43, 1 Child, Tummy Tuck, Lipo: Flanks, Upper & Lower Back

Dr. Hodnett is a talented surgeon and artist! The entire staff at GoldMed in Encino have been wonderful and very attentive. Myria has been my primary contact and made the entire process run smoothly, she's very knowledgeable. Patty, checks on me and always answers my aftercare questions. She's an experienced and nurturing nurse. Silvia and Jasmine run the front desk and are always a pleasure to deal with.

I'm extremely happy with my results so far. At day-7 the results have exceeded my expectations. My stomach is smooth, no pooch, stretch marks or loose skin! Hooray!

I'm in my mid 40's, active, 1 pregnancy, yo-yo dieted, gained/lost up to 60 pounds over the past 25 years and could not get rid of the "pooch" and always felt some discomfort (hernia). My skin was loose, stretched out and my belly button was off to the right.

During exercise (especially running) or normal movement during the day, the skin on my lower stomach would eventually hang over my underwear. Tucking in my loose skin was embarrassing. It was time to address it.

This site helped me a lot when I was researching TT and hernia repair procedures and gave me the confidence to move forward. I saw hundreds of photos, read tons of reviews and decided on Dr. Hodnett for my procedure because I know someone personally that recently had a TT from him. I was sold after seeing first hand how beautifully her TT turned out and how happy she is. Her incision is low with a cute, small, belly button and a sculpted waist like a goddess! I want to be a goddess too! Sign me up. Myria was very patient with me and answered all my questions. I was ready to get the ball rolling.

I took a photo at Day-7 and there's a big improvement in my appearance even with the swelling. The side-by-side photos are impressive and I'm excited to heal and see the final result. I only have light bruising on one side of my stomach. My belly button is healing nicely.

If you're considering this surgery make sure you have help lined up ahead of time for at least 7-10 days and have someone drive you to your appointments for at least 14 days or UBER when you're well enough to travel alone. Some women on this site recommended an electric bed. If I had to do it all over again, I would have rented one and also rented the recliner chair lift. The beds rent around $185 a month. The chair lift is a little more but you could also sleep in it. Both will help prop you up. I wasn't able to get out of bed and relied solely on family to help me up. I felt bad when I was waking up up to 3X a night and was going to the bathroom more often than normal. That was when I realized an electric bed would have been really nice. You're unable engage your abs for a while and although I have strong arms, the lipo I did on my back made my arms feel weak, like spaghetti.

The first 3-days are the most uncomfortable.

Things I'm really glad I purchased or did prior to surgery:

Bought 7 pairs of thin stretchy underwear 2-3 sizes bigger. You're swollen all over and loose panties are comfy.

Placed mattress under pads on the bed to help protect my sheets and mattress. They're easy to throw in the washer. I rotate 2. It keeps my mind at ease since I still have drains attached.

Purchased lightweight dresses a few sizes bigger to wear to bed/day, cotton strapless dresses and an oversized dark sweater to camouflage the bulge of the drains when leaving the house for doctor appointments.

Bought a blue glass water carafe from IKEA to keep on the night stand and flexible straws. Drinking alot of water.

Protein powder with fruit, prune juice (keep things moving), water and ice makes a delicious afternoon drink. The Bullet is great for this.

Made homemade soup the night before (low sodium) and placed some in the fridge and froze the rest. Homemade is always tastes better.

Boiled 12 eggs the night before, peeled and put them in the fridge. Great for a quick breakfast (and protein) with fruit, toast and tea.

Bought sliced fruit: watermelon, pineapple, mango.

Chewable Women's Multi-Vitamins

Hand Sanitizer at bedside and bathroom

DulcoGas - I take them everyday. Don't wait for discomfort. The binder is tight and even the slightest bloating is uncomfortable.

DulcoEase Pink (stool softener) take daily
Dulcolax Pink (laxative) take daily

It's important to keep things moving and avoid bloating. The last thing you need is constipation or gas when you're recovering. The meds cause constipation.

Antibacterial Soap

Bleached all towels and bedding

Sterile Gauze Pads 4x4 (latex free) CVS to clean incision, they're really soft. I also use them to cushion the incision.

Walker with 4 wheels and a seat. My mom brought it over on day 2 and it helped a lot getting around the house and provided support since I was unable to stand up straight. I'm only using it now sometimes in the evening when I'm really tired but it came in handy the first 7 days. If you know someone that has one, borrow it. You'll be glad you did. It also helps me get out of bed every morning. Once I'm standing I can get around on my own. It's been my favorite recovery tool.

Use lot of pillows. I use a pillow under my knees and to sleep slightly elevated. Pillows on the couch are helpful too.

Treated myself to a heavenly blowout on Day-8 because I looked like a cockatoo! Needed help leaning back into the bowl. A fresh do makes you look and feel better.

Drains will come out on Day 14. I'm excited to take a shower. No more sponge baths.

I'll continue updating you as I go. I've tried uploading photos but continue to receive an error message. Check back for photos. I'm excited to share them.

Thanks GoldMed for taking such good care of me. Everyone at GoldMed has given me the star treatment. Love you Dr. Hodnett, Myria, Patty, Silvia and Jasmine! ??

Still swollen and have some light bruising but happy so far with results.

I'm healing well but drains are staying in for a few more days or so until I drain under 30. I really want them out. Staying patient and positive. Pain is manageable and only take pain med on occasion at bedtime. Feeling better everyday and think that I might be able to drive this week. Caring for myself is getting easier which is very encouraging.