Extended Tummy Tuck, Lipo and GFT

I recently underwent an extended tummy tuck with abdominal repair, flank lipo and gluteal fat transfer to hip dips with Dr. Wheeler and I am more than satisfied with the experience and results. I feel so much stronger and confident with my body (see ya loose skin!) Dr. Wheeler is very professional, gentle, attentive to every small detail and amazing at his craft. His bedside manner is exactly what I needed- confident and reassuring... with a little bit of humor. I was concerned about safety and wanted to make sure that this surgery would be successful without complications. I did a lot of research and talked to friends and trusted professionals who had had procedures done by Dr. Wheeler and after meeting him, I was confident he was the perfect surgeon for me. Without a doubt, he was the best choice. When I went in for my consult, I was expecting a standard TT. Then by the time I left I was scheduled for an extended TT, lipo and GFT. One of Dr. Wheelers talents is that he can look at your body and tell you what you want, even if you don't know what you want. He doesn't just quote you what you came in for, he looks at your body and tells you what your body needs. That is what you WANT in a plastic surgeon. He took the time to explain, in detail, about each procedure, risks, myths, how procedures used to be done vs. how they are done now, safety, etc. and it completely put my mind at ease. His entire staff is so kind, knowledgeable and overall, I can't praise Plastic Surgery NW enough for the care they gave me.

For those of you wondering (because I definitely wondered this myself pre-op), a TT and GFT at the same time is not fun. You can't lay on your side or tummy, and you can't put weight on your butt for 2 weeks. So what do you do!? I recommend some sort of wedge pillow setup (from Amazon) so you can prop your back up and prop your thighs up and let your butt hang. This was the most comfortable. My husband had to help me get in and out of this bed setup for about the first week, then I figured it out on my own. The first week is the worst, then it's all up hill from there.

I wanted to wait 3 months before writing a review so I could fully heal and give my honest review about the whole process. I had no complications with surgery, aftercare or healing. I followed every rule to a T and listened to my body when I needed to rest. I have noticed that each week my belly button evolves and looks better and better. From what I have heard this will continue for a year+. At 12 weeks post op I can workout 5 days a week, but I still am not doing abdominal exercises. It causes some pain in my belly button area so I'm going to give that a bit more time. For reference, I am 5'2, 117 lbs pre op, went down to 113 right after surgery then by 12 weeks was back up to 117. I had a twin pregnancy and 2 singles, 3 c-sections and a very separated abdominal wall/loose skin from all those kiddos. I am forever grateful to Dr. Wheeler for giving me my body back.

Here's some words of advice:
>You are allowed to want your pre-baby body back. Don't feel guilty seeing a plastic surgeon to make this happen. I did... and now I don't. This surgery was for ME.
>Listen to your body post op, take it one day at a time.
>Plastic surgery is for CORRECTION, not PERFECTION
>I highly recommend not choosing a plastic surgeon based on your wallet. There are so many horror stories out there. You get what you pay for. Save up if you can't afford it right now. Choose Plastic Surgery NW and choose Dr. Wheeler. You will not be disappointed!!!