So Happy: Tummy Tuck, and Hernia Repair - Miami, FL

2nd Update: It is aroller coaster ride so I think a week by week update is best in terms of what to expect.

I scheduled tummy tuck, hernia repair, and BB lift, and fat transfer to the face (sort of like a filler with my own fat), on 1/03/2013. Nine months is the earliest recommended date after pregnancy to have surgeries from what I have read because of issues with body size changes, hormones, and water retention.

Remember that every additional place you have lipo is another area of pain and recovery. My butt is the only affected area that doesn't really hurt, i just can't sit. I can't imagine having this pain on my arms, breasts, or anywhere else too. Other issues to consider for with a TT, is the scar and the belly button.

I've seen nasty scars, but my doctor was able to use the same scar from my c -section, which was below my pubic line, and expanded it just a little more. Make sure you discuss this prior.
An experienced doctor is a must. I paid about 12k which is expensive in Miami, but my doctor performs these surgeries every day. He is worth it. The doctor required blood/lab work prior to operation. My doctor made sure he had a good idea of what I wanted, gave me good advice, added a few extra details (laser to the face), and provided all the garments. The hospital costs were extra. I have weekly post op appointments with the Dr. Pazmino until everything is healed. (Can't imagine having major surgeries overseas). I prepared for surgery with a lot of vitamin c, arnica, and a good cleanse.

First week:
I saw my doctor (nurse) the day after surgery and she checked to make sure everything was ok. It was not very comfortable walking into a Busy Brickell building looking like I did. I have to go back in a week for 2nd follow up and removal of drains.
1 & 2nd days were a painful stupor. Now writing 3 days later, I can sleep on my sides, but that is really all I can do. You MUST have help in the house, and somebody 24/7 that you feel comfortable with and sort of knows what they are doing. Cleaning out puss and blood from tubes is gross, so is cleaning someone's butt if they are lucky enough to poop. (Pain meds constipate- I was given Tramadol for pain).

The pain meds don't help that much and the horror stories of addiction nightmares aren't worth it in my book. Over the counter meds work almost as well. My stomach is still painfully tight and something happened when I was sleeping on my right side the other night, so I only have one side to lay down on, all day long. I can't stand straight, and can't lift anything.

That said, I took off the ridiculously uncomfortable garmet and can already see the difference. I’m swollen but look good already. I'm still bandaged, but is scar longer than I expected. My belly button looks really natural. Dr. Pazmino truly sculpted my body. My butt is huge right now but I told him I wanted natural, like when I was young. I’m sure it will go down. Plan on having help for at least 2 weeks with these procedures.

1/5/13 - Started eating prunes and taking a fiber pill. Between the medication and the lack of movement, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable.

1/8/13 Five days post op felt great this morning did treadmilll 15 min. now my lower back is killing me. Needed pain pill went to the doctor and had my drains taken out. Dr. was mad hadn't been wearing garment 24/7. Drains and fluid removal were gross.
Uncomfortable.....started taking, Quercetin and Bromelain supplements for swelling. Taking extra vit. C all day, pineapple juice, (the skin, husk, and heart boiled in water), with aloe juice/meat, a pitcher a day, we drink that in south america for healing?

1/12/13 - Nine days post op and my lower abdomen in filled with water. Looks and feels like a water bed. I'm really bloated and misshapen. YUCK!

1/15/13 - 10 days another post op appointment. A lot of swelling at incision. Let's see what the Dr. Says. A liitle sad not being able to carry my baby everywhere, we now have "beddy time" and just snuggle in bed.

1/16/13 - 2 weeks post op. dr says I had Serona. He removed water with a syringe. Took Tramadol, pill before going, and that was a good idea, gross. He left the back drain in still, annoying having that.
Once the water was removed I immediately felt better. The water retention was like having the worst possible bloating feeling ever, but on your skin. It is also itchy.

I look a lot better now. That really made me feel better. Dr. Pazmino truly sculpted me. I am petite again like in my 20's but with a curvier waist. Still swollen, but I can see my figure. Yay.