POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews REVIEWS
TT and Lipo - Carol Stream, IL
ORIGINAL POST
Ok, so I'm nine days out and I'm scared....
WORTH IT$11,350
Ok, so I'm nine days out and I'm scared. Yep, downright shaking in my boots, stomach sick kind of scared! Somewhere in there is some excitement as well but the fear is winning at the moment. I KNOW that once all is said and done I will be THRILLED with the results but I must say I'm not a huge fan of pain and the wondering/worrying about how bad it will be is what gets me. These boards have been great however, if for nothing more than knowing you all survived! :) Truthfully it has been so informative of what to expect and how to prepare. Thank all of you for sharing your stories!
A little bit about me. I'm 42, wife and mother of two. At my top weight, I was 215 pounds and a smoker. I'm happy to say that I'm 164 now and have maintained that weight for a couple of years. Oh yeah, and no smoking either! While this is not the "ideal" weight on my 5'5" frame, I'm happy with where I'm at. I work out twice a week with a trainer and usually twice on my own. Unfortunately no amount of working out is doing anything to help my "flap" so that is my motivation behind having the TT.
I can't even imagine what my tummy will look like after the surgery. Is there anyone out there approximately my size that has photos to share? I'm going to put my before photos up soon.
Any pep talks would be greatly appreciated! And prayers too! Thank you!
's provider
Replies (5)
(unregistered guest)
January 4, 2011
Thank you for the welcome! I posted my before photos. Do you know what is funny? I see that stomach everyday in the mirror and yet seeing it in pictures is completely different. Worse, not better. It makes me excited to know that soon it will be gone. Hard to imagine what the end results will be but it has to be better than THAT! :) Will post more soon!
January 5, 2011
I felt the same way before my surgery which was almost a year ago. I had undergone 2 C-section, including tubal ligation before this surgery and for some reason I was so scared for this surgery. I actually made the will, arranged my hubby's name on all properties, gave him passwords to all of our accounts, etc... I actually went to church the night before, confessed and received communian... The suregery went well and I didn't feel the pain at all until I came home. But it wasn't that bad. Though, I'm not really pleased with the result, I'm so relieved that I prepared myself well for it. Just take a deep breath and think positive. This will change your life for the better!!! You'll be happy that you made this decision. Thinking of you that day!
January 5, 2011
Go and have you "Bye Bye Tummy Party" because it will be gone soon!
You are going to feel like a totally new woman. I do know what you mean though. When I got a look at my pictures I about barfed....UGH did I really look like that??? Oh yes..
(unregistered guest)
January 5, 2011
I was thinking about Mexican food (my fav!) the night before but after reading your previous posts I think I'll move the bye bye tummy party up to Saturday night!
(unregistered guest)
January 5, 2011
Thank you for your encouragement! I'm keeping my eye on the prize which is getting rid of this tummy. This seems to be helping with the nerves. I too had a tubal ligation and didn't think it was terrible at all. Would you say the pain is about the same or substantially worse? I do remember sneezing was HORRIBLE as was getting out of the bed for a couple of days. I had the most problem with my body getting rid of the gas they filled my stomach with. It gave me phantom left shoulder pain which was intense. I'm hoping this won't happen with this surgery.
January 5, 2011
Yes definitely move that party up!! You will be glad you did.
The gas pains are pretty crazy so you will want to make sure you don't get constipated. Start taking the MOM the day after surgery. The pain meds do a number on you :)
After surgery it is hard to push the gas out so it will be a little extra effort to get that relief.
January 8, 2011
I'm not happy with my surgery b/c I look worse than I did. I thought that I died after the surgery b/c of excrutiating pain. I had to take off the whole month post-op and now I had to go throu another operation. I know I won't be able to live as this so I'm willing to take the risk to have my body back the way it was. Dont get me wrong. I don't regret having children but those 2 pregnacies did mess me up terribly. Each time, I gained almost double my weight (from 100 lbs to 187 lbs)eventhough I starved my self to death but still, having twins both times is no fun. I was lucky to go back to my original weight (more of less 10lbs) but the surgery made me look ugly in another way. I don't want to exercise any more b/c what is the point. I'll find the right surgeon and have another operation done.
January 5, 2011
Expect a high level of pain but most of it depends on how your surgeon prep you though. I had a terrible pain about few hours after I got home. I had 2 C-section in which the last including the tubal ligation and nothing compares to this pain. I took 3 Vicodins within 2 hours and passed out. I actually checked out the credential of the anesthesiologist and she's well experienced but for some reason she didn't prep me well. My friend who had the same tt a month after didn't have much pain at all. The nurse who did the anesthesia has had experience for more than 25 years but she's certainly not a md doctor so go figure.... Just make sure you have your surgeon's cell phone so you can call and request a strong pain killer if you have too. Good Luck!
January 8, 2011
This may sound like such a dumb question, but what do you mean by your anesthesiologist and surgeon didn't prep you well? They didn't tell you how intense the pain will be afterwards?
January 7, 2011
Hi hope everything goes good for you I am 3 weeks post It is not an easy thing but is so worth it, you will do great keep us inform
January 7, 2011
I actually trained with Dr. Sigalove at University of Illinois. Good guy. I went for my consult yesterday but in Miami. Ive always wanted a tummy tuck and now I may have it in a few weeks. I am also scared as i am also not a fan of pain. And I am also an anesthesiologist. I dont think anything we do can prep you for the postop pain.
January 7, 2011
Miami you are correct there! Nothing can possibly prepare you for this post op pain. Hey but we all survive it! It is all just part of any surgical procedure.
But I do have to say that all of the pain is worth it just to have the flat tummy in the end.
When are you thinking about doing your surgery.
I would be curious to hear this from a doctors perspective of having had the surgery done. I look forward to reading your posts :)
(unregistered guest)
January 7, 2011
I saw Dr. Sigalove last night for my pre-op visit. Only 5 days to go! :) Definitely getting excited now! The only bummer is I won't know my surgery time until Tuesday afternoon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 7:30 a.m.!
Spending this weekend getting everything I need. Speaking of, should I get some kind of gas relief medicine? The doc didn't mention anything about that and I forgot to ask! He did recommend Dulcolax for constipaption but I think I'll go with the MOM. What about underwear? I've read that it will be more comfortable to wear a larger size but how much larger? I'm normally a 7. Do you think a 9 would be enough??
Spending this weekend getting everything I need. Speaking of, should I get some kind of gas relief medicine? The doc didn't mention anything about that and I forgot to ask! He did recommend Dulcolax for constipaption but I think I'll go with the MOM. What about underwear? I've read that it will be more comfortable to wear a larger size but how much larger? I'm normally a 7. Do you think a 9 would be enough??
(unregistered guest)
January 7, 2011
He came highly recommended. He is the head of plastic surgery at the hospital where I'm having the procedure. Nice man too! VERY compasionate and patient with my gazillion and one questions!
Like Kimmers said....we'll get through the pain and have an awesome tummy for the trouble! Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing about your experience!
Like Kimmers said....we'll get through the pain and have an awesome tummy for the trouble! Good luck to you and I look forward to hearing about your experience!
January 8, 2011
I really liked the MOM because it didn't cause any cramping. GasX works well for the gas relief. I really didn't need much of that though. Good to have on hand though just in case.
With the panties I only went up a size with the cotton granny panties. You will be glad you have them. I tossed all of mine in the trash when I was done - at about 5 weeks.
5 days post
I'm so glad that I decided to have this...
I'm so glad that I decided to have this surgery! Even just a few days post op and I can already see an unbelievable change. The pain was very easy to manage with meds and besides being very tired I feel great!
Replies (2)
(unregistered guest)
January 17, 2011
The compression garment reminds me of a really big ace bandage divided into sections or panels horizontally. Does that make sense? The 4 panel is longer, it extends from just below my breasts to slightly below my hips. The 3 panel starts a lower on my stomach and gives me more mobility. Make sense?
January 18, 2011
Thanks for taking the time to explain this to me. I hope that you're doing well!
January 17, 2011
Glad to hear you are doing well! Stay positive, rest and take your meds. Keep us up to date.
10 days post
Saw the doctor on 1/19 with hopes that the drain...
Saw the doctor on 1/19 with hopes that the drain would come out today! No such luck. My body is still producing too much fluid so it stays in for a least three more days. Sigh. It doesn't hurt, the leaking is annoying however. My belly button stitches are out and steri stip off of my incision. Wow, the incision isn't as bad as I thought! Yes it is long but I feared with my skin type it would end up wide like some of the others I have. Nope! Yeah!! The numbness at the lipo areas is getting better although no where near gone. I'm back to work on Monday. Not looking forward to that only because I so enjoyed being home! :)
I uploaded photos Friday night and hope that they'll be posted soon. The changes are AMAZING!
I uploaded photos Friday night and hope that they'll be posted soon. The changes are AMAZING!
Replies (4)
January 23, 2011
WOW you do look amazing! What a difference; you have got to be so excited with these awesome results!
Go easy on Monday at work. Expect to be tired, swollen and cranky..LOL
This is all normal so don't get frustrated the first couple of weeks back. Also try not to plan anything for after work the first couple of weeks back. Just go directly home, kick your feet up and relax. My first two weeks back I could hardly wait to get home at night and peel my spanx clothes off.
(unregistered guest)
January 25, 2011
Yes, I was definitely all three! I came home....hit the couch..and took a 2 hour nap! Much better now. :) It was a long day for sure. The drain had me a little cranky. Hurts at times. I will be so happy when it can finally come out!
January 24, 2011
Your posts have been a great encouragement to me. How was your fist day back?
(unregistered guest)
January 25, 2011
First day back wasn't too bad! I survived although I enjoyed being home much better. :) The worst part was getting up after sitting for awhile. It seems like everything tightens up so fast and then it takes a minute of two to loosen back up so I can stand completely upright. Everyday gets better though! The next hurdle is getting this drain tube out! Keep your fingers crossed for Thursday!
(unregistered guest)
January 28, 2011
Ok, so I know it was crazy to think I'd be able to wear my jeans yet BUT I did try since Fridays are casual day at work and nope, didn't fit. Even though I knew, was prepared for that outcome it was depressing. I think I'm moving through a "blue" phase. My drain is still in (day 16) but at least the output level is going down. Maybe Monday it will be out.
January 28, 2011
Don't get down! Remember this is a 6 week or more process. You are doing fabulous! and there is a bright light (and a tight tummy) at the end of the tunnel.
Hi Alecia and welcome to RealSelf!
You have come to the right place for pep talks, encouragement and prayers!! You have found a wonderful group of women to cheer you through the process.
First I have to say congratulations on the weight loss and stop smoking. Two very hard accomplishments. Way to go :) And how wonderful you are now doing this for yourself. No amount of exercise in the world will get rid of the hanging skin and fat. You are going to be so happy after the surgery. It really does feel fantastic to have a flat and tight tummy.
You are going to go through an entire wave of emotions the next few weeks but know that they are all part of the process. Just try to focus on the prize at the end of the journey.
I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your pictures as you go through the process.