Tummy Tuck scheduled for 1/27/14
I'm 47 yrs old. ...
Tummy Tuck scheduled for 1/27/14
I'm 47 yrs old. I have a soon to be 21 year old daughter. I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck January 27, 2014. I've been wanting to do this for 20 years.
Pregnancy destroyed my body. I was small before and my body never recovered. I worked hard to lose the weight and I did but my stretch marks and the tummy area never tightened to where I felt comfortable. I've since hid my stomach in one piece bathing suits, lose clothing, larger jeans....sometimes having to tuck my stomach into my jeans. Yuck!
My insecurity with my tummy has affected me in all areas of my life and most recently I have seen the negative impact it has on my romantic life.
I've started dating again from a 3 year hiatus and met a wonderful man who accepts me tummy and all. I can't get past my issues and realize I need to either get over it or do something about it .
I started researching tummy tucks, breast augmentation (I need that too) and mommy make overs. Ive had many friends have plastic surgery procedures locally and honestly never felt the outcomes they received plus the time and financial obligation was worth it for me. I Stumbled upon Real Self and by reading reviews and what I needed not only from the surgeon but the staff, I found Dr. Kaufman in Folsom ca, 5 hours away.
Since I'm such a distance from Folsom Dr. Kaufman called me on my cell for the consultation to make sure we were a good fit. He asked what I was looking for and was interested in my life in such a way to make sure this was what I wanted and why. And if I recall it was on a weekend night. He made me feel important enough to make the time to go meet him in person.
A few weeks later I went to have my in person consultation. At the time of the consultation I was wanting breast augmentation as well. My top and bottom never matched. Dresses never fit. My hips and thighs are on the thicker side whereas my waist and breast are on the smaller side. My goal is to go into a dressing room and have clothes fit....or at least better.
After my consultation with Dr. Kaufman I decided on only a tummy tuck. He knew financially the both would be hard on me so he was honest to say if I had to chose between the two procedures, he would go with the tummy tuck. He thought I had "modest drooping" and would be pleased with the tummy tuck on its own.
So, here it goes.
My Pharmacy Surprise
I decided to get prescriptions sooner rather than later. For privacy, I considered going to a different pharmacy than the one I've been going to for over 8 years because I've gotten to know the pharmacy techs there. One of the ladies (I'll call her Karen), her daughter and mine went to grade school together so I've known her for 15+ years. But, I held my head high and went in with the long list of prescriptions from Dr. Kaufman. As I stepped up to the counter, I handed Karen the script for meds. She began inputting and then stumbled upon a question about one of the meds that I couldn't answer so she needed to call Dr. Kaufman's office. As she was on the phone, she glanced down to the script and then did a double take at me and back to the sheet. It was kind of comical. She then circled "Kaufman & Clark Plastic Surgeons" and gave me a smile and thumbs up. After the call, she asked me what I was having done, how much and why I was going so far away. I filled her in on the details and she was supportive and encouraging. An anxious moment turned out to be uplifting and reminded me that I made the right decision!
Nerves!
I'm having such anxiety and nerves as each day gets me closer to my TT. I want it make sure everything is in place and ready. I keep checking my to do list. Researching ... Should I get a recliner? Should I rent a mini van for the 5 hour drive? Should I freeze meals ahead of time? I don't want to be a burden on anyone. Is this too much for my boyfriend? I'm stressing because I'm not fit right now and have read the more physically fit you are the better recovery you'll have. I'm on hear reading as many posts I can for suggestions and tips and appreciate how candid and helpful everyone is. 31 days and counting but wanting to barf at how overwhelming this is!
A New Year and a New Me
My boyfriend and I are starting a new lifestyle change beginning January 1st. Ha ha! How many times have you heard someone say that? Countless, but this time we are serious. I am 26 days out from my tummy tuck and it's a good step for us both to become healthier together. I'm going to do a cleanse and then a healthier diet leading up to surgery date.
I don't know why or if this is normal but I've gained weight since scheduling my tummy tuck. I haven't been as strict and have been eating uncontrollably and have gained close to 5 lbs since starting this journey. Anyone else had that experience?
The closer the date comes, the more emotional I get. I want to cry. I'm excited but really scared and anxious about aftercare and my work. My work is based on timelines by the federal government and I only have 2 other team members to help out in a large county, so I feel a little guilty for that.
But mostly I'm trying to look out for my primary caregiver - my boyfriend of only 6 months. He is going to be with me thru the entire process. Trust me...I've considered calling my best friend, my mother, my daughter...anyone other than putting him thru this. Let's just say that we have a "romantic period" coming up of him helping me to the toilet, bathing me, changing my dressings, my drains, my stitches, my everything...
Happy New Year!
Questions for doctor at pre-op this Thursday
My appointment will be over the phone because my doctor is about 5 hours away and it's too difficult to take time off work and life. So, Dr. Kaufman kindly agreed to have it over the phone.
I haven't even started a list of questions to ask. Anyone have suggestions on what to ask?
Thank you!
10 days and Pre Op done!
Dr. Kaufman called me last night to go over everything we would if I had been there in person. He put my mind at ease letting me know I'm a good candidate for the surgery and will be very pleased with the results. I have anxiety about my belly button not looking normal and he again assured me that he is 100% confident it will look about the same minus the "fluff".
What I didn't count on was the emotional release that happened after the call. I think it was a combination of the emotions I've been stuffing and the reality of having elective surgery. I've not been sharing my emotions simply because I haven't shared this journey with my support circle, only my boyfriend. And it's not fair to lay it all on him, it's girlfriend stuff. I have extreme anxiety having elective major surgery. I've never had major surgery before and I'm wanting this!
Then I read RS updates and photos and see all the amazing flat tummies and the anxiety disappears for the moment. I can't wait to be done with this stomach!
Tomorrow is the big day!
I can't begin to explain the whirlwind of emotions I have been feeling these past two weeks. Happy, sad, nervous, you name it, I've been feeling it. I have to say now that I am less than 24 hours away from surgery I am finally a bit excited about it. I know the first week is going to be tough but I feel like I have all my ducks in a row and have prepared for as much as I can and now have to rely on my support network to be there for me.
One thing I know for sure. Dr. Kaufman was absolutely the right choice and he is a wonderful man. As I am traveling to him for surgery he has taken time to call me on his personal schedule to be sure all my questions are answered and that I feel prepared. He has assured me that I will be ecstatic with my results and has really made me feel good about my decision. His gentle way even comes through over the phone and its so appreciated.
Leaving in about two hours to make the trip to Folsom for my big day! I'm excited. :-)
Wish me luck!
It's here!
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27 Jan 2014
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Day of treatment
My last post before the new me! Just got marked up and I'm bordering on terrified but the Anesthesiologist is readying a "cocktail" for me so woohoo! Here we go!
She's Out!
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27 Jan 2014
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Day of treatment
Hi RS Friends of NuMe2B,
This is her BF posting on her behalf and she is out of surgery and sound asleep in our hotel room so she asked me to post an update. The surgery went fantastic and the doctor said she is going to be absolutely thrilled with the results. He said he could not be happier with how the procedure went.
She was an absolute riot when the meds kicked in before surgery. She woke up pretty groggy and in some pain but overall doing well and in great spirits. Hopefully she gets some sleep now and can sleep off the meds from surgery.
She got one drain put in and has a pain pump inserted as well. Overall the practice was incredible and everyone was so kind. Dr. Kaufman has been doing some commenting on her story on his own Facebook page so check out his video he posted this morning on the results - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153760480160612&set=vb.405481615611&type=2&theater
More later as she wakes up and is up to posting her post surgery thoughts.
S
Post op day 1
I've been a bit quiet but now finally feel up to writing. I've been tired and nauseous . The pain is tolerable if I don't move, ha! Went in for post op this morning before the 5 hour journey home. Dr. Kaufman and my boyfriend were very happy with the results. I didnt' really look cus i was feeling quesy. Will try and update often.
Post op day 3
It's all been a blur....sleeping, peeing, taking meds...and repeat. Trying to walk more but the back pain is pretty intense. Haven't showered yet, can't until pain pump is out. The recliner is heaven. So happy I borrowed it. Haven't had a BM yet either.....the doctor says it's pretty normal until day 3 or 4....fingers crossed it's going to be day 4. I don't have regrets for having the surgery in fact I'm more excited post op than I was pre op.
Trying to schedule my one week appointment for next week and dreading the drive. My poor boyfriend. He's been so good, anticipating my needs before I have to ask. I'm in good hands. He's looking forward to removing my pain pump line. I'll be sad to see it go.
Hope everyone is healing well and will post pics once I can shower.
After shower... . PO day 3?
Can't stand straight so these are the best I can do
Post Op day 6
Frustrated I'm not straightening out. Not sleeping well unless I take a narcotic. Lower back from being hunched is definitely the worst of the entire thing. Appetite is back for sure but trying to be smart. I love the flat tummy and my love handles gone. Progress slow but on track. My drain is minimal. Won't be telling my daughter today after all. Hopefully tomorrow.
Day 8 post op goal
My goal today is to straighten out more each time I stand or walk. I really think I can do this. Last night while sleeping in the Recliner I realized I was stretched out pretty good so gosh darn it, I should be able to stand more tall. I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Drain is out!
On the way home from the 9 hour round trip to Dr. Kaufman 's office. He removed the drain and stitches! What a relief! I'm free! Will post more tomorrow
Day 12 Post Op
I've been feeling a bit discouraged the last few days. Moments of why did I do this? I'm sore, tight and swollen.
Yesterday I drove for the first time since surgery and I felt like I was 16 yrs old taking my parents car out for a drive. I felt giddy! That was a bit of independence that I needed badly. However good that felt I did pick something up that must have been more than 5 lbs unbeknownst to me....and ouch! Felt like I tore something. And I did more walking, climbed stairs and in general more than I had since surgery. I felt it at the end of the day. I was not only exhausted but in pain. I overdid it.
Last night I questioned this entire process. Everything from is the pain to losing 2 weeks of my vacation time worth it? Inconveniencing my boyfriend and not being able to laugh without crying worth it? Ya know?
I am truly lucky to have the best boyfriend. He has taken exceptional care of me. He hasn't once made me feel like a burden or guilty for not only putting myself thru this but, putting him thru it as well.
I didn't sleep well last night either. I'm still in the recliner.
I took a shower this morning. I'm still not able to stand the entire shower time. Showers have never felt so welcome. My skin is incredibly dry and itchy. I have major swelling and bruising. So, after the shower I wanted to take a couple cute photos with bra and panties that I've seen others do. Ha ha. I'm so swollen on the back side that cute panties aren't quite my thing just yet. (Sorry Honey but I don't think cute bra and panties are gonna happen for Valentines Day either).
I did put on my regular panties and bra and my boyfriend snapped the attached photo. I wasn't feeling good about it and wasn't even going to post it on here. I was having a pity party. But then he came in and showed me the photo of my before and today and I almost cried with joy! I had a genuine smile on my face and was honestly able to say it was worth it. So worth it.
15 downs out and this is what I know so far:
Recliner. Can't imagine life without it for first 2 weeks. Last 2 nights have been in bed and I must say, it's not as sweet and I do t sleep as well but missed my partner.
Smooth Move Tea. MOM. I tend to be constipated so this part of the recovery I was worried about. My doctor indicated it was normal not to have a BM until day 3 or 4. I didn't worry until day 2 knowing something needed to move. First I did the tea alone, nothing. Next day I tried tea with MOM and sure enough.....felt better. I still have the tea about every 2 days cus I need it. But just the tea.
Saltine crackers. For day 1 until about day 3 this is about all I could handle. I was incredibly nauseous. Thank goodness I never got sick. But boy it sure felt as though I would. I think the saltines helped.
Water. Lots of it. You'll get dehydrated. Drink.
When allowed to shower sit down about 5 minutes between removing your garment and showering. First few showers I didn't. I also about fainted after the shower because of it. Freaked me out. I recommend anytime removing the garment to sit tight for a few before getting up.
Pillows. Lots of them.
Step stool if your small and have a SUV. My boyfriend has a Suburban and brought me home in it. Without the step stool I wouldn't have been able to get in and out of it.
Avoid sodium. For me it's been hard. I love salty fried foods. I have to believe the strong possibility I am up in weight and swollen is diet. I haven't been as careful and I need to get on track quick or why did I even do this?
Strengthen your back prior to surgery. Your back is going to feel the brunt of it for the first week for sure. For me, it's still going on. I was super hunched and at the end of the day I hunch and my back feels it. I didn't workout to strengthen any part of my body prior to surgery and regret it. I got lazy.
Take the recommended vitamins from your PS. I took vitamins and still do and feel this helps me in recovery. I took Organic Life liquid daily, probiotic, vitamin C and B, calcium and magnesium with vit D.
Get outside when you can to breathe in fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun.
The medical assistant at Dr. Kaufman's warned me that about week 3 not to be alarmed if you get emotional for unknown reasons. She says she has seen multiple women lose it in the chair when they came in for their post op appts. I have been up and down....all over the place.
That's it for now. If I think of anything else I will add. Happy healing!
Removed SteriStrips
This morning I was able to take tape off.
23 days out
Here are updated pics of scar. Scar appears to be healing nicely. The swelling has me frustrated as well as my thighs that now don't match my flat tummy. Time to work out, slim down and eat better.
On my way for 4 week post op appt
Heading out the door for the long drive to see Dr. KAUFMAN. Will post more later about how I've been doing. I went back to work and have been super busy.
And I got a speeding ticket :-(
Back from my 4 week post op appt. It went well, he says my scar looks nice. We're both pleased I haven't had any real issues post surgery. He gave me the silicon tape and some cream for the bob and lipo areas. And won't see him til July! Frightening.... Anyway, no ab workouts for four weeks. Cardio is all he suggests and some arm weights if I like. He said I can be done with the garment in two weeks! Yay! And it's up to me if I want to wear spanx.
I haven't really updated my profile lately cus going back to work has left me exhausted at the end of the day. I will try though.
All I can really think of to say was February 15 I had an emotional break down. I pushed myself physically for 2 days prior and on the 15th I hurt bad. Felt like I took 5 steps backwards. I cried like a baby. I didn't think I was ever going to return to normal and it's was hard.
Today, I'm feeling so much better. I've taken it slow and easy and feel everyday I'm stronger and that much closer to normalcy. Baby steps and listen to your body.
I'm bummed I haven't lost weight. Shame on me though cus I haven't been eating clean. I'm over it! When I see Dr. Kaufman in July I want to look awesome so I am going to start paying closer attention to what I eat and start increasing the cardio.
I'll try to update weekly with photos.
1 year post op
It's been sometime since I've updated my profile. Primary reason being I had gained weight and wasn't feeling deserving of sharing my wonderful tummy tuck with everyone. I have to say however, even with the weight gain, I loved my tummy. It was the only part of my body I still liked and was proud of. Most of the weight went to my face, arms, butt and thighs. I did gain some in the tummy area but mostly it was a small amount of spare tire.
I am in no way where I want to be now but I am working on it. I haven't been excercing consistently and plan too, I have been eating better and have dropped some weight.
Once I get to where I want to be, I will post again.
I needed to keep it real and honest on here because what's the point if we don't, right?
I'm still very happy with my tummy. I am pleased with the scar. The sides are faded more than the front. And I do still have numbness below my belly button.
Would I do it again? Absolutely!l
