Better Late Than Never - Sacramento, CA

It's been a week and so far recovery is going well. Took a peek when showering and I'm amazed at the result. I have some swelling but for the first time in 25 years I have a flat stomach. So worth it!

Thanks for your input, so good to hear from someone that has gone through it. By binder I assume you mean the nearly full body girdle. Luckily I have two and change them out but it hasn't been unbearable. Still having some drainage after a week and my back hurts from huntching over. The pain has diminished to more of an ache but those small incisions itch like crazy. Looking forward to my after pictures. I don't have any regrets and am thrilled with my new flat tummy!

You are in really good hands. The staff are so nice and Dr Clark is a fantastic surgeon. I had a female anesthesiologist, and it all went like clockwork. Make sure to take and track your Meds. I slep in a reclyner the first week and used a walker to move around. It really helped. Never had any issues with constipation but had lots of soups and soft foods. Good luck, it's totally worth it!

I am scared of going under no reason. Just scared. Thanks for the info.

Think of it as a really good nights sleep, only when you wake up, you'll be on your way to a better body. I've already started shopping for new clothes. Lost about 2 dress sizes. Feel much more comfortable and confident. It's going to be great!

Good luck. I'm in June. Post updates

I am all set for my surgery tomorrow! I just received my check in time and final instructions: bring all my meds and NPO after midnight tonight. Since my surgery will be in the afternoon I can have 4-6oz of water only at 6:30am. No coffee in the morning will probably help with my nerves! I don't know if I will need assistance devices in the bathroom but I decided to be proactive. I used Amazon Prime to get a last minute shower chair, magnetic attached shower hand held unit for my walk in shower and nifty toilet rails that fit over the toilet and can also be used as a stand alone support for standing at the sink, if needed. I am in excellent physical condition as I fast walk 4-6 miles daily and get a good upper body workout doing my own small landscaping projects and vigorous gardening. However, I am aware of my chronological age of 67 although I feel as fit as in my 40's. I may end up being weak as a kitten after my TT and extended liposuction. If that is the case, these additional devices combined with a lift chair/recliner for sleep will help my recovery. My boyfriend/care helper is a great support for me and is totally on board with helping me out for a few days until I can safely and comfortably get around on my own. He is in the middle (literally) of selling his home in Truckee and relocating out of the snow belt near me in the beautiful Lincoln/Rocklin/Loomis area. I am so blessed to have all this happening now as I look toward a wonderful second act of my life! I am finishing up getting the house vacuumed (I have a wonderful 14 year old Australian Kelpie that sheds bales of fur the first 6 months of the year!). I have a good supply of my favorite foods that should also be good post op choices: eggs, plain Greek yogurt, salad, tomatoes, low salt chicken noodle soup, low salt saltines, A2 milk, sweet potatoes, Truckee Sourdough Marble Rye, and of course, lots of K cups of Peet's Brazil Minas Naturals☕️. I will post updates as I am able.

It's been two months and my healing is going great. My scar is looking good. Still have some bumps and swelling but the girdles really help. Noticed that I have a little of what's called elephant ears (puckering at end of scar line) and the doctor will try to address under local at the six month timeline to allow for more healing. I'm actually really pleased that I'm healing this well given the enormity of the surgery. Love my new belly button. Never knew it was supposed to be that high!

How are your results looking now?

Looks and feels great. Still have some numbness but I love my flat tummy. So much easier to bend down and I've dropped from size 22 pants to 16. It takes time to heal and everyone dies it at different pace. I'm 58, a diabetic, work full time and am very pleased so far.