POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
NEW PICS 8 weeks PO, starting to see some abs again - Bristol, England
ORIGINAL POST
I'm 42 with two lovely boys aged 13 and 11, both...
WORTH IT$8,500
I'm 42 with two lovely boys aged 13 and 11, both of whom were huge babies (12 pounders). I wasn't exactly svelte before, but since having them, and the 2 C-sections that got them out, I've had a really saggy tummy. I have no waist - I'm kind of square because my ab muscles have separated - and the whole of my tummy area has been numb for over a decade (so losing any sensation there isn't a major concern!). I still have some C-scar problems because of the overhang, and I hate how pot-bellied I look in jeans.
I dieted hard a few years ago to get rid of the excess weight, and I exercise a lot... but it just won't go. In fact I think that since I turned 40 the high impact of running is making the saggy bit sag even more! I really hate it. The final straw was when I did a sprint triathlon last year - I wore one of those lycra tri-suits and my younger son, bless him, decided to video me on the final bit of the run, in slow-mo movie mode. You have never seen anything so appalling in your life! There was me running and then this huge undulating alien mass attached to the front of me, all wrapped in 100% revealing hide-nothing lycra. Ugh. Something had to be done. I had to either accept that there is nothing I can do to make it go away and learn not to be bothered by it, or have some kind of radical intervention, and guess which I chose!
My surgery is scheduled for 29 July, in London (I live in Bristol so it's a little over 2 hours away). I'm really excited about it, though I have a few concerns about the healing process and especially about the drains. I haven't met the surgeon yet, my appointment with him is on 10 July.
If this works out as well as I hope, my aim will be to get back into running ready to do the Barcelona half-marathon next March, and to run it in under 2 hours (because there will be so much less of me to carry around the course!) and to wear a fabulous, midriff-revealing crop top to run in rather than the baggy old t-shirt I normally wear to cover up the muffin top and the rolls above it!
HinUK's provider
Replies (18)
June 15, 2012
Good for you - I can't imagine ever ever wearing a bikini because I've always had massive body image hang-ups! But if I can run in a crop top, that would be a HUGE statement for me (and mostly TO me) that I felt ok about that bit of me. It would be a sign for me that the whole thing was a massive success. Maybe I won't have the courage to do it even then, but I really hope I will!
The money - yes huge! It looks like it's much cheaper in the States but hey ho. I'm looking at it this way: if I live for another 40 years, it's £2.69 a week. Less than a weekly magazine!
I didn't actually shop around much. I went to Harley Medical first and really liked the nurse and the details about the surgeon, and it all sounded fine - I compared prices with BMI, but for them I'd still have had to travel to Bath for all the appointments. At least this way post-op I get all the checks in Bristol, about 10 mins away. So yes, it's a bit of a pain about going to London for the op (esp on the opening weekend of the Olympics!) but it'll be fine. I get at least one night in hospital, maybe 2.
I'm really struggling to lose weight in advance though... that's my battle for the next 6 weeks. :-(
The money - yes huge! It looks like it's much cheaper in the States but hey ho. I'm looking at it this way: if I live for another 40 years, it's £2.69 a week. Less than a weekly magazine!
I didn't actually shop around much. I went to Harley Medical first and really liked the nurse and the details about the surgeon, and it all sounded fine - I compared prices with BMI, but for them I'd still have had to travel to Bath for all the appointments. At least this way post-op I get all the checks in Bristol, about 10 mins away. So yes, it's a bit of a pain about going to London for the op (esp on the opening weekend of the Olympics!) but it'll be fine. I get at least one night in hospital, maybe 2.
I'm really struggling to lose weight in advance though... that's my battle for the next 6 weeks. :-(
June 15, 2012
Losing weight is sooooo hard. That's good that all your checks are local and just 10 mins away. That's what I was most concerned about, the aftercare. You want to know you are well looked after once you've been through it and don't need to travel too far when you don't feel like going very far. I guess I'm pretty lucky finding such a good surgeon and so local too. I'm originally from Scotland and to get the exact same procedure with the same company but back home....it's about £1000 cheaper! :(
June 28, 2012
Hey, how you doing. You getting prepared, excited etc yet? I can't believe I go in on Tuesday!!! Had my checks done today, blood pressure, height, weight, blood sample etc. AND paid it. I have never in my life paid over so much money in one go. EEEK. This time next week I will probably be home or on my way. How weird. Anyway, keep in touch. x
July 1, 2012
Tuesday!!! The big day for you! Good luck and its going to turn out awesome!!!
June 29, 2012
I'm so excited for you, and I'll be looking out for your progress reports. How are you feeling about it all? One month to go for me... can't go fast enough! I've started making preparations - I've bought some big old granny pants for post-op! I have my blood tests next week and see the surgeon on 10 July. Wow, just a week to go for you until you're on the other side! Hx
June 29, 2012
I did the same....bought really cheap but big and comfy pants...lol....I'll look gorgeous in them!!! The house had never been so clean....I've done everything from the usual hoovering, up-to-date with laundry stuff, washed.windows, floors, even washed inside and outside the kitchen cupboards and the dreaded oven. I just need to know that the cleaner it is now, hopefully it will be easier for hubby and my teenage son to keep on top of. A friend wants me to visit the day before surgery a she has cooked several meals tho put in the freezer for me and my family. Shes so lovely. We will just need to boil potatoes n veg. I'm sure it will help. My neighbour is fab too, I know if I need anything she would help. She said just text if you need anything. wish hubby was as supportive....he's not even asked what happens in surgery, how serious it is etc. I know he will look after me and help when I need it, just wish it was a bit more....but then hes never been one to show any emotions. I'm still super excited though 4 sleeps...oh my goodness. I'll try post as soon as I can and as regular as I can and get pics up a soon as possible. Thanks for your comments.
UPDATED FROM HinUK
7 days pre
Well, here's what has happened in the last...
Well, here's what has happened in the last week:
1. Had my pre-op consultation with a surgeon from Harley Medical Group. He was 45 minutes late for the consultation, spent another 5 on the phone fixing up a lunch date, then got into the actual consultation. This bit was ok, though getting information out of him was like pulling teeth - I'd say "Is x a good idea?" and he'd say "Yes, you should do that" - and I'd be thinking "So when were you going to tell me if I hadn't asked?". Anyway, the final straw was when he passed over the consent form to me and I saw it had the wrong address on the bottom - it was for someone with the same first and last names but coming in for a nose job, not a tummy tuck! How did he get past page one of the file without realising that it was the wrong one?
2. This was the dilemma phase - I really want this op, we're only 2 weeks away from it (scheduled for 29 July) and I've been building up to it all year - not to mention the fact that the whole family's summer holiday is structured around me being post-op. BUT at this point the surgeon hasn't even seen my medical notes, and he's consented me for the op based on a 20 minute consultation and someone else's medical file! I rang the clinic and they said they'd look into it...
3. Having heard nothing for 2 days I rang the clinic again and they said I could possibly arrange to go to London and see him again. I said I'd already done that, talked to him about someone else's medical file, and didn't propose to go again - could he ring me please. They said they'd look into it... they also said they had a revised price for my op, because he wanted to do a second area of lipo. The new price was... £1,600 more for the extra lipo area! The cost of the first one was due to be £800! At this point I flipped out and said that was way off the scale and in any case having made such a horrendous mess I was thinking they might want to throw it in for free. They said they'd look into it...
4. I came off the phone and decided I needed to look at other options - even if the clinic came back and said they'd do the extra for free, did I really want to go with a bunch of cowboys who were trying to rip me off? So I rang BMI Healthcare and a lovely lovely lady there who is the secretary to my new PS has jiggled the diary to get me in for a pre-op consultation today, and an op on 24 July. I'm just back from meeting the new surgeon and he's lovely - couldn't be more different: very articulate, he gave really full explanations, lots of eye contact, very clear understanding about what my priorities are. So I'm on for an op in 7 days' time which means there's loads to get sorted in advance, but I really feel I've been looked after, diverting me away from that other clinic to this one. Can't believe how lucky I am that they can slot me in at such short notice, on what is actually a better date for me and gives me a bit longer to recover before going back to work. I'm so relieved that I can still have the op - I was really worried I was going to lose the whole thing. The worst case scenario as regards the other clinic is that I lose my £500 deposit, but even then I think I'm better off. Plus I shall be brewing up a series of letters aimed at getting the deposit back on grounds of breach of data protection laws, medical negligence, etc...!
The last week has been a real saga - very turbulent and stressful - but I'm so grateful to everyone on here for support and wise words.
1. Had my pre-op consultation with a surgeon from Harley Medical Group. He was 45 minutes late for the consultation, spent another 5 on the phone fixing up a lunch date, then got into the actual consultation. This bit was ok, though getting information out of him was like pulling teeth - I'd say "Is x a good idea?" and he'd say "Yes, you should do that" - and I'd be thinking "So when were you going to tell me if I hadn't asked?". Anyway, the final straw was when he passed over the consent form to me and I saw it had the wrong address on the bottom - it was for someone with the same first and last names but coming in for a nose job, not a tummy tuck! How did he get past page one of the file without realising that it was the wrong one?
2. This was the dilemma phase - I really want this op, we're only 2 weeks away from it (scheduled for 29 July) and I've been building up to it all year - not to mention the fact that the whole family's summer holiday is structured around me being post-op. BUT at this point the surgeon hasn't even seen my medical notes, and he's consented me for the op based on a 20 minute consultation and someone else's medical file! I rang the clinic and they said they'd look into it...
3. Having heard nothing for 2 days I rang the clinic again and they said I could possibly arrange to go to London and see him again. I said I'd already done that, talked to him about someone else's medical file, and didn't propose to go again - could he ring me please. They said they'd look into it... they also said they had a revised price for my op, because he wanted to do a second area of lipo. The new price was... £1,600 more for the extra lipo area! The cost of the first one was due to be £800! At this point I flipped out and said that was way off the scale and in any case having made such a horrendous mess I was thinking they might want to throw it in for free. They said they'd look into it...
4. I came off the phone and decided I needed to look at other options - even if the clinic came back and said they'd do the extra for free, did I really want to go with a bunch of cowboys who were trying to rip me off? So I rang BMI Healthcare and a lovely lovely lady there who is the secretary to my new PS has jiggled the diary to get me in for a pre-op consultation today, and an op on 24 July. I'm just back from meeting the new surgeon and he's lovely - couldn't be more different: very articulate, he gave really full explanations, lots of eye contact, very clear understanding about what my priorities are. So I'm on for an op in 7 days' time which means there's loads to get sorted in advance, but I really feel I've been looked after, diverting me away from that other clinic to this one. Can't believe how lucky I am that they can slot me in at such short notice, on what is actually a better date for me and gives me a bit longer to recover before going back to work. I'm so relieved that I can still have the op - I was really worried I was going to lose the whole thing. The worst case scenario as regards the other clinic is that I lose my £500 deposit, but even then I think I'm better off. Plus I shall be brewing up a series of letters aimed at getting the deposit back on grounds of breach of data protection laws, medical negligence, etc...!
The last week has been a real saga - very turbulent and stressful - but I'm so grateful to everyone on here for support and wise words.
Replies (33)
July 17, 2012
HeleninUK
Thanks so much for giving me a right old giggle when I read your earlier review about alien mass... I know just what you mean. Made me chuckle. So glad you ditched your original PS - sounded a right doughnut ... How unprofessional was he and his team - your well rid. I have my TT booked in December with a BMI hospital in Kent and having had previous experience of the BMI Group as a whole I cannot fault them in any way. I would like to wish you all the best on your journey and will be following with much interest your post op blogs. Take care. Suzi
Thanks so much for giving me a right old giggle when I read your earlier review about alien mass... I know just what you mean. Made me chuckle. So glad you ditched your original PS - sounded a right doughnut ... How unprofessional was he and his team - your well rid. I have my TT booked in December with a BMI hospital in Kent and having had previous experience of the BMI Group as a whole I cannot fault them in any way. I would like to wish you all the best on your journey and will be following with much interest your post op blogs. Take care. Suzi
July 17, 2012
Thanks Suzi. BMI have certainly scored very highly with fluffycloud so let's hope they do the same for us!
Hx
Hx
July 17, 2012
Dear HeleninUK,
I can't believe your poor treatment, you were so right to go elsewhere and good for you getting a date so quick. I am particularly interested as mine is scheduled for the day after yours and I'm both excited and terrified! I am so fed up with the bulge of my stomach and despite 5 years of effort there has been no change at all. Someone said to me 'well get it cut off then' and although a bit shocked I thought about it for a bit and decided to take the plunge. I am worried about being inactive afterwards as I am rubbish at being out of action and don't want to be a misery. I am so envious of all these women who look absolutely amazing, even now I am looking at the roll of fat sitting above my keyboard - I had no idea how much it spoils my life; everything I wear is baggy around the waist and sport is so uncomfortable. I really hope I can run better afterwards!
Good luck everyone about to go on the journey!
I can't believe your poor treatment, you were so right to go elsewhere and good for you getting a date so quick. I am particularly interested as mine is scheduled for the day after yours and I'm both excited and terrified! I am so fed up with the bulge of my stomach and despite 5 years of effort there has been no change at all. Someone said to me 'well get it cut off then' and although a bit shocked I thought about it for a bit and decided to take the plunge. I am worried about being inactive afterwards as I am rubbish at being out of action and don't want to be a misery. I am so envious of all these women who look absolutely amazing, even now I am looking at the roll of fat sitting above my keyboard - I had no idea how much it spoils my life; everything I wear is baggy around the waist and sport is so uncomfortable. I really hope I can run better afterwards!
Good luck everyone about to go on the journey!
July 17, 2012
Hi Anna! I know just what you mean about the clothes and sport! I told the surgeon today that I was totally embarrassed about how I look in lycra - then thought that sounded really pathetic, but he knew what I meant! Who are you going to for yours?
My challenge to myself is to recover well enough to go and run the Barcelona half-marathon next March. We can compare not only recovery but running progress post-TT and see how we do! Maybe you'll feel like a half-marathon weekend in Spain too?!!
Hx
My challenge to myself is to recover well enough to go and run the Barcelona half-marathon next March. We can compare not only recovery but running progress post-TT and see how we do! Maybe you'll feel like a half-marathon weekend in Spain too?!!
Hx
July 17, 2012
Hi,
Great to hear from you! I think I'm concerned about anyone thinking I am vain but it really is a personal thing - when I was younger I was going to be the next Olga Corbett (in my mind!) and body shape was very important and I really mourn the loss of mine - I just don't feel this large stomach is me at all! I have a lot of respect for people who can live with being overweight and are happy but daily undressing for me is just a totally depressing event and I never let my husband see me from the side!
You sound very sporty and I admire you for your running, I don't know if I could achieve a half-marathon but do love the thought of it! What a challenge and a great target for the future.
P.S. My surgeon has the same surname as yours! (different first name)
Take Care XX
Great to hear from you! I think I'm concerned about anyone thinking I am vain but it really is a personal thing - when I was younger I was going to be the next Olga Corbett (in my mind!) and body shape was very important and I really mourn the loss of mine - I just don't feel this large stomach is me at all! I have a lot of respect for people who can live with being overweight and are happy but daily undressing for me is just a totally depressing event and I never let my husband see me from the side!
You sound very sporty and I admire you for your running, I don't know if I could achieve a half-marathon but do love the thought of it! What a challenge and a great target for the future.
P.S. My surgeon has the same surname as yours! (different first name)
Take Care XX
July 17, 2012
You're not in Bristol are you? There are 2 Mr Wilsons at BMI here.
I was NEVER a sporty person, running is only something I've done since I was 35, starting with Race for Life. Every time I do a half, I'm amazed and proud that I can do it. Don't assume that you can't! You just have to work up to it. And without a saggy belly that will be SO much easier! Hx
I was NEVER a sporty person, running is only something I've done since I was 35, starting with Race for Life. Every time I do a half, I'm amazed and proud that I can do it. Don't assume that you can't! You just have to work up to it. And without a saggy belly that will be SO much easier! Hx
July 17, 2012
No I'm in Surrey! Good to hear you are new to it - great to start at 35! I've run a little in my 5 years of going to the gym but have never been any good and I always look like I'm about to pass out afterwards, whereas the skinnies look like they are beach volleyball players - the time I've spent looking at their flat lycra stomachs is ridiculous and just wanting them to go home and eat doughnuts so I can catch up! My surgeon has assured me that no amount of effort will remove my baby belly - when its stretched that's it! My membership would have prob. paid for surgery by now. I do want to keep going physically though but for free: so its walking or running for me from now on.
I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking:
Have you got your things organised for hospital? do you know how long you will stay for? do you have to have time off work? is this something you have told friends about?
Anna XX
I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking:
Have you got your things organised for hospital? do you know how long you will stay for? do you have to have time off work? is this something you have told friends about?
Anna XX
July 17, 2012
I haven't organised any bags or anything, or even really thought about it - I'm working full time till Monday evening and it's the end of term this week so at least I'm thoroughly distracted!
Apparently I'm to stay at least 2 nights and the drains have to be out before they let me go.
I work from home and on a computer but even so I'm taking 2 weeks off work (cunningly timed to coincide with the Olympics) to recuperate. Work has been great with me - when all the hassle was happening last week about the change of provider and date, I had to ring them and ask if I could move AND extend my holiday and my boss was just lovely about it. She knows, and a few other people at work but I've only told them on a one-to-one basis, it's not public as such.
I've just been out on a school mums' night and I've told a few people there and other family and friends - I just think that anyone who knows me, knows it's not for lack of exercise: I've run so far and cycled so far and done a squidillion sit-ups. So I'm quite out and proud about the whole thing. And I find most women who've had kids say "Brilliant, good for you" and then half of them go on to say "I'd really like to have my ___ sorted out" - we all have our own neuroses! Actually, to a couple of people I've said "I'm having my neurosis removed" and then waited for their reaction! How about you?
Hx
Apparently I'm to stay at least 2 nights and the drains have to be out before they let me go.
I work from home and on a computer but even so I'm taking 2 weeks off work (cunningly timed to coincide with the Olympics) to recuperate. Work has been great with me - when all the hassle was happening last week about the change of provider and date, I had to ring them and ask if I could move AND extend my holiday and my boss was just lovely about it. She knows, and a few other people at work but I've only told them on a one-to-one basis, it's not public as such.
I've just been out on a school mums' night and I've told a few people there and other family and friends - I just think that anyone who knows me, knows it's not for lack of exercise: I've run so far and cycled so far and done a squidillion sit-ups. So I'm quite out and proud about the whole thing. And I find most women who've had kids say "Brilliant, good for you" and then half of them go on to say "I'd really like to have my ___ sorted out" - we all have our own neuroses! Actually, to a couple of people I've said "I'm having my neurosis removed" and then waited for their reaction! How about you?
Hx
July 18, 2012
Hi again,
I've got an appointment tomorrow so should find out more about length of stay. I hope it's 2 nights. I finish work on Friday. It's brilliant about timing for the Olympics - any distractions are very welcome. It just occurred to me that it should be underway this time next week and finished for you! WOW: exciting and awful equally!!! Because I get the school holidays to recover I decided not to tell my colleagues but it's hard not to say anything - also I work with impressionable teenagers and I wouldn't wish to promote cosmetic surgery. My daughter is abroad and she would worry if she knew I was going into hospital - so it's only you and whoever is reading this that knows (apart from Hubby) !!!
Reading these blogs is so helpful and makes me feel less isolated - the advice is great too!
Anna XX
I've got an appointment tomorrow so should find out more about length of stay. I hope it's 2 nights. I finish work on Friday. It's brilliant about timing for the Olympics - any distractions are very welcome. It just occurred to me that it should be underway this time next week and finished for you! WOW: exciting and awful equally!!! Because I get the school holidays to recover I decided not to tell my colleagues but it's hard not to say anything - also I work with impressionable teenagers and I wouldn't wish to promote cosmetic surgery. My daughter is abroad and she would worry if she knew I was going into hospital - so it's only you and whoever is reading this that knows (apart from Hubby) !!!
Reading these blogs is so helpful and makes me feel less isolated - the advice is great too!
Anna XX
July 17, 2012
Hi HeleninUK, I went with Harley Medical Group to begin with too but they definitely gave me the run around- I was phoning them everyday trying to book a surgery date. The when the dates finally came out, I was told that they had almost all been booked up already! I finally found a PS just up the road from me in Brentwood, Essex. He told me diferent things to the nurse at HMG. She told me that I could just have my boobs lifted, but this other PS told me that I would still have empty boobs if they were lifted and that I would need an implant. Dep down, I know that he is right- my boobs have lost their filling after losing 10stone and if I had gone with HMG they wouldnt have done a good job I dont think.
Also, HMG were only going to keep me in for 1 night after having a mommy makeover but Spire are keeping me in for 2 nights, which I think is much better after major surgery. So, I feel like I have had a lucky escape from HMG.
Good luck on your TT x
Also, HMG were only going to keep me in for 1 night after having a mommy makeover but Spire are keeping me in for 2 nights, which I think is much better after major surgery. So, I feel like I have had a lucky escape from HMG.
Good luck on your TT x
July 17, 2012
Yes, it sounds like it, angemary! Similarly I'm getting 2 nights in with BMI and it would only have been one with HMG. I'm increasingly thinking that it was a lucky escape... I can't believe how lucky I am still to be able to do it at such short notice though. I'm about to write a letter to them asking for my deposit back - I think that since both the Information Commissioner and the Care Quality Commission might be likely to take an interest in what they've done, I ought to be able to get it... When is your op? Hx
July 17, 2012
Hi Ladies, I'm only in one night at Botonics but the surgeon tends to keep his patients in until the evening the next day. If need be I have an option to stay at £250 per extra night which seems reasonable. Almost all the Drs. in the states send the ladies home the same day even sometimes I've read within a couple hours. Scary! Sounds like the both of you had a lucky escape from HMG. I called them awhile back and I was told several things which did not sound right. Our times are almost here!
July 18, 2012
I wish I'd been as discerning as you - I could have saved myself a week of intense stress! ;-) I'm just really thankful to have been given an escape route and still get the op - I woke up thinking "A week today it'll be done!!".
Hx
Hx
July 18, 2012
My op is on the 6th August-I'm getting really scared now and going through the 'what on earth am I doing' phase! I keep thinking what I could do with £11000 instead of having a TT and breast lift!! x
July 18, 2012
I think we all do that. I figure that if I live another 40 years, mine will work out at £2.67 a week - less than a magazine. That's not bad value, compared to how much happier I'll be in my head!
Equally, you could spend £11k on a car and then crash it or have it stolen... At least when you've done this, no one can take it from you! Stay strong! Hx
Equally, you could spend £11k on a car and then crash it or have it stolen... At least when you've done this, no one can take it from you! Stay strong! Hx
July 19, 2012
I totally agree Helen, you only live once and I for one am going to be very selfish. I have spent my life looking after my husband and kids. We all deserve to turn back the clock. I had my first child at the age of 18 and lost my body shape then. I want to be that person again before it is too late. Forget about the cost and think of how great you are going to look and feel. [RS bleep]
July 25, 2012
I love that equation. Makes the price so much easier to swallow! And so true that no one can take it away!
UPDATED FROM HinUK
1 day pre
Well, here I am with just a few hours to go before...
Well, here I am with just a few hours to go before the op. It's been a long time coming, and then it was touch and go whether it would happen, and now I'm just very calm and happy and waiting to go in. It's been a long journey this side, and I'm sure it will be a bumpy one the other side too, but I am so very ready to be rid of this burden. I'm so glad I found this site for all the friendship and encouragement and support, and all the 'real deal' information. It would be much harder to take this step without all of you. Thank you!
Replies (15)
July 23, 2012
Good luck tomorrow Helen. I'm sure you will be busy today getting everything ready and in place for your return. Wishing you the best and God Bless!
July 23, 2012
Thank you so much! Yes, I seem to feel the need to dust things and clean things that haven't bothered me in ages. It's like nesting all over again! I have to go for blood tests etc in a while, and I have a bunch of stuff to finish at work so there won't be much time to sit around and dwell on it - but I keep looking at the clock counting down the hours till I'm there! Thanks for your thoughts! Hx
July 23, 2012
Sending prayers your way sweet Helen! You are going to be rockin to the flat side soon... Yay! Hugz!
July 23, 2012
Best of luck sent your way for tomorow Helen. Safe journey to the flat side !! Kind regards. Suzi ... look forward to seeing your photos
How exciting going to do half marathon in Barcelona. I so want to go on holiday once this is done and I'm recovered....somewhere hot.....mainly so I can wear a bikini!! LOL