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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

56 and Finally Going to Get Rid of my Big Ugly Tummy!

ORIGINAL POST

Well, Hi to everyone. I have had a large roll...

Wee Bear
WORTH IT$7,427
Well, Hi to everyone. I have had a large roll (apron) of loose skin and fat for about 6 years. I knew it was likely caused by lack of muscle tone after 2 c-sections many years ago, but honestly I never thought I would get rid of it. I was just doomed to have this. I get a rash between skin folds that is very sore and smelly (yeuck). I also have a bad back caused by a rare "syndrome" called SAPHO syndrome. Last August I saw a doctor I'd never seen before for a different kind of cream for my rash, as nothing had been working. He was the first doctor to tell me I should be eligible for a panniculectomy covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) as my condition was medical rather than just for appearance sake. Well I was refused for coverage to the ps's surprise as well as mine. So my next option (now that I knew I could be fixed so to speak) was to apply for financing. I received the loan and decided to "upgrade" from a panniculectomy to a full tt with lipo and muscle repair. I know it's a lot of money but for my self confidence as well as to rid myself of the awful rash it will be worth every penny...at least I hope it will be. I always have to buy clothes about 3 times bigger than I should take just to fit my tummy. I hate it!! I am going to try and post a pic or so that I took today, hopefully it works. I am 170 lbs as of today. I was 165 when I first saw ps on February 13th, and 178 when I saw him again on May 15th. He said for best results I should get back to the 165 I was. I did a strict diet for 1 week, then semi carefully and tomorrow I start another round of the strict (cabbage soup) diet. Hopefully that will take me to where I need to be. I had to promise to lose the weight in order to get in as soon as I did. I will not let him down. I have been following this RS site since I knew there was a good possibility I would be getting surgery. I have found it very helpful, and would love to hear from other people who have gone or are going through similar surgery.. I also wonder if being older (56) will result in a less than "great" result. Oh, something else - I will only be in the hospital as an outpatient. Surgery 9am and home the same day. Did anyone else do this? Any input will be appreciated, thanks!

Wee Bear's provider

Nicolas M. Hynes, MD

Nicolas M. Hynes, MD

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (19)

June 11, 2017
Awesome I just booked marked your journey. I will continue to follow you. I just had my surgery 19 days ago I'm 50. And thus far my results are AWESOME... I had the Drainless tummy tuck with exparel breast reduction with breast lifts during lipo to my flanks. I live in the memphis Tennessee area. I was on oxycodene for 3 days. Only!!!!!! No pain......still hunched over about 15% I'm 85 % better.... I sleep in my recliner with pillows behind my head and under my knees. Tylenol Pm at night for sleep aid. Loving my results already. I get my stitches taken out tomorrow. Yay me!!! Please keep me posted. Any questions please ask...... I'm pain free!
June 12, 2017
Thank you for the encouraging words! I'm so very happy that you are enjoying your new body, you look fantastic! I've never heard of a drain- less tummy tuck. I know I will have drains. I know it will be rough, but if I come out of it looking close to what you look like, it will certainly be worth the pain. Of course if you asked me if it was worth it a couple of days afterwards I might have a different answer! I have a lot more fat & skin than you had (it looks like), so I kinda think it will not be completely flat like you. Even so, I know it will be one heck of a lot better than it is now. I am counting the days and honestly can't wait for it to come. Having had 2 c-sections I am sure the pain will be worse?? First time I was induced and then an emergency c-section. 2nd time was planned and although it was very sore I preferred it to the labor I was getting first time...I was hyper-ventilating and had some not so nice words coming out my mouth, lol. I know with my last c-section I had my son at 9:30pm and they got me up to use the washroom st 6am. I was so dizzy and the nurse wanted me to sit at the vanity and freshen up! I absolutely could not. So I am afraid this time as it's in and out the same day, this scares me the most.. I really don''t like the thought of that, but the surgeon has only planned for 3 hours surgery and no nights in the hospital. Any more than that would have cost me more money. Also if surgery is more than 3 hours I will be billed! How long was your surgery? My ps actually performs tt's in his office but because I take a few different medications he wants me to be in the hospital. What day was the worst for you?
June 12, 2017
Hello there! I just saw your story- congrats on making the decision to go ahead and make the investment in yourself! You are goi g to love your new body. I had to buy my clothes larger too. I didn't take any before pics (my ps did but I don't have them) I wish I had because comparing the before and after really helps get you through the bad days post op. I just think of my "muffin top" belly bulging over the top of every pair of pants, shirts and skirt I own. Trying to suck it in and just being miserable in my own skin. I never had a c section but I had my daughter natural and it was worse pain- but it was only a short time frame relatively. Make sure you stay up with your meds. The third day/ night po I fell asleep- and so did my mother and fiancé. I woke up 2 hours after I should have take. My pills and I was in excruciating pain. My surgery was 6 hours (TT, BL, lipo- flanks, side boob, upper/ lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, and muscle repair. i go for my 3 week follow-up and I will post more pics this Friday. Make sure you keep us posted! You're going to be so happy with your new body- and you aren't that big 165 lbs? You're going to look great!
June 13, 2017
Wow, you had a lot of surgery all at one time! I looked at your post but never got to see your after ops posts, and I couldn't find any pictures. I'll try again and let you know if I can find this info., can't wait to read/see it! It sounds like you went through Hell with your menopause, I'm sorry for you :( I on the other hand really did not have any issues. I got hot at times but no hot flashes. I never took any HRTs. However my boobs went the other way. I was at one time 38D and now a 38B is almost too big, I wish mine had gotten bigger instead of smaller. Besides that they have no muscle tone whatsoever and they just sag down :( I would love to have a breast implant and lift but I will have to wait till I am finished paying for this!! I would also love to have my upper arms and under-arms fixed. They have loose skin, I got the underarm fat/skin when I had my first son and had so much milk that I couldn't put my arms down flat and they were the size of a plum. Again it will take time! I honestly have to pick up my tummy and almost tuck it in my pants (which are mostly leggings as my tummy is much bigger than my legs, hip and bum). I look in the mirror and wonder why I never knew about a tt before. I mean I heard the name but really didn't know what it entailed, or the results that could be achieved. Now I think "WOW", I may just be able to wear jeans, tops that are fitted to body & bathing suits! I cannot even picture what I will look like and somehow always worrying that it won't be as great as others I have seen. However that being said I am definitely more excited than I am nervous. My surgery is on Wednesday June 28 and my husband will be home until the following Tuesday. I should be able to be on my own (I hope). I have 4 dogs and also worry about them jumping on me!!! I am thankful that have this opportunity, and will look at your posts again.
June 13, 2017
Oh, meant to say I am only 5'4" and weight was 170 lbs on Monday morning. I am doing a seven day diet, today is day 3. I've done it before and it's worked well (5-8 lbs in a week) I think my weight is so bad because it all sits in my mid-section and makes me look fat all over!
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June 12, 2017
Yes same day and my belly look just like yours I not as brave as u posting pic
I had my TT on June 7th at 8:00 back home by 2:30
Took off 8 to 9 lbs of fat skin
I'm 5 days po feeling better but swollen and back hurts like hell
June 12, 2017
Wow same day for you too! How did you stand up and walk? Do you not want to post pictures before or after? 8-9 lbs is a lot to take off, I would really be interested in seeing your pics!
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June 13, 2017
Good luck wee bear! I am 50 and my surgery took six hours. It's hard to believe they send us home the same day, isn't it? Honestly, my first night home was easy because I pretty much slept. It was the second night and third day that was tough. The anesthesia had worn off and I could feel more. So far, nothing intolerable. I have zero pain when sitting/lying in the recliner and goes to a 3 or 4 when moving around. I am consistent with my pain meds and take them around the clock. This has really helped me keep moving. My walker has helped too. Best of luck to you!
June 15, 2017
Thanks Aussie Pup Owner, you are posting positive vibes to me :) Thanks for the advice about the pain meds and the walker. I have a walker already (back issues & more) but I haven't had the need to use it for quite some time so it is at a storage unit we rented for too much stuff, lol. I will make sure it is picked up before surgery..thanks and keep on getting better each day!
June 27, 2017
Had mine don't 2 years ago. Hope all goes well.
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June 28, 2017
Hello! I hope all went well for you! I'm 49 and had a TT with lipo done May 17th. I had the apron that I older lose even after having won a transformation completion! After 2 years of exercise and healthy eating, I knew it would never come off (3 c sections, lots of weight gain/loss through the years). I did mine as an out patient and the first 4 weeks were so difficult and frustrating, but I got through it and am in week 7 and almost completely upright (took forever!) and about ready to be able to at least do some easy walking....no right room yet! I do have a little pooch which was slimmer at he beginning. My ps tried to see if there was fluid, but there wasn't, so I'm taking meds to help with the edema. I'm healing well, and can finally say I'm glad I did it! LOL! It was a lot rougher than I imagined, but hang in there, I promise it won't last forever. I do have. Lot of numbness and it's very hard along the incision, but that takes time. Best wishes to you and do get protein and roughage in along with something to keep you regular!
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June 28, 2017
I'm 5'4 too and 140
UPDATED FROM Wee Bear
16 days pre

19 days pre-op

Wee Bear

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM Wee Bear
16 days pre

19 days pre-op

Wee Bear
Rash

Replies (0)