POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Mama of Four Gorgeous Babies, Now It's my Turn to Be Gorgeous! - Mountlake Terrace, WA
ORIGINAL POST
I have been stalking this site for weeks, and I am...
WORTH IT$10,000
I have been stalking this site for weeks, and I am SO excited to finally be starting my journey. I had pre-eclampsia with my first kiddo, and gained 15 pounds in a matter of days during week 36 of my pregnancy, which left me ridiculously stretched out, and with a ton of stretch marks, and loose skin (he was natural). The extra skin didn't bother me so much, as I was a mama, and my body showed that. It was baby number two who arrived via emergency C-section that did me in (obvious C-section). I wasn't bound after the surgery, and had issue after issue with my scar. My poor skin didn't stand a chance against those circumstances. I had a tummy tuck consult after baby number two, but hubby begged for another kiddo (she was born V-bac). I had a tummy tuck consult after baby number three, but hubby begged for another kiddo (baby four was a C-section). So here we are four kids later, and we are finally done!! I have been working out like a crazy person for the last two years in preparation for my surgery….with a few minor set backs (unexpected spinal surgery, and C4 disc replacement). I weighed in at 265lbs the day that I had my last kiddo, and today I weight 164lbs. I feel like removing this skin will accomplish two things: it will help me to not only look better, and fit into my clothes better, but it will also help to enhance my workouts, because at the moment, when I go running, so does my extra skin. At the moment compression garments, are my very best friends. I have my surgery consult tomorrow at 4pm, and tonight is going to feel like Christmas Eve when I was five! lol. We'll see if I get any sleep! I have my fingers crossed that he will be able to squeeze me in, in the middle of February, as my husband's deployment schedule is hard to predict, and work around.
b.ashleyann's provider
UPDATED FROM b.ashleyann
1 month pre
Change of plans!
I had my consult today, and the surgeon was amazing. He has great bedside manner, and let me ask a million questions. However, after much discussion, the hubby and I have decided to add on the breast lift that I want!!! Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!! Surgery is tentatively set for Feb 13! I call to confirm in the morning!!
Replies (6)
January 3, 2014
Since you considering undergoing a major operation which often involves a significant physical and emotional recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike), a few words of advice may be helpful:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. Best wishes.
January 3, 2014
Dr. Pousti, I don't know if your comment ended up here instead of as an answer to a question in the Q&A, but I would like to thank you for your candor and advice here and in your answers in the Q&A. We dream big dreams of having our pre-baby bodies back, or feeling pretty after years of weight gain and loss, or wanting to look like those beautiful people we see in every form of media coming at us 24/7. I appreciate the accessibility to plastic surgeons on this site, and I appreciate that you answer our questions. I know your time has value and answering questions out here takes time, but our time has value as well, and it's us who are trying to figure out where to spend a significant amount of money to get our bodies to reflect outwardly how we feel inwardly. So thank you, on behalf of those of us who read this site daily in hopes of finding answers and kindred spirits on our plastic surgery journeys.
January 3, 2014
Wow, what an incredible journey you have had. Such a beautiful family and story. You're weight loss is amazing. You're right, the TT will help your exercise efforts. That's a big part of my reason for doing a TT (on 27 Jan), and why I did my breast reduction (14 Oct 13). Best wishes as you prepare and await your surgery.
January 4, 2014
Thank you SO much! This whole thing has allowed me to find my "thing" in life, and I think it's the gym, lol. I have started researching how to become a personal trainer!!
UPDATED FROM b.ashleyann
1 month pre
Six weeks and counting....
Away on a small getaway with the hubby, and yet still at the gym. With only six weeks until surgery, it's officially crunch time!! I have my pre op, surgery, and post op scheduled!
Replies (4)
January 4, 2014
I was going to get the pain pump but my doc is using a new time release gel.....so we'll see how it goes!! I can't wait to see how yours goes!!
January 4, 2014
Congrats on the weight loss. Your going look great
Replies (5)