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I'm 47, professional mom with 5 kids --...
I'm 47, professional mom with 5 kids -- 22,20,18,16 yr old twins. I was a college athlete and very fit before I had children. Over the years I gained and lost weight, and tried to stay fit. From 2008-2010 I gained a lot of weight through and after my divorce. Lost 55 lbs over the next five years and was left with lots of sagging skin. My tummy was the worst area..no matter what I still looked 6 months pregnant. I felt the same way many people report here -- frustrated by the results of my weight loss efforts, uncomfortable with the sagging skin and stretch marks, clothes fitting poorly, self-conscious all the time even though I felt fit, strong and sexy on the inside. Decided to get a consult last September just to see what was possible. Dr Chapin and his team were wonderful in describing the surgery options (tummy tuck and lipo of hips) or (lower body lift and lipo of saddlebags). The price wasn't much more for the lower body lift and lipo of upper thighs/saddlebags and Dr. Chapin explained that I would have much better results from the lbl and lipo, so after consideration I decided on that surgery. He described the typical outcome and showed me photos of real people who had undergone this surgery. One of the patients had a very similar body type to mine and I was blown away by the result. I wondered if I needed to lose more weight before the surgery, as I was still about 20 lbs from my goal weight. He calculated my BMI and stated that I didn't need to, that he was perfectly comfortable performing the surgery whenever I was ready. I decided to schedule the surgery in November since that time frame worked best with my work schedule. I work from home when I'm not traveling for work, and didn't have any trips scheduled from November until the second week in December. I scheduled the surgery on Wednesday November 4th and took 3 days off. Planned to work from my desk on Monday and arranged for help from two of my best girlfriends.
Before the surgery: I researched a lot online and found a wonderful blog called "runs for cookies" I think she also had a video discussing the supplies she purchased, and I bought all of them. I'll talk about what I really needed later. I doubled my efforts to eat well and exercise more, and lost 10 more lbs and am REALLY glad I did. Emotionally it was interesting, and a process. I questioned whether I was doing the right thing to take this step, to spend this amount of money. I felt like I had transformed back to the woman I used to be internally, but externally did not. It was time to let go, if that makes any sense. Dr Chapin's and his team are great about providing information, getting back to you right away if they aren't available when you call, which most of the time I didn't even have to leave a message. The website is accurate in my opinion with photos and realistic results.
Day of surgery: The surgical team was wonderful, it lasted about 8 hours and the first few hours afterwards were fine. Unfortunately I do not respond to Vicodin -- I didn't know this, but have had experiences of pain that is difficult to manage with Percocet and Morphine. I was in so much pain 8 hours later that I really thought I would pass out. The nurses didn't understand as they were giving me Vicodin and Morphine, but the morphine would last about 20 minutes and the Vicodin wasn't doing anything. My girlfriend came in to take me home, but I couldn't even speak it hurt so much. She took my phone and contacted Dr. Chapin, who immediately prescribed Percocet, and she took me home. I only tell you this to advise you to take stock of your pain tolerance, and communicate ahead of time with your Dr. Have someone to advocate for you if something unexpected happens. Don't get behind your meds....you won't need the pain meds for very long so take them as prescribed and don't miss any doses. It's not worth the extra pain!
Recovery: The recovery was much more demanding than I expected. I did not know that I could have rented a hospital grade recliner, and really could have used that! As it was, I slept in my basic recliner for 4 nights, with my girlfriends helping with pillows and blankets. They were so wonderful. I moved very slowly, but the pain was under control. For the first two weeks I really didn't do much. I tried to take a walk around the 10 day mark and made it 25 feet and turned around. I felt like a 90 year old lady all crouched over and shuffling.
Here are some items I really needed and used:
Shower chair -- really need this -- you'll need help showering and then might feel too weak to stand after that. I used the shower chair for about a week.
Extra pillows -- firm ones -- like firewood when camping -- you need way more than you think :)
Comfy clothes-- I'd wear a tank top with the binder over it and another light shirt over that, and a criss/cross cotton jacket over to keep the drains from showing, and pajama pants most of the time. Easy things to get off/on. Pinned the drains to the outer light shirt.
Toilet risers -- I'm tall so it was a lifesaver to have a higher toilet, its really hard to squat down at first.
Preparation H -- and preparation H wipes
Stool softener -- I wish I would have started taking it earlier than the surgery. Constipation can be really really awful and for me it was terrible. Once I was able to go, everything was fine, but OMG the first time was so bad I was crying. I think there is a medication out now that addresses constipation as a result of pain meds...check into it!!!
Memory foam mattress topper -- after 4 nights I couldn't take the recliner any more. But it was too painful to lie on my side since the incision goes all the way around. And it was VERY hard to reposition, hurt a lot to move around. My bed is very comfortable but I needed more support. I bought the best quality mattress topper -- 4" memory foam -- and had a friend help me put it on...there was no way I could even lift it. (You can't lift ANYTHING for awhile!) So with the topper and a ton of pillows, and pain meds before I slept (I wasn't taking narcotics during the day on day 5) I was able to sleep in my bed.
Pads -- It was recommended to buy maxi pads or surgical pads for the "oozing" and or leaking of fluid when you have the drains. The maxi pads worked for me because of the sticky strips. Then I'd wear a tank top under the binder and changed it if it got wet.
Water proof mattress protector -- I didn't need it.
Neosporin -- didn't need it
Water and pineapple -- I was surprised how thirsty I was...already drank a ton of water and needed even more. Must be our body healing. My gf recommended pineapple to help with swelling, and I don't know how true it is, but I can tell you that I ate pineapple for 2 days before and at each meal/snacks following surgery and I had NO bruising or swelling in the lipo areas. NONE. I actually joked that maybe the lipo wasn't done...but I know it was, tiny marks at the insertion points and I can see the difference. Swelling overall was not that bad, nothing like I'd read from other's experiences, but we are all different.
Luckily my boss is awesome and my company is fantastic, because it was way longer than expected to be back to full speed. I just responded to emails when I had to, and stayed off the phone. Very happy I scheduled the surgery when I did. It took 4 weeks to be able to take walks around the block. By the time I had to travel again, I was feeling fine -- just still kind of slow and stiff. Wore a little black dress to our Christmas party and our little team had to get up and sing in front of 80 people. I have a terrible singing voice, but honestly I felt so confident and beautiful in that dress that I didn't even care. It was a nice moment for me, and everyone was happy when our singing stopped!
Post surgery: It is now 3 months later -- February 15th to be exact. I am SO HAPPY I did this. Yes, the recovery was demanding, but it was so worth it. My scar has already diminished quite a bit, but my belly button started to close so Dr. Chapin gave me a cortisone shot and I wear a moldable ear plug there to keep it open. It is now healing nicely. I'm back to strenuous workouts and feel great. I can't sit down for too long, stiffness will set in. I am so much more comfortable in my body and in my clothes. This surgery has enabled me to take my workouts to the next level as my belly is no longer "in my way." I am so much more confident presenting to clients, and my clothes finally fit me like they are supposed to. I just don't have to think about my belly anymore. It is so freeing to just get dressed without stressing over how fat and pregnant I still look, even though I'd lost 55 lbs!!! The surgery took off 8 lbs and I've lost another 10.
Observations/unexpected happenings: I can't eat or drink as much as I used to, even though I was really watching my food intake before. My belly is so tight, it just can't handle a lot of food. I went to brunch recently and had 3 bloody mary's and a small meal, and threw up after because my tummy couldn't handle the liquid! Also, when I have to go to the bathroom, there is a very tight feeling across my lower belly...again because it is so tight it just can't expand. All these are good things, because I am enjoying food and drink even more now....more careful choices and saving money too. I have to be a lot more careful about how much alcohol I consume, my body just can't handle it. That's better for my health in the long run, of course. I lost 5 inches across my waist right after the surgery and have lost another inch or so from being able to work out harder (and enjoying working out more now!) My image/presentation to the world now matches how I feel on the inside -- strong, fit, confident. I am not a tiny person -- 6'2" and size 14. That's who I was before kids and divorce, and that's who I am now :)
Enough about me -- again I want to say that Dr. Chapin is wonderful...I would recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery. Don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns, because any question or concern you have is valid. They will help you every step of the way, from considering the options, to the financial consideration and care credit options, preparing for the surgery, and recovery follow up.
Good luck with your journey!
Before the surgery: I researched a lot online and found a wonderful blog called "runs for cookies" I think she also had a video discussing the supplies she purchased, and I bought all of them. I'll talk about what I really needed later. I doubled my efforts to eat well and exercise more, and lost 10 more lbs and am REALLY glad I did. Emotionally it was interesting, and a process. I questioned whether I was doing the right thing to take this step, to spend this amount of money. I felt like I had transformed back to the woman I used to be internally, but externally did not. It was time to let go, if that makes any sense. Dr Chapin's and his team are great about providing information, getting back to you right away if they aren't available when you call, which most of the time I didn't even have to leave a message. The website is accurate in my opinion with photos and realistic results.
Day of surgery: The surgical team was wonderful, it lasted about 8 hours and the first few hours afterwards were fine. Unfortunately I do not respond to Vicodin -- I didn't know this, but have had experiences of pain that is difficult to manage with Percocet and Morphine. I was in so much pain 8 hours later that I really thought I would pass out. The nurses didn't understand as they were giving me Vicodin and Morphine, but the morphine would last about 20 minutes and the Vicodin wasn't doing anything. My girlfriend came in to take me home, but I couldn't even speak it hurt so much. She took my phone and contacted Dr. Chapin, who immediately prescribed Percocet, and she took me home. I only tell you this to advise you to take stock of your pain tolerance, and communicate ahead of time with your Dr. Have someone to advocate for you if something unexpected happens. Don't get behind your meds....you won't need the pain meds for very long so take them as prescribed and don't miss any doses. It's not worth the extra pain!
Recovery: The recovery was much more demanding than I expected. I did not know that I could have rented a hospital grade recliner, and really could have used that! As it was, I slept in my basic recliner for 4 nights, with my girlfriends helping with pillows and blankets. They were so wonderful. I moved very slowly, but the pain was under control. For the first two weeks I really didn't do much. I tried to take a walk around the 10 day mark and made it 25 feet and turned around. I felt like a 90 year old lady all crouched over and shuffling.
Here are some items I really needed and used:
Shower chair -- really need this -- you'll need help showering and then might feel too weak to stand after that. I used the shower chair for about a week.
Extra pillows -- firm ones -- like firewood when camping -- you need way more than you think :)
Comfy clothes-- I'd wear a tank top with the binder over it and another light shirt over that, and a criss/cross cotton jacket over to keep the drains from showing, and pajama pants most of the time. Easy things to get off/on. Pinned the drains to the outer light shirt.
Toilet risers -- I'm tall so it was a lifesaver to have a higher toilet, its really hard to squat down at first.
Preparation H -- and preparation H wipes
Stool softener -- I wish I would have started taking it earlier than the surgery. Constipation can be really really awful and for me it was terrible. Once I was able to go, everything was fine, but OMG the first time was so bad I was crying. I think there is a medication out now that addresses constipation as a result of pain meds...check into it!!!
Memory foam mattress topper -- after 4 nights I couldn't take the recliner any more. But it was too painful to lie on my side since the incision goes all the way around. And it was VERY hard to reposition, hurt a lot to move around. My bed is very comfortable but I needed more support. I bought the best quality mattress topper -- 4" memory foam -- and had a friend help me put it on...there was no way I could even lift it. (You can't lift ANYTHING for awhile!) So with the topper and a ton of pillows, and pain meds before I slept (I wasn't taking narcotics during the day on day 5) I was able to sleep in my bed.
Pads -- It was recommended to buy maxi pads or surgical pads for the "oozing" and or leaking of fluid when you have the drains. The maxi pads worked for me because of the sticky strips. Then I'd wear a tank top under the binder and changed it if it got wet.
Water proof mattress protector -- I didn't need it.
Neosporin -- didn't need it
Water and pineapple -- I was surprised how thirsty I was...already drank a ton of water and needed even more. Must be our body healing. My gf recommended pineapple to help with swelling, and I don't know how true it is, but I can tell you that I ate pineapple for 2 days before and at each meal/snacks following surgery and I had NO bruising or swelling in the lipo areas. NONE. I actually joked that maybe the lipo wasn't done...but I know it was, tiny marks at the insertion points and I can see the difference. Swelling overall was not that bad, nothing like I'd read from other's experiences, but we are all different.
Luckily my boss is awesome and my company is fantastic, because it was way longer than expected to be back to full speed. I just responded to emails when I had to, and stayed off the phone. Very happy I scheduled the surgery when I did. It took 4 weeks to be able to take walks around the block. By the time I had to travel again, I was feeling fine -- just still kind of slow and stiff. Wore a little black dress to our Christmas party and our little team had to get up and sing in front of 80 people. I have a terrible singing voice, but honestly I felt so confident and beautiful in that dress that I didn't even care. It was a nice moment for me, and everyone was happy when our singing stopped!
Post surgery: It is now 3 months later -- February 15th to be exact. I am SO HAPPY I did this. Yes, the recovery was demanding, but it was so worth it. My scar has already diminished quite a bit, but my belly button started to close so Dr. Chapin gave me a cortisone shot and I wear a moldable ear plug there to keep it open. It is now healing nicely. I'm back to strenuous workouts and feel great. I can't sit down for too long, stiffness will set in. I am so much more comfortable in my body and in my clothes. This surgery has enabled me to take my workouts to the next level as my belly is no longer "in my way." I am so much more confident presenting to clients, and my clothes finally fit me like they are supposed to. I just don't have to think about my belly anymore. It is so freeing to just get dressed without stressing over how fat and pregnant I still look, even though I'd lost 55 lbs!!! The surgery took off 8 lbs and I've lost another 10.
Observations/unexpected happenings: I can't eat or drink as much as I used to, even though I was really watching my food intake before. My belly is so tight, it just can't handle a lot of food. I went to brunch recently and had 3 bloody mary's and a small meal, and threw up after because my tummy couldn't handle the liquid! Also, when I have to go to the bathroom, there is a very tight feeling across my lower belly...again because it is so tight it just can't expand. All these are good things, because I am enjoying food and drink even more now....more careful choices and saving money too. I have to be a lot more careful about how much alcohol I consume, my body just can't handle it. That's better for my health in the long run, of course. I lost 5 inches across my waist right after the surgery and have lost another inch or so from being able to work out harder (and enjoying working out more now!) My image/presentation to the world now matches how I feel on the inside -- strong, fit, confident. I am not a tiny person -- 6'2" and size 14. That's who I was before kids and divorce, and that's who I am now :)
Enough about me -- again I want to say that Dr. Chapin is wonderful...I would recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery. Don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns, because any question or concern you have is valid. They will help you every step of the way, from considering the options, to the financial consideration and care credit options, preparing for the surgery, and recovery follow up.
Good luck with your journey!
Provider Review
Dr. Chapin is wonderful...I would recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery. Chapin and his team are great about providing information, getting back to you right away if they aren't available when you call, which most of the time I didn't even have to leave a message. The website is accurate in my opinion with photos and realistic results. Don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns, because any question or concern you have is valid. They will help you every step of the way, from considering the options, to the financial consideration and care credit options, preparing for the surgery, and recovery follow up.