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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Lost 37 Pounds. Full Tummy Tuck with Lipo on 9-22-10. - Gastonia, NC

UPDATED FROM annie51

Aloha from Hawaii RealSelf friends! I am 3 months...

annie51
WORTH IT$5,000
Aloha from Hawaii RealSelf friends! I am 3 months post op and enjoying a wonderful vacation in sunny Hawaii. Posted a new pic today. Still uncomfortable without my compression garment for long periods of time although I have managed well on the beach on the island of Kauai in my swimsuit! So very glad I had this surgery! Soooo worth it!

annie51's provider

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS

Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

annie51 rating for Dr. Emerson:

Overall rating
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Answered my questions
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Replies (1)

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May 5, 2011
Hey annie51, I am so happy I found you on here. I was trying to find my PS on here and then I found where you had your TT by the surgeon that will be doing mine :))) How was he during your journey? Are you satisfied with evertything? Anything I should know before I have my pre op?
UPDATED FROM annie51

Posted my 9wk pics.

annie51
Posted my 9wk pics.

Replies (3)

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November 30, 2010
WOW. Fantastic pictures!! You look fabulous after only 9 weeks. How is your scar coming along? I will be following Kimmers advice, for sure!

Its so nice to see another TT in North Carolina... I am in Greensboro and I think most of my friends think I am crazy for doing this! I keep telling myself that if you haven't been in my shoes its hard for anyone to understand what is like. I am just so excited and I cant wait!!
November 30, 2010
My scar is doing great. I am massaging with the palmers twice daily and it really helps! I am a nurse and some of my co-workers told me I was stupid for doing this and that I would be sorry. That just made me more determined to do well and refuse any complications! Most of my friends and family were positive and supportive and I tried to surround myself with positive thoughts and determination. I went back to work in 2 wks sporting my flat tummy for the haters...lol!
November 30, 2010

Don't you just love how all the haters throw around all the negative advice!!  Poopers I call them...You go girl and sport that nice new tummy with a big smile on your face :)
December 26, 2010

Hi Annie how are you doing?
January 1, 2011
Happy New Year Kimmers! I am doing great. Hawaii in 6 more days!!! So looking forward to this. My surg was 9/22/10 and I still have swelling and discomfort if I don't weat my compression garment...is that normal? I have definately eaten too much over the holidays..got to get back on track!
January 3, 2011

Hi Annie!  Good to hear from you:)

The swelling and discomfort are all normal yet.   From what I am reading on the site many women have the swelling problem when they don't wear the garment.  I never wore mine after day three and still had swelling so not sure it matters either way. 

That is right..Hawaii!  I forgot about that trip for you.  How exciting. 

Yes the holiday bliss got us all so off to a fresh start now.  I had to go through my entire kitchen and "De Crap" the cabinets.  I just tossed an entire pan of cookies and fudge in the trash yesterday.  I have had enough:)

I posted my month to month diary for all to read.  It gives you a little idea of what I went through from month 1 through month 8.  http://www.realself.com/forum/month-month-diary-post-tummy-tuck

Let me know how your Hawaii trip goes.  Have a great time and relax!
January 13, 2011
Hey Kimmers,Life is very good here on the island of Kauai! Juat posted a pic. Had to take a few minutes to check on my Realself girls :)
January 14, 2011

Hi Annie,

You look wonderful!   Nice flat tummy and I love that hot pink bikini :)  Where did you get that?  I need one...

Enjoy your vacation and soak up all of that warm sunshine for us.  Post some more Hawaii pictures!

Have a great time. 
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January 3, 2011
Have a great holiday! Just saw your pics, you look fab!
January 13, 2011
Thank you Chinababe! Having a wonderful time and just posted a pic from Hawaii.
UPDATED FROM annie51

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I...

annie51
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I celebated with two of my favs, family and food! I am 9wks post op full TT with Lipo and doing very well. Will post new pics in next few days. Still having that dreaded afternoon swelling...don't enjoy that! My incision is healing nicely and I am using the Palmers as reccomended by Kimmers. Should I switch over to the Bio Oil now? I would like to here from some of you guys that are 4 months out. How is your swelling, soreness etc? I have a trip planned for Hawaii in January and wonder how I'll feel then at 4 mo post op. This is my dream trip and I want to look and feel great. I am very pleased with my flat tummy and have even purchased some bikinis for the trip...that is huge for me. Never thought I'd wear a two piece again ;)

Replies (1)

November 28, 2010

Hi Annie - I am anxious to see your new pics girl!  

Hawaii...Ah how nice.  You will just get better and better each month but still may have some swelling at four months.  I had my surgery on April 14th and was wearing bikinis starting at 8 weeks post op and did so all summer.  Looked fine and my swelling generally didn't kick in until mid afternoon anyway. 

You will look beautiful in Hawaii so so go and strut your stuff girl!  You will figure out when you need to rest and how long you are able to be up before you start to swell.  I had it down to a fine art by four months. 

Start using the Bio Oil at three months and do so for 12 weeks.  Massage that scar very firmly 2-3 times a day in order to smooth it and fade it. 

Let me know when you post the new pics!
November 28, 2010
Thanks for the info Kimmers! I posted my pics.
November 29, 2010

You look wonderful!!  Thanks for posting :)  Yep you are bikini ready.