66 and on a Journey to the Flat Side - Greenville, NC

This journey actually started a couple of years ago. I've always been skinny with a fat tummy (or as my mother said a stuffed sausage.) I would buy big tops that could fit over my middle but I always was so self consious. My husband never complained but we started discussing the possibilty of a tummy tuck. I know at 66 some would think I'm too old. But I don't feel old. I did lots of research (Realself is the very best site on the web!), did 2 consults, chose Dr Richard Rizutti in Greenville,NC and set the date! I'm nine days post op and praise God, everything is going well. I've got an appt tomorrow and hope to get the dreaded drsins out. I had a full Tummy Tuck with Lipo on the upper ab and flanks.

What a difference three days can make! I got the drains out two days ago and it's amazing how much better I feel. It's weird though, when I take off my cg, I still feel like it's there! I guess that's my internal girdle now. Still lumpy and a little swollen but I guess that will smooth out? It still surprises me when I look down and don't see the fat hanging. I really thought that at my age (66) and having Fibromyalgia that I would have a lot more pain and a longer healing process than some but I think I'm doing remarkably well. I only take a couple of Ibuprofen every 6 or 8 hours and a Flexeril at bedtime to sleep. I was feeling so well that I think I over-did it yesterday. My husband kept saying, "you need to slow down" but I really didn't push and I felt fine. So just lying around today. I'll post some pics soon.

Each day gets a little better, pain-wise...more sore than in pain. I'm still amazed that I don't hurt more than I do! Still hurts to turn over during the night (a small pillow between my knees and a pillow up against my back helps.) Itching a lot but my PS said we'd talk about creams, etc when I see him Feb 4. I'm definitely flatter but it will be nice when the lumps and swelling are gone. My PS said that walking helps with the swelling as much as anything.

Except for my immediate family and a couple of friends, I haven't told anyone else about my surgery. Just seems kind of personal. But hopefully the results will be "self-evident" after a while!