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*Treatment results may vary
I am so pleased with my results so far. I've done...
I am so pleased with my results so far. I've done my research for a year before my surgery, and consulted with 6 surgeons in the North suburbs. I chose Dr. Gutowski for the following reasons:
1) NO DRAINS! He's one of very few surgeons in IL that uses a technique that doesn't require drains.
2) COST. He is very comparable, and he advertises on this website so he does offer some great deals...he doesn't try to bankrupt you!
3) GREAT surgeon and office staff. Dr. G has great bedside manners, gives honest answers based on his expertise, and will respond to your email / phone call in a timely manner. He gives out his cell phone number and will actually answer, even on the weekends. His nurse, Erin, and coordinator Wendy, are great as well, they answered a lot of my questions regarding the pre-op process.
My motivation: I wanted my body back! Those of you who are mothers can relate...after having both my kids (both C-sections), I felt so unhappy with how I looked. It definitely took a toll on my body. There was nowhere to hide the extra 20lbs left over from both pregnancies to my petite 5ft frame. The perky small boobs that I had now sagged and deflated after breast feeding. The final straw was when I was asked if I was pregnant again (on more than one occasion), and it happened during the time I was actually working out and eating healthy. Even my own children were asking if they were going to have another brother or sister...Ouch =(
What I wished I knew beforehand:
1) The pain...days 2-4 are probably the worst. Take your pain meds as prescribed! Do not feel you will be addicted to narcotics, because you won't. You'll probably be off the pain meds towards the end of the 1st week, as other OTC pain relievers would suffice.
2) allergic reactions...I had the worst rash and itching after wrapping the Gelzone wrap that Dr. G suggested to purchase. It's great on the incision site itself, but caused dermatitis to my back and sides, as i have really sensitive skin. So then he advised that I just cut it just so it covers the TT incision and to take Benadryl, which did help. Also, invest in a back scratcher! You don't know how many times you're going to need it!!!
3) Hernia...if you have one or think you have one, make sure to get it checked out. You can kill two birds with one stone if you have it removed with the TT and insurance may cover the surgical time. Mine was discovered during surgery and he just removed it. If it weren't for my high insurance deductible, I would have filed a claim.
4) Wearing the abdominal and bra binder sucked, BUT necessary. There were nights that I felt I couldn't breathe. It will get better so make sure you stick with it. It helps with the edema. I ended up buying another binder similar to spanx, that I wore after a couple of weeks. I stopped wearing the abdominal binder after the 1st month follow up visit. As for the bra, do not be tempted to buy one just yet! He will advise you to wear the binder, then go to a sports bra. I've asked other friends who had the BA when they finally purchased their new bra, and the consensus seems to be at around 2-3 mths post op. also do not be discouraged if you don't go up too much on your bra size. Most of us were probably wearing the wrong band/cup size to begin with. It doesn't help that a lot of the stores vary in their sizes. One store you may be a 34B, another you will be a 36C. You need to buy what's comfortable for you and you need to be measured correctly.
5) Buy extra firm pillows...the first month you will probably be propped upright when you sleep. Take those pain meds because that will get you through the night! Recliner is best if you have one.
6) you need help around the house for at least 3 weeks. You won't be able to do much the first week, make sure you plan your meals, kids activities, housework, etc before your surgery.
7) I say take off from work at least 2 weeks, unless you work from home. You will be hunched back like an old lady!
1) NO DRAINS! He's one of very few surgeons in IL that uses a technique that doesn't require drains.
2) COST. He is very comparable, and he advertises on this website so he does offer some great deals...he doesn't try to bankrupt you!
3) GREAT surgeon and office staff. Dr. G has great bedside manners, gives honest answers based on his expertise, and will respond to your email / phone call in a timely manner. He gives out his cell phone number and will actually answer, even on the weekends. His nurse, Erin, and coordinator Wendy, are great as well, they answered a lot of my questions regarding the pre-op process.
My motivation: I wanted my body back! Those of you who are mothers can relate...after having both my kids (both C-sections), I felt so unhappy with how I looked. It definitely took a toll on my body. There was nowhere to hide the extra 20lbs left over from both pregnancies to my petite 5ft frame. The perky small boobs that I had now sagged and deflated after breast feeding. The final straw was when I was asked if I was pregnant again (on more than one occasion), and it happened during the time I was actually working out and eating healthy. Even my own children were asking if they were going to have another brother or sister...Ouch =(
What I wished I knew beforehand:
1) The pain...days 2-4 are probably the worst. Take your pain meds as prescribed! Do not feel you will be addicted to narcotics, because you won't. You'll probably be off the pain meds towards the end of the 1st week, as other OTC pain relievers would suffice.
2) allergic reactions...I had the worst rash and itching after wrapping the Gelzone wrap that Dr. G suggested to purchase. It's great on the incision site itself, but caused dermatitis to my back and sides, as i have really sensitive skin. So then he advised that I just cut it just so it covers the TT incision and to take Benadryl, which did help. Also, invest in a back scratcher! You don't know how many times you're going to need it!!!
3) Hernia...if you have one or think you have one, make sure to get it checked out. You can kill two birds with one stone if you have it removed with the TT and insurance may cover the surgical time. Mine was discovered during surgery and he just removed it. If it weren't for my high insurance deductible, I would have filed a claim.
4) Wearing the abdominal and bra binder sucked, BUT necessary. There were nights that I felt I couldn't breathe. It will get better so make sure you stick with it. It helps with the edema. I ended up buying another binder similar to spanx, that I wore after a couple of weeks. I stopped wearing the abdominal binder after the 1st month follow up visit. As for the bra, do not be tempted to buy one just yet! He will advise you to wear the binder, then go to a sports bra. I've asked other friends who had the BA when they finally purchased their new bra, and the consensus seems to be at around 2-3 mths post op. also do not be discouraged if you don't go up too much on your bra size. Most of us were probably wearing the wrong band/cup size to begin with. It doesn't help that a lot of the stores vary in their sizes. One store you may be a 34B, another you will be a 36C. You need to buy what's comfortable for you and you need to be measured correctly.
5) Buy extra firm pillows...the first month you will probably be propped upright when you sleep. Take those pain meds because that will get you through the night! Recliner is best if you have one.
6) you need help around the house for at least 3 weeks. You won't be able to do much the first week, make sure you plan your meals, kids activities, housework, etc before your surgery.
7) I say take off from work at least 2 weeks, unless you work from home. You will be hunched back like an old lady!
Provider Review
Hope this helps! Good luck, check out Dr.G if you're in the Chicago area. Make sure you consult as many surgeons as possible, so you know what you want and don't want.