POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
51 Years Old, 2 C-sections. Tummy Tuck with Lipo - Henderson, NV
UPDATED FROM HayleyBC
2 months post
6 Week Post Op Visit
WORTH IT$8,900
I had my 6 week follow up yesterday. All is well, and the doctor is pleased with my recovery. And why not? I had zero complications and great results. I am very happy with my waistline and the scar. He said to keep using the ScarGuard, and that when the redness goes away, which could take up to a year, it will look great. He suggested massaging my belly button, which is a little bumpy where the stitches were (by feel--you can't see anything).
I went in with three questions. First, I asked about exercise and he said I could do what I wanted, no limit. So after I post this I am off to the gym. I plan to do the treadmill and a few crunches, not too many.
Second, I showed him the roundness above the belly button and asked how much was swelling versus fat. He said there was a little swelling but mostly it was the fat from higher up. Like I said, time to go to the gym!
And finally, I asked about muscle repair. Several people asked about that and I wasn't sure, so I thought it would be good to know. I was not all surprised that he did indeed do a muscle repair, as I can just tell my abs are much stronger than before. It's hard to describe, but I can feel that they are more engaged just doing everyday activities.
I will try to get a picture tomorrow!
I went in with three questions. First, I asked about exercise and he said I could do what I wanted, no limit. So after I post this I am off to the gym. I plan to do the treadmill and a few crunches, not too many.
Second, I showed him the roundness above the belly button and asked how much was swelling versus fat. He said there was a little swelling but mostly it was the fat from higher up. Like I said, time to go to the gym!
And finally, I asked about muscle repair. Several people asked about that and I wasn't sure, so I thought it would be good to know. I was not all surprised that he did indeed do a muscle repair, as I can just tell my abs are much stronger than before. It's hard to describe, but I can feel that they are more engaged just doing everyday activities.
I will try to get a picture tomorrow!
HayleyBC's provider
UPDATED FROM HayleyBC
1 month post
Went to the gym!
I went to the gym today. Now let me start by saying, I hate the gym, even just walking on the treadmill. So today I decided to get on the treadmill and just see how it went. I am excited to say, it was better than I could have imagined. My plan was to go slow and increase the speed as tolerated, but it felt so easy that I got up to my usual fastest walking speed in just two minutes, and stayed there until I hit the 20 minute mark. Then I switched to the bike (I have some foot issues that I don't want to aggravate) for another 20 minutes. Despite not having worked out for 6 weeks, this was the easiest workout I've had since I've had kids. Is this was it's like for regular people?
The only explanation for this is that my stomach muscles are actually working. For the first time ever I feel optimistic about getting fit!
The only explanation for this is that my stomach muscles are actually working. For the first time ever I feel optimistic about getting fit!
Replies (5)
U
July 31, 2016
Interesting. I also found my 1st workout when cleared for it, much easier than expected too. I thought, as well, that it had to do with the muscle repair. I was
More balanced! Like they were working better for me. An added bonus that u didn't realize would happen! Glad you had such a good experience.
More balanced! Like they were working better for me. An added bonus that u didn't realize would happen! Glad you had such a good experience.
N
July 31, 2016
Congrats- yes, i have had a similar experience. My core is so strong and all exercising is easier. Yay! I asked my PS about this and he said it is probably because after the MR your abs can work as one strong muscle instead of 2 separated muscles working independently. What a great side effect, right?! Best of luck to you!!
T
July 31, 2016
Dear Hayley,
Good for you for going to work out !! Wow. 40 minutes of cardio your first time is really good. My first workout was just walking the block, then 2, then around the neighborhood, then the treadmill. I ramped it up pretty slowly, but I also had the hysterectomy, so I don't think my recovery was as easy. I have found myself to be a lot more motivated as a result of the tt. I think once you have the flat stomach, it is easier to see yourself reaching new goals instead of always feeling frustrated that no matter what you do, you will always look overweight due to that flabby stomach !!!
Once you get more fit, you might try doing something outside. Try getting a bicycle. It's fun!! And fall is coming !!! Hallelujah !! My favorite time of year !!!!
Good luck
XOXO
Txmom
Good for you for going to work out !! Wow. 40 minutes of cardio your first time is really good. My first workout was just walking the block, then 2, then around the neighborhood, then the treadmill. I ramped it up pretty slowly, but I also had the hysterectomy, so I don't think my recovery was as easy. I have found myself to be a lot more motivated as a result of the tt. I think once you have the flat stomach, it is easier to see yourself reaching new goals instead of always feeling frustrated that no matter what you do, you will always look overweight due to that flabby stomach !!!
Once you get more fit, you might try doing something outside. Try getting a bicycle. It's fun!! And fall is coming !!! Hallelujah !! My favorite time of year !!!!
Good luck
XOXO
Txmom
E
Y
UPDATED FROM HayleyBC
1 month post
The 6 Week Milestone
Because my ps said I could start exercising at 6 weeks, I have been looking forward to this as a key milestone in my recovery. In reality, it's not like I woke up that morning all healed up. I continue to make small progress most days. I'm not posting pictures today because I don't think I look any different than last week. I think I might try doing monthly pictures.
Anyway, my plan is to go to the gym this afternoon and do a very brief workout. I don't want to overdo it. Maybe 15 minutes on the treadmill at a slower pace than normal and a little upper body with low weight. The thought of crunched scares me a little. Is there a place I can find a recommended post op exercise plan?
The scars are healing. The very front where I just lost my scabs last week, is already improving. My belly button always looks kind of red and irritated to me. It has looked very vertical since the surgery but I think it will become more round once the swelling goes down. I'll discuss this with my ps next week. I still get soreness on my sides and tire easily if I do too much.
All is well and I thank everyone for their support and kind words. I hope you are all doing great!
Anyway, my plan is to go to the gym this afternoon and do a very brief workout. I don't want to overdo it. Maybe 15 minutes on the treadmill at a slower pace than normal and a little upper body with low weight. The thought of crunched scares me a little. Is there a place I can find a recommended post op exercise plan?
The scars are healing. The very front where I just lost my scabs last week, is already improving. My belly button always looks kind of red and irritated to me. It has looked very vertical since the surgery but I think it will become more round once the swelling goes down. I'll discuss this with my ps next week. I still get soreness on my sides and tire easily if I do too much.
All is well and I thank everyone for their support and kind words. I hope you are all doing great!
Replies (1)
T
July 28, 2016
Dear Hayley BC,
You can research exercise after tummy tuck right here on realself. Just type it into the search bar. I must caution you that lifting weights and abdominal work are some of the last things you add. Probably wait until 3 months for weights and 4 to 5 months for abdominals. I am still trying to do abdominal work, and I am 6 months out. It still hurts a lot. I want you to be very careful. At 6 weeks, you should really only be doing light cardio. Try walking or elliptical for 15 minutes. Then you can keep adding to your cardio until you get where you want to be. Elliptical machine is good, too.
Just be sure that you are not putting too much stress on that incision. Arm weights will stress your incision because doing that engages your core.
I just don't want you to hurt yourself. Please touch base with your ps also. He may have a different schedule in mind for resuming exercise.
XOXO
TxMom
You can research exercise after tummy tuck right here on realself. Just type it into the search bar. I must caution you that lifting weights and abdominal work are some of the last things you add. Probably wait until 3 months for weights and 4 to 5 months for abdominals. I am still trying to do abdominal work, and I am 6 months out. It still hurts a lot. I want you to be very careful. At 6 weeks, you should really only be doing light cardio. Try walking or elliptical for 15 minutes. Then you can keep adding to your cardio until you get where you want to be. Elliptical machine is good, too.
Just be sure that you are not putting too much stress on that incision. Arm weights will stress your incision because doing that engages your core.
I just don't want you to hurt yourself. Please touch base with your ps also. He may have a different schedule in mind for resuming exercise.
XOXO
TxMom
H
July 29, 2016
Great advice! That's why I need to research before doing anything except walking. My appointment is on Tuesday so I will probably wait until then and ask.
T
July 29, 2016
Dear HayleyBC,
I didn't mean to stop you from doing your workout! I just thought I would share what my experience had been with it, (And what I have read.)
You could still go ahead with your light cardio. Just go slow. It will make you feel better. ;))
Let me know what your ps says!!
I didn't mean to stop you from doing your workout! I just thought I would share what my experience had been with it, (And what I have read.)
You could still go ahead with your light cardio. Just go slow. It will make you feel better. ;))
Let me know what your ps says!!
Replies (4)