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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Joined the Ranks of the Tummy Tuckers : 16 weeks PO

Name: Joined the Ranks of the Tummy Tuckers : 16 weeks PO
Item: Name not provided
Rating: 5
Author: Robyn in Sunny SA

ORIGINAL POST

Hi everyone. Just signed up with RealSelf. I am 40...

Robyn in Sunny SAJuly 6, 2011

WORTH IT$6,300

Hi everyone. Just signed up with RealSelf. I am 40 years old, have two children aged 15 and 12. I weigh 70kg and have been between 68 and 70kg for the past 2 years. I am not really a huge exercise bunny but enjoy the outdoors, hiking and ocassional cycle. Not sure of my height but I think it's around 5ft8 ?

I had pretty big babies, 3.950kg and 4.240kg and my boy especially contributed to my lovely stretch marks. I have always been self concious of my post pregnancy scars and rarely expose my tum in a bikini. Also squirm at the sight of my muffin top over my jeans etc. The rest of my body is in pretty good shape so I think having a Tummy Tuck will really improve my overall look.

I first consulted my PS in April 2010 and got really scared after hearing about the surgery and the risks involved. It took me a year and a few months to gather my nerves again and approached my PS again last month. I wanted to go ahead with the surgery ASAP so I am scheduled for Tuesday next week. Eeeek !

My hubby has been very supportive as well as a couple of my friends who have had elective surgery. I have not really told too many people about it so it is great to have this forum to gather support from people who are experiencing the same hopes, fears, dreams, etc. My sister is freaking out ..... so I am trying not to listen to her too much :) I think she is just scared for me....

Will post some "Before" pics later today or 2moro. I am going on a little vacation 2moro to relax and prepare for my surgery next week. I have had a pre op check and my GP is happy with everything so all there is to do is wait .............

Thanks to those who have offered their advice and pics on this forum........ it has been very helpful and a positive experience for me so I hope that I can reciprocate by sharing my experience with the rest of you.

Robyn in Sunny SA's provider

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Please note that my surgery was done in a Private Hospital. I had 2 consults prior to surgery with my surgeon where I was fully informed of the procedure, risks etc. I never saw my surgeon on the day of surgery until I was wheeled into theatre and was checked on by her once a day post op as is the norm here in South Africa. The staff at the hospital do all the post operative care and they were brilliant. My surgeon has given me her contact number should I have any problems or questions but 3 days post op I have not had the need to contact her. I will see her again on Monday for dressing changes etc. I found her extremely approachable and professional in every way and she is highly respected in my area. The price of private hospital care here in South Africa is very expensive and I would say that the Theatre and Hospital fees cover the bulk of the total cost. Fortunately I did not spend as much time as predicted in theatre so the total cost would be around $6200 for the TT and Lipo.

Replies (4)

Kimmers25

July 9, 2011

Hi Robyn!

A few more days and you will be minus that muffin top:) You will love that!

Thank you for posting your story her on RealSelf and sharing with us. I agree this is a wonderful site and great support. Glad you joined us.

Stay positive and focus on the prize and you will breeze through this well. Please keep us up to date on how you are doing this next week. We will all be thinking about you and sending good thoughts your way.

Robyn in Sunny SA

July 10, 2011

Thanks for your message Kim. I am staying positive and hopeful that all will go well. Thanks for your kind thoughts :)

greengirl32

July 10, 2011

Hi Robyn--you figured it out!! I just got your message and tried to reply back but I don't think it worked.

Anyway, GOOD LUCK TO YOU! Keep reading the positive comments and stay away from the negative ones. You will have a great experience and soon you'll be recovering with a nice, flat tummy!

Robyn in Sunny SA

July 10, 2011

Yes, I did figure it out eventually thank you :) and thank you for your support. I have updated my post today......

UPDATED FROM Robyn in Sunny SA

2 days pre

Sitting in the Airport in Port Elizabeth after...

Robyn in Sunny SAJuly 10, 2011

Sitting in the Airport in Port Elizabeth after spending the weekend with my sister. We had a wonderful "bonding" weekend and spent it at an Arts Festival. We saw lots of shows, concerts, muso's and art galleries. Would have been a lot more fun and festive had I been allowed to have some wine but has advised by the PS, I have had not had alcohol for the past two weeks. On Friday night I developed a post-nasal drip which caused my throat to become inflamed and sore. I went to my sister's GP first thing on Saturday morning to try and nip this cold in the bud !! He prescribed a very strong antibiotic but has strongly advised me NOT to go ahead with the surgery on Tuesday if I am in anyway unwell because of the risk involved. I am still hopeful that I will have recovered from this cold by then and that we can proceed as scheduled as I have flights book for my sister to come and nurse me after I get back from the hosptial. Your prayers in this regard would be so helpful :)

What amazes me about the stories and reviews I have read here is that most if not all of those who have had tummy tucks leave the hospital or treatment centre the same day ?!?!?! In South Africa we would never be allowed to do that. I have to spend three nights in the Hospital after my procedure to ensure there is no post op bleeding or complications !!! If my PS is happy with my progress and there is no risk of infection, I may leave the hospital on Friday afternoon. I will have 24 hr care in the hospital, physiotherapy and nurse care for 3 days post op. After reading how you other ladies have coped walking out of the hospital 1 hour after coming out of theatre, climbing into cars and sometimes driving 2 or 3 hours, having to cope on your own without any nursing care is amazing ..........my hat goes off to you... Wow.

Posting some pics today :) more to follow.

Please bear in mind that I will not be able to communicate with you all once I go into hospital on Tuesday morning as I will not have access to the internet or a computer until I get home on Friday (post op day 3)but I will make mental notes of how each day goes post op and fill you in as soon as I can.

Will also keep you updated as to whether I can go ahead on Tuesday - really hope this cold goes away :(

Replies (6)

Lovin' Summer

July 10, 2011

Good luck Robyn! I hope you feel great for Tuesday. I'm 6 days PO today and I would have welcomed a hospital stay for one night anyway, for sure. Trying to step up into an SUV right after surgery was a challenge for sure. I felt pretty decent, though, up until yesterday when my back decided it was done with all the hunched-over walking. Very sore, but better today. Take care and good luck :)

sassy45

July 10, 2011

Good luck for tuesday Robyn, hope it all goes well for you. I am having my surgery the following Monday in the UK. Just like you I will stay in hospital for 2 or 3 nights post op, looking forward to the peace and quiet, can't imagine coming home immediately afterwards and having to cope with everything myself, too scary!!

Robyn in Sunny SA

July 11, 2011

Thanks Sassy .... If I don't get to post again before you go in on Monday, best wishes to you too for a successful op and speedy recovery. Take care and keep thinking positive :) Thoughts and prayers with you

Irving7879

July 10, 2011

All the best to you robyn for tuesday . It is definitely not as bad as you would imagine.The pain is very manageable .I have realized from the surgery process that : Patience is the key . Make sure you eat well , move around every few hours , drink fresh juices and remember each day will get better . Also , keep your binder on 24/7 after the surgery - it really helps keep the swelling down.

I am pretty sure you might already know all of these but wanted to mention it anyways just in case . I will keep you in my prayers and i know you will do great and it will be so worth it . Lots of love and hugs - will be thinking about you on tuesday.

Robyn in Sunny SA

July 11, 2011

Thank you so much for your kind words and positive thoughts... it seems that I will be well enough to go ahead tomorrow so it's not long now :) have a great day :) and may your progress post op continue to get better and better.

caroweeltrina

July 10, 2011

Good luck Robyn! Yours is in two days and mine is in four days..I will think of you on Tuesday!!

Carolyn in Canada :)

UPDATED FROM Robyn in Sunny SA

1 day pre

Whoop Whoop, my PS says I should be able to go...

Robyn in Sunny SAJuly 11, 2011

Whoop Whoop, my PS says I should be able to go through with the surgery tomorrow. My cold is still here but I am not coughing or sneezing and she feels that there should be no problem. So this time tomorrow I will be almost out of surgery. The theatre time is approximately 150 minutes and I am due to go in at 1:30pm South African time. So excited now. I have been very upbeat and hardly nervous at all. My only concern is the anesthesia but I am sure I will be fine. I can't remember the last time I went under general anaesthetic so have no memories of the experience. So it is all going to be pretty new for me ...... can't wait.

My children are on school holidays so they have been taken up to the mountains for a week while I am in hospital. They left this afternoon. I have told them about my surgery but I don't really think they know how big it is or exactly what changesare about to happen to my body. All is I know they are going to be proud of their "new" mom without her flabby tummy :)

I will try and post in the morning just before I leave for the hospital ...... eeeek one more sleep :D

Replies (4)

Robyn in Sunny SA

July 11, 2011

Thank you all for your wonderful advice and support. Those that are still waiting, hang in there and try to stay positive. I honestly cannot believe how calm I am and that I do believe that everything will go well tomorrow..... thank you for your prayers and well wishes. [RS bleep]

mom_me

July 11, 2011

Good luck we will wait to hear from you xoxox

greengirl32

July 12, 2011

Today is your day! It will be so nice for you when it is over and you can stop thinking and worrying about it! Can't wait to hear how everything goes!