POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Growing into my best body. TT and BR
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 29 year old mom of 2 and I have spent all...
WORTH IT$4,500
I am a 29 year old mom of 2 and I have spent all of my adult life at least 100 pounds over weight. So I decided that I was ready for a change, a big change. I committed to not only eating only the best foods for my body but I began a work out regime and got a personal trainer. After a year I am down 80 pounds, I am still continuing to lose and once I am post op I'll lose another 70 or so.
With a weight loss this dramatic there is flab and skin that must be removed. However my surgical journey got its start because my 34 HH boobs are killing my back when I stand I work (as a nurse). I decided that even though I am completely terrified of surgery I was gonna commit to a full breast reduction and tummy tuck.
So here I am about 2 week pre op, roaming the Internet late at night seeking the comforting words of strangers to help assure me of everything from was it worth it to how bad was the pain.
My big concerns are (the possibility of dying on the table) the pain afterward is a huge concern for me (so feel free to tell me the truth there). I am worries about a long recovery and I really want to be on my feet and ready to go by week 4.
How did you stay calm before surgery? Was the pain worse than natural childbirth?
I have a unique sort of double roll belly.... One roll above the belly button and then the usual hanging yuck below. If anyone had this kind of tummy, I'd love to see you after pics. Give me down hope and all.
I look forward to talking about this journey together.
LadyFeathers's provider
UPDATED FROM LadyFeathers
13 days pre
So I went shopping at Victoria's Secret for the...
So I went shopping at Victoria's Secret for the first time in my LIFE... At age 29 I have never shopped for a bra in a "regular store". I have always had to do my shopping at specialty stores that carry small band sizes and HUGE cup sizes. I am a 34 HH and when I breastfed my kids I got upto a 38KKK. At one point I was scared I would have to start shopping at Honda for a car bra! So anyway I am in VS looking at all the tiny little pretty people bras and trying to imagine what my cup size will be in 2 weeks after my TT and BR. So I settled on a 34 D with the help of some bemused VS staff (obviously sizing up my more than ample cleavage and wondering why I wasn't shpping at Dominion lumber and Steel rather than in the pretty scanty panty boutique). I chose the cutest little underwire free polka dot number and suddenly some of my overwhelming fear about my surgery started to calm and turn to a lovely excitement about my soon to be fabulous body. I can suddenly imagine shopping for 2 piece bathing suits and perhaps not feeling like a freak when I go into a "normal" clothing store. I went from a size 24 (as a plus size model so I have always retained my curves) down to a current size 13 (pants). I walk past all the fun stores in the mall still, as I think the usual "there is nothing for me there" or "I wonder what the largest size they carry is". Losing 80 pounds has changed my body, but has it changed my mind? I wear the experienced skin of a person who has struggled with their weight, stretch marks, excess skin, rolls in places there should be no rolls. so my TT is 13 days away, and tonight I think I am starting to feel ready. my next step is to work up the courage to take some before photos and post them. I may need a glass of wine for that kinda nonsense.
Replies (7)
April 17, 2013
Hi LadyFeathers. I haven't had my procedure yet either so I can't provide and pearls of wisdom but congrats on your weight loss! Keep us updated. Post some 'before' pics so we can see how awesome your change is after surgery. Best of luck!
April 18, 2013
I got brave and posted them, for some reason they are still sideways... but perhaps it was the wine?!
April 17, 2013
Hi! I will be having a tummy tuck and breast augmentation on May 20th. As you I do get very worried, just as you say, what if I die in the table? I have a 6 year old. Pain to be honest doesn't worry me. All I want is to be out of surgery safe and fine. I am 28 and I have struggled with weight All my life. My top weight being 204. I am currently down to 189. Still a long way to go from my desired weight loss. I am dieting and exercising. Wish I had lost as much weight as you! Congratulations!!! I have my before pictures in my profile if you want to check them out. Goodluck with it all :)
April 18, 2013
I am glad we are not in this alone! And congrats to you as well on your weight loss... the journey of a thousand steps has to start with 1! I as well have a 6 year old and an 8 year old and I am concerned about leaving them behind, however I am trusting that I am healthy and that a higher power will protect me. I look forward to waking up on the other side.
April 17, 2013
I had the double roll tummy before my tt. You will absolutly LOVE your new flatter tummy sooooo much. I have lots of pictures you can look at to see the after. There is 2 pictures of my before. So you can see if your similar to me.
As far a the fear of not making it thru the surgery, I really think that is a normal thought. Most of us have the fear of going under. But you will be fine. I was so scared the morning of the surgery I almost backed out. That would have been the biggest mistake I had ever made. I told the nurse how I felt, that I was scared. She told the Dr. and they gave me a coctail in my IV that calmed me right down. Please don't let nerves get the best of you. If you have a tummy like mine I am sure your miserable. And with summer coming on it only gets worse. You know what I mean, with the apron of skin hanging off your tummy. It sweats and gets rashes and infections under that flap of skin no matter how clean you are or how many showers you have. This will be my first summer without the roll hanging off of me and I can't wait to enjoy the summer without having to worry about that. My tt was in Oct of last year 2012. So I am just really starting to enjoy the benifits. You will do great. and any and all the pain after your tt is temporary. Keep that in mind. It is so worth it. I know of 3 people directly in my life that are now planning on having this procedure, because of the changes in me. I am still overweight and need to lose another 40 to 50 lbs. But if I never lose another pound I would not be disappointed in what I have already had done. I don't know if my words have helped you in any way but hope they give you a little less stress. You will love the new you, you will not only look better but feel so much better, you would do it over again, knowing your results. I would not only do it again now that I am Post Op. I would not need that cocktail to calm me. lol. Best wishes, Please post pictures of before and after. And congrats on the new you.
April 18, 2013
Thank you JeannieM for this lovely and supportive response. I am working up the courage to take Pre Op pictures. for so long i have hid the tummy in spanks and corsets just to make myself feel better. How strange it will be to have a flat tummy and a reasonable bust size (from 34 HH down to 34D). I am looking forward to letting the sun kiss my pale Canadian belly as I have NEVER worn a 2 piece bathing suit. Currently I am not "out" on my social media page about my impending surgery... so I turned here to calm my fears and seek support. Thank you for a great response.
April 18, 2013
It does take courage to post pics of our bodies. I think it will be cathartic once you see your transformation. Here's to your bravery, even if assisted by wine!
UPDATED FROM LadyFeathers
1 day pre
T minus 24 hours to my surgery and my anxiety...
T minus 24 hours to my surgery and my anxiety level is rising to defcon 3. I am all packed for my 2-3 day hospital stay and I have shopped for groceries, made arrangements for my kids, and purchased all supplies I think I may need. I woke up many times last night with a racing heart and a feeling of panic. I keep reminding myself that I chose this surgery to improve my life. While I am fearful if the risks and postoperative pain and scars, I am hopeful that soon this will be one of the most positive changes I had made.
So what to do today to distract myself and prevent panic? Clean? Go out for the afternoon? TV?
I just wish there was a way to know exactly how I'll look and feel afterward. I need a bear hugs worth of reassurance right now.
I will post again soon, as much as I can in the new couple of days.
Holding my breath to be on the other side.
So what to do today to distract myself and prevent panic? Clean? Go out for the afternoon? TV?
I just wish there was a way to know exactly how I'll look and feel afterward. I need a bear hugs worth of reassurance right now.
I will post again soon, as much as I can in the new couple of days.
Holding my breath to be on the other side.
Replies (4)
April 29, 2013
Hello fellow Manitoban! Did my nurses training in Winnipeg! Have been in Texas almost 20 years!
I am 5 weeks post op, very happy with results. Also had double roll.
Immediate post op pain tolerable, take drugs and sleep.
The hardest for me was the length of recovery, it seemed to go on forever..
Went back to work after 3 weeks, and it was hard. By the middle of week 4, I was able to get through a 12 hour work day without wanting to cry!
My only issue is that I have to get my seroma drained 2x week, so I fill up quickly..
I also had a breast lift, very minimal pain. Don't be in a hurry to get into a regular bra, let your incisions well, I rushed, and opened my incision
April 29, 2013
I am so glad you posted. I am in my 4th year if nursing school, and feel that my education is a detriment to my current desired level of ignorance about my surgery. I am most concerned about post op pain. As well as fearful about getting up to walk and such. I only have enough Ativan to take 2 in the morning before I head to the hospital. My heart won't stop pounding.
I am hoping the recovery isn't as stressful and the anticipating.
April 29, 2013
Now being a 4th year nursing student that is stressful! So recovering from this will be a piece of cake!
The first time you see yourself flat, you will know it's all been worth it!
April 29, 2013
I can't wait to see your result...I am just next door in Saskatoon!!! (and scheduled for June 20).
Replies (0)