POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Acworthmom's Tummy Tuck Experience 2/10/11 - Marietta, GA
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 50 year of mother of two adult daughters....
AcworthmomFebruary 21, 2011
$8,000
I am a 50 year of mother of two adult daughters. After gaining 45 lbs. with each of my pregnancies I always had a little pooch and the belly button looked like a frown. The past 3-4 years it seemed to get bigger and more wrinkled and I decided it had to go. I scheduled a consultation 2 years ago and chickened out, so this time I was determined not to deal with this one more day. I believe in growing old gracefully, but as a beach lover I was starting to dread putting on a swimsuit and decided that I really only had one choice. I was absolutely terrified, but now that I am day 11 post op - I know it was the best decision ever!
Acworthmom's provider
Replies (89)
February 21, 2011
Thanks...Yea, I didn't care where my stretchmarks ended up as long as they weren't above my belly button. It is actually just above the pubic bone which will be great for a bikini, but it was pretty tender and swollen in the beginning (hence the man panties) LOL. I still have a fair amount of swelling, but nothing like I thought it would be. I'm getting the drain out today - WOO HOO! I am going to celebrate. Hopefully I will be able to put better pics up in a couple of weeks that look more normal. Only those of us going through this can appreciate the pics that most people would think were sick.
February 21, 2011
Man panties still makes me laugh! hehe!! If you look this great only a week or so out imagine how great you are going to look months from now!!! I know you will be soo happy to be drain free :) I hope it comes out today. About the pictures we post...I know... AND I study those pictures like I'm going to be tested on them!! LOL
I have my pre-op at 10 today. I'm excited to be able to ask him 1,000 questions. And this site has helped me formulate some great ones!!
I have my pre-op at 10 today. I'm excited to be able to ask him 1,000 questions. And this site has helped me formulate some great ones!!
February 21, 2011
Ha! I wish I would have thought to take pics of me in the man panties in those early days. We could have all gotten a good laugh for sure. My luck is they would have ended being spread all over the internet or something. FYI -At your pre-op you should ask your ps to precribe you a scope patch to make sure you don't have nausea after surgery. It is by prescription and you just put it behind your ear the night before your surgery. It worked for me and I did not feel any nausea after surgery. I had a fear of getting sick with all those stitches.
February 21, 2011
Hey! I read this after my pre-po but I did talk to him about nausea because that is something I am worried about. He said that if I am feeling sick the surgery center will provide medication. I will ask him about the scope patch though. Sounds like a great idea!!
And I hear you about posting the pics! I am always trying to make sure I don't get any pictures of my body showing distinguishing marks so people won't see this and say hey....I know her! lol
It is wild how NO ONE but my husband and girls (and mom) have seen my tummy or boobs. I go to extreme measures to hide my tummy and I am modest in my clothing but yet I post my naked body for the world to check out!!lol
And I hear you about posting the pics! I am always trying to make sure I don't get any pictures of my body showing distinguishing marks so people won't see this and say hey....I know her! lol
It is wild how NO ONE but my husband and girls (and mom) have seen my tummy or boobs. I go to extreme measures to hide my tummy and I am modest in my clothing but yet I post my naked body for the world to check out!!lol
February 21, 2011
Yea, I understand. I am the typical Georgia peach type and can't believe I posted pics of myself either. I guess we feel like a support group and you connect with people that somehow become your friend and you are rooting for them. Like I am really looking forward to your surgery and seeing how everything turns out for you. Did they do your before pics at your appt.? They did mine with a size large thong surgical panty and it was so humiliating. When I got my drain out today they said I had a blood clot in the drain. I guess it was a good thing I went today. It feels so great to have that thing out.
February 21, 2011
You look fantastic!!
February 21, 2011
WOW! What amazing results! So glad it is all going so well with you!!
February 22, 2011
You look great!
February 27, 2011
Hey, you've talked to a lot of people on here about their tummy tucks, so I thought you might could help me with something. I am 2 weeks post op and I have started getting a red, itch rash all around my stomach. It kind of looks like the spotty rash you get with a food allergy or a virus. The only thing I can think of that is different is the binder. I put a t-shirt under it, but the rash appears worse after I have worn it for the day. I go back to the dr. Wed., but hoped someone else had heard of this and might have some causes. Any help would be appreciated.
February 27, 2011
Could it be a heat rash? It is small prickly bumps that itch. That is the only thing I can think of, especially if you have it after it has been worn all day. Just a thought. Hope it clears up fast!
February 27, 2011
That's kind of what I think. Even though the rash is not just under where the binder goes, I thought that since my skin is probably sensitive anyway from being stretched and the stitches that maybe it don't like that darn binder. I really wish I could get a straight answer on if the binder is even necessary. Every PS seems to have a different take on this subject. I think I will leave it off tomorrow at least to see if it clears up. Thanks.
February 27, 2011
Sounds to me like a heat rash or reaction to a medication or lotion. What are you taking and using on our skin?
February 27, 2011
I am leaning toward the heat rash since it is a little better after I took the binder off yesterday. The skin is still a little tender this morning, but not as red. I was putting palmers cocoa butter lotion on my tummy 3 x a day and I stopped that yesterday also, switching to jergens. Other than that, the only med I am still taking is the Robaxin muscle relaxer at night and tylenol. I worry not to wear the binder today, but it is sunday and I can't really call the dr. to ask him. I have very sensitive skin so the dr. didn' t use any adhesive bandages at all. Geez!
February 27, 2011
Very odd? Did you try wearing a soft all cotton tank top under your binder? That does help..
UPDATED FROM Acworthmom
Wow....I can't believe it has been 5 months...
AcworthmomJuly 14, 2011
Wow....I can't believe it has been 5 months since my TT. It has been so full of ups and downs, but I think I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had so many weeks of extreme thightness, trouble breathing, and swelling that I was beginning to think I had made a terrible mistake. At 5 months I'm still not really flat, partly because of my sway back posture, and partly because my abdominal wall is weak from the muscle being separated for so many years. I guess now I will just have to practice holding in my abs and doing some strengthening exercises to try to get it flatter. I guess I thought because I was very small to begin with, that I would end up looking amazingly flat and tones after the surgery, but I guess my expectations were just too high. All in all I am still glad I did it, but I am looking forward to seeing how everything looks at the 1 year mark. I doubt right now my PS would put me at the front of his before and after portfolio. I am posting some new pics now so you can see what I mean.
Replies (26)
July 14, 2011
Hi D! Your pics look awesome. I have the same issue with my tummy still protruding some -- even at the top of my abdomen. I asked the PS about it & he said that is just how my anatomy is built. I'm only 5'2" and I'm around 120-123#s. I really want to be down to 110-115. Yeah, when I hold my stomach in looking in the mirror, that's how I thought I would look all the time. Guess not. Too high of expectations or miscommunication with PS? I don't know. Wish we could've hooked up in V so we could compare. Lol. Did the DGL help your reflux at all?
July 14, 2011
Hey Nana! Thanks! Did you win any money in Vegas? I was a little sore the whole time I was there from walking so much, the heat, and the worst pain was from loosing so much money. LOL. I do wish we could have been there on the same day...that would have been cool.I'm glad you are having the same issue as me with the tummy, well...I don't mean I'm glad for you. It's funny to me that they say the best candidates for a tt are the ones will little body fat and at an ideal weight. I am 5''6", and always weight between 115-118, yet I think I look bigger now than before surgery. Maybe it is just because I could squish the loose belly into my clothes better than the firm tummy. I got the anatomy answer from my ps too. He said palates and learning to hold the abs in wil strengthen them, but I hate to exercise. I still can't wear some of my lower cut jeans because of my new bulge. Really it's more toward the end of the day. If I eat too much it feels like it is pushing the tight muscle through my skin, so there is no way I will every gain weight. As far as the DGL, I never had to take it because everything finally loosened up enough to help the acid reflux. We still have a few months where everything can improve, but hey..we feel like traveling right? Life is still good!! Great to hear from you!
July 14, 2011
I wouldn't hesitate for a second about wearing your black/white bikini...you look great! How has your vertical scar healed? This is something I've been doing to strength and pull my abs in...The Tupler Technique. Suck in stomach at belly button as far as you can (5th floor) then release (1st floor). Start at 3rd floor and press to 5th 100 times. Do this 3 times per day. It really has made a difference for me...my husband even noticed!
July 14, 2011
Hi Mom! Thanks, but I think I will wait a while longer. The belly button still screams tummy tuck. My vertical scar was actually the first to heal, as the horizontal scar is still pretty pick toward the middle. I have been using maderma and it really does help. I still am quite hard undertneath the vertical scar thought, and I hope that softens up in time. I am going to try the Tupler Technique. It has to be easier than pilates or yoga as those seem to pull too much on my muscle. I will let you know how it works for me.
July 14, 2011
D- have you been working to break up the scar tissue under your incisions? Or were you talking about your muscles being hard under the vertical scar? I didn't know you had a vertical scar. Does it connect to your TT horizontal scar or are you talking about the BB? Breaking up that scar tissue isn't fun but a VERY necessary evil. I have some tissue under my breast scars that needs to go away but I just hate to work on it cuz it hurts so much.
July 14, 2011
Nana. Yes, it is the vertical scar from my old belly button just beneath the bikini line. It is definitely scar tissue that is making it feel hard, and I have been massaging it with gold bond aloe lotion. I don't really have any scar tissue problems with the horizontal incision, but this week I can see the knots from a couple of stitches in the horizontal incision. Hopefully they will go away, because they are not cutting me to get them.
July 14, 2011
My massage therapist was helping me break up my scar tissue on my TT & BL scars but now she's gone so Mike & I have to do it ourselves. She suggested not using any lotion or oil because it makes it too slippery to really work the tissues effectively. The best way I can describe how she did it was like if you put some stain remover on clothes before washing them, & rubbing it in with your 2 hands. She said to use fingers on both hands and really use the friction in all directions. Evidently the scar tissue is like a finely woven cloth and the "bindings" go every which way.
I didn't end up with a vertical scar as he was able to pull the skin down all the way. My scar does however go up a little in the middle. My PS said he would revise that & the ends if I wanted him to a later point. He said he can do it with just a local.
Cheryl in Walla Walla also had a MT helping break up the tissue & she said it really helped her as well.
Maybe there's a YouTube video online explaining it. I've never thought to look.
I didn't end up with a vertical scar as he was able to pull the skin down all the way. My scar does however go up a little in the middle. My PS said he would revise that & the ends if I wanted him to a later point. He said he can do it with just a local.
Cheryl in Walla Walla also had a MT helping break up the tissue & she said it really helped her as well.
Maybe there's a YouTube video online explaining it. I've never thought to look.
July 14, 2011
Nana, that sound flippin' painful, especially as new as your scars are. I don't know if I could inflict that kind of pain on myself. Maybe I will try a therapist as well.
July 14, 2011
Hi D. Vegas wasn't too unkind. Had good days & bad but had fun everyday. We go so often & almost always stay at the Golden Nugget so I get to know some of the dealers & pit managers, so it's like visiting with friends. I got sore from sitting too much -- my TT scar is still sensitive on the ends & I think underwear & pants tend to rub it when I sit. (Does that mean I should be up & about exercising?)
I still have a little muffin top (shows on my bikini pic) but can't do much about it unless I want to get a body lift on the backside. Not sure I want to go there yet. I wanted lipo on my thighs but PS said not enough fat & that I would just have more extra skin which I already hate.
Looking at your recent pics it doesn't seem like you would have a problem with low cut jeans. You don't have any excess on the sides (again--see my bikini pic--lol) so maybe a little in the front. I forgot what I was watching on TV last night, but there was a bunch of young, thin girls (18-25) and guess what? Most of them had a little tummy pooch so that made me feel a little better. I know we are more critical of ourselves but if I had your figure, I'd be wearing mostly bikinis.
Maybe if I tone up the upper abdomen, the whole core would stay tucked in. I really need to to that anyways to help support my back. I gotta work on my posture. I've done some planks but they are tougher to do since the surgery, even with my binder on.
Eating is really interesting. If I know I've eaten a little too much, I dread getting up from the table since it seems like EVERYTHING I just ate shifts lower within 15 seconds of standing. One second my abdomen feels ok, the next it's super tight. Will this every go away?
Do you still get the tightening when you have to pee? It seems like I should be able to pee before it happens but it's like my body has decided that my abdomen (not my bladder) is now the "Notifier" that I need to go; weird.
Did you get anything done to your breasts? I'm still having an issue of the skin stretching underneath the breast when I am totally stretched out, like when swimming.
I still have a little muffin top (shows on my bikini pic) but can't do much about it unless I want to get a body lift on the backside. Not sure I want to go there yet. I wanted lipo on my thighs but PS said not enough fat & that I would just have more extra skin which I already hate.
Looking at your recent pics it doesn't seem like you would have a problem with low cut jeans. You don't have any excess on the sides (again--see my bikini pic--lol) so maybe a little in the front. I forgot what I was watching on TV last night, but there was a bunch of young, thin girls (18-25) and guess what? Most of them had a little tummy pooch so that made me feel a little better. I know we are more critical of ourselves but if I had your figure, I'd be wearing mostly bikinis.
Maybe if I tone up the upper abdomen, the whole core would stay tucked in. I really need to to that anyways to help support my back. I gotta work on my posture. I've done some planks but they are tougher to do since the surgery, even with my binder on.
Eating is really interesting. If I know I've eaten a little too much, I dread getting up from the table since it seems like EVERYTHING I just ate shifts lower within 15 seconds of standing. One second my abdomen feels ok, the next it's super tight. Will this every go away?
Do you still get the tightening when you have to pee? It seems like I should be able to pee before it happens but it's like my body has decided that my abdomen (not my bladder) is now the "Notifier" that I need to go; weird.
Did you get anything done to your breasts? I'm still having an issue of the skin stretching underneath the breast when I am totally stretched out, like when swimming.
July 14, 2011
Acworth, I just read your most recent update. Firstly, I need to say that there is no denying, you look absolutely fabulous for 50! WTG!
Secondly, I have followed most all of your updates/posts, as I find your “TT journey” to be the most relatable to mine. You have a 2 month lead on me, so it has made me feel so better to hear your experiences, objectively see your improvements, and apply that perspective to my own recovery.
I am 3+ months PO now (been fitting most my clothes for only 2 weeks!), and on top of the regular swelling, I still have a rounded belly –no flatness. I also have the reddish bb still, so my tummy looks ‘worked on’... so no bikini for me either. I think that my expectations were hanging out with yours LOL. I honestly expected that my “new” tummy would look like an incredibly flat, well spent $9000 on my small (ish) frame.
I can see what you mean about your not-so-drastic before and after pics, in relevance to size. But there is a vast, remarkable improvement, and if I can look anywhere near that good in 7 weeks, I will also feel glad to have gone through this. Thanks again for sharing your experience. :)
Secondly, I have followed most all of your updates/posts, as I find your “TT journey” to be the most relatable to mine. You have a 2 month lead on me, so it has made me feel so better to hear your experiences, objectively see your improvements, and apply that perspective to my own recovery.
I am 3+ months PO now (been fitting most my clothes for only 2 weeks!), and on top of the regular swelling, I still have a rounded belly –no flatness. I also have the reddish bb still, so my tummy looks ‘worked on’... so no bikini for me either. I think that my expectations were hanging out with yours LOL. I honestly expected that my “new” tummy would look like an incredibly flat, well spent $9000 on my small (ish) frame.
I can see what you mean about your not-so-drastic before and after pics, in relevance to size. But there is a vast, remarkable improvement, and if I can look anywhere near that good in 7 weeks, I will also feel glad to have gone through this. Thanks again for sharing your experience. :)
July 14, 2011
j - Thanks for your comment, and OMG when I looked at your pics I couldn't believe how similar our bodies are. Isn't it funny all the bodies floating around this sight with no heads? LOL.
You are definitely still in the swelling phase, so no doubt you have a ways to go, but as I was saying before this rounded belly thing seems to happen more on the small girls. I believe when you stretch the skin over a small frame in exposes everything underneath as far as your anatomy, whereas if you have more body fat it is kind of hidden underneath. My ps said all you can do is try to strengthen your abs and give it time. I know my stomach looks better than before, but I guess it was softer before, so it didn't effect how my clothes fit so much. Anyway, on the bright side...other than my daily A.M. muscle spasms, which I'm sure you've heard me talk about, and some muscle soreness, I feel good. Hope you continue to heal and let me know if your ps gives anymore insight into how to beat the bulge...I'll try anything. Good luck to you!!!
You are definitely still in the swelling phase, so no doubt you have a ways to go, but as I was saying before this rounded belly thing seems to happen more on the small girls. I believe when you stretch the skin over a small frame in exposes everything underneath as far as your anatomy, whereas if you have more body fat it is kind of hidden underneath. My ps said all you can do is try to strengthen your abs and give it time. I know my stomach looks better than before, but I guess it was softer before, so it didn't effect how my clothes fit so much. Anyway, on the bright side...other than my daily A.M. muscle spasms, which I'm sure you've heard me talk about, and some muscle soreness, I feel good. Hope you continue to heal and let me know if your ps gives anymore insight into how to beat the bulge...I'll try anything. Good luck to you!!!
UPDATED FROM Acworthmom
Okay....so I am adding some pics right now of my...
AcworthmomJuly 25, 2011
Okay....so I am adding some pics right now of my belly bulge to show the indention at the vertical scar. See there...... Hopefully, it is a scar tissue issue that will resolve over time and massage. This pic was taken mid day. The scars look purple in the pic, but they really look o.k. in real life. Now if the bulge will just go away!!!
Replies (69)
July 25, 2011
Hey there AC!! hard to belive how fast time is going by!! I think your looking great and your to hard on yourself (from your last comment on 17th) You have a body that is better then some 20 year olds!!!!! How are your scars healing? Mine are still reddish purple color..Hope all is well!
July 25, 2011
Hey A New Me, great to hear from you! I love your new tattoo. I have one on my ankle, and sometimes think about getting another one, but I think I've had enough pain for 1 year. LOL. Glad to hear you are doing good, and thanks for the compliment. As far as the scars, mine are healing well...still pink in the very center. Here's the thing that is driving me crazy about my recovery, and I'm trying to hold out until my ps appt. in September to see if it resolves on it's own. O.k. this is crazy, but here goes my deal......My tummy has a bulge as if there just isn't enough room for my insides. The next thing is that it is very hard underneath the vertical scar making that area sink in, while above the scar and on either side it bulges out. I think it is probably scar tissue and that is kind of keeping everything from evening out into that area. It's almost like the area just at the top of the pubic bone is too thin and it's skin against bone, which is kind of painful with something with a zipper, and it makes the pubic area appear puffy. I am trying to massage it to see if it will soften up and hopefully release the areas around it to fill in, but I don't know. I feel good, but have to admit I am a little worried about this. I kinda looka lika man. HAHAHAHA. Sorry you asked huh? I guess I just want to wear a bikini a few more years before I am too old, and right now I look to lumpy. I look fine in clothes and hopefully this will all smooth out and I will be a happy camper. I think because I was small to start with, I had really high expectations. Are you happy with your results so far, and do you still have any swelling? Talk to ya soon.
July 25, 2011
Wow I am experiencing the same bulge..I am going to my PS next month so will find out before you..I took pics too of it (hard to tell on pic) but will be posting them as well as my updated ones. It kinda has me worried but I was just going to ask the PS. I see your still having muscle spasms in the morning...sorry to hear that! I never experienced (luckily) them. I am over all happy, just wish my BB was a little smaller cause it kinda looks like a butt hole(sorry to be gross) so I am going to ask my PS about that too..well it shape different or is it done getting the shape. If not guess I will just get a BB ring! LOL..why not right? I am excited to see everyone's progress 6 months from now when we are all at or almost at the one year mark! I am not swollen anymore but now I am focusing on trying to loose about 15 pounds (lucky you skinny thing! LOL) well hopefully one day we will all be happy campers with out something to complain about!
July 25, 2011
My belly button is a tiny round thing that is very deep...the Abyss! I think it looks wierd, but better than before. Definitely let me know what your ps says about the bulge. I think anatomy plays a huge roll in your final result, and my abdominal wall was stretched out for 25 years....Geez! I can't believe my daughter just turned 25 years old. Anyway, bring me some good news from your ps and if I get brave enough I will post a pic of my wierd bulge for you to see.....then I will take it off the site. LOL.
July 25, 2011
A New Me.....I just posted the pics for you to see what I mean. Maybe someone else will see it and give me some insight as to what the heck this could be.
July 25, 2011
Hey AC. Your tummy does seem a little more swollen than in the previous 3 pics. Don't know if it's the angle, or what. You still look awesome though but I would be asking my PS too. I still have a little bit of a "shelf" above my TT incision, so it seems like there's an identation there. I think your navel looks good, of course, I'm not sticking my finger in it either to see how deep it goes. I'm pretty happy with mine & that was something that I was really concerned with. I guess as long as it doesn't look like a deep, deep well from a normal distance, I wouldn't worry about it. Yours doesn't look like just a little slit and it's round, so I think it looks just perfect.
I need to post some pics too. I'm going to go get Mystic tanned tomorrow so maybe I'll take some on Wednesday.
I need to post some pics too. I'm going to go get Mystic tanned tomorrow so maybe I'll take some on Wednesday.
July 25, 2011
Ac...what you're describing regarding your vertical scar is exactly what I'm experiencing. I was told the area around your old belly button (which is now the vertical scar) has no layer of fat beneath it because it was so stretched out. This can cause it to adhere to the muscle and create the pulling in effect. I have the bulge as well but more on one side than the other. I'm having a revision in October at 6 mo PO where he'll make a triangle cut from the top of the vertical and out to the horizontal. He'll then pull it together again alleviating the excess skin that's causing the pucker. You look amazing, although I understand your concern...I really do!
July 26, 2011
Oh my gosh Mom, you just so read my mind. I had just logged in to ask if you could post pics, so I could see if we had the same thing going on. Thank you so much. Our vertical scars are a bit different as my doesn't meet up with the horizonal scar, but other than that we are similar. At 4 months as you are now I didn't bulge on either side of the vertical scar near as much as I do now at 5 1/2 months. If you are right about the vertical scar adhearing to the muscle, that could explain why I have a bulge between my belly button and the scar too. It looks like it causes a blockage, where fluid or fatty tissue collects above it. I think I'm going to see if my ps can see me sooner than Sept. to see if that's the case. He is one of those time heals all types, but I don't think so on this one. I also notice that we both have a little fuller abdomen from the rib to the incision....what does your ps say about that? Mine says the abdominal wall needs to be strengthened. If that's the case I'm in big trouble because I hate to exercise. I've always had genetics on my side, but I think I might have just messed that up. Before I could blame the belly on my beautiful children, and now I have done this to myself. O.K., I know that sounds negative, and that's no gonna help. You don't know how much I appreciate you for sharing this little blip in our recovery. We'll support each other until we get it resolved. Keep me posted on your end.
July 26, 2011
Thanks Nana...Mom2four is having a similar problem, so I'm going to ask my ps if I need a revision to fix it. I can hear him now...."let's give it a few more months as it can take a year to heal...blah....blah....blah." Oh yea, and "you look better than you did, and I can't control the size of your internal organs....blah....blah....blah." Geez, I think I should go have a margarita - NOW! Don't forget to post your pics on Wednesday...I can't wait to see them.
July 26, 2011
It's really hard to tell but my vertical doesn't intersect with the horizontal either...there's about a 1/2" between. Due to the excess skin, it puckers to the point that it looks like it meets. It may have been the angle of the pics but I'm pretty flat from my ribs to my belly button and tend to be fuller from there down. Like you, not sure why. I look at your pics in the bikini and you are beautiful! Come on...50, really?
July 26, 2011
That's very sweet of you to say Mom!!!! I'm sorry....I really was referring to the area below the ribs....I should have just said belly button. Anyway, you look amazing, and not near as much of a bulge as me. I guess I've had more years for my muscles to remain apart and stretch the abdominal wall. Anyway, on your post you asked if anyone else was experiencing muscle pain, and I was going to tell you that I still have muscle pain with sneezing, coughing and getting out of bed also, even at 5 1/2 months. Maybe it's our muscle spasms that kind of keep the muscle sore. I still roll over on my side to get up in the mornings. I will say that in the past couple of weeks it don't seem to be quite as sore though. It's strange how we are having such a similar recovery. I'm going to call my ps today to see if I can come in and have him look at my problem. I've decided why wait until September.... just in case he can fix it now. I'll let you know what I find out.
July 26, 2011
AC, I got you beat on the number of years my abs have been discombobulated...my oldest will be 28 in a couple months :0)
July 25, 2011
OK..that really stinks! I just wrote you a novel basically and hit "post comment" and now its gone!!!! UGH
July 26, 2011
AC - Sneezing, coughing, getting out of bed -- those all cause me grief too. I usually roll on my side & push up on my night stand. Boobs & tummy still need the pillow support at night too. I've been reading about y'alls muscle spasms. I don't think I have actual spasms, like a muscle cramp, but I will get really tight in the abdomen all of the sudden & then it will go away within a few minutes. Sometimes it will cover my entire stomach, others it's just on one side. I think it tends to happen more whenever I'm driving. Maybe the pressure from the seatbelt has something to do with it. I'll try to remember to post pics tomorrow.
July 26, 2011
Nana, I get that feeling you are describing too, but that is different from the morning muscle cramps. The morning ones are more like a charlie horse. The feeling I get in the afternoons are like yours and feels more like the whole tummy is kind of buzzing and little contractions toward the middle below the belly button. Have no clue what causes that. I mistakenly thought at 5-6 months everything would miraculously disappear. I have an appt with my ps on Monday, and I'm going to ask him what I can do other than muscle relaxers.....they don't work too good. HAHA! I was just picturing us all rolling out of bed it the mornings, or yea, and when I lay on my side my tummy falls to the bed like a bag of sand?????? Not pretty!
July 26, 2011
Yeah, my tummy still slips onto the mattress but at least not like it used to. I guess we have to have some loose skin somewhere or we wouldn't be able to stand up straight. It's hard to realize we still have half a year to go to get the full results of our surgery. Who wants to wait that long?
I didn't get to go tan today so not sure about pics in the morning. We went to play our weekly "badminton" game & I could only last 20 minutes. I just got really bloated & felt like crap. I think it was partially the edamame I put on my salad for lunch. Got home from the gym & plopped in the recliner & stayed there for an hour. We then went to Jason's Deli for supper. Didn't feel much better but the food was good. They now have gluten-free bread so I can build my own healthy sandwich. I had their vegetarian tomato basil soup which was really good. I should've checked the nutritional value first though. That little cup of soup had 13 grams of fat!! Sharing it next time.
Hey, not to be nosey -- OK, I'm being nosey -- have you had any cosmetic stuff done to your face? Your skin looks so smooth. I do Botox & have several Vitalize Peels. I did the Fraxel Re:Pair a couple of years ago but the fine lines came right back. I'm thinking about a face lift for next year. I just don't want to get thinner eyes which I see alot in "after" pics. Just barely pulling the skin back takes off 10 years. Probably going to go to Dallas to see a PS that only works on faces.
I didn't get to go tan today so not sure about pics in the morning. We went to play our weekly "badminton" game & I could only last 20 minutes. I just got really bloated & felt like crap. I think it was partially the edamame I put on my salad for lunch. Got home from the gym & plopped in the recliner & stayed there for an hour. We then went to Jason's Deli for supper. Didn't feel much better but the food was good. They now have gluten-free bread so I can build my own healthy sandwich. I had their vegetarian tomato basil soup which was really good. I should've checked the nutritional value first though. That little cup of soup had 13 grams of fat!! Sharing it next time.
Hey, not to be nosey -- OK, I'm being nosey -- have you had any cosmetic stuff done to your face? Your skin looks so smooth. I do Botox & have several Vitalize Peels. I did the Fraxel Re:Pair a couple of years ago but the fine lines came right back. I'm thinking about a face lift for next year. I just don't want to get thinner eyes which I see alot in "after" pics. Just barely pulling the skin back takes off 10 years. Probably going to go to Dallas to see a PS that only works on faces.
July 27, 2011
Nana...I had edamame today too, but as an appetizer. Have you ever heard of a restaurant called Season's 52? It's all natural and every plate has no more that 450 calories, no matter how much is on the plate. The food is amazing. To tell you the truth, I am not a health food person...I eat like a 10 year old, but my daughter doesn't eat meat, and eats mosty organic, so I took her there.
I don't mind you asking about my skin, as I take it as a compliment. No....I haven't had anything done to my face or any other part of my body (other than the tummy tuck), and although I use to say I would have face stuff done if I ever felt like I needed it....I have changed my mind after this surgery, and any surgery in my future will be forced on me. There are just too many unknowns with a lot of the face stuff (i.e. botox), and I am not taking that risk. I think because I have a square jawline and high cheekbones, I tend to stay pretty firm on my face for my age. It really is surprising that I have any skin left since I am fair skinned, and spent many years baking in the sun and smoking. As far as the facelift....I don't know....I just think it looks strange to have your face not match your neck, like Susan Lucci on All my Children. I also can't imagine having to deal with the numbness like we have on our tummies on a face. If you do decide to do it though you have to let me know so I will recognize you're young looking self on FB. LOL.
I don't mind you asking about my skin, as I take it as a compliment. No....I haven't had anything done to my face or any other part of my body (other than the tummy tuck), and although I use to say I would have face stuff done if I ever felt like I needed it....I have changed my mind after this surgery, and any surgery in my future will be forced on me. There are just too many unknowns with a lot of the face stuff (i.e. botox), and I am not taking that risk. I think because I have a square jawline and high cheekbones, I tend to stay pretty firm on my face for my age. It really is surprising that I have any skin left since I am fair skinned, and spent many years baking in the sun and smoking. As far as the facelift....I don't know....I just think it looks strange to have your face not match your neck, like Susan Lucci on All my Children. I also can't imagine having to deal with the numbness like we have on our tummies on a face. If you do decide to do it though you have to let me know so I will recognize you're young looking self on FB. LOL.
July 28, 2011
AC - Do you have to worry about eating too much soy because of the breast issues? I haven't heard about Seasons 52 but I'll google it for Austin. I was thinking about your muscle spasms & I do remember right after my surgery, I had sensations that felt like a baby kicking inside me. Is that what your spasms feel like? I only had them about a week or so after surgery. I like the Botox. I have really bad forehead wrinkles & wish I would've done Botox in my 30's to keep from getting such deep lines. They go away with the Botox but it takes quite a bit. I'm not plastic looking though & I can still move my eyebrows & wrinkle my nose. Hadn't thought about the numbness in my face, hmmmm.... Just beginning my research on it so, we'll see.
I posted some new pics today.
I posted some new pics today.
July 29, 2011
Nana - Haven't heard about Soy/breast issues, but I eat very little soy, It's my daughter that eats soy everything. As far as the spasms...it is so hard to explain. In the mornings they are stronger like a charlie horse, and these are in the upper abs. In the evenings, below the belly button I get what feels like a buzzing feeling or like little mini contractions. I don't know...I think it really has to do with the area of skin being stretched sooo thin underneath the vertical scar. I am still really tight, which might be what causes all this. I think that will work to my advantage one it stretches a little bit more, because I definitely won't have to ever worry about saggy skin. As far as the botox goes....you look great! I have deep wrinkles in my forehead too, and they make me look mad. Oh...I just looked at your new pictures on here, and you look unbelievable!!!! I have to tell you - last night at trivia they asked the question......what state would you find the retirement community, Sun City? Ha! because of you...I knew the answer.
Your incision is low too which is awesome. And I love your belly button. It is perfect in shape and size. You will look incredible in a bikini!! Yeah!!!!!!