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5 Weeks PO Mommy Makeover (Tummy Tuck, Flank Lipo, and Breast Lift) - Grand Rapids, MI

ORIGINAL POST

I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck, flank lipo, and a...

cpmom12
WORTH IT$15,000
I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck, flank lipo, and a breast lift. I have been experiencing a roller coaster of emotions now that the down payment has been paid. My husband is very supportive but I'm sure he is getting sick of my constant plastic surgery discussion.

I have one child and have recently lost 40 pounds that has left me with saggy breasts and a floppy belly. I feel a little selfish with this surgery but also feel like I have worked hard, so I deserve it. I've also just turned 38.

I've been using this site to prepare for the surgery and see that many people recommend sleeping in a recliner post surgery. This is weird, but I don't own a recliner. I'm hoping that I will be able to sleep in my bed with lots of pillows?

I will post before pics later this week:)

cpmom12's provider

Scott R. Brundage, MD

Scott R. Brundage, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

cpmom12 rating for Dr. Brundage:

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Replies (5)

May 30, 2013
Congratulations! You deserve it and 38 is a great age. I had the same things done and my only regret is not doing it earlier. I've seen where some have rented recliners, even the lift ones. I went with lots of pillows and felt very comfortable and secure. I also have a craftmatic style bed so I did elevate the top some. You won't be able to lie flat or on your side for a bit. My husband is so tired of hearing about it. Be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster afterwards. Being on the board will prepare you. Everyone heals differently, some longer, some shorter but for the most it's been about two weeks. This is one of the best things I've ever done even though my husband was laid off, I ended up with a wound and I wanted to simply die the first three days. Stay on top of your meds and stool softener:-)
May 31, 2013
Thanks for your response. We went out and purchased a comfy but ugly recliner tonight. My husband is excited because he's always wanted one and I never let him because they don't work with my design scheme;) I'm also feeling very guilty because the surgery is so expensive! I keep thinking of all the things I could get instead. It's hard to rationalize such an expensive and unnecessary surgery in my mind. Thanks again for the encouragement!
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May 31, 2013
I turned 38 this past Jan. My husband wanted me to wait until maybe next year to have the mm done. However, I went ahead and did it almost 2 wks ago. It was the best thing that I have ever did for myself! My emotions do go up and down, but I am so grateful that I did this. Before my surgery, I walked/ran a lot to get in shape. I also took the make me heal vitamins, vit a & d, bromelain with quercetin, and arnica montana to prepare my body for surgery. It all seemed to really help. I also purchased a high rise toilet seat that was def worth it, wedge pillow for support in bed and compression sports bras. You will be fine in the bed. Mine is a little high, so i used a stool to help me get up and down. Good luck with everything!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!
May 31, 2013
So happy to hear that you are doing well and not regretting the surgery! I need to buy the vitamins. Where did you find them? I couldn't find those combinations at GNC. Thanks for the encouragement :)
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May 31, 2013
I found the vitamins on the make me heal website: http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/home.do They were pricey but they included what my ps suggested I take. The reviews on them were good. I purchased them with the arnica montana and kelo-cote scar gel. That's why I ran out of money. ;). The rest of the stuff I got from Amazon. They were by Now, I think. Not a bad price. I took extra vit c too. I figured it couldn't hurt.
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May 31, 2013
I feel like I eat more supplements than food sometimes. Lol
May 31, 2013
I just turned 39 and wanted this done so bad. I should have done this earlier. I jjust used tons of pillows and it worked perfect. Love my bed and all my shows taped in my room. :)
June 11, 2013
It's coming so quickly, but I'm super excited!
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May 31, 2013

Happy 38th! Guilt is definitely a part of this ride that you just have to work through. You deserve this!

Looking forward to following along on your journey.

Here's a list of supplies you might want to consider for recovery.

May 31, 2013
Thanks! I need to get shopping:)
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June 1, 2013
Welcome my sx sister! We will be flat together. Cant wait 33 more days
June 11, 2013
I'll be thinking of you:)
UPDATED FROM cpmom12
21 days pre

Getting Closer....

cpmom12
I finally purchased all of the recommended post-surgery items. I am really getting anxious now about the surgery and instead of losing weight have been gaining weight :( Must get refocused. I have been going through all of the "what ifs" and driving myself and everyone else crazy.

More details on me, I am currently 173 pounds and wear a size 12 sometimes size 10 and a 36d bra. I am also having a hard time posting pictures but will try later tonight to upload some befores. No technical issues, just psychological issues of posting my big belly and saggy breasts for everyone to see. I'm also wondering if I should get implants instead of just a lift. I don't want them to be too big, but I also don't want them to seem too small. Tough decisions! My pre-op appointment is on the 18th so I'm planning on talking about this with the surgeon.

Replies (1)

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June 11, 2013
Don't feel selfish and get too worked up worrying about your mommy makeover. Yes it is an extensive surgery and the recovery will take time, but just think of the positives and how much better you will feel when you look at yourself afterwards. I don't think of it as being vain, I think of it more as a reward for the things our bodies go through (like childbirth and weightloss). Relax and don't be afraid to reach out to many of the wonderful ladies in this site that have gone through this process. :-)
June 11, 2013
I keep trying to tell myself that but it's so hard :) Thanks!
UPDATED FROM cpmom12
13 days pre

2 more weeks...

cpmom12
I had my pre-op appointment yesterday and paid the total in full. During the appointment I received the prescriptions for Vicodin and Valium, but nothing about antibiotics. Didn't think about that until I got home and wondered if you only receive antibiotics if there is an infection?

My parents were supportive about the surgery but now are telling me how crazy I am to be choosing to put myself through this. Too late now, it is already paid for! It is very strange how people react to plastic surgery. I'm uncertain about what I should tell people when I return to work. I guess I'll deal with that later.

Replies (4)

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June 19, 2013
I plan to say I needed to have a hernia repair.
June 19, 2013
Good idea:)
June 19, 2013
I didn't tell anyone, and no one asked why I was out. Due to my on going problem someone finally asked me. I told him what I did. He thought it was great. Neighbor saw me and said I looked great and asked what I was doing. I told her. She was happy for me. We get tummy tucks to improve our quality of life. I don't view it as vanity. I an so comfortable without the rolls!
June 20, 2013
So true! Thanks:)
June 26, 2013
My mom know but I havent told anyone else. Im curious if they will notice cuz alot of people dont! i at first felt guilty dropping all this money for surgery but hell i earned this money lol and if anyone in my family needed surgery they would get it too! I totally understand about not wanting to post pictures. When i posted my pics i couldnt believe how awful they looked but that just speaks to how awesome the after pics are going to look. I still dread looking at my profile and my saggy naggies lol!
July 8, 2013
I finally forced myself to post them. Wasn't so hard after all;)
June 26, 2013
I had abdominoplasty last summer... i only had the ab repair as I was told after surgery that i didnt have enough loose skin. About a year later, my belly is still pretty numb and I havent gotten full definition back yet. Im glad I didnt do BA at the same time youre brave to do so! ;)
July 16, 2013
It wasn't too bad. I think the worst part is the itchiness along the incision lines and my right breast healing slowly. I'm happy the worst is behind me:)