Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

2 Month Follow-Up w/PS

ORIGINAL POST

Have been here since October when my quest for a...

Dee2009April 18, 2013
WORTH IT$7,200

Have been here since October when my quest for a TT began ....learning, laughing and loving it. Such a great site. Thanks for all your posts..it helps so many of us TT sisters. Well, I'm a 55+ African American woman who has decided at this point, enough is enough. I want to look and feel better. Researched three PSs all of whom have done work on friends, made my selection and tomorrow is my day! Everything is just about done, house is clean, shopping, cooking, post-op needs purchased (I was lucky enough to get a brand new toilet seat riser sealed wrapped and boxed for $5 at a flea market) yeah!!!.

Husband has taken off for 1.5 weeks, daughter and sis will be around! I have everyone's support and that means so much. As they say "I'm 'ret to go!" Feeling very good today, very strong and confident that I've made the right decision and this will work out for me. Best wishes and prayers to those going thru tomorrow and the remainder of the month. Stay positive, be realistic, patient and prayful...that's my goal now. Pictures later.

Dee2009's provider

Gary Vela, MD, FACS

Gary Vela, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dee2009 rating for Dr. Vela:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (14)

User Avatar
B.B.
April 19, 2013
Dee2009, Good luck to you! You are going to be so glad you have done this,just be patient, take care of yourself and most of all enjoy letting someone else take care of you! Keep us posted, oh...and by the way...welcome to the flat side!!!!
Dee2009
April 20, 2013
Thanks so much !
Never too late
April 20, 2013
Who were the 3 you researched? Good luck and please post pics!
Dee2009
April 21, 2013
Hi.....it was a Dr Fontana in Southern Maryland, a Dr. Ballentine in PGC and my selected dear Dr. Vela in Columbia.
User Avatar
Upgrdme
April 20, 2013
Good luck mama! You go girl!!!
Dee2009
April 21, 2013
Thanks lady!
User Avatar
Marsupial Mom
April 20, 2013
Hi Dee, I hope you are doing well going into just 1 day post-op. It does sound like you were "'Ret to go" (that cracked me up to see it written- I say that all the time- maybe a Maryland thing?) and I look forward to hearing more. I had a TT in November and have had some complications (nothing that isn't being attended to), but as soon as I saw that you were about to have yours I'd thought I'd throw in the item that took me most by surprise in recovery. That would be the emotional roller coaster that I went through for a few weeks. Around day 4 I became overwhelmed with regret. I had this "what the %*#^ did I do this for?" thought 24/7 for a while. Mostly because it made no sense anymore why I would disable (and that is the kindest way of putting what I thought of my new body that looked like it had been savagely attacked) a body that was perfectly functional. Maybe and hopefully you won't think anything like that, but from what I've seen here, the TT'ers are few and far between that do not have some rough days in early recovery, both emotionally and physically. If it does get rough, just know that it is normal and it will pass. I hope you are doing well and pleased so far. Take care.
Dee2009
April 21, 2013
Hi Mom...everything is going fine. I feel good, have plenty of support. My surgery was 7:30 a.m. Friday...does that make me day 2 or 3 post-op LOL?? Thanks for the concern!
Curvyandlovingit
April 20, 2013
How did the surgery go? How do you feel? I pray all is well
Dee2009
April 21, 2013
Surgery went well . Had a hard time in recovery with vomiting but they got it under control. Experienced again after getting home but nothing since. Whew! I feel really good. Not hunched over. Discomfort is a 3 on a 10 scale.Thanks for asking.
UPDATED FROM Dee2009
3 days post

Day 3 post-op! Can't say its been too bad. ...

Dee2009April 22, 2013
Day 3 post-op! Can't say its been too bad. Thinking of an attempt to move from Percocet to Ibuprophen 800 today. Tiring of the medicine regimine which keeps me up all night but thankful for minimal discomfort. Back is truly hurting and I am not even bent over much. I believe its the leather recliner with not enough support. Had first shower and that was relieving and afterwards realized I didn't get all the markings off my belly (dang!). Something else to do today. Appetite and taste returning. No BM yet so thats too is on the agenda for today as well. Am armed with prune juice, MOM and Citrate of Magnesium, stool softener - can you say 'prepared!' So how do I look, I've not really looked too hard but overall the result is clearly a vast improvement...LOL. Just don't want to prejudge as I am going into that swell mode. Overall am happy and now realize the value of this forum in educating those of us undertaking this challenge. To those TT sisters going through this week and those recovering...I wish you the best!

Replies (5)

User Avatar
KieKie
April 22, 2013
Congrats!!! Glad to hear ya on the flat side!!!! HAPPY HEALING
User Avatar
DominicanaNYCNJRedhead
April 23, 2013
aw i like this. your seemingly already so thrilled,and happy chica... Hola... your hubbie took off to assist aw (Great Guy!) and your kids so much help there.that is awesome! i m,as others awaiting to see how well your DR. took care of the new u! but for now rest.and do not forget to upload when your able soon,the pix.god speed. adios CertifiedSexxxiFlatStomachIn2013!
User Avatar
Silversunshine
April 24, 2013
Hi Dee2009! Thanks for the words of encouragement and congrats on making it to the flat side! It's so nice to connect with a neighbor!!! I'm glad your procedure went well and you are feeling good. Happy healing and update us often so we know how things are going for you! Sounds like you will be ready to wow the world this summer!!
divarrives
April 24, 2013
Thanks for sharing I have consumed my day with TT stories. I am learning what to prepare for and like you said "return to go" lol. I am two weeks out today. So I'm going to bet ,y room straighten out. Call my supporters as you read I'm a o lay child and my parents are decease so I have to be sure I have support.
divarrives
April 24, 2013
Dang spell check "ret to go"
UPDATED FROM Dee2009
6 days post

Well my surgery was last surgery. This time last...

Dee2009April 25, 2013
Well my surgery was last surgery. This time last week I was running around like a little squirrel! The recovery road has been relatively smooth. Developed a nagging cough 2 days ago and talked to PS this a.m. for instruction. Stopped Percocet Tuesday, stopped Soma muscle relaxer yesterday. Only taking 800mg Ibuprofen and antibiotic. Had movement on Tuesday having only taken one does of MOM. The hardest part was the anesthesia and ring my body of that. Interesting that I had never reacted to it before. I sure did this time! Back achy
from time to time. Have bathed everyday and went outside for the first time yesterday. Did a few laps around the driveway before dinner. Overall I have been feeling fine. Go for first post-op appt. o. Monday . Prayerfully drains will be removed. So glad to have had this done. And yes, would do it again.

Replies (0)

See More Tummy Tuck Reviews
See All Reviews