42 Momma of 3 Finally Doing Something for Myself! - Hoffman Estates, IL

My tummy looks fabulous. It's been quite a journey though! I was fortunate to have a 5 days hospital stay because of the hysterectomy. Things went so well in the hospital right after the surgery. I was walking upright right away, pain was controlled very well. I was addicted to Popsicles, lol that's all I wanted to eat. I had two post op Jp drains, but they really weren't a bother. My biggest complaint in the hospital was being itchy from the morphine and hiccups and terrible sore throat from being intubated!
However, 10 days post op I started having EXTREME SWELLING and ended up going into acute kidney failure. Having the hysterectomy together with the tummy tuck was a huge surgery. So I Was re-hospitalized for another 6 days and on IV Bumex to rid the fluid overload. I had gained 16lbs of fluid by the time I was re-admitted. I also had about two weeks of fevers and never really determined the source? Honestly believe is was me stopping the breathing apparatus. I was very good about using it in the hospital but they didn't tell me to use at home. As soon as I started using that again, my fevers ceased. Another crazy thing as I had chronic yawning, again I thing my lungs were struggling to regain their strength. As soon as I started the breathing apparatus, the yawning stopped too! I am now one month post op and doing well. I do have some vaginal swelling which is to be expected but I've lost about 22 pounds, and starting to see such a difference in my new body. I wear my compression garment everyday as well as a binder. They both make me feel very secure and honestly don't irritate me at all. I don't have much of an appetite and am quite exhausted. Again I know the hysterectomy will do that and the second hospitalization set me back as well. My hemoglobin is low as well and it takes a lot out of your body to produce more blood.

So right now it's all about patience. I am starting work on Monday. I'm very nervous but will take it slow.

As for my plastic surgeon... Well I couldn't be more in love. He truly is a fabulous surgeon. Dr Patel is very attentive, knowledgeable and has such a warm bed side manner! He's texted me personally several times to check in and see how I am feeling! I've seen him three times as well already. He's been nothing short of sensational! I'm loving my new tummy!!
Im going to post a few pics that I took within the first 5 days post op. I will get my befores and post those when I can find. Also I will post my one month post op soon too!!

I have been searching and reviewing tummy tuck procedures for as long as I can remember. I was actually planning on having one this year and then I started having some female issues and was diagnosed with adenomysis. Long of the short... To get rid of the painful periods which btw I've been having every 10 days, my best solution for this issue is a hysto. I've had a few friends who had tummy tucks right after their hysterextomies so I started doing research.I met with Dr Patel in late December as he had been highly recommended by people I work with. My first impression of his office and staff was very courteous professional and I felt comfortable. And as for Dr Patel? I instantly adored him. He is very charming yet professional. He was very very honest with me. He didn't want to agree to the tummy tuck after the hysterectomy until he consulted with a few ob/gyns. He explained the increase in infection rate by marrying the two procedures together etc. He did examine me and said I was a perfect candidate for tummy tuck. I was excited and nervous all at once. I was afraid he would say no d/t risks.About two days later he personally emailed me and we also spoke on the phone and he said he was confidant we could do the procedure. i felt assured that he did his homework before just saying yes. I could tell he genuinely cares about his patients.He has been so patient with me. I've had to reschedule my surgery twice d/t illness. As you can imagine scheduling two docs in one surgery can get a little complicated. But he and my gyn talk often and have a plan!I adore Victoria in his office. She understands my case and has done a fabulous job coordinating and making sure I'm taken care of.I went in for my pre-op visit on Friday. Signed all my paperwork and had my pictures taken. I like Dr Patel even more so. Very straightforward and honest. I appreciate that. He explained everything thoroughly. And I never felt rushed. He even took some time to show me some recent cases he was proud of. I'm beyond excited!!I will continue to keep you updated!!!

I'm scheduled to have a hysterectomy followed by a tummy tuck! I'm so incredibly excited to be finally doing something for myself!! I've decided to move forward and have picked the fabulous Dr Dhaval Patel to perform my surgery. I cannot be more excited and nervous all at the same time!!