53 Year Old Tummy Tuck Review - Greenville, NC

I have been 210 lbs for that last 10 years. I have always had a hanging belly that I hated, no matter how much I exercised and worked out it never shrank. I started doing Zumba over the last three years and just hated looking at my stomach. Three years ago I stared seriously looking into having a tummy tuck done. I went to several local Plastic Surgeons that specialized in Abdominaplasty procedures. One in Raleigh, NC who had a high tech beaUtiful breathtaking facility told me to come back when I lost 50 lbs. I left his office feeling crushed and awful about myself, especially since I lost 30 lbs to get to this point. So then I tried again at the advice of a friend and sought out another local surgeon who was good, but did take my method of payment and pretty much said and since I was a high risk I would need to make arrangements to stay in a hospital for a couple of days, which made the expenditure even higher than I could afford. So now, I am faced with living with this and cried all night because something I've always wanted was slowly dissipating from my future actually to me my very life. I think a year past and I mentioned to my general medicine provider that I have been trying for three years now but no PS would do it. My GM doctor was told me that at 53, in excellent health, and insured with a supplemental medical insurance, I was a great candidate and recommended a PS rig there in my home town. Needless to say made a trip to see Dr. Lynne Garrison who told me the best news. Having been told se would do the procedure she wanted me to see a hematologist to do some genetic blood testing to see if I were a risk for clotting. In the meantime, I did my research and home work and found this awesome site. I got so much information and learned so much more than I could ever imagine. I knew then that it was just not the right time and that each door that closed in my face was a gift from God! This site made me realize not only did I not have enough information back then, I didn't even have the support! I do have to say when I first went to GPS I felt a little out of place. I wasn't a skinny girl who needed some minor work, so I was pleasantly surprise to find that I wasn't treated any differently and in fact everyone was so supportive and understanding. I was coming in for a tummy tuck that I have been wanting for years, and everyone there that I talk to was encouraging and listening. I can imagine how hard it can be listening to someone day in and day out telling you how afraid they are. Dr. Lynne Garrison provided me with exceptional care and had the best bedside manner I have encountered in a doctor. They procedure was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Since I told my PS that I had a hard time with pain meds and anesthesia, she recommended I get a seasick patch so that they can put it on right before surgery, and provide me with phenergan so after surgery I can get a dose before they would administer my pain med before going home. Immediately they got me up to walk and made me take deep breaths. Ms. Debbie did exactly what she said, she nursed me back to life. She got me in the car and told my care takers exactly what to do. Thank God for this site that told me about the supplies, the recliner, the foods, and what to expect afterwards. I am so happy!! The flatside is looking pretty good and today wS the first day 12 days post op that I could see me in my jeans wearing a shirt tuck in. So ready to get back to Zumba!!

Day 12 post op and feeling great. Went to see my PS two days ago and had one of my drains taken out. I asked if things were on track and do she said that I was doing remarkably well and healing nicely. Told me to come back on Monday to remove the second drain. Well over twenty four hours the second drain decided to pop out. I seriously think because I had finished doing the lovenox shots to which the hematologist recommended because of my risk for clotting and started the Arnica it dried out the fluid..just my thought. Well another trip to the PS and back on chair rest and limited activity to avoid the swells until I could be checked out by the PS. Was so bummed about it because I was so looking forward to my outing to the grocery store..what in home confinement will do to make me excited about going to a place I used to dread.

Day 15 post out, spoke to nurse who cleared me since another day with no swelling. Making sure to not eat salty foods and taking the arnica. Got cleared to go grocery shopping and feeling great. Saw my belly for first time with no bandages or drains and so far looking good. Promised to take it easy because if not then another office visit to be needle drained if swelling occurs..yikes. Taking one day at a time and looking forward to doing some holiday cooking,

No drain no bandages and just wasn't seeing the flat me. My scar is totally black, my incision above my vagina is so thick and protruding and the two holes where the drains were are sore and don't look like their healing. Wearing binder but seems like a waste of time and eating food breakfast but after that I forcing myself to eat. Need my nails done, my hair done, and just want to feel pretty. I know it's coming, but it's weighing me down. I'm grateful though, I know it could've been worse. Just one of those whoa is me days.