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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

47yrs Old & Have Wanted to Do This for 25 Years! - Nashua, NH

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First post here - and it's to say that I'm glad I...

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RPMsMom
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First post here - and it's to say that I'm glad I found this forum! My surgery is less than two weeks away.

I'm a 5'3" mom of 3 (ages 26, 23 & 20) - I'm pretty healthy, exercise regularly, am of average weight, and lost the mid-section of my former body to pregnancies. It's time to get it back! I work too hard to be feeling so badly about myself. Others don't see it, but this is about ME. Not them. I have a good amount of stretch marks and saggy skin, but I've hidden it pretty well all these years!

I couldn't sleep last night, so I started reading posts and comments here ... I laughed ... I cried ... Mostly I've landed on, "WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING?!?" There's no turning back now, so I've decided to "expect the worst and hope for the best!" cuz I read that one more than a few times!

I'm getting VERY anxious and on top of that, I'm suddenly having left side belly pain reminiscent of my first experience with diverticulitis almost 2 years ago. It was miserable! This is day 5 with mild pain. Hasn't really gotten worse, but it hasn't gone away. The timing couldn't be worse! I'm hosting a New Year's Eve party tonight, have been running around crazy, and I don't have time to go to the ER to get checked today!

The first time this happened, oral antibiotics made me so sick and they failed. I ended up doing a three day outpatient IV antibiotics course at the ER. An hour a day over three days. It worked great and I've been fine since. I can't believe this is even happening. I'm praying it doesn't delay my TT procedure or interfere with my recovery (as I'm well aware of all of the bowel issues which can arise from the pain meds)! Why must it ALWAYS be something?!

Overall, I'm excited to be finally doing this for myself. I'm proud of myself for not backing out ... yet. And I can't WAIT to not have to find ways to suck in and hide my tummy roll! Especially when it comes to bathing suits!

I'm confident in my doctor and pray for the best possible outcome in his care.

I'm the kind of person who'll say a quick prayer for those who ask for one! I hope anyone reading this is, too! Right now I could use a prayer to resolve this stupid stomach pain issue!

That's all for now! Lots to do!

Have a safe, happy New Year's Eve! And Thanks!

RPMsMom's provider

Dr. George Chatson

RPMsMom

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There's not a single negative thing I can say about my experience with Dr. Chatson! From my first consultation, to the multiple post-op follow up appointments I've had with him, it's been nothing but very positive. I find him to have a kind, caring, easy-going, yet confident personality. He's knowledgable, highly professional, and he's skilled through years of experience. He's answered all of my questions and concerns. Most importantly, he's made himself available to address any concerns, should they arise, between scheduled appointments. Thankfully, I haven't had to take advantage of that! When I set out to find a plastic surgeon after years of wanting to have abdiminoplasty, it was fate that brought me to his website. I'd been sitting in my car that morning, parked on Prospect Street in Nashua, across from the old YMCA building. I'd been feeling badly about myself and my body, having just left the gym around the corner, so I was sitting there in my car to say a prayer to my dad. He'd been the Physical Director at the Y and had suffered a heart attack and died there early one October morning in 1983. His name was George. I was 15 then. Anyway, I asked him to help guide me to just the right surgeon who could help me get my old body back. From there, I drove home, dropped my workout bag and picked up my iPad. I googled "Nashua Plastic Surgeon" and the very first name and photo to come up was Dr. GEORGE Chatson ... Located on ... wait for it ... PROSPECT STREET in Nashua! Little had I known I'd been sitting literally a few hundred feet from Dr. Chatson's office just a half hour earlier! So, I called and booked my consult and the rest is history! (Thank you, Dad! You were right!) After I had the initial consultation, I felt confident enough to book my surgery date. I was thrilled to finally be moving forward for myself, confident in my choice of surgeon, and both excited and nervous about what my outcome would be. About a month before my procedure, I had an annual appointment at my OB/GYN. When I told her I was scheduled for abdominoplasty, she asked who my doctor was. As soon as I said, "George Chatson," she told me that I'd be "in EXCELLENT hands" and that she'd seen his work and that she suspected I'd have great results! Now that I'm 9 weeks post-op, I can fully say that I have ZERO regrets about my choice to have the surgery or for having selected Dr. Chatson to perform it! He and his staff have ALL been considerate and kind, and I couldn't be happier! All follow-up appointments are covered in the overall cost of the procedure, including any future minor revisions - which is GREAT! ... I do have small 'dog-ears' at the ends of my incision, but Dr. Chatson told me in advance of my surgery that it was a possibility, so I was informed. And at my follow ups, has assured me that they are easily revised right in his office within a few months. At my pre-op appointment, I'd also asked Dr. Chatson to draw on my tummy where he thought my incision might be so that I could kind of get used to seeing where my scar would be. It was pretty much right on, and I also appreciated that he told me in advance about potential surgical complications. I felt I went to the surgery canter well prepared. I look forward to continuing to see Dr. Chatson, and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND him to other patients seeking plastic surgery!

Replies (12)

January 3, 2016
Try taking probiotics for your colon. I have had severe diverticulitis before and had a partial bowel resection 3 years ago. Drink alot of water and take the probiotics. Stress sometimes caused my flare ups. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My TT is the 6th 4 days away and I am all over the board with emotions.
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January 3, 2016
I started a probiotic 4 days ago... Thanks! Went to bed new year's very early am in a whole lot of pain and planned to go to the ER when I woke up. But, when I woke up later that morning, the pain was just a tiny pinch! So far, I'm able to eat again as of yesterday, and am drinking a lot more water (something I've never done). I was convinced it was an infection, and am very thankful it seems not to be! I know what you mean about emotions! This is getting way too real! Good luck!
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January 4, 2016
Hi there, I'm scheduled for the 18th and now have bronchitis! I have stomach issues too and I'm reading everything I can to calm my nerves so I don't have any flare ups! Best of luck to you! Can't wait to read your posts!
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January 4, 2016
Thanks! I've read about as much as I care to to prepare! Sometimes it helps- sometimes it scares the heck out of me! Sure hope your bronchitis clears up soon! The last thing you need is a cough! One week from this moment, I'll be waking up from my surgery and will find out if all this worry was worth it! Keep in touch! We need all the support we can get!
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January 30, 2016
Hi. Just want to add I had a TT ten years ago, and love it sooo much . My stomache is so flat and firm.
I had a great experience, little discomfort and healed nicely.
Wishing u all the same experience.
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January 31, 2016
Thanks, adlane. So far, so good! My only regret is that I didn't do this for myself YEARS ago!
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March 15, 2016
I had diverticulitis almost 1.5 years ago! It was horrible. Bed rest for 2 weeks, no food, I now hate jello and broth of any kind. I was two anitbiotics for 27 days. Now, I still have issues. No one believes me. I seriously thought I was having a miscarriage from tubal pregnancy. Lord, I didn't even think about that as far as my BA/TT w Lipo is concerned. Whole new set of worries.
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March 15, 2016
Just keep your diet light! And really push water! I am NOT a water drinker - which, ironically, is probably how I ended up with diverticulosis in the first place! But now, I'm drinking at LEAST 6 glasses per day, and most often, more! And I take a probiotic religiously. Unfortunately, I haven't really changed my diet, which I should, but it's hard. Just keep it in mind, but don't get overly worried! That's not good, either! That's terrible that people wouldn't believe you! It's horribly painful - I know what you mean!
September 29, 2016
hi would like to talk to you. I live in NH.

MARIE
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September 29, 2016
Hi Marie / I think you can send me a private message somehow. I've never done that... But I'd be happy to answer any questions you have!
January 12, 2017
I am almost 4 weeks post op. 55 years old. I am in good health and weight. I am a nurse and huka dancer. Tummy tuck and hip lipo. Took 5 weeks off work and glad i did. First 3 weeks hardest. Walk every hour while awake. You will be hunched over and your lower back will ache. But hang in there. You must walk to prevent clots or pulmonary embolism. Take stool softners from day one. Get a recliner.take your pain meds. Rest. Drains out week two and week 3. By week 4 i can almost stand straight. I can get in and out of binder myself. My sutures almost healed, surgical glue almost gone. Swelling lower abdomen, its numb there too. Wearing binder till week 6. Its my friend. You will have to force yourself not to lift and over do. You waited for this so take your time. Even at week 4 you will be tired and still have discomfort and aching. I only take tylenol now. Off pain meds since beginning week 3. I can now lay on both sides and sleep in flat bed. You may get night sweats, not sure cause but they come and go. Anyway. Praying all goes well. Feel free to ask me questions. This is a painful surgery believe me. But i am glad i did it. Glad to look at my new body already even with swelling!!
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January 12, 2017
Hi Tamilynn! Thanks for the great advice, but I'm waaaay past all that early recovery now! One year post-op yesterday! :) It certainly WAS rough! I remember being 4weeks/1mo out and wondering if it would EVER get better. I'm happy for you that you're doing well and moving forward w your recovery! I'll take a look at your page when I have a free moment!! Good luck to you!
UPDATED FROM RPMsMom
8 days pre

Before:

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RPMsMom

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UPDATED FROM RPMsMom
7 days pre

One week from tomorrow...

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RPMsMom
I hope everyone's New Year is off to a good start! Mine? Not so much. While my side pain issue has seemed to work itself out without medical attention (thank God!), a nice family ride to the beach yesterday took an unexpected turn. There were a couple comments made that have me thinking maybe I don't quite have the support that I thought I did. It was suggested that perhaps I "shouldn't be telling anyone about my surgery" because it will apparently change their opinion of me - specifically, if I look good in a bathing suit this summer, they'll be saying/thinking, "well, that's just because you had a tummy tuck!" - as if I'm somehow cheating because I'm removing stretched skin and tightening stretched muscle to get my OWN ACTUAL BODY back!! It's left me feeling hurt. Really hurt. But today, despite some new doubts because of this and a rotten sleep last night, I've decided I won't let it discourage me. I have very few close friends to begin with and I virtually have no one to talk to regularly about this - my fears or excitement. I have a feeling this is going to be a looooong week! I'll busy myself with getting some stuff I'll need post-op prepared in advance. And I'll be doing a LOT of praying. Anyone going in this week, I'll add a prayer for you.

Replies (18)

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January 6, 2016
I am telling very few people about my surgery for this same reason. I worked hard on my body and I want to finally look like it. I don't want the negativity. Good luck!
January 20, 2016
Sorry to hear about your haters!! If anyone thinks you're cheating then tell them to come and sit with you and see your pain! I'm having my done on the 8th I have no friends to talk to about this Just by has been then I So I love this website and all the honesty
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January 20, 2016
Haha! I'm OVER the haters! This community has taught me a whole lot about self-love - as well as compassionate support for others who are living what you're living. This was one of the most major decisions of my adult life! I've found a whole new confidence and strength that I've only discovered in the last week or so! Most of the would-be "haters" couldn't deal with HALF of the pain I'm enduring! Thanks for your comment! Good luck on your journey!
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January 20, 2016
Don't worry about them, I realize that people that make comments like that are jealous. You did this for yourself and you shouldn't feel guilty. As long as you fell good about your decision then screw them! We need to stick together in this! You look fantastic and I'm proud of you! We can do this!!
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January 20, 2016
Absolutely! Thx!
January 31, 2016
Honey they would be least of my worries. Remember jealousy plays a role, they're negative bc they know you're going to look better than them. You look great at 47!
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January 31, 2016
Thanks so much! And you're right! I work much harder to stay active And fit than the people who would be most negative! I'm letting it go! Their problem isn't mine! :)
January 31, 2016
Amen!
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February 1, 2016
That happen to me too. I worked hard to lose weight and get myself back. And the few people I told about tt acted like I was cheating by getting rid of skin, cause my skin looks like a chubby tummy. But after several years of slow weight loss trying to prevent loose skin, I was left with quite a bit and stretch marks. And several Dr and reading later, I learned it was loose skin that would stay no matter what I did or how healthy I ate or how much I worked out. I worked out 7 days a week, twice a day. I was in particular with physique competitor schedules. Everything got so toned except my droopy belly with its sad smile belly button. Hang in there. There's people out here who understand!! Hugs
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February 2, 2016
Can't tell you how many times I heard the words, "You could lose that if you really tried / ate healthier / exercised more!" I couldn't take it any more! Thanks for your support! I found this site just when I needed it most! :)