Tummy Tuck W/sculpting - Minneapolis, MN

Ok, let me first say that my first bowel movement 3 days after surgery was a nightmare. If you’re planning this, get an actual laxative that won’t interfere with your meds. The stool softener I had was worthless. As for the pain, it’s definitely less, but still pretty painful. The TT area itself actually doesn’t hurt at all; it’s my back and sides where I had liposuction that hurt the worst. However, again… I wouldn’t change a thing! I had one of my drains removed yesterday (it hurt) and I’m scheduled to have the other removed Thursday. I can’t wait to get rid of this last bag. I also had the tape removed from my TT scar and I have to say that my scar looks amazing already. The scar line is so thin and the doctor was able to completely remove a prior surgery scar that I thought I would have for life. Still swollen a lot, but I know that will come and go over the next few months. I put on a tank top yesterday and I felt so sexy because I didn’t have a stomach or back roll bulging thru my clothes. It was truly amazing. To ensure maximum results, I started back with Weight Watchers a few days prior to my surgery and so far I’m sticking to the plan. FYI – I’ve never had a problem with exercising – I actually like working out, but emotional eating was definitely a downfall of mine. I would also get very discouraged when I would lose 15-20 pounds (going from a size 10 to size 6) and my stomach would still be big and gross looking, making my clothes sag everywhere but my stomach. Pretty much the rest of my body would be a size 6 and my stomach still a size 8-10, making it very hard to find clothes that would fit properly. In any event, those days are OVER! I was a size 12 before my surgery and I’m looking forward to getting to a healthy size 6 again with healthy eating and daily exercising.
I’m so glad I didn’t listen to friends and family who kept telling me not to do this. We all have to do what’s best for ourselves, and this was one of the best things I’ve ever done for me. I’m feeling more confident already. And it’s been over 14 years (before having my daughter), that I haven’t had skin hanging on my stomach. I also want to thank my surgeon for doing such an amazing job! He is truly an accomplished body sculpture artist. Thank you to the rest of the Real Self users who have reached out to me as well. I’ll continue to keep you posted on my results.

My surgery went well and I’m so glad I finally did this for myself. The day of the procedure I felt a little unsure and worried, but there was no way I was backing out. Once I got home after surgery, I tried sleeping in the v-position on my bed, but that was so uncomfortable and just seemed to cause more pain. Other than walking around every hour or so to circulate my blood, my couch and pillows have been my best friends. As far as food, I’ve been drinking a lot of zero calorie powerade, slimfast for breakfast/lunch with a banana or grapes, yogurt for snack – if I’m still hungry, and chicken rice or noodle soup with crackers for dinner. The Progresso soups are really good and you don’t have to add water to them; just poor, heat and eat. I haven’t had a bowel movement since coming home and so I took my first stool softener this morning. Given that I really have had much solid food, I’m not too worried about it. Ok, my pills are making me drowsy and I’m heading back to sleep. I’ll get pictures posted with the drains in the next day or so.