August 17th TT and MR - 1 Year Later!!
I have wanted a tummy tuck for years - since the...
I have wanted a tummy tuck for years - since the birth of my second daughter 10 years ago. I have two girls, ages 10 and 12, and I am 33 years old. I am have been single for many years. I love to participate in triathlons, though I am still very overweight.. I don't mind my curves, but I could not stand the extra skin and fat on my stomach. My self confidence has been very low because I can get over my belly. Otherwise, I know I am intelligent and strong - so the belly had to go!
First 48 hours - I can't believe that so many of you had an easy time the first few days. I was in pain and I was very ill. I have never had anesthesia, and I don't think that my body responded to it very well. My friend who was taking care of me was a saint. It was the worst 48 hours of my life. I stopped vicodin the day after the tt because I was throwing up. Also, i somehow pulled out one of my three drains.
My doctor removed 3.5lbs of skin. He told me after the surgery that it was mostly skin.
The next two days were ok. The pain was bearable on the tylenol alone. I didn't have a toilet raiser, but my legs are very strong from triathlon and P90X, so it wasn't an issue at all. I had my first shower 3 days PO.
After day 5, I was feeling great. I got my second drain out day 7 and third one out day 10. I feel better every day. My TT was on the 17th and I went back to work on the 27th. I have a desk job, so it is not so bad.
I am dealing with a lot of swelling now - it can be seen in my first after phtotos taken on the 28th. My sides seem so much wider then the first few days post. The apparent love handles are due to swelling. I love my results. I look so much better in my clothes. My scar is very low!
minnetrimom's provider
Tomorrow will be two weeks since my TT! This week...
Although I am new to posting on this site, I have been reading stories for a while. I was kind of chicken to post, and I am so grateful for everyone who has shared their stories and experiences. I don't actually know if I would have went through with the surgery if this site wasn't here. It has been so helpful for me!
I can't wait to start working out, but I realize it is a process. I worry so much about gaining weight. I am also going a little stir-crazy. I am not the most patient person in the world!
I posted one more picture taken day 12 PO.
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I am so happy that I did this! My self confidence...
I had my 2 week check up yesterday, and I am doing really well. My PS said that I could start walking (as much as feels good to me). I was so happy to get the "ok" to increase my activity. I walked a mile with my daughters yesterday, and today I did a 3-mile loop around one of our lovely little Minnesota lakes. It is really funny - I don't think I have ever taken a walk by myself before. Since I compete in several running races and triathlons during the year, I always have some kind of goal in mind when I go out to run - faster, harder, longer....etc. I have walked with friends and family, but when I go out alone, I run. Well, walking is so different. I didn't wear my heart rate monitor/sports watch. I noticed the trees and lake and birds. I saw a blue-jay and a bald eagle. I even walked out onto the fishing dock and looked out at the lake. I have been running around that lake for three years, and I have never been out on the dock, and I had never even thought about it before. I also noticed that the people walking are smiley, and the people running are so serious...lol... Though the little competitive part of my brain wanted me to yell out to the runners that passed me, "I just had surgery, so that is why I am walking!" Ha Ha! I did really enjoy the slower pace. I am not sure how long I will be patient with the "stop and smell the roses" lifestyle, but today it made me very happy.
Good luck to all who have upcoming surgery, and Happy Healing to those of you who are on the "Flat Side!"
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