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After much exercise and diagnosis with minor MS, I...
After much exercise and diagnosis with minor MS, I decided with my husband that I would have a very difficult time (if ever) getting rid of my double tummies. I looked online to find a highly-rated plastic surgeon who performed "tummy tuck" procedures, and chose Dr. Tholen. The assessment visit with a nurse and Dr. Tholen was free with a quick price quote afterwards from another staff member. Dr. Tholen was kind to give my husband and me a discount since we are both doctors. I added outer thigh liposuction to the procedure which gave a total cost around $11,500.
Getting closer to the surgery, I was provided with great pre-surgery instructions. Any questions I had were quickly answered by a nurse or Dr. Tholen. My necessary medicines were ready before the surgery, so I was well prepared for the post-surgery issues.
The day of the surgery, all staff were all very kind and again answered all of my questions. Dr. Tholen, the anesthesiologist, and all surgery staff were knowledgeable and well-experienced. The surgery room is in the same building, so everything was very convenient. The anesthetics and other medicines worked well as I didn't feel anything during the surgery or during my ride home. My husband, father and I were given great post-op introductory instructions.
It was wonderful having a next-day check-up, week after, and more check ups as needed to remove the drains, to help position the padding, and to ensure I was progressing well while answering all my questions, mostly dealing with timelines. During the appointments, It was EXTREMELY helpful talking with other staffs who had past similar surgeries. All the medicines, including the antibiotic, muscle relaxant, and pain medicines were all very useful. Luckily, I had no nausea, so that medicine was not used. I had little appetite for 2 days, but quickly started eating more normal-sized meals. However, I was watching more of my food intake and drinking lots of water and Gatorade for 1 week afterwards. Since I did not have a recliner, I am glad I had assistance from my husband and/or retired father to help me lift out of the bed or couch, especially for the 1st week when I had to use the restroom almost every 3 hours.
After about 1-2 weeks, I was doing many of my normal activities but keeping the weight restriction. At 2.5 weeks post surgery, I flew to Japan while taking a couple aspirins, wearing my Ted hose garment, and walking much in the airplane. Because of the weight, I had assistance with my luggage and carry-on. At 3 weeks post-op, I wore my normal long body shaper 24/7 for 2 more weeks. Afterwards and until now, I just wear the shaper during the day, but not at bedtime. At 1 month post-op, I started doing my loved exercise again, focusing mostly on the arms with lighter weights. I have gradually increased the amount of exercise I do with higher weights and including other body areas. At 2 months post-op, I started lightly working on my stomach too. I am now 2 months and 2 weeks post-op, and look forward to losing most of the final swelling in my lower tummy soon.
All in all, I am 100% happy that I did the surgery! Not only do I look better, even in the mirror and to my husband, but I LOVE exercising and shopping more. Also, I am eating better since I don't want to EVER go back!!!
The only recommendation I have is regarding the positioning of the pads, while on after the surgery. We were not instructed to position the pads in specific areas to minimize bruising and marks. We never wanted to jeopardize the outcomes of the surgery, so any and all instructions were helpful.
Getting closer to the surgery, I was provided with great pre-surgery instructions. Any questions I had were quickly answered by a nurse or Dr. Tholen. My necessary medicines were ready before the surgery, so I was well prepared for the post-surgery issues.
The day of the surgery, all staff were all very kind and again answered all of my questions. Dr. Tholen, the anesthesiologist, and all surgery staff were knowledgeable and well-experienced. The surgery room is in the same building, so everything was very convenient. The anesthetics and other medicines worked well as I didn't feel anything during the surgery or during my ride home. My husband, father and I were given great post-op introductory instructions.
It was wonderful having a next-day check-up, week after, and more check ups as needed to remove the drains, to help position the padding, and to ensure I was progressing well while answering all my questions, mostly dealing with timelines. During the appointments, It was EXTREMELY helpful talking with other staffs who had past similar surgeries. All the medicines, including the antibiotic, muscle relaxant, and pain medicines were all very useful. Luckily, I had no nausea, so that medicine was not used. I had little appetite for 2 days, but quickly started eating more normal-sized meals. However, I was watching more of my food intake and drinking lots of water and Gatorade for 1 week afterwards. Since I did not have a recliner, I am glad I had assistance from my husband and/or retired father to help me lift out of the bed or couch, especially for the 1st week when I had to use the restroom almost every 3 hours.
After about 1-2 weeks, I was doing many of my normal activities but keeping the weight restriction. At 2.5 weeks post surgery, I flew to Japan while taking a couple aspirins, wearing my Ted hose garment, and walking much in the airplane. Because of the weight, I had assistance with my luggage and carry-on. At 3 weeks post-op, I wore my normal long body shaper 24/7 for 2 more weeks. Afterwards and until now, I just wear the shaper during the day, but not at bedtime. At 1 month post-op, I started doing my loved exercise again, focusing mostly on the arms with lighter weights. I have gradually increased the amount of exercise I do with higher weights and including other body areas. At 2 months post-op, I started lightly working on my stomach too. I am now 2 months and 2 weeks post-op, and look forward to losing most of the final swelling in my lower tummy soon.
All in all, I am 100% happy that I did the surgery! Not only do I look better, even in the mirror and to my husband, but I LOVE exercising and shopping more. Also, I am eating better since I don't want to EVER go back!!!
The only recommendation I have is regarding the positioning of the pads, while on after the surgery. We were not instructed to position the pads in specific areas to minimize bruising and marks. We never wanted to jeopardize the outcomes of the surgery, so any and all instructions were helpful.
Provider Review
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4825 Olson Memorial Hwy., Minneapolis, Minnesota