46 Year Old, 2 Children, Athletic, Enjoys Lifting Weights and Cardio - New York, NY

For the past 10 years, I have been focused on my stomach and wanting to achieve a flat stomach with diet and exercise. Despite consistently working out and eating clean,my stomach would not change. Every year this would become my main fitness goal. I was determined and stubborn that I would not go through surgery to achieve my goal. My family and co workers were tired of my goal and suggested to consider plastic surgery as I was obviously unsuccessful at accomplishing this goal. I realized I could not achieve It on my own and began to research Abdominoplasty via Google and came into real self. I began my search in April and decided that this would be the summer that I would have a flat tummy. I initially considered going to the Dominican Republic but rejected it due to lack of after care and follow up after the procedure. I carefully reviewed several plastic surgeons on real self. I went through six consultations. I had mix feelings andI felt confused. Some plastic surgeons recommended a mini tummy tuck while others suggested a full tummy tuck. I also have a diastasis recti that needed to be repaired. I wanted to have a mini tummy tuck but deep down I realized I would not be happy and satisfy with the results. I was determined that I would pick the right surgeon for my surgery. Despite my numerous consultations I knew I was yet to find the surgeon who I could trust with my procedure and give me the results that I wanted. I immediately knew that Dr. Richard G. Reish from New York Plastic Surgical Group will be the surgeon to perform my procedure. He took his time during the consultation to answer all my questions and concerns. I did not feel rushed. He demonstrated empathy, genuine caring and high level of professionalism. I always follow my instinct and after the consultation decided to leave a deposit and called my husband to tell him that I finally found my surgeon yeah!! I am not an easy person to please and Dr. Reish met all my standards: highly skilled and knowledgeable, patience, humble, easily accessible ( he gave me his direct cell number and answered all my questions) and caring and kind. A huge concern for me was the scar. He uses a special technique to make the scar very low and thin. My surgery was scheduled for August 11, 2016. I had an abdominosplasty, breast augmentation and lipo of back and abdomen. Today is day three after my procedure. I am feeling wonderful, no pain. I am only taking Tylenol . My husband is taking wonderful card of me.

Every day I am feeling better and stronger. I decided to go for a 30 minute walk in my driveway. My lower back hurts and I placed ice in my back afterwards. I love the smell of the trees and fresh air. I have been enclosed at home for three days. Two much rain!! I am still draining a lot. My follow up appointment is tomorrow. The drainage is a pain but I do not think it woul be removed tomorrow as I am still collecting a lot of fluid.

My recovery has been unbelievable. I had my first follow up visit yesterday with Dr. Reish. I am surprised at how good I look after five days of abdominosplasty, breast augmentation and lipo to back and abs. Perhaps, I should not be surprised as I picked a phenomenal surgeon for my surgery. I love Dr. Reish!!! I absolutely love how low and short my scar is. My breast are just perfect. I will be keeping the drainage for another week but I expect that as I still have a lot of fluids. I have no pain today. Yesterday I only took one Tylenol. I did a lot errands including shopping at Costco with my husband. I am very careful about lifting and bending down. I have a grabber for pick things. I am walking for 30 minutes daily. I am moving around. My back is feeling much better. The only problem I have is when sneezing or coughing. I am beyond delighted with my progress. I have some tips about things that worked for me during my recovery . Eating clean is a must before and after surgery. My favorite foods are egg whites, spinach, kale, avocado, oatmeal, chicken, salmon, tilapia, brown rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, all berries, chia seeds, pineapple, Muscle Pharm cookies and cream protein powder sold at Costco, almond milk, and Joseph Lavish Wrap sold at BJ's. I also drink 1 gallon of water a day. I like to miss it with Scivation BCAAs. It is delicious and has zero calories. I like water melon and orange. It helps with muscle growth and recovery. I also drink a glass of water with a lemon or lime and 2 tbp of organic apple cider vinegar in the morning and at night.