POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Fussy old broad had TWO tummy tucks!
ORIGINAL POST
I'm an "older" tummy tuck candidate. I'm 5'10"...
WORTH IT$9,100
I'm an "older" tummy tuck candidate. I'm 5'10" and weigh 150 pounds and 62 years old. I'm relatively slim but have had a bit of a blubber belly for almost as long as I can remember. I have not had children so I can't even blame my protruding abdomen on childbirth. I've had my weight down to 138 pounds put even then I had a pit of a pooch. I've had four pelvic surgeries and my pooch slightly hangs over my horizontal scar from the previous surgeries. I hate my profile and even by "sucking in my stomach" I'm still not flat. As I've always wanted a flat abdomen I've decided to go ahead with the tummy tuck even though my husband likes me the way I am and doesn't want me to do it. I saw a my PS a year ago and have been trying to decide this whole time whether to go ahead as the PS said I'm a perfect candidate for the procedure. I'm healthy and relatively fit. I don't want to make my husband angry but I think I will have to if I want to be on the flat side! I earn my own money and can justify the cost. So I've booked the surgery for Sept. 19th and I intend to tell my husband on the morning of the surgery (and hope his anger will have subsided later in the day when I need to be picked up from the clinic). Another reason that I've waited a whole year to make the final decision is my fear of dying of complications (even though I've had no side effects of anaesthetics previously). I have this underlying fear that because I'm doing this against my husbands wishes that I will be punished with death. It's such a scary thought. I've researched the mortality rated of TT and there are not many who actually don't survive the procedure. The trick is to be mobile asap post operatively. I haven't told any except one of my friends (who I trust not to tell anyone else) and I haven't told any of my siblings. The reason I want to keep it quiet is because of the negative feedback I had a year ago when I joked that I was considering a TT. Some of the comments were "Are you crazy! You don't need a tummy tuck!". "You look fine just as you are!" I will be seeing the PS again on August 27th and have to pay by Sept. 7. I have a large list of questions to ask him. I'm concerned about not being active for a couple of weeks post op and about how I'm going to explain my sedentary lifestyle to my friends who I usually see while doing something active. I'm going to have to lie through my teeth and make up something such as being sick with a cold etc. I'll be discouraging having any company. The countdown has begun.
Blubberbelly No More's provider
Replies (34)
August 7, 2013
I can relate to your story. I never had kids, just bad belly genetics. I'm 7 weeks po, had a total tt w/ mr. still a little swollen but am very glad I did it.
October 22, 2014
I'm having a full TT a week from today. Also having lipo at the same time. I'm 61 5'6" and 150lbs. I had twins 27 years ago and have hated my belly ever since. I've read that I should stop eating nuts, berries and dairy starting today so that the recovery is easier. Any advice you could give me I'd really appreciate.
October 23, 2014
I wonder that the rationale is behind not eating nuts, berries, and dairy to speed up recovery. I ate all of those and my recovery was a breeze BOTH times I had a tummy tuck! I think being in good overall health to begin with, being physically fit, drinking lots of fluids, and moving around as much as possible really help. If you read my entire reviews (long story, I know) you might find some useful information. With this new RealSelf layout it's really a pain reading an entire review because each section of every review is followed by a comments section making scrolling down to the different sections more work than before they changed it! I'm almost six months post op from my second tummy tuck and have been back to normal for several months already (with the exception that I still have minor pain with crunch like movements).
October 23, 2014
Hi! Thanks for replying to me so quickly!...I am just signing all the forms (14 pages). The eating of nuts etc. is more for people who have Crohn's (which I don't have). I've read all of your posts & seen your pic's and I think you are so amazing for taking the time & effort to keep such a complete account. Also, 2 surgeries? wow...I suppose the second one (lipo) wasn't as bad as being cut from side to side. I spoke to the nurse this morning and she was so reassuring and helpful. Now the countdown begins..Yikes! ....
October 24, 2014
Nope, my second surgery was more than lipo. I had lipo with my first tummy tuck which, because my skin has poor elasticity left my upper abdomen dimply and loose. Also, I had "signed up for" and paid for a full tummy tuck but ended up having a mini tuck instead (which really only tightened my skin below my belly button) and I was left with lots of ugly waist rolls. So I told my surgeon I wasn't totally happy with my results and the kind man re-did the entire surgery by doing a FULL tummy tuck with belly button relocation (the works--except lipo). I'm still not as tight as a drum but considerably improved from the first round. I have a second review about my revision which you'll find by scrolling down after you're clicked on my "name". When is your surgery? I guess I had better go to your review and that answer might be there. Good luck with your upcoming surgery! Hope you get the results of your dreams!!
October 24, 2014
Oops! Ignore my question of when your surgery is. You're only a week away! That's exciting! A week is not very long and before you know it you'll be nice and flat and recovering. Don't worry too much. You'll have some pain but so what!! That's what painkillers are for. It will all be worth it in the end! Best money I ever spent, causing lasting satisfaction! I'm so glad I had it done that I'm considering having a facelift. That's a bit more scary than having a TT so I'll probably be in the "considering" stage for a long time before I make up my mind!!
October 24, 2014
I picked my prescriptions today...a pill for everything lol... Did you use a walker, shower seat, toilet lift or anything else after your surgery? I've read some people slept on reclining chairs so they wouldn't have to strain to get out of bed. I know that I'll get a compression bandage from the clinic but should I buy an extra one? Did you use any special creams on your scar? I bought a hand held massager b/c the instructions I was given said that I should massage the belly area and flanks to avoid getting lumps.
It's funny you should mention a facelift b/c I have that in the back of my mind. I told my husband that the more I have done the more points I'll get for using my credit
card to pay for the surgery...If you would have told me when I was 30 that this is what I would be doing at 60 I would have thought you were crazy but here I am...not happy with the aging process. I think if you can afford it ...why not? You only live once and you can't take your $$ with you. We've already spent a fortune on my twin girls education (still have one going to law school in England) This is for me.
I don't really want anyone other than my really close friends to know about this so my story is going to be that I hurt my tailbone (if anyone sees me hunched over). It's getting dark out earlier so all my wonderful neighbours that we hang out with in front of our houses (they have young children) go in earlier and it is getting colder so I can cover up more ...lol I live in Toronto
Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. The countdown is on....YIKES!
October 24, 2014
No, I didn't use a walker, shower seat, toilet lift or anything more. I slept in my own bed from day one. A recliner would have been nice although I doubt that I would have been able to sleep in it IF I had had one. I had a compression bandage from the clinic which I ditched early on in my recovery. Never used ANY products on my incision. Having had multiple surgeries in the past I know that eventually incisions fade. Tummy tuck incisions seem to take longer as a result of the extra tension on them. Very few of my friends know that I had a tummy tuck (or two). Those who do know were sworn to secrecy! Yip, I hate those aging physical changes! At 30 I never would have thought that I'd have a tummy tuck at 62!! I had my first tuck in the fall too and it was easy to hide out indoors! Second tuck was in May but again I was able to come up with enough excuses to stay away from most of the people I associate with. I told them I had done a number on my back! Most people are too judgemental and so I only told those who had been there/done that (two people who themselves had been tucked) and one friend who had had a nose job. I have a couple of sisters who complain about their blubber bellies but I'm not about to tell them that I had surgery to get rid of mine (unless they start talking about wanting to do that themselves and I'd recommend a good surgeon to them).
October 24, 2014
You sound so much like me.... I've only had 1 surgery and that was 30 years ago. I was cut from side to side much like what I'm about to have. It wasn't a TT it was for micro-tubal correction so I could get pregnant....and I did ...with twins! My belly was huge by the end of the pregnancy and after the girls were born my stomach looked like a deflated balloon. I've hated my stomach ever since and I would have done this years ago but life got in the way (and I couldn't really afford it back then)...Where do you live (if you don't mind me asking)....I wish you were around the corner LOL Only someone who has been through this can understand what's involved. I know i'll be happy once I can walk upright like a human again.
It's a beautiful day in Toronto and we're off to a wedding this afternoon....
Thanks & have a great day!
October 24, 2014
I'm going to inbox you as what I'm going to share with you might identify me (in the event that one of my sister's decides to research tummy tucks).
October 24, 2014
I have sent you a private message. On another note, for your own reference later, be sure to take some BEFORE pictures of yourself. You just never know what your surgical results might be and IF ever in doubt many months after your surgery it's good to have those "before" photos to compare to. I'm sure glad that I did because even now there are times when I question if I really am flat and then all I need to do is see my "before" to reassure myself that having the surgery was worth it!! Go figure!
October 24, 2014
Tell your surgeon to pull you as tight as a drum and confirm with him BEFORE he starts that he does a FULL tuck--not a MINI or umbilical float procedure! Some times surgeons don't read their notes from their patient interviews IF they even document the pre op discussions they have with their patients. This of course is an assumption on my part but hey, you never know! Most surgeons are pretty busy and might rely on their memories alone!
UPDATED FROM Blubberbelly No More
1 month pre
Blubber for real! I can't believe I'm sharing these disgusting images with the world!
I just read that tall people can get a more defined waistline post TT than shorter people. So here's hoping that will prove to be true for me because I'm sure wishing for an hour-glass figure.
Replies (21)
August 8, 2013
My hubby isn't real thrilled about the idea of me having surg either. But he knows it is something that will make me happy. When he gets mad about something, I just figure he will just have to get glad in the same shoes he got mad in cause being mad isn't going to do any good. LOL. I think he would be a lot madder if you wait until the day of surgery to tell him. Try to find a way to tell him sooner so he will be there to support you when you get home. My unsolicited advice: honesty strengthens the bond, dishonesty drives a wedge.
August 10, 2013
I've decided to tell him but not just yet. The moment has to be just right. He's going to be angry but he'll get over it.
August 10, 2013
Thats, good. The sooner you can find the opportunity to tell him the better. When he knows how much it means to you, he will be fine I'm sure.
August 8, 2013
You will need someone to help you the first week or so post op. so you might want to let somebody know. You really can't use your abs at all and usually need to rest a lot.
I really do hope your husband can support you. Good luck.
August 10, 2013
I've decided to tell him but not just yet. The moment has to be just right. He's going to be angry but he'll get over it.
August 9, 2013
Good luck! My tt is day after yours. I think you will have great results, wish I were 5'10"!
August 12, 2013
That's great to know about a more defined waist for taller people. At 5'9" and my weight (ugh), I could use all the help I can get!! Haha. I go in for surgery in NINE days. Holy cow. I get nervous (but excited) when I think about it. I'm really not telling anyone what I'm having done (other than my husband). My ps said I should be able to return to work after 2 weeks, but I'm a little skeptical....my surgery will be quite extensive. I hope you have a great day blubberbelly! This will all work out for you. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way. :)
August 12, 2013
Good luck on your surgery oso ... I found I needed more than two weeks to feel more normal. I think the 5 week mark really defined it for me being more into my normal activities. Sitting can be very aggravating in terms of swelling in the stomach area. I bet you will do great!
August 12, 2013
Thanks, Melissa. I will survive just as many others who have gone through this. You guys are an inspiration!
August 13, 2013
Thank you osoready! I too am OH SO READY now that I've made my decision (which actually took over a year). I know time will fly and my "due date" will be here sooner than it seems right now. Good luck to you and I will be following your journey!
August 12, 2013
What do you think the root of your husband's anger will be, truly?
August 12, 2013
I actually told him today as someone phoned from the plastic surgeons office a few days ago when I wasn't home. The Dr's number showed up on my call display so my husband asked me why a doctor would be phoning me. Apparently they called me to reschedule my next consultation which is to be on August 27th. So I told him that I've booked a TT and he took it surprisingly well. I'm glad it's off my chest and that he knows. I figured he would be angry about me spending all that money on something "totally unnecessary" (even though I won't be having any financial difficulties as a result of my decision!.
August 12, 2013
Oh good....cause u r going to need help doing stuff the first couple of weeks...I am glad he has rolled with it.
UPDATED FROM Blubberbelly No More
1 month pre
My husband now knows
My plastic surgeon's office phone number showed up on my call display several days ago and my husband asked me why a doctor would be phoning me. So I told him I had booked a TT for September 19th after having seriously thought about it for the last year (since a consultation with a PS a year ago) even though the thought of a TT has occurred to me MANY times over about 40 years! He took the news surprisingly well even though he'd rather I spend almost $10K on something else. I guess he realizes that this is very important to me and can't talk me out of it (as he tried to do when I discussed it with him about a year ago). It's good to get it off my chest. Now I just hope he won't share "the news" with anybody else.
Replies (18)
August 18, 2013
Omg, we are in the same boat! I've been thinking of doing this since the birth of my first child 26 years ago!! I also get the same feedback from family and current boyfriend that " you don't need it, you're throwing away money, ... Blah blah.."
Well, it is my money, I am doing it because I admit it, I am vain and I don't want to look at all this flab anymore. I'm tired of the muffin top. I've spent all my money raising my 2 kids and now, time for meeeeee!!! My date is oct. 14 and I have the same thoughts about death, is my vanity punishable by death? Ugh... Anyway, most of the time, I am excited and look forward to a flat stomach the rest of my life.
August 19, 2013
I guess most of us have some fear! I've had more than my share of necessary surgeries, survived them all and recovered quickly so here's hoping that I'll survive this BIG one too. Any surgery requiring anaesthesia entails some risk so I just need to stay positive before the big day. Yup, I'm sooo tired of looking at that flab!
August 22, 2013
You're only 52 so you will have 10 more years than me to enjoy your flat abdomen! Judging by all the reviews almost every one who has had it done is VERY happy!
August 23, 2013
I figure people might as well complain about the shampoo I use. You can worry about my financial choices when I hire you too, oh what? Your not a financial advisior? And I am a big girl, capable of living with my own decisions..
Tomorrow any of us can need emergency surgery, the effect of anesthesia wouldn't be any different. And we'd have the same battle recovering.
I don't know that its vanity? I don't like the way my clothes fit or feel. I can't stand the roll that lays next to me. It is always a mental distraction, wondering if it is visible. I think with it gone I won't be mentally plagued playing fat roll round up all day long. We deserve to be free of that. That oppressive.
November 10, 2014
Thanks for sharing that you DO have anxieties about this. I can make myself crazy about things as I am in "waiting" mode. When the time actually arrives I am usually calm and confident in my decisions.
November 11, 2014
Yup, being in "waiting" mode IS tough!! Been there, done that...TWICE. You'll be fine by the time it's your surgery day! They prep you quickly, give you a shot in the arm and WHAM you're out cold and the next thing you know you're done and FLAT!! Make sure you take some "before" photos for your own reference after (just incase you end up questioning your results).
November 11, 2014
I want to feel more comfortable in clothing! Also hoping to have that tight feeling in my abdomen again. I have had a week lower back. Do you think the surgery could improve that?
November 11, 2014
Trust me, you WILL definitely feel more comfortable both dressed and undressed and you will feel TIGHT!! For me it's been six months now since my second tuck and I still feel tight. Yes, I do believe that the muscle plication will make your lower back feel better but I'm not an expert so you would be wise to ask your surgeon about it at your consultation. Will you be writing a review???
November 12, 2014
I will give it some thought. I stumbled across this site and it is quite interesting to see the before and after pics and here the comments from those that have bravely gone before me.
I appreciate you sharing your story.
August 19, 2013
I think you look great and will get an amazzzzzing result good luck! For years I've tried to get this result nothing worked but the surgery SURE DID! Im so happy now. I'm still healing its 4 weeks now and each day gets better and better I think by 3 months I will be normal again. The recovery process is not bad but you have to be patient and its sooo worth it.
November 10, 2014
I go for a consultation in 2 months. I have wanted this done for 25 years since the birth of my last child. The "baby" will turn 30 the day I have my consultation. I hope I don't my anxieties stand in the way of the results I hope to achieve. For me, I just want my clothing to be more comfortable. I also want my stomach muscles to support my stomach. They are shot as i had a twin pregnancy. I have back ache too and am hoping the tightening of the muscles will help that issue.
thanks for listening.
November 11, 2014
Rhonda56, most of us experience some anxiety. For me the anxiety I experienced was much worse than the postoperative pain! Don't let your anxiety stop you from proceeding with the surgery. For some people the muscle plication takes care of their backaches. Your clothes WILL be much more comfortable too. Good luck!
November 11, 2014
I appreciate your positive comments. Trying to keep the anxiety in check. Also, trying hard NOT to stress over the cost!
It will all be worth it each and every day I get dressed!
November 11, 2014
Yup, all that money you need to spend to get a flat abdomen will be well worth it IF you end up with the results you're hoping for (which most people do). If you've chosen a really good surgeon who pays attention to detail you'll no doubt be happy.
Welcome to the community. Â You are never to old to improve yourself so go for it! Â
Your hubby has no idea at all you are having this done?? Â When I told mine I was having my surgery he was a little taken back but her got over it and was ok. Â
Stay strong and keep us up to date on everything. Â
Oh goodness, my tummy would have flipped!  Just remember this is about you and what you want. Not what he does and doesn't want. They don't have to understand or accept it; they only need to realize that it makes us happy:)
We will all be here for you.
Whew....I am glad you told him because this will take a ton of stress off you right now. Â