POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
40 Years Old, 3 Kids Under 6, Excited but Incredibly Anxious
ORIGINAL POST
I'm 5'7", about 145 to 150 lbs. I delivered three...
WORTH IT$12,000
I'm 5'7", about 145 to 150 lbs. I delivered three babies, all of them over 9lbs, but the honest truth of it is that they were huge because I got huge - gained nearly 50 lbs each time, and never lost it all between pregnancies. I started this process 6 months ago, not wanting to live the rest of my life with a size 12 waist but size 6 body. I had consultations with a few local doctors. I chose to work with "Dr. G" because he practiced as a general surgeon prior to becoming a plastic surgeon, he is young, and he does only drainless tummy tucks. After reading others' problems and discussions on drains, I thought it would be terrific to avoid them altogether. I scheduled the surgery 5 months in advance to be able to take time off from work and have 6 weeks post-procedure before traveling again. But now it's around the corner and I'm a nervous wreck! My husband doesn't want me to have the surgery, so I'm leaning on my sister for support. My biggest fear is dying and leaving my three children without a mother -- all for my personal vanity. Ack. I have had my pre-op, and now just need to figure out what items are 'must haves' and buy them in advance so I'm ready to go in 2 and a half weeks. Would love any suggestions!
Cantw8's provider
Replies (14)
September 25, 2016
I wish you all the best. I just had my TT no drains. Eleven days ago. I don't think I could have handled drains. You will do fine. I suggest a walker for the first 5 days. I picked mine up at the Salvation Army for $5.00. The best investment. Make sure your bed is all set up with pillows, unless you have a lazy boy. I loved my bed. The day of surgery, I tested my pillows to make sure I was proped up enough. Believe me, you don't want to be rearranging pillows when you get home. I felt the first 4 days was the hardest. I could not eat for 5 days. But come that 5th day, I started to feel much better. And the amazing part, on day 6 I was back in my PS office for my first post op. I still can't stand up straight , but that goes with the territory. I'm so glad that I made this choice, I too was worried about my three daughters, so I did leave info about all my banking etc. just in case. I believe the surgery took 2 1/2 hours, in the recovery room was not pleasant, but if they ask you what your pain level is One being no pain to 10, tell them 10 so that you will have enough painkillers to get home but the drive and into bed where you should be able to sleep comfortably for the night, I put a little stepstool next to my bed so I could get in much easier, I wish you all the best and keep us posted
September 28, 2016
Thanks so much. Any advice on getting trough the first two or three nights?were you in significant pain? Did you set your alarm to take your pain medication?
September 28, 2016
I see you're from Massachusetts, is your Doctor, Dr. Gunther? If so, that is who I had. He was absolutely fantastic, and I would go back to him in a heartbeat if I ever decided to have something else done. Have your husband set his alarm for every four hours to give you your medicine, do not rely on yourself to do it you will not be able to. I was never in any discomfort when I was propped up in my bed, I slept very well no problems at all. I did have some vomiting with you days and couldn't eat anything, what I did drink was the "Powerade zero" no calories but it keeps up your potassium and your electrolytes which is what you need to keep your strength, I kept it right the night that side 24 hours a day. Right now I am that day 13 And I'm going back to work tomorrow, I am a hairdresser, just work two days a week, it will be amazing for you on day five and feel so much better. This anything else I can help you with , Feel free. Are you having your surgery done in Boston at the Boston Center? That's where I went. They were really great.
September 28, 2016
I meant to say I kept the Powerade by my bedside 24 hours a day. I should proof read before posting.....
September 26, 2016
I think you are beautiful just the way you are. You know the feeling of being compelled to do things for vanity, so I totally understand your feelings, but I cannot help but insert my opinion and say leave your body alone! You are perfect just the way you are!
September 26, 2016
Hey sis I feel the same way I want to look beautiful and live to show it.Let's pray to God to keep us covered with his blood and I know he will .Let's have faith that God will take care of us all who will be having surgery .
UPDATED FROM Cantw8
5 days pre
5 days to go
5 more days until surgery. I'm most anxious about my kids (6, 4 and 20 months). Anyone have tips on how to manage childcare after the initial few days (I have 24 hr help for the first 4 days). I'm most concerned about my youngest. She weighs about 20lbs and I know I'm not supposed to lift her for 6(!) weeks. Just wondering how I will get her in and out of the crib since my husband will be home many nights but he travels for work. Anyone have tips? I'm would also love food suggestions for that first day. I'm staying over at the surgery center but they don't provide food - I need to bring it. Any ideas on what I'll be able to stomach (ha!) with my new stomach?
Replies (7)
October 12, 2016
Just checking in to see how you are doing today?
October 13, 2016
Doing great. Surgery was good, and I stayed over last night I the surgery center where they spoiled me rotten. I had a bad reaction to the OxyContin and there up a lot (wouldn't with that on anyone!) so I'm not on Tylenol and so far so good. Thanks for checking in!!
October 14, 2016
That's nice you were able to stay over night and get pampered. You are going to need that for a while. I can't take the Oxy either, I had breathing problems and I felt like I had snakes crawling under my skin. It was terrible! I am glad you are home and resting now.
October 13, 2016
I had my youngest daughter when my twins were only 28 mos. old. I was worried about needing to pick them up after having a C-section, so what I did, and maybe this will work for you, is got one of those step stools for kids that have two or three steps like stairs (Target always used to have them, so maybe they still do?), put it next to their crib, lowered the side of the crib, and encouraged them to climb out by themselves. It worked! They loved it, since I did end up having a C-section, I so was glad I'd taught them how to do that prior to not being able to lift them!
October 13, 2016
Checking in to see how you are doing. The first 4 days are the hardest by everything gets better slowly after that. Every day stronger and less pain. Hope all went well
October 13, 2016
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I have no pain except when I try to move - ack! Hopefully even better tomorrow.
UPDATED FROM Cantw8
3 days post
PO Day 3
I can't believe I've made it to day 3 and feel pretty great relative to what I was expecting. The morning of the surgery was tough. I was so nervous. The nurses and surgeon were fantastic, and put my mind at ease. Next thing I knew I was in recovery in my binder, relaxing in a recliner. I spent the night at the surgery center and I'm so thankful I chose to do that instead of coming home. The OxyContin I took made me horribly sick and I threw up several times. I thought I was going to pop all my stitches! I will never ever take OxyContin again - I've been taking extra strength Tylenol and so far it is great. Before bed I take it with a muscle relaxer and I'm pain free and really comfortable.
I took my first shower on PO day 2 and it was bizarre looking down and seeing my feet - very nice I must say! My incision is sore and I haven't gotten a good look at my belly button but I think it looks natural and isn't too small, which was my hope. My stomach is a little wavy and swollen especially near the incision, but from all the other posts on here I think it is normal.
I haven't had to use the walker or sleep in the reclining lawn chair I got - I found my bed, with pillows under my knees and behind my head and neck to be far more comfortable.
I want to thank all of you on this site who have helped me have the courage to do this surgery despite having young kids and life obligations. This isn't a great after photo (I will take more soon, when I can manage to get my binder on and off without help) but I took it today and couldn't believe that I actually have a waist! I wouldn't have been brave enough to do this without reading all your reviews and seeing your confident and beautiful selves on the 'flat side'. For anyone on the fence, if you have the means and support just do it!!
I took my first shower on PO day 2 and it was bizarre looking down and seeing my feet - very nice I must say! My incision is sore and I haven't gotten a good look at my belly button but I think it looks natural and isn't too small, which was my hope. My stomach is a little wavy and swollen especially near the incision, but from all the other posts on here I think it is normal.
I haven't had to use the walker or sleep in the reclining lawn chair I got - I found my bed, with pillows under my knees and behind my head and neck to be far more comfortable.
I want to thank all of you on this site who have helped me have the courage to do this surgery despite having young kids and life obligations. This isn't a great after photo (I will take more soon, when I can manage to get my binder on and off without help) but I took it today and couldn't believe that I actually have a waist! I wouldn't have been brave enough to do this without reading all your reviews and seeing your confident and beautiful selves on the 'flat side'. For anyone on the fence, if you have the means and support just do it!!
Replies (2)
October 16, 2016
You are very brave.... Beautiful both ways! I had twins so you can imagine what happened to mine, but I'll keep it as my battle wounds...
Happy recovery.
Happy recovery.
October 16, 2016
Thanks for posting! I'll be following you as I'm thinking of doing a tummy tuck in about 15 months.
Welcome to the community. You are having all the same thoughts every mother has had before this surgery. The first thing we always worry about is our kids with anything in life. Positive thoughts and just breath. The hubby will come around, just give him space and time. They always freak out about things they have little knowledge about or control over.
If you have some time take a look in my Notebooks where you will find my favorite pre and post op lists.