I Must Be Nuts! - Las Vegas, NV

Good Luck to you! Thanks for sharing.

I don't think you'll regret it. Considering if you don't do it you may have other surgeries down the road. Often times the PS will repair the hernia during the TT. Is this not an option for you? I guess when they are larger they probably do need mesh support. The hip to hip incision looks worse than it feels. Many of them heal very nicely and is better than looking at the saggy skin! You have a lovely contour already, so I think you'll be super pleased with the results.

Welcome!Blessings on your journey!Congrats on starting a business to pay for your sx!We are the same size & lost the same amount of weight.I made my diastisis worse by using weight with crunches.Wish somebody would have told me not to do those things.I didn't even know at the time there was such a thing.My messed up core has caused me back problems.Wonder if that's also where my bladder prob comes from now after reading your review.Wishing you all the best hun!

 Since you are about to undergo a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike), a few words of advice may be helpful:
 1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.

2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.

3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.

4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary. 5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.

6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.

7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.

8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).

9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.

10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.

11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. I hope this helps.

I understand you have a lot of concerns. I don't know anything about the hernia issues and related issues that you described. I can tell you that I had a tummy tuck 9 days ago and I am so happy I did it. I had 3 c sections and a hysterectomy along w loosing 50 lbs in the last 2 years. My skin was so loose and a complete mess. It had weird dimples and just hung off like terrible. I had to adjust the roll when I sat down. I hav a scar from hip to hip. Who cares the huge rolls are gone. I stayed one night at surgery care center. Glad I did. I had a Cather so I didn't hav to get up to pee. Pain was managed every 4-6 hrs w Percocet and Valium to relax muscles. Way less pain than c section. For 9 days I hav done exactly what dr said. Drank tons. Walk around house when ever I get up to pee or eat. Taken pain meds eaten healthily and light and slept and watched TV I have let others take care of me. I am telling you it has all been soooo manageable. No tears no agony all ok. I am 55 and don't want to bd a super model just didn't want to spend second half of my life w such an ugly abnormality every time I looked in mirror I don't know how it will look when swelling is down and scars heal. But it will always look ten million times better than before. So my advice is dONt be hung up on long scar. Don't be hung up on pain. I can tell you I don't know how people go back to work or take care of kids up to day 9 where I am. Good luck. Especially w hernia complications. That I can't talk about but try guck in no brained if u do it right.

Who is your PS?

This month will fly by! I have a list of must have items and why on my review if you'd like to take a look. There's many things I almost didn't get that I am SO happy I had. I look forward to seeing you on the flat side!

We are similar. I am having nt. surgery in less than a month too. November 1st. Whoohoo. I have three kids, 5'2 only I'm 150. Ive tried to lose weight to no avail. I think it's my age and stress. I'm also taking four weeks off, and looking forward to the time off as well. We will be in this journey together. I'm excited and nervous too. One moment I felt giddy because I'm excited about the results and feeling sexy again. But also scared about the idea of general anesthesia. I know the risks are low and I'm fairly young, I still think about the fact of never waking up, which sounds silly as I type it, but you know what I mean..

Girl! Write down all you questions and make sure he understands your expectations! This is not something you need to be surprised on. I didn't have a preop appt either, and he had me take a Xanax on the way. I was so out of it, but he was very patient and made sure I understood what was happening. I even made sure my husband had my questions just in case. I was very concerned that he would take too much of my boobs, so that was a biggie! You will look amazing! Good luck to you! :)

Interautumn no that is not the norm! Your mother is absolutely correct! You ndd to me w that PS so has a clear understanding of what PROJECTION u desire(how many cc's ) u mdd to view his b4 b after profolio of past sx that aren't on RS! DONT believe the hype!

There's a dead cat on the line!!!

In answer to your question--No, that's abnormal sweet pea. It is extremely odd. I'll be praying for you hun.