Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

A New Me post full TT with MR

ORIGINAL POST

Where to start. I turned 40 this year. ugh. I...

Jean22
WORTH IT$6,500
Where to start. I turned 40 this year. ugh. I still don't like that number. But you're only as old as you feel, right? I am healthier now, than I have ever been. I've been over weight my entire adult life. 2 years ago I started my weight loss journey, and for whatever reason, this time it worked. I lost 60 pounds and have kept it off for over a year. I'm 5'7 and weigh 143. I have 4 kids, 15, 11, and 7 year old twins. The weight loss and pregnancies did a number on my belly. I have also had multiple abdominal surgeries: appendix, gallbladder, and hysterectomy. I'm a nurse, and while you would think that would make me less nervous, it is actually quite the opposite. I went last week and had my pre-op appointment, paid for the procedure, and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I am a nervous wreck. I get on this site multiple times a day, and I take great comfort in others stories & transformations. So, I thought that maybe I could help someone else out. My husband is super supportive, he has never said a bad word towards my weight, even at my heaviest. He thinks I deserve this for my hard work, but wants me to know that he loves me with or without it. This is for me, not him. I think he's ready for it to be over, though, because I am driving him crazy with the daily "should I REALLY do this?"
I feel very vain for doing this, even though I realize that it's necessary. I've only told my closest 3 friends, and I would like to keep it from everyone else. Is that possible?
I would gladly accept others advice, on must have items, what has helped you. Thanks so much!

Jean22's provider

James Magnusson

Jean22 ratings

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (10)

January 1, 2014
Good luck your nerves are definitely gonna get the best of you at times its an emotional rollercoaster it's gonna be hard in the beginning but definitely worth it in the end
January 1, 2014
Thanks! @amandas2 I'm afraid they already have!! This sight has been so helpful!
User Avatar
January 1, 2014
Don't feel vain doll you deserve to better yourself no matter what you gave birth to 4 kids now it's time for you to start your journey!!!!! I will follow your journey and don't worry you will look great ☺️
January 1, 2014
Thank you!
January 2, 2014
Congrats on the weight loss! Similar story here ~ weight loss, age 40, 4 kids, supportive husband! You will be so glad you did this!! Looking forward to your updates!
January 2, 2014
Thank you! It's so nice to be able to see others progress unfold! Especially when you realize you're not alone in the way you feel! You look amazing by the way!
January 2, 2014
Thank you! Feel free to private message me I can go further into the telling people thing you were wondering about! ;)
User Avatar
January 2, 2014
Good for you on your hard work to lose weight and take care of yourself. JUST DO IT! If you have the support, you'll do great. Not sure if you can keep it from everyone, but even if you can't, DONT WORRY. This is a brave and good choice. I'm 51, had a breast reduction surgery in Oct, was pretty scared, but it went fine. Now I'm gonna get my TT on the 27th. So if I can do this, YOU can too. Ther are numerous lists of must haves, check out Kimmer25 for a good list and several other helpful things.
January 2, 2014
Thank you! I know I'm probably crazy trying to keep it from everyone, I just don't want the judgement!! I will check out the list~thanks!
October 17, 2016
Hi, Thanks for your sharing your journey. I hope you still check this site, or you at least get this email/comment. I'm scheduled for my TT next month. What things do you you highly recommend I check before my surgery? I have verified that my doctor is board certified, what other credentials should I check? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! GC
UPDATED FROM Jean22
9 days pre

Battle of the nerves...10 days until full Tummy Tuck

Jean22
The count down is on. It seems like each day I go through a process....looking in the mirror, asking myself "do I really need this; what if I just lose 5 more pounds; should I CANCEL, am I going to be able to handle the pain???" Overwhelmed with guilt for spending money on ME, and not being the "caregiver" for me family. It's a constant battle of the mind. I tend to over think things, and worry about everything. It's only magnified now. The day cannot get here soon enough.
I decided to take more "before" photos today, and I'm back on the LETS DO THIS wagon. No amount of weight is going to make my mother of 4/twin skin/60# weight loss belly go ANYWHERE.

I've been frantically cleaning and organizing the house. Yesterday I made meals for the weeks when I am down. I'm sure my family wouldn't starve if I didn't do this, but it seems to lessen my guilt, and put my mind on something other than worrying. At least I'm being productive!

Replies (14)

User Avatar
January 3, 2014
You're not being selfish! You put so much cre and love into your family and you deserve to receive the same from yourself. This procedure is going to boost your self esteem and confidence and your family will benefit that much more! I had my surgery 5 days ago and the hardest part has been trying to allow my family to care for me. Thanks to my research on RS and all the stories shared here, I know it is a necessary part of the healing process. It has also bright my mom and I closer together spending this time together postop. I hope you hold strong and go through with this! You deserve it and you're going to be so pleased with the results!
January 3, 2014
Thank you for the nice words! Yes, it is hard letting others care for you! That will be my next battle!!
User Avatar
January 3, 2014
Good for you! You ALREADY have a great shape, and you're RIGHT, you've done all the right stuff (lost the weight and got/kept in good shape), and NO amount of crunches etc will remove the loose skin. You DESERVE to do this! I can't wait to see your results. Stay focused and positive...this is a GOOD decision! (((HUGS)))
January 3, 2014
Thank you! Right now I hardly notice my "shape." I'm too focused on the blob that hangs there call the time. I know I've come a long way. It'll be easier to appreciate it when the skin is gone!
January 3, 2014
Darling, I don't know you, and I myself have decided AGAINST TT surgery as I think I can get a good result from losing a few kilos. BUT...your stretch marks are something else and would never respond (like my spare tyre will) to diet and exercise. I am lazy, you are quite right to seek surgical intervention. Good luck!
January 3, 2014
Thank you. I will still have some stretch marks afterwards, but it'll be nice to lose a big chunk of them!
User Avatar
January 3, 2014
It's so weird to see the stretch marks that were above my belly button now right above my crotch! :-)
User Avatar
January 3, 2014
If you want an idea of results, check out my before and afters. My belly was kinda like yours. I posted some one years last May. Just had an umbilical hernia redo and dog ear removal yesterday and am browsing Real Self while lounging around at home.
January 3, 2014
Thanks! You look great. Barely even notice the stretch marks. You probably notice me than anyone. May as well wear that bikini!
User Avatar
January 3, 2014
My belly looked a lot like yours before I had my tummy tuck on November 6th. I am 5'9" and weigh 150. I bet we will have similar results (you can look at the pics on my Review). Oh, and I am also a momma to twins! :-)
January 4, 2014
You look great!
User Avatar
January 4, 2014
Thank you and so will you my friend! =)
UPDATED FROM Jean22
6 days pre

Lab work done, it's becoming more real!

Jean22
Pre - op lab work done today. I guess this makes it official. I kept telling myself that I could cancel since I hadn't done my lab work yet. Now there's no backing out!

1 week from now I will be in the recovery phase. I know there's going to be a great deal of pain involved, and that is what I'm most nervous about. I'm a big wimp when it comes to pain. I'm hoping I'll be surprised & it's going to be easier than I'm imagining. (Wishful thinking I'm sure! )
I'm usually a very "prepared/lists" kind of person, but I still feel very confused about what I will need in the post op period!?!?

Love following everyone's stories! It's so encouraging to see others experience the same feelings and concerns. It's nice to know that you are "normal."

Replies (6)

User Avatar
January 6, 2014
I have pre-op next Monday, will do my payment, and then surgery two weeks later. Yup, it's real all right.
January 7, 2014
:) can't wait to see your progress.
User Avatar
January 6, 2014
Hey I say you only have one life to live so you may aswell live it to the fullest. If this is something that you truely want to do then go for it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be pleased with your appearance bc at the end of the day your opinion about how you look and feel are truely all that matters. Go for it, bc if you don't you'll be pondering the what if's forever
January 7, 2014
Well said! Better to go for it, than have regrets!
User Avatar
January 6, 2014
You'll so great! Today is 2 months for me. It flies by so fast and before you know it, you'll be doing workouts again and feel awesome! Oh, and with a flat belly!
January 7, 2014
I can't wait! I'm sure like most things in my life that I worry about.... The anticipation is always worse than what I'm worrying about!!