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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

No more 'baby bump' for 45y.o. Mother of 3--Tummy Tuck, Hernia Repair and BA

ORIGINAL POST

I've been thinking about this procedure for many...

CaTaCo
WORTH IT$13,000
I've been thinking about this procedure for many years and finally I did it! I have 3 kids--10, 8, and 4 years old. I had a myomectomy to remove fibroid tumors later followed by 3 c-sections. I'm 6 days post op and loving the results so far! I had a severe case of diastasis recti and was tired of my co-workers curiously looking at my belly to see if I was pregnant. My stomach was still in pretty good shape after my first kid, but then my second was a 10-pounder, and my body has never been the same after breast feeding each kid for 2+ years each! With each kid I packed on the pounds and was 225 at my highest weight gain and about 160 at my lowest since having kids. Right now I weigh 195 and am 5'5". I wear a size 14 in pants, and can no longer fill my size 36/38D cup bras. I was hoping to lose more weight but will work on it once I'm cleared to exercise. I have 3 drains and my dr. wanted me to shower on day 3 which was quite scary but was the first time that I got to see what was under the wrappings. I think my scar looks weird (rippley and raised) and either seems high or my belly button is low--not sure which yet. My pain has been manageable and my boobs hardly hurt at all. I had my first BM yesterday and am only taking acetaminophen. I was supposed to have lipo as well, but post-op the dr said I didn't need it as he cut out all the fat by extending my incision a bit (we discussed that prior to surgery, but lipo was still in the plan) I'm hoping that was the best course of action and that I won't be disappointed. First post-op visit is on Tuesday. Hoping to get my drains out then and get a better look at things. In general I have very low energy and my back tires easily when I try to walk around the house per doctor's orders--he's requested every hour but I've been mostly doing it 'as needed' which seems to be plenty of activity for now.

Replies (2)

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June 14, 2017
We have similar aged children. I am 41 with an 11 year old, 9 year old and 5 year old. My PS diagnosed diastis recti for me, even when I lose weight I have the upper bump that has people speculating pregnancy. I can't believe people are rude enough to ask that question by the way. I am scheduled for BA, TT and liposuction on July 27. I hope your recovery continues to go well.
June 14, 2017
Good luck on your surgery! I'm happy with the results so far, and no more 'baby bump' lol!
UPDATED FROM CaTaCo
8 days post

Drains out today! 8 days post-op--My observations and lipo refund?

CaTaCo
Had my first post-op visit today. 3 drains were removed and boy did it hurt! The pain wasn't excruciating but I wish I had taken a double dose of my pain meds in advance as was my initial inclination. Since I've read everything from no big deal to I nearly fainted I didn't know what to expect.
Here's my experience. First of all, I could feel my drains internally when lightly depressing on my upper stomach which felt super weird. Also when clearing the tubes I could feel fluid traveling down almost 'suctioning' into them as well, so I knew they were pretty high-up. The best way to describe it was a burning sensation snaking it's way through my innards until they were finally free. It only lasted a few seconds each, but knowing what was coming was a bit unsettling. On a scale of 1-10 I'd say it was about a 5-6. It might've been higher but it was over really quickly.
The doctor said that things looked good and my next visit would be in 5 weeks. I kind of expected more 'consultation' and directions, but there really wasn't anything additional and the visit was brief. I joked with my Mom that we spent longer driving there and eating lunch than I did in the appointment, lol!
What I wanted to know more about were my CG options and scar treatment recommendations. My doctor said that he really doesn't recommend any additional support garments as he hasn't seen any improvement in the outcomes. I truly believe this to be the case--but I want one anyway as I know from wearing double and even triple girdles prior to surgery that it will help me to feel supported. He further said that the only scar treatments that are effective are those that contain silicon, but the best treatment would be scar revision surgery if I was unhappy with anything. Sounds like a good plan to me!
Finally, the only thing the doc said regarding my boobs was that they would probably lift a bit more when they settled and that the only restrictions was no underwire bras.
I opted not to get a BL because the doctor said I was right on the cusp based on my measurements of whether it was recommended. I really love my breasts and didn't want to have another scar.
Now for the questions: Regarding the CG which are the best to consider? I think I want one that starts just under my boobs with easy on/off.
Now for the tougher question--lipo was a part of my initial plan and I assume costs. After surgery I didn't feel any pain in my back or flanks, so I asked my doctor about it and he said that he didn't need to do lipo as he gave me an extended incision and he cut the fat out. Has this happened to anyone before? What were the results? I know it's nit-picky but would there be any refund associated with this? I'd hate to ask the doctor if this is not proper protocol, but inquiring minds need to know! Glad I can ask you first and not him as he is very nice and would not want to offend him in anyway. TIA for your responses!

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June 14, 2017
If lipo was included in your estimate and not done, I would assume you should get your money back. After all if you paid for a service that you did not receive I imagine this should be the case. The only way it might not be refunded is an extended incision costs more and the money for lip was shifted that way.
UPDATED FROM CaTaCo
9 days post

Starting to feel better now

CaTaCo
Went out for the first time yesterday after my post-op visit to pick up a few things. I wasn't out all that long but boy was I tired! I was in my PJs as I wasn't ready to put clothes on yet with my drains in for my doctors appointment. Leaned on my shopping cart for support the whole time so that helped. I've also been using my daughters desk chair that has wheels on it around the house. I raised it to the perfect height and can place items on the seat that I need to cart around so it's super convenient.

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June 14, 2017
That's smart thinking!