Tummy Tuck, Lipo and Brazilian Bitt Lift -Fort Worth, TX

I have wanted (needed) a tummy tuck since my csection in 1999.
The csection scar was very tight and sunken in, which created an ugly pooch in my stomach. No matter that I returned to my pre preg weight- this crease and bulge remained.
I also had ab muscles that were separated, and with two subsequent pregnancies this became worse. I also had a decent amount of stretch marks from my last two pregnancies.

Over the last couple of years I have gained a tremendous amount of weight- reaching a high of 210.
Once I decided to get this surgery I set out to loose some weight and went into surgery at 184.
My goal weight is still far off at 140ish. I know me, and with this issue on my tummy I just was not motivated to lose weight anymore. It was time to do something for myself, something to motivate me and encourage me to get back to a healthy size and life.

I set up a few consults with various ps- but Dr.Khan made me the most comfortable- even though he is an hour away (I live in Dallas).

They set up my surgery date quickly, and I began to prepare for my upcoming event.

Since I would be recovering alone- with the aid of my three kiddos (9,12, 14 years) a lot of prep work was in order.

I purchased and filled a deep freezer full of home-cooked meals that we could reheat. This helped to eliminate guilt that would have occurred if my children had to live off take out and hot pockets, lol.

I also scheduled a cleaning service to come on the weekends for a couple weeks while I recover- that way things do not get too crazy :)

I had to stock the house pretty well knowing that driving would be out for a while.

I purchased a walker to help me get around the house- this came in handy!
( I WISH I would have purchased a hospital bed- I looked at them on craigslist, but thought it was not necessary. This would be a big help during recovery)

I work from home- so I figured I would only need a couple days off- that was over zealous lol.
I am 10 days po now and pretty much needed a full week off work- and more would have been awesome. If I had a "normal" job- there is no way I would be back to work yet- I would think 3 weeks minimum for that.

As my 2 week date got closer I kept thinking I would become nervous ( or back out) but I didn't.
The big day arrived and even in my hospital bed waiting to be prepped I kept thinking that sooner or later the panic would set in, but the hospital staff where my surgery was preformed were so wonderful, along with Dr.Khan, that that never happened.

I vaguely recall the surgical room prior to the meds kicking in and next I knew I was in surgical recovery.
I was soon moved to my private room for my 24 hour stay.

After being released I went next door to visit with Dr.Khan who looked over everything and gave me pictures of what he removed (so COOL) lol- I was thrilled to see that off of me at long last :) between the skin/fat and the lipo I think it was around 13 lbs

After getting home I have been sleeping on my sofa with tons of pillows propping me up. In the first days I kept ahead of the pain with the prescription my ps gave me, HIGHLY advisable.
I did lots of walking around the house, and made a point to get outside to sit in the sun and fresh air every day- this really helped.

6 days po I went to see my ps and was able to have my 2 horrid surgical drains removed- thank goodness! I hated those things, and my kids were super grossed out by them lol. ( careful of door knobs- I caught one and thought I would die from the pain, lol)

Since they came out I have been able to shower, and my ps has me wearing spanx.
The spanx help so much and really have made me more comfortable- which I never would have dreamed since it is so incredibly hot out right now :)

I had to drive on day 5 po- and while the bumps were no fun, it wasn't so bad. By then I was not taking my pain meds during the day.
I still take a muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep, it is still tough to sleep and I haven't made it through the night yet, just because I really cant get comfortable.

I am so thrilled with my results so far! I did weigh a good 10 lbs more right after surgery- and I am still VERYswollen, but I am back down to my pre surgery weight.

I cant tell what sort of projection my butt will have- since my lower back is so swollen from the lipo- so I am super excited to watch that transform. My butt is bigger and bruised- but I don't know what of that is mine to keep and what is swelling. :)

My tummy- though swollen- looks a thousand times better! It is flat and I love it! My clothes look better without the weird bulge, and I am so excited for the swelling to go down and see my final result.

The most painful part is the muscle repair- but really the recovery hasn't been too bad.

Now at day 10 it is getting frustrating that I still have to walk and move slow and don't have full range of motion, still walking slightly bent over- I guess I am getting a little stir crazy. I notice an improvement in my healing daily, and feel better each day. Day 4 was the turning point and it has been better each day since.

Monday I visit my ps again- and I will start some scar therapy- it is some sort of sheet they put on the scar and it has to be changed weekly. This is optional, and an extra $600- and I think they said its new. I will post more details Monday.

I will be posting pics - probably tomorrow. I cant believe it took me 10 days to get around to posting this! :)
I sooo appreciate the RealSelf community. You will never know how much support I have felt which has motivated me to go through with this. If it was not for this community- I would not have had the guts to go through with this.

Make no mistake it has been tough, and expensive- but SO worth it!