazy for doing this, that my stomach is fine, and on and on. It's very comforting to hear from you and to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Campanile. I did a lot of research and I feel like I choose the best surgeon for me. His before and after pics are jaw dropping and you look amazing! I love how tiny your waist is and your hourglass shape! I can't wait to see my results, I just wish I could fast forward a couple months!!! Thanks again for the advice and encouragement. Happy healing to you!!

February 4, 2016
Thanks. I sought out Dr. Campanile too. When I met him, I discovered that he really takes an interest in the 'art' and outcomes of the TT.

February 3, 2016
Congratulations! I am 4 weeks post Mommy makeover. Glad your sister is coming to help. My hubby took 7 days off to stay home with me and I truly needed him. The first week is the very hardest, take your pain pills as directed. Just know within 2 weeks, you will start to feel much better. Check out my pics...they may help. You'll be do happy with your results!
February 3, 2016
Thank you for the encouragement!
You look wonderful!!!! I can't wait till I'm 4 weeks post op :)
You look wonderful!!!! I can't wait till I'm 4 weeks post op :)

February 10, 2016
Thank you for sharing!!! Good luck to you!!! It's a hard recovery, but when all said and done you will be very happy!!!
The scar is no biggie!! There are many great scar gels, creams, and tapes that will help it fade!!
Worth it!!!! Keep us posted!!! Take care of you
The scar is no biggie!! There are many great scar gels, creams, and tapes that will help it fade!!
Worth it!!!! Keep us posted!!! Take care of you
February 10, 2016
Thank you so much! I can't believe tomorrow is the day. I am beyond nervous!!! Thanks for the encouragement. :)
February 15, 2016
Can you please share the info on the pillows you got off Amazon?
February 17, 2016
Yes! I got the InteVision foam wedge bed pillow. 25x24x12 for 39.99
And I got the InteVision ortho bed
wedge 8x21x24 for 35.95. They have been very helpful!
And I got the InteVision ortho bed
wedge 8x21x24 for 35.95. They have been very helpful!
March 9, 2016
Looks awesome! What size and type of implants dos you go with??
UPDATED FROM cmartin99
1 day post
All done!!!
cmartin99February 12, 2016
Well, I had my BA, TT and lipo yesterday. Everything went great at the surgery center. The whole staff was wonderful! Dr. Campanile came in to mark me and that's the last thing I remember. Im doing pretty good right now because I'm staying on top of my meds. However if I cough or sneeze I want to die it huts so bad. It's also pretty painful to get up and walk. I hope this gets easier soon. I hate laying around so much. I'll post pics when I can.
Replies (4)

February 12, 2016
Yay! Congratulations, I'm 6 weeks post mommy makeover. Hang in there in about a week you'll be feeling much better.

February 14, 2016
Yeah! I'm glad you made your decision and are now recovering. It is a slow recovery and takes some patience for sure. It does hurt. I know personally about all those stitches - so take it really easy. The first few days are the toughest. It will get better - hang in there
Replies (12)
Thank you for sharing your review and your journey with this community. I hope you get all the support and feedback you need here. Please let us know what we can do for you.
Great choice for surgeons.