Tummy Tuck PCOS Patient -New Pics!

I'm a little over 6 weeks post op! Everything is going great. I've been a little sick to my stomach lately so I haven't been able to work out as much. I have noticed that I'm not able to eat as much as I used to but I still haven't lost any weight.

As for those with PCOS, I can't say whether or not I still have insulin resistance du to no longer having a big stomach. I feel as though I still have the same medical issues and I do not believe that a tummy tuck resolved any of those medical issues. I used to wonder if it would and I have seen questions regarding whether or not it improves with a tummy tuck, but my overall belief is that it all stays the same.

I still think the surgery is worth the outcome regardless of whether or not insulin resistance improves. You have to keep on eating a strict, low carb diet.

I'm still a size 12 and the surgeon removed 4lbs from my stomach. It doesn't seem like much to me but it definitely made all of the difference!

It's been a minute since I posted, this will be quick...

I'm still extremely excited about my new tummy! I noticed yesterday that some more swelling is starting to subside and my "pooch" isn't sticking out as far as it was. My doctor never gave me a binder or CG (as some people refer to them), instead for the first three weeks I wore nothing. After the third week he told me to start wearing a Spanx-type garment. I've been wearing the same girdle for years from Target. It's a Hanes brand that looks like a swimsuit with the bust cut out (wear your own bra). I love it.

Anyway, I've been jogging since week three. Started out at 15 minutes, then 20, then 25 and now I'm up to 35 minutes. I also find that the elliptical trainer works well. I also do some walking, but I'm a slow walker, so I feel there's no health benefit in walking.

It's been an easy recovery. Not sure if its because of my age or the God I serve (of course its the latter). Jehovah Rapha is a healer! I'll update pics soon!

So tomorrow I will be three weeks post op! It's been a smooth ride so far and I'm very thankful for that. Last Wednesday I got my first drain taken out and today I got my second drain taken out. It's nice to not have to worry about the drains when I shower!

Everything is still swollen to the max (it feels). I can tell that some days I'm so swollen that I feel like I'm going to bust. I'm thinking that it may have to do with sodium intake (?) or perhaps the fact that when I go for my 1 hour walk it's a lot on my body. As you all say, "swell hell" is definitely here!

Other than that, I've been good, just a tiny bit sore in my lipo areas. I know a lot of people have commented that liposuction really hurts, but I can't say I had the same experience. Not sure if the doctor numbed me or what, but I only felt tenderness, not real pain.

Okay so I'm happy with my results so far! It has really inspired and motivated me to lose weight again. I'm looking forward to starting my running again. I don't feel quite up to it yet so for now I'm walking and doing my best to maintain a low(er) carb, high protein diet. I like the fact that I have a more defined waist-line and I like how the doctor shaped me up in the back. (I feel super hot like Beyonce now lol.) On a side note.. I ran into my siblings at church last Sunday and my brother blurts out, "Look at those hips.. You're starting to be shaped like a Kardashian now." Best thing I've ever heard out of his mouth my entire life!

Funny thing is I can go out in public in my work out clothes (wearing my glasses and my hair is a mess) but because men see a "thick, yet shapely" woman, I get attention from all different angles. I was walking in the neighborhood today and got stopped by a police officer in a patrol car. He said, "Well I just wanted to tell ya that you're looking good!" Lol... All I can say is, "Thanks Dr. Aldea! You have made me feel like a real woman!" Even my boyfriend is talking more and more about marriage these days... I'm loving it!

Well that's all I can say for now. This has truly been a dream come true. I'm not like most of you where I lost a dress size with this procedure. I'm the same size, just a better shape, but my gut tells me it's because I'm still super swollen, especially in my lower abdominal area. I look like I have the same pooch as before, but when I take my clothes off I look 100% better. My boyfriend agrees that this was a good decision as far as self-confidence is concerned. He's impressed with the "new me" and the new attitude it has brought with it.

I'm most happy about the fact that no one at work has noticed or can tell that I've had some work done. I've been talking about being on a diet all day everyday to the point where when my results do start to show more dramatically, I can just give credit to my "protein shakes"... lol.

Anyway, I've added one picture. The shape is coming together, but I'm so bloated in this picture I feel like I'm going to pop. Anybody in the Memphis area looking for a tummy tuck.. Please do your research. When you do, it'll be obvious that Dr. Aldea should be your first and only choice. He's the most fair, realistic, and personable doctor I have ever met.