POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
44 Yr Old Mom, 5'4, 189 Lbs Ready for my Much Needed Tummy Tuck, Muscle and Hernia Repair!
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 43 yr old mom. I am 5'4 and currently weigh...
MyBodyWishJuly 28, 2015
WORTH IT$9,000
I am a 43 yr old mom. I am 5'4 and currently weigh 189 lbs. I am very ready for my much needed surgeries! I am scheduled to have a tummy tuck with lipo and muscle and hernia repair on Friday August 21, 2015. I had my 2nd consult and have my surgery now paid in full. I'm not sure if I will need to go in for a 'pre op" or if just the packet they are supposed to send will be all I need. I will also be having other procedures done in stages later on. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I don't know why this surprised me, but I thought I would have nothing but pure excitement. I feel very comfortable with my PS and think he will do an awesome job!
I have read the supplies needed, etc, but would like to know from you guys what you actually needed and what things actually helped you. I am going to order a medical lift reclining chair soon to have for when I come home from surgery. How long do you think I will need it? Our bed is easy to get into, but the mattress is very cushy, so it will be hard to get up from without really straining my just repaired tummy muscles. I've also read about the toilet seat riser and/or the female urinal. My hubby thinks the female urinal is gross, so do you think the toilet seat riser would be okay? Or do I really need the female urinal for at least a couple of days? I don't want to be in constant pain trying to pee...so any help will be greatly appreciated! What do you guys think about needing a walker? How long were you slumped over and did the walker help? I have about 6 stairs to climb to go potty, so not sure if that will help me anyway. {I guess down the hall until I get to the stairs and then back}. Are there other things you wished you had but didn't? Any other useful tips would be much appreciated! I'm sorry if I'm asking the most repeated questions. Thanks so much for your help and support!
I have read the supplies needed, etc, but would like to know from you guys what you actually needed and what things actually helped you. I am going to order a medical lift reclining chair soon to have for when I come home from surgery. How long do you think I will need it? Our bed is easy to get into, but the mattress is very cushy, so it will be hard to get up from without really straining my just repaired tummy muscles. I've also read about the toilet seat riser and/or the female urinal. My hubby thinks the female urinal is gross, so do you think the toilet seat riser would be okay? Or do I really need the female urinal for at least a couple of days? I don't want to be in constant pain trying to pee...so any help will be greatly appreciated! What do you guys think about needing a walker? How long were you slumped over and did the walker help? I have about 6 stairs to climb to go potty, so not sure if that will help me anyway. {I guess down the hall until I get to the stairs and then back}. Are there other things you wished you had but didn't? Any other useful tips would be much appreciated! I'm sorry if I'm asking the most repeated questions. Thanks so much for your help and support!
MyBodyWish's provider
UPDATED FROM MyBodyWish
21 days pre
So many thoughts and questions running through my mind!
MyBodyWishJuly 31, 2015
Hi, Guys! I don't have much to report. I'm just trying to get everything ready on the home front for surgery and my recovery. I have been worrying and thinking a lot. Maybe it's my way of working things out? I don't know, but it's driving me crazy! lol I thought I would post to see what you guys did in these situations. A disclaimer.... some might be TMI. :)
This one, I think I'm working out. I've been frustrated at trying to find a medical lift reclining chair to have after surgery. Apparently, they aren't as easy to find to rent as I thought. They do have them for sale, but who wants to buy something that you will only need temporarily? So, just feeling a bit frustrated. I do have a leather sofa with recliners built in and a recliner by itself, so I guess that isn't a big deal. I was just looking forward to having the "lift" to help me up. My hubby has done everything to convince me to just sleep in our bed, but I'm afraid he might hit my tummy or pull out my drains by accident. He even says that he will sleep on the sofa in our bedroom and I can have the bed all to myself for awhile. My PS wants me to sleep reclined after surgery, so I will do what he wants to get the best results.
How did you guys sleep after surgery? Did you do a reclined position? If so, how long before you got to sleep in your own bed? When in your own bed, did you have a certain type of pillow to stay reclined or just used a lot of pillows? Or were you able to sleep flat by the time you got to sleep in your own bed? Did your spouse accidentally hit your tummy or drains? Our bed is high, but not too high that I can't get in it easy. It's the getting out that I'm concerned with.
I've been wondering about the CG. After surgery, did you have a compression garment or were you just wrapped for awhile? How did you know what size to get? What about the second stage? Could you have taken a shower that day or the next? {Physically, I mean}
I am enjoying reading other people's reviews and have found some great suggestions. Did most of you wear a maxi dress and/or a maxi skirt/shirt to surgery? I've read some wore flip flops as they are easy to get on after surgery. I think I would want socks on to keep my feet warm though. I guess they will probably put on compression socks or something anyway.
Did anyone have their period on surgery day? I planned my tt surgery to be after my period, but afraid that with all the stress going on that it may be delayed. If so, I guess I should just reschedule even though I will lose my deposit. I don't know. Maybe I'm just worrying too much? I am just not sure what to do with that. My period was delayed for my 1st consultation, but about an hour before I went to the appointment..it started. I know..TMI, but I REALLY DON'T want it to happen on surgery day!
My surgery is also scheduled the day after we drop our youngest daughter off at college. So I'm feeling very emotional with that on top of the surgery. I'm planning my surgery and recovery while also planning my baby's "off to college" plans. I don't know why these things seem like they are so sudden, but I feel like it is flying by! Did anyone else feel that way? I had been so excited, but I still get these panicky feelings every once in awhile. I guess that is normal? Maybe it is more for the baby going to college than the surgery?
Sorry for rambling! Thank you to anyone who read this long post! Hope all of you tummy tuckers are healing well and to those who haven't had it yet... Good luck!
This one, I think I'm working out. I've been frustrated at trying to find a medical lift reclining chair to have after surgery. Apparently, they aren't as easy to find to rent as I thought. They do have them for sale, but who wants to buy something that you will only need temporarily? So, just feeling a bit frustrated. I do have a leather sofa with recliners built in and a recliner by itself, so I guess that isn't a big deal. I was just looking forward to having the "lift" to help me up. My hubby has done everything to convince me to just sleep in our bed, but I'm afraid he might hit my tummy or pull out my drains by accident. He even says that he will sleep on the sofa in our bedroom and I can have the bed all to myself for awhile. My PS wants me to sleep reclined after surgery, so I will do what he wants to get the best results.
How did you guys sleep after surgery? Did you do a reclined position? If so, how long before you got to sleep in your own bed? When in your own bed, did you have a certain type of pillow to stay reclined or just used a lot of pillows? Or were you able to sleep flat by the time you got to sleep in your own bed? Did your spouse accidentally hit your tummy or drains? Our bed is high, but not too high that I can't get in it easy. It's the getting out that I'm concerned with.
I've been wondering about the CG. After surgery, did you have a compression garment or were you just wrapped for awhile? How did you know what size to get? What about the second stage? Could you have taken a shower that day or the next? {Physically, I mean}
I am enjoying reading other people's reviews and have found some great suggestions. Did most of you wear a maxi dress and/or a maxi skirt/shirt to surgery? I've read some wore flip flops as they are easy to get on after surgery. I think I would want socks on to keep my feet warm though. I guess they will probably put on compression socks or something anyway.
Did anyone have their period on surgery day? I planned my tt surgery to be after my period, but afraid that with all the stress going on that it may be delayed. If so, I guess I should just reschedule even though I will lose my deposit. I don't know. Maybe I'm just worrying too much? I am just not sure what to do with that. My period was delayed for my 1st consultation, but about an hour before I went to the appointment..it started. I know..TMI, but I REALLY DON'T want it to happen on surgery day!
My surgery is also scheduled the day after we drop our youngest daughter off at college. So I'm feeling very emotional with that on top of the surgery. I'm planning my surgery and recovery while also planning my baby's "off to college" plans. I don't know why these things seem like they are so sudden, but I feel like it is flying by! Did anyone else feel that way? I had been so excited, but I still get these panicky feelings every once in awhile. I guess that is normal? Maybe it is more for the baby going to college than the surgery?
Sorry for rambling! Thank you to anyone who read this long post! Hope all of you tummy tuckers are healing well and to those who haven't had it yet... Good luck!
Replies (25)
July 31, 2015
geez l hate to be a downer put this doctors name in the search button and read all his reviews
August 1, 2015
I window shopped for my stage 2 garment before surgery, but bought about 10 days post. I went back to the ones I liked and tried them on over my CG. I didn't want to buy ahead of time because I was having a side chest surgery too and didn't know if/ how I'd have to manage around those incisions. It was recommended here to buy before, but I'm glad I waited.
Don't fret about your period. You won't have to reschedule. Mine was late and came the night before surgery. Of course! I was MORTIFIED and broke the news to the nurse the morning of surgery like it was going to be the most disgusting thing she's ever dealt with. She laughed and laughed and laughed. She was like 'Sweetie, that's the LEAST gross thing that I've seen'. You wear a pad and the nurse will change during surgery, if needed. Tell your PS that it's a possibility, they need to know because your blood is naturally thinner during your cycle. I couldn't use tampons, just pads, but my period never really materialized. I'm usually very heavy, but just had some spotting. My PS said my cycle may be wacky for a couple months, because of the stress and trauma of surgery.
Keep yourself busy. Makes notes to clear your brain. Itll be here before you know it. :)
Don't fret about your period. You won't have to reschedule. Mine was late and came the night before surgery. Of course! I was MORTIFIED and broke the news to the nurse the morning of surgery like it was going to be the most disgusting thing she's ever dealt with. She laughed and laughed and laughed. She was like 'Sweetie, that's the LEAST gross thing that I've seen'. You wear a pad and the nurse will change during surgery, if needed. Tell your PS that it's a possibility, they need to know because your blood is naturally thinner during your cycle. I couldn't use tampons, just pads, but my period never really materialized. I'm usually very heavy, but just had some spotting. My PS said my cycle may be wacky for a couple months, because of the stress and trauma of surgery.
Keep yourself busy. Makes notes to clear your brain. Itll be here before you know it. :)
August 1, 2015
Thanks so much, BeanDub76! I was embarrassed to ask the question, but glad that you shared your experience with me. {[hugs]] I was thinking..REALLY?! It happened at consultation...I REALLY DON'T want it to happen at surgery! LOL I thought I had cleverly planned it out, but now worried that it may not start when it is supposed to. Hopefully, I start way before surgery and am off my period before surgery day. I was also thinking..I will be mortified if it happens and especially after it happened at consultation! I was suppose to start a little over a week before that appointment. I guess it was the stress and worry about the appointment. I hate being naked, even when I was thin, {Weird upbringing lol}, but especially upset that I felt disgusting. Then having my period just added to me being so uncomfortable. You're right, they didn't seem to bat an eye. I was just completely surprised by the timing of it and felt so uncomfortable. I also had my 'before" photos shot that day. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it later, so since I was already completely nude.....I just went for it. :) Anyway, thanks again for your support! You are such a sweet heart!
Thanks for sharing about the Stage 2 Garment. I wasn't sure what size to buy or how I would know what would fit. I thought it made more sense to wait until after surgery to see exactly what size, but so many ladies had already bought theirs. I am so focused on trying to "plan" everything that I am afraid I'm forgetting everything. lol Okay...taking deep breaths.... :) I think the notes are a great idea. It sounds weird, but it seems like my surgery date is flying here! It is probably because I'm so nervous. lol
I haven't received my Surgery Packet in the mail yet, so that is probably why I am overthinking everything. I'm not supposed to get it until about two weeks before surgery.
How are you doing? Thanks for responding and for sharing your experience with me!
Thanks for sharing about the Stage 2 Garment. I wasn't sure what size to buy or how I would know what would fit. I thought it made more sense to wait until after surgery to see exactly what size, but so many ladies had already bought theirs. I am so focused on trying to "plan" everything that I am afraid I'm forgetting everything. lol Okay...taking deep breaths.... :) I think the notes are a great idea. It sounds weird, but it seems like my surgery date is flying here! It is probably because I'm so nervous. lol
I haven't received my Surgery Packet in the mail yet, so that is probably why I am overthinking everything. I'm not supposed to get it until about two weeks before surgery.
How are you doing? Thanks for responding and for sharing your experience with me!
August 3, 2015
I feel your pain. I was a week late and then like 'Oh COME ON!' when it started the night before surgery.
Everything is going really well and I feel great. Thanks for asking!
I felt the same about the stage 2 garment. EVERYONE said I just HAD to buy it before hand. Trying different styles on over my garment worked really well for me. My PS said I could switch to stage 2 in week 3 and by then I was fine to shop for one.
I'm sure the surgery packet will help ease your mind. :-)
Everything is going really well and I feel great. Thanks for asking!
I felt the same about the stage 2 garment. EVERYONE said I just HAD to buy it before hand. Trying different styles on over my garment worked really well for me. My PS said I could switch to stage 2 in week 3 and by then I was fine to shop for one.
I'm sure the surgery packet will help ease your mind. :-)
August 3, 2015
Hi Mybodywish,
Just wanted to let you know I bought my stage 1 & 2 CG online at makemeheal.com. They have the best prices around. I bought the Isavela style. For stage 1, you're gonna want to get the size you are now. After surgery you will be VERY swollen. Maybe even bigger than you are now. This could last 2-3 weeks. For stage 2, go a size smaller than stage 1. When I woke up in recovery, I already had a CG on. Either the doctor or the nurses put it on me. It opens on the sides and has hooks (like bras do) and a zipper. The stage 1 CG is designed the same way. I alternate between the one I bought and the one the doctor gave me. You're not supposed to put them in the dryer so that's why I bought the extra one from online. I always have a clean one to wear. They have a large opening in the crotch area so you don't take them off to pee - just for BM. I wore my undies over the CG. The Isavala style is so soft and comfortable that I forget I have it on. I like that it goes down past my knees. The one the doctor gave me doesn't.
If your bed is on the high side, I would suggest you sleep on sofa recliner or a lower bed. You're not going to be able to lift your legs or twist into bed. You kinda sit on the edge and push yourself in. I slept in my daughter's old bed for about 4 weeks cause it's lower than my bed. I used lots of pillows to get comfy. They don't want you to lie flat after surgery so you have to put a wedge pillow or something like that under your knees to keep them up. You also have to sleep on your back for awhile. You don't want to pull the stitches from your sides or open up the incision area.
Many hugs to you as you go through this amazing journey. Can't wait to see your after pics!
Just wanted to let you know I bought my stage 1 & 2 CG online at makemeheal.com. They have the best prices around. I bought the Isavela style. For stage 1, you're gonna want to get the size you are now. After surgery you will be VERY swollen. Maybe even bigger than you are now. This could last 2-3 weeks. For stage 2, go a size smaller than stage 1. When I woke up in recovery, I already had a CG on. Either the doctor or the nurses put it on me. It opens on the sides and has hooks (like bras do) and a zipper. The stage 1 CG is designed the same way. I alternate between the one I bought and the one the doctor gave me. You're not supposed to put them in the dryer so that's why I bought the extra one from online. I always have a clean one to wear. They have a large opening in the crotch area so you don't take them off to pee - just for BM. I wore my undies over the CG. The Isavala style is so soft and comfortable that I forget I have it on. I like that it goes down past my knees. The one the doctor gave me doesn't.
If your bed is on the high side, I would suggest you sleep on sofa recliner or a lower bed. You're not going to be able to lift your legs or twist into bed. You kinda sit on the edge and push yourself in. I slept in my daughter's old bed for about 4 weeks cause it's lower than my bed. I used lots of pillows to get comfy. They don't want you to lie flat after surgery so you have to put a wedge pillow or something like that under your knees to keep them up. You also have to sleep on your back for awhile. You don't want to pull the stitches from your sides or open up the incision area.
Many hugs to you as you go through this amazing journey. Can't wait to see your after pics!
August 3, 2015
Hi, lauriestime ! Thank you so much for responding and helping me out with the CGs. I will check out that website and the Isavela style. Thanks for letting me know the sizes as well. It is very helpful!
Our bed is on the high side, so I guess the sofa recliner is going to be it. I'm supposed to sleep 'reclined' for awhile anyway, so it is probably easier to just sleep there. I was hoping for a quieter spot, but I'll just have to figure it out. So, it took 4 weeks before you were able to sleep in your own bed? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I had this vision of sleeping in a recliner for a couple of nights and feeling great to get in bed again. lol I guess it was more wishful thinking...lol
Thank you so much for the hugs! Hugs to you too! I will post before and afters as soon as I can after surgery. I'm so nervous. I keep feeling like I should change my mind, but then get excited for it again. lol Please remind me when I am in miserable pain that I chose this and it will get better. lol :)
HUGS to you! I hope that you are loving your new body!
Our bed is on the high side, so I guess the sofa recliner is going to be it. I'm supposed to sleep 'reclined' for awhile anyway, so it is probably easier to just sleep there. I was hoping for a quieter spot, but I'll just have to figure it out. So, it took 4 weeks before you were able to sleep in your own bed? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I had this vision of sleeping in a recliner for a couple of nights and feeling great to get in bed again. lol I guess it was more wishful thinking...lol
Thank you so much for the hugs! Hugs to you too! I will post before and afters as soon as I can after surgery. I'm so nervous. I keep feeling like I should change my mind, but then get excited for it again. lol Please remind me when I am in miserable pain that I chose this and it will get better. lol :)
HUGS to you! I hope that you are loving your new body!
August 3, 2015
I am looking on the website. Which CG did you buy? Do you have a link? Did you have above knee? Just the binder type? Sorry..so confused looking at them lol Thanks for any help!
August 4, 2015
I bought the black Isavela style - the one that goes below the knee (to the middle of the calf) with the suspenders. I had lipo on my thighs so I wanted a CG that covered that whole area. It kinda looks like yoga capris. The one the doctor put on me went to my knees. I only wore loose sundresses over the CG. It was easy to take off the dress to go to the bathroom. Also, the dresses hid the drains well. It's hard to wear pants cause you're still very swollen and they may be too tight after surgery. The first two weeks I was in bed mostly and wore pretty nighties to help cheer me up cause I felt so yucky.
I remember when I dropped off my kids at college. It wasn't too bad when my son went (he's the oldest) but I did miss him terribly. When my daughter went two years later, I was very very sad. We used to do lots of things together and are very close. We called each other every day to talk. Maybe it's a good thing you're having the surgery the day after you drop off your daughter at college. I think you're going to be so preoccupied with healing that you may not miss her as much.
Many hugs to you. I'm here if you need any kind of support.
I remember when I dropped off my kids at college. It wasn't too bad when my son went (he's the oldest) but I did miss him terribly. When my daughter went two years later, I was very very sad. We used to do lots of things together and are very close. We called each other every day to talk. Maybe it's a good thing you're having the surgery the day after you drop off your daughter at college. I think you're going to be so preoccupied with healing that you may not miss her as much.
Many hugs to you. I'm here if you need any kind of support.
August 5, 2015
Thank you so much, lauriestime! You are so sweet and kind! I really do appreciate the support and encouragement!
I am not getting lipo on my thighs this round of surgeries, so I wonder what kind of stage 2 garment that I should get? I may get it on my flanks, but I think that would be the only place. {Except my tummy for tt}.
I like that you did something special to keep you cheered up! The nighties sounds fun and cheerful. I bet your hubby appreciated it too. lol :) I only have bought one sundress, so I guess I should hurry and buy some while they are on sale. I should just get my size now, correct? That is what I got with the first one. I figured if you said I would be swollen then it would definitely fit.
Yes, I'm close with my daughters also and we do everything together. We even have certain tv shows that we only watch together. I told my daughter that I would just save them until the weekends that she came home. I think we both like that. I'm sure she will be super busy at school, so hopefully that will keep her busy as well. I don't like when my kids are sad{as no parent does}, so hopefully she will love it while she is there. I think you are right about the focusing on trying to heal part. She feels bad that she won't be here, but I told her that I would be okay. She will be doing what she needs to do and so will I. If she needs us, she can call/come home to visit/etc. Daddy can drive me there too if I need. lol
Thanks again for all of your support and help! HUGS to you too! You are such a sweetie!
I am not getting lipo on my thighs this round of surgeries, so I wonder what kind of stage 2 garment that I should get? I may get it on my flanks, but I think that would be the only place. {Except my tummy for tt}.
I like that you did something special to keep you cheered up! The nighties sounds fun and cheerful. I bet your hubby appreciated it too. lol :) I only have bought one sundress, so I guess I should hurry and buy some while they are on sale. I should just get my size now, correct? That is what I got with the first one. I figured if you said I would be swollen then it would definitely fit.
Yes, I'm close with my daughters also and we do everything together. We even have certain tv shows that we only watch together. I told my daughter that I would just save them until the weekends that she came home. I think we both like that. I'm sure she will be super busy at school, so hopefully that will keep her busy as well. I don't like when my kids are sad{as no parent does}, so hopefully she will love it while she is there. I think you are right about the focusing on trying to heal part. She feels bad that she won't be here, but I told her that I would be okay. She will be doing what she needs to do and so will I. If she needs us, she can call/come home to visit/etc. Daddy can drive me there too if I need. lol
Thanks again for all of your support and help! HUGS to you too! You are such a sweetie!
September 15, 2015
Okay, I have 3 months, exactly, before my surgery date. So many people talk about renting equipment but my doctor makes it sound like a walk in the park and not that painful - he says with the experal I won't have much pain at all for the first 2 days and then just a little bit after that and be driving in a week. Yet, I hear about all this renting hospital beds and lifts, etc. I have no idea what to expect - should I plan on just my recliner downstairs? A hospital bed downstairs? Going upstairs to my bedroom? Help!!!
August 3, 2015
I agree that it's better to rent a lift chair and the walker. The lift chair was very helpful for me. It was hard for me to find a comfy and clean recliner lift chair to rent at a reasonable price so I bought one for $550 from Amazon, but now I'm stuck with a new comfy clean recliner lift chair and don't know what to do with it! I also bought a brand new heavy duty walker from Amazon (that also has a seat for when you get tired) for $100 which I'm stuck with! Anyone want them?? Lol
August 3, 2015
I just responded to your other post. I agree about not buying the medical lift recliner. They don't rent them around here, so that helped me make my decision on that. I think I'm just going to get a new regular recliner, hopefully one higher up than the ones we currently have. I would rather have a new, clean one also. :)
Thanks for all of your support and sharing your experience with me! {HUGS}
Thanks for all of your support and sharing your experience with me! {HUGS}
August 3, 2015
Ramble all you want, we love it!
August 3, 2015
Thanks, Kimmers25! {{HUGS}} I am so happy to have found this site and all of you!
UPDATED FROM MyBodyWish
15 days pre
My first 'bump" in my PS journey road...
MyBodyWishAugust 5, 2015
I got a call from my PS's office yesterday. Apparently, my specialist 'doesn't give medical clearances". UMM..WHAT?! I have gone over what my specialist said to us. Literally...word for word. We were told that my specialist would give me a medical clearance and that the PS's office could just call/send the paperwork. She even gave me all of my test results to give to him. I was totally thrown by getting a call yesterday saying they didn't get a medical clearance from my specialist.{She didn't deny it, they just couldn't get one from her in writing}. I had hoped I didn't have to go to my primary since I have seen the specialist every 3 months. The specialist's nurse said that the primary would possible be able to do the EKG at the office and then give the medical clearance. {The PS wants an EKG, so I have to have one}. The specialist's nurse told me {I went there in person as I had no phone service} that I 'am" cleared for surgery as I am stable, but that the primary had to give the medical clearance. I know I shouldn't have been upset, but I have paid for my surgery IN FULL already. I did that based on the conversation that I had with my specialist. Granted, I didn't get to talk to the specialist yesterday about why the nurse said she doesn't give medical clearances, but it looks like the nurse would have done it. We were also hit with NO cell service yesterday, so trying to call doctor's offices or talk on the phone was impossible. That was another upset as I realized how much we rely on cell phones. Scary when you don't have them. That's a whole other post. LOL
This morning my husband called and set up a primary care appointment for me for tomorrow afternoon before they close. He also said that they do EKG's at their office. So, maybe this will work out better. It just takes forever to get test results there and I really need to turn them in ASAP. So, we still may just schedule an EKG at my PS's office just so they have it right away. Sorry for venting! I'm just more stressed now. I REALLY thought this was settled as I need to focus on other things. If my specialist gives the OK for my surgery, I don't see why the primary care wouldn't. I guess I'm just so upset because I thought this was already settled and behind me. I think I just felt more comfortable with the specialist as I've seen them so often. Anyway...tomorrow I will know what I need to do. I am doing great health wise, blood test result wise, etc so there shouldn't be a reason that I don't get a medical clearance. It's just stressful. lol
Thanks for letting me vent! It just really threw me. It really shouldn't be a big deal, so I'll just relax and move forward. Thank you to all who have shown me support and encouragement! I really appreciate it! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
This morning my husband called and set up a primary care appointment for me for tomorrow afternoon before they close. He also said that they do EKG's at their office. So, maybe this will work out better. It just takes forever to get test results there and I really need to turn them in ASAP. So, we still may just schedule an EKG at my PS's office just so they have it right away. Sorry for venting! I'm just more stressed now. I REALLY thought this was settled as I need to focus on other things. If my specialist gives the OK for my surgery, I don't see why the primary care wouldn't. I guess I'm just so upset because I thought this was already settled and behind me. I think I just felt more comfortable with the specialist as I've seen them so often. Anyway...tomorrow I will know what I need to do. I am doing great health wise, blood test result wise, etc so there shouldn't be a reason that I don't get a medical clearance. It's just stressful. lol
Thanks for letting me vent! It just really threw me. It really shouldn't be a big deal, so I'll just relax and move forward. Thank you to all who have shown me support and encouragement! I really appreciate it! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
Replies (33)
I thought about that with the stairs also. My husband wanted me upstairs, but then I knew it would be too easy to not walk around. I will also feel trapped away from everyone. lol I think me having to climb the stairs means I won't, hopefully, have to worry about blood clots and can get in a bit of exercise while I heal.{Until I get the OK to start exercising again}. I'm truly dreading the stairs coming home right after surgery though. I will have the garage stairs to go up to get inside and then a flight of stairs to main floor. {Where I will be staying at first}. A couple of my other plans have changed as well. I am finding it very hard to find a place that rents medical reclining lift chairs around here. They are for sale, but not rent. I already have a recliner to sleep in, so I guess it really isn't that big of a deal.
I will go check out your review and look forward to you posting nutrition and supplement info. :) I appreciate the help and support with planing! {{{HUGS}}}
That is good to know about the walker. I'm not sure I will get one of those now and wait until after surgery to see if I really need it. Did you have a lot of space to cover in your house? Or did you just need that because of the pain and the way you were hunched over?
I was also thinking about a pad to cover the recliner. Hubby just wants to buy a new one so that I am comfortable. I'm still thinking a regular recliner will be OK as I figured that I would need help getting up at first anyway. Plus I'm not sure I want a permanent lift chair. :) Did the lift chair 'throw" you off balance or anything?
Thanks for responding and sharing your excellent advice!
My daughter says that to me also. I do want to show others my size what they will look like after tt. I'm just afraid they will be disappointed. I'm afraid I will be disappointed. I'm going through a scary time of wondering if now is actually the "right" time to do it. Nothing really is changing. I'm not getting any younger, I'm not losing tons of weight either, but there is still this fear that what if the surgery makes me worse. Or worse, it depresses me beyond belief. I know it is probably stupid to others, but I'm having a really hard time. Unlike some stories that I've read, I never had a weight problem and have always had a very active life and family. I literally gained all my weight within 10 days of the end of my pregnancy with my first son. Then it went downhill from there. No help from any doctors, no concern...I didn't realize how badly this has affected my thinking and outlook in a bad way. Maybe I'm just scared? I trust they are a very skilled and intelligent surgeon/man, but what if my body just doesn't cooperate? So...lots of self pity or what ifs. Not sure if this part is normal though but I literally feel scared of seeing what the result will be after. I think that is why I don't post before photos yet. I'm afraid the pictures will be out there for everyone to judge me and then not get amazing results. Maybe I'm thinking too much? I haven't read any reviews where other ladies are thinking the things I am so close to surgery. I'm terrified of......What if this doesn't make me flat? :( What if after all the money, the pain, healing, etc that I still have this HUGE ugly pregnant looking belly? I really need my PS to tell me realistically what to expect as I just don't know. Maybe a call to come in and talk to him would be a very needed help? Do you think of any of these things? Do you think I'm just worrying for nothing? I sure hope so! Sorry for expressing my fears...they are just coming out and I'm not sure what to do. :(
Here they are:
http://www.realself.com/find/Tennessee/Knoxville/Plastic-Surgeon/Steven-Smith#photos
And
http://www.realself.com/find/Tennessee/Knoxville/Plastic-Surgeon/Steven-Smith#photos
I think he did an awesome job! So, I'm hopeful that I will get some amazing results also. I just really want to be sure of what to expect so that I'm not super disappointed if my 'vision" isn't realistic. I hope that makes sense. I am getting a tummy tuck with lipo...hernia and muscle repair on Friday!
I am excited about my tummy tuck & lipo, so I've decide to just focus on that. :) Thanks for understanding and your support! {{HUGS}}