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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

3-Years Post Op and still LOVING IT!

ORIGINAL POST

I am a 30yr old mother of 2 (ages 12 and 9). My...

FBabe
WORTH IT$5,900

I am a 30yr old mother of 2 (ages 12 and 9). My motivation is to be a slimmer and healthier version of myself. I have always carried weight in my belly and have not liked the look of my belly since I had my first son when I was 17. I have spent the last 12 months learning how to balance my diet and exercise so that I can maintain my weight (I have ALWAYS yo-yo'd. - plus or minus 30lbs at any point during the year). I have been able to maintain my weight now for 12 months, and I have been running (more like jogging) 3 times a week for the last 3 months. I would like to continue improvement on my image and I think that a TT is a great step to get me there.

I am nervous, excited, doubtful, and I feel guilty for the amount of money I am about to spend. But, ultimately, I think it will work out great!

FBabe's provider

David Nicholas Csikai, MD

David Nicholas Csikai, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

FBabe rating for Dr. Csikai:

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Replies (5)

September 27, 2012

Welcome to RealSelf!   How exciting that your tummy tuck is right around the corner.

You will love the results and be very happy with the flat tummy.  That will motivate you to keep the weight off after the surgery.  Look forward to reading all about your journey.

September 27, 2012
Thanks for the warm welcome! :)
September 28, 2012
Can't wait to read more about your journey.
September 28, 2012
Likewise! :)
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November 20, 2014
I am thinking about going to him!!! How much did you pay total??
UPDATED FROM FBabe
1 month pre

Thoughts: I have little over 6 weeks until my TT...

FBabe
Thoughts:
I have little over 6 weeks until my TT and I think I'm going to need every bit of it to get through all the prep (physically and emotionally). I took some before pictures earlier this week and they helped me feel better about my tt decision (Still not ready to post them on here though). I still hate spending this much money on myself, but I think that it really will increase the "quality of life" for me and that is what I am looking forward to. It is nice to have this new personal goal - a "new me". I love that I am finally in a place where I can do it and my husband's support is already amazing.

Current concerns:
I worry that I carry too much weight in the top of my stomach and that this tt won't make a significant difference (AKA I won't look like what I picture)

Questions for those of you in the post-op phase:
I've read a lot about binders everyone purchases...is it necessary to purchase one outside the one the PS provides? If so, what do you look for when you get it? Should I buy it preop or post op? Also, I don't have a recliner or anything higher than my couch...can I just get pillows to life me up a bit or is a recliner really worth it?

All opinions are welcome!

Replies (9)

October 8, 2012
I am feeling a little of the guilt myself when it comes to spending this kind of money on myself. I just keep telling myself (well I'm repeating what my husband tells me)... this is going to make me look better and in turn make me feel better, there's no price on that. Good luck! I can't wait to read about your journey.
October 16, 2012
Thanks!
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October 16, 2012
Hey! So about the binder thing...I only used the one my PS gave me and my spanx. The garment my PS gave me was a really good one. Came up just under the bust and ended at the tops of my knees. I see all these wrap around garments and feel happy I got this one. When I wash it, I throw on my spanx the put my garment back on once its clean. I don't think you need more. I'm not sure about the recliner. I'm sure it would have been nice to have but I think because I didn't use one my stomach streangthened quicker. It's only my opinion though. I also had lots of support. I'd say if you don't have someone to help you up and down then get one. Good luck!:)
October 16, 2012
Thanks so much for the tips, I appreciate it :)
October 16, 2012
I had 2 friends have work done by Dr Csikai, one was a BA, and the other was a MM. Both turned out fantastic. I had a consult with him for a TT but had to move. If I was still there he would be the doctor for me. Good luck and your in good hands!
October 16, 2012
Oh good, that makes me feel better for sure! I had a hard time choosing between him and Dr. Clayman.
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October 22, 2012
well I have a few answer for you. It is worth the money you spend, every dime. I am now 5 weeks post op. I am 50 and wish I had done it 20 years ago so I could have enjoyed it sooner. I lost 50 pounds over 6 years ago and I had a lot of extra skin plus I have 3 children. The top of my stomach was big I never had a waist even when I was thin, now I do. I lost 5 inches off my waist and I am still very swollen. I still have loose skin but I am sure it will tighten. You will notice a big difference walking out of the OR. You will swell after and you will feel like wtf did I do I look the same. Don't expect to wear 2 size smaller clothes either. I am just now getting into smaller clothes and only in the morning because by 2 or 3 I am swollen back up. The binder should be given to you by your doctor and as for secondary I just bought some spanx from target. I went in before my surgery and tried on some and chose medium because it was really tight on me before and I figured it would be good after. But don't sweat it too much my doctor made me stop wearing my compression garment because I was having trouble with fluid. I just took my drain out last thursday so 4.5 weeks draining. As for a recliner I didn't have one the first few days after my surgery because I stayed with my daughter and i brought a big chair with me with an ottoman. I loved it because I could pack pillows around me and it made me feel secure. I left that with my daughter (she was happy cause she loved the chair!) I still sleep in a recliner at times, getting in and out of a bed is a nightmare the first few weeks. So if you have a comfy couch or chair and someone who will help you in and out it would be great. I still sleep in a recliner because it hurts to sleep on my sides still and I cant sleep on my stomach and sleeping on my back still pulls my stomach muscles. You are younger then me and will probably recover 10 times faster and look 10 times better but I dont want you to come out and have the same feeling I had.
October 22, 2012
Thank you so much for such a long and thoughtful response!! I won't worry about the CG then, I'll ask the PS what he recommends and perhaps just do the Spanx thing too. Thanks again for the recliner opinion as well, I'll try out the pillows and see how it all works. I like the waistline idea, I've never had one either. I'm excited!!
September 14, 2017
I'm thinking about having a tummy tuck. Do you recommend this surgeon and why? Anything you can tell me to,help me prepare?
UPDATED FROM FBabe
13 days pre

Went to my pre-op this morning. I am paid up, have...

FBabe
Went to my pre-op this morning. I am paid up, have my prescriptions, my directions, and I am EXCITED! Reviewed with the PS the few questions my husband and I had, the nurse explained to my husband how to keep up with the drains (thank goodness, I don't think I could deal with that grossness!) I will be getting the scripts and possibly a recliner before surgery. I am also going to post my measurements so that I have a comparison for post-op days.

Man, I can't WAIT!!!

Replies (2)

November 19, 2012

Thinking about you and sending hugs and happy thoughts your way for tomorrow:)

November 22, 2012
Aww, thanks!!