POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
35 yrs old... feeling like 21! Mother of three
ORIGINAL POST
So after many years of procrastinating, I finally...
WORTH IT$6,300
So after many years of procrastinating, I finally met with the PS regarding a tummy tuck.
For some odd reason, I was a nervous wreck... Didn't even act myself as I was sitting in the waiting room; but once we (my husband and I) were placed in a room and the soft spoken PS came in; assisted with his RN, Anne I then finally started relaxing. He answered all my questions and concerns... I was very pleased with him. Since May 05, 14 isn't set in stone yet, I plan on calling them today and getting this confirmed date on the calendar. :)
For some odd reason, I was a nervous wreck... Didn't even act myself as I was sitting in the waiting room; but once we (my husband and I) were placed in a room and the soft spoken PS came in; assisted with his RN, Anne I then finally started relaxing. He answered all my questions and concerns... I was very pleased with him. Since May 05, 14 isn't set in stone yet, I plan on calling them today and getting this confirmed date on the calendar. :)
Brown Eye Lisa's provider
UPDATED FROM Brown Eye Lisa
18 days pre
Pre-Op
One week from today, is my Pre-Op appointment with the PS. I am getting so anxious and nervous all at once. Seems like this upcoming surgery is all I can think about. I also feel like that's all I talk about too! I'm almost 100% positive that I am driving my husband bonkers; for that's all I talk about.
Replies (17)
April 17, 2014
It's normal to feel nervous :) You're going to be glad that you are doing this! Good luck!!!!
April 17, 2014
I'm also 35 with 3 kids. I just had my abdominal wall repaired with a tummy tuck a week ago. I was so scared before the surgery that I made myself physically ill so I get the nervousness. I have to say though that I'm so glad I did it that I would do it again in a heartbeat. Take your pain pills on time since especially in the beginning there is no reason to "be strong". You will be hunched over and it will make your lower back hurt but after a week, I'm able to walk farther and stand up straighter which reduces the back pain tremendously. I'd recommend having very loose shorts, sweat pants, and pjs to wear for the first few weeks after your surgery as well as a few comfy hoodies and buttoned up pj tops. You are not going to be able to raise your arms up for a little bit and forget bras for awhile :)
The best thing I figured out was putting a chair in the shower to sit comfortably while finally getting to wash my hair- pure awesomeness! You will also go home with drains (I'm a nurse so it's not a big deal for me) but they are perfect reminders for the kids to treat you gently and not bum rush you with hugs :)
Hopefully you have help at home for the kids and yourself for at least a month. You'll need help doing everything for the first week.
Keep breathing and you'll do great! Good luck!!!
April 17, 2014
It's funny you mentioned about washing you hair. Fist thing I thought when the PS said no showers or baths till tubes are out (which is a week), was how am I going to wash my hair???? lol Sponge baths don't bother me, but I have long and really curly hair and if it doesn't get washed within two days, lets just say it isn't pretty... nor trying to brush the rat nest out. So, I am thinking I will blow dry my hair straight the morning of my surgery, so I won't have to worry about all that.
I'm thinking I am like you... Since I have set the TT surgery date, I have been feeling very nauseous. I bet it's from my nerves and stress trying to get everything and everyone prepared for it. I have twin's that are 13 and my oldest is turning 18 in a month... Of course at the age; that they should be able to help dad with the house, cooking, laundry and animals but I fear since I am the one who usually does it, it's not going to crazy.
Anyways, happy healings to you and thank you for all the great advice! :)
April 17, 2014
That's interesting about the no shower for a week. My PS told me TO shower the next day and just as long as I wasn't sitting in standing water (ie a bath), the drains and bandages were fine ergo the chair in the shower :)
If you can't, a good bun will work especially since you won't be out in the world the first week anyway :) super excited for you! Hang in there and just try to stop thinking about it. By the morning of my surgery I was so over being overwhelmed that I was super calm and my brain was empty...lol that was a lifesaver :D
April 17, 2014
I am taking my shower today after 8 days, I have been keeping myself clean in the other areas, I feel like a man cause I can't shave my armpits because of my implants!!! Ha ha!! I do have a hand held shower and my 10 year old daughter has been helping me wash my hair as for blow drying it.... I think I'll wait till Easter cause were going see family. Don't rush the shower, your stuck inside anyways, I am a little nervous cause it will take awhile, plus I go for my second post-op visit tomorrow. Theses posts are very interesting to read, can't help but comment cause I'm just sitting :-)
April 17, 2014
I agree... They are very interesting and helpful. I am sure I will be doing the same thing when I get my procedure done. ;)
April 17, 2014
Huh... that is very interesting! He didn't really go into details of why; but I am sure he will fill me in on my pre-op.
April 17, 2014
Did either of you have to use an electric recliner? I have a recliner, but it's not electric. My husband is only able to take off the day of the surgery, and after that I am on my own. He'll be able to check on me during that day... But I'm worried of not being able to get out of the chair on my own if needed.
April 17, 2014
I would highly suggest getting some help for at least a week. Just sitting down to go to the restroom was extremely uncomfortable. I needed help standing and sitting and my husband basically had to lift me into bed and position me. I used a bunch of pillows to keep me upright and pillows under my legs. I don't have a recliner though but think about the muscles you use to get up and down into those things. You'll hurt all the way up to your breast line area (they stitch that high) so walking, breathing, sitting, and laying down (not flat!) will be uncomfortable and you'll need a lot of help maneuvering around in the beginning. Can someone come stay with you?
April 17, 2014
Yes I did get a electric recliner, I ask on fb and found one. It is much easier to sit and stand, it does it for you
April 18, 2014
Well, my husband is in law enforcement and them getting off is like pulling teeth. Almost the same as if he was still in the army... Hopefully he can get half days off. Other then that I'll be on my own (other then him checking in on me). I'm hoping mine will be as smooth as most of you ladies.
April 18, 2014
Keep reposting and look in classified ads and maybe a surgical supply store rents them, in my area they do not rent them out,maybe yours. I got no response until a week later about the chair someone knew someone about the chair. You have time. Hopefully Your kids are at the age where they can help you, mine are helping nicely. :)
April 17, 2014
Hi, I also had a tt 8 days ago, with muscle repair and augmentation. I felt no pain after surgery , the next day only felt like I did 100 push-ups! I have since stopped my pain med, I only took it my first night home cause I figured there would be pain, the next morning cause my chest was sore but after that only at bed cause my lower back was aching from the recliner, lying semi straight up with a pillow under your bent knees will do that, I told my Dr. On my follow up and he said not to hunch over so much also.He was right I straighten up some and put some extra padding under my butt when I was sitting and it relieved some. I read on this forum someone advised a reclining lift chair so I posted on fb and found someone who was getting rid of one. If you can find one get it cause it's a godsend, it will sit you down and stand you up without you using your abdominal muscles. The chair is kinda deep so I put a couple of pillows behind me for cushion. I had one drain which was alittle anoying cause it sticks out of you, I felt it tugging with my bandage. Even though I am 8 days post I still sit for periods of time. I will get up and do some walking and help with my 3 children (8,10 & 11) but it's brief and I go back to my chair. Dr. Said the second week you'll feel better and want to do more but it's crucial you Do Not over do things your muscles take about 2 months to heal so I'm following orders and being a good patient :) take stool softners few days before and next day after surgery cause with the anesthesia meds it will bind you up, I finally went on my 6th day after. I know it's 5:00 am but I'm 47 and can't sleep when you hit your 40's you'll see!! :-) hope this advice helps as well. Oh ya, keep wearing the binder for it keeps you snug and swelling down ( I have none ) but it's comfy.
April 17, 2014
You go girl.... Your outcome of healing so well, makes me feel a little more positive now. Thank you so much for all the good advise. I sure will use it! :)
UPDATED FROM Brown Eye Lisa
17 days pre
Smoking
Okay... So I'm a smoker (ya ya I know it's not good for me), mostly at work and social. I was told by my PS that I have to stop smoking a couple weeks before and after my surgery.... In my head, I was thinking that shouldn't be a problem for I could just by an e-cig or a patch... well after doing research, I come to find out that it's the nicotine that is not good for healing. Which I don't remember that being an issue when I had my trocar hernia repair. Any suggestions?
Replies (20)
April 17, 2014
Read your comment about smoking and you need to quit girlie!! Your giving yourself a new bod, start fresh. I quit about 12 years now, cold turkey, all that substitute crap isn't good for u either. Drinks lots of water to flush the nicotine out, it's a total mind game, I still crave when stressed but defiantly not going back besides my mom just passed away a couple of months ago from lung cancer. Your skin and underlying tissues and nerves that are going to be compromised during surgery will heal much better. Do it for you and your family, good luck!
April 17, 2014
I am so sorry about your mother! Hugs sent your way.
About smoking... I don't think I have a problem with stopping smoking, for I was looking into things to help me stop. But doing it cold turkey, as requested by the PS is what I'm worried about. Did you have bad withdraws??? If so, how long? Also did you seem on edge/cranky stopping cold turkey?
April 17, 2014
Ask my husband!!!! Lol. Ya unfortunately the drug that it is may make you a little cranky :). That's the only withdrawal besides the craving I remember but it will pass. Drink lots of water!!! And you can blame your crankiness due to your upcoming procedure.
April 17, 2014
April 17, 2014
CURIOUS... I've been reading that you also lose about 10-15 lbs after the procedure... Is this true?
April 17, 2014
Well, before the procedure I weighed 120lbs. I asked my co-worker nurse how much my specimen weighed and she said 350 grams, so I converted it and it was like 12.345 ounces!! Not even a lb of fat tissue!! Mine was saggy and wrinkled skin. I did not eat much the first day, soup and toast but then my mother in law came over and cooked fri sat and sun so I did eat. I will let u know if I lost any more tomorrow at my visit to my PS :)
April 17, 2014
I sure wish I weighed 120 lbs!!!! :)
Do you have any before and after pics of your TT?
April 17, 2014
I don't know how to post all my pics, can only do profile. Can u help please?
April 17, 2014
On top right hand corner, click on "My Profile"
Then on that page, at the very top click on "Write Review".
After that you can write anything you want or post pics on your page. Once that is done, you'll have to submit and it could take a day or two for it to show up, because all reviews have to be approved.
April 17, 2014
Then... anytime you want to add updates or pics, just click on "Update Review". I'm pretty new at this too. It took my a couple of days to figure it out. :)
April 17, 2014
Thanks for the help, just finished. Now to get rid of the profile pic and post a different one. Mistake!! :)
April 18, 2014
Hey Brown eye's!! Just got home from the PS and ask to use their scale and I've lost 3lbs! I'm sure I'll put it back on Easter Day with all the polish food! Depending how much the fatty tissue they take off, they usually weigh it in the OR room for the records in your file, so ask your PS in recovery or post-op visit, and you may not eat much the first day after and the next will determine you out come weight. Keep me posted on your final days before :)
April 18, 2014
Went to see my PS today everything's looking great! I did step on their scale and I lost 3lbs! But I'm sure I'll put it back on Easter Day with all the polish food and my marshmallow peeps! The fatty tissue that they excise will be weighed and posted in your Records, ask your PS in recovery or your post-op visit. Everyone is different, you probably won't eat much the first and second day after either. :)
Replies (0)