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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Meg5719 - Ohio

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I am 53. I have had a breast reduction years ago,...

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meg5719
WORTH IT$9,100

I am 53. I have had a breast reduction years ago, and always wanted a tummy tuck. That is where I carry all my weight, but was always too scared for some reason. After talking to a friend who had one done I decided it was time for me to do it! Surgery is April 12th. My family thinks I am crazy. They are supportive of my decision, but disagree with it. (My husband is fine with it, so that's good!)

My biggest fear is recovering from the anesthesia...i.e. getting sick and having to throw up! Anyone else have that issue?

meg5719's provider

A. Lawrence  Cervino, MD (retired)

A. Lawrence Cervino, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

meg5719

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Replies (21)

March 31, 2011
If you let them know anesthesia makes you nauseous, they will do everything possible to prevent this. I had knee surgery in 2000 and came out of it sick as a dog! I had my TT surgery last week (March 22) and told them ahead of time and came out of it beautifully! They put something in the IV to prevent that from happening and it worked just great! It was funny that once you "go under" it seems like just minutes later you are coming out of it with absolutely no memory of what happened. Good luck and keep us posted!!!
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March 31, 2011
Thank you Cleveland10. I will mention that to them and hopefully it will work! When I had gall bladder surgery in 2000, they gave me something then, but I still threw up. I am hoping that 11 yrs later, they have better meds for that kind of thing!
April 4, 2011

Hi Meg and welcome to RealSelf.

Talk to your doctor about the anesthesia.  They have special meds that they can give you before and during surgery to help with the nausea.  You definitely don't want to vomit after this surgery because it will hurt.  Make sure to communicate with your doctor.

I expressed the same concerns when meeting with my anesthesiologist.  I told him to please make sure I did not get sick and he said ok...LOL    I did not have any issues and did wonderful.  He had me drink some really bitter tasting syrup before surgery ad then he also gave me something in the IV. 

My hubby always tells me that I have guts of steel.  True but I wanted to make sure during this process. 

Your day will be here before you know it.   Keep us up to date on your progress both before and after.
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April 5, 2011
Thanks for the info Kimmers. I will keep you posted. I cannot wait!
April 10, 2011
Darn. I wish I had known this. I would've asked the anesthesiologist.
April 11, 2011

Oh yes you only have to ask for the anti vomit cocktail..LOL
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April 5, 2011
I asked about the bitter tasting syrup, and also a patch behind the ear that someone else commented on for nausea, and the nurse said she had never heard of either one of those things. I also asked about a morphine pump and she said they quit using those about 6 yrs. ago, because they were not anymore effective than pain meds. She mentioned Altram for pain...not so bad for your stomach? Anyone taken that? I am not sure I spelled it right.
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April 5, 2011
I had the patch behind my ear and Zofran in my IV...worked wonderfully! Never a second of nausea!

I am not sure I've seen anyone on here mention they had Ultram as their pain med after surgery. I had Vicodin and Valium which together my doc said worked as a 1 + 1 = 3 effect. And I will say that it worked perfectly in controlling my pain.
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April 5, 2011
Hmmm, interesting. I am going to asked the anesthesiologist about it.
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April 7, 2011
I'm a little nervous for the pain my PS is going to prescribe me T3. I'm used to taking T3 so I dont know if they will help with that type of pain. Any suggestions ?
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April 7, 2011
Cindy, my PS gave me vicodin script before surgery and I NEVER take pain meds ( even had natural child birth) so I thought that would be good. Well when I got out of surgery and they were giving me multiple morphine shots and I still had pain I knew vicodin wouldn't help. Thank god I work for a physician and he just wrote me a script for percocet and my boyfriend picked it up before I even got released. I guess my point is you might need something s little stronger and to Meg I definately would ask for something other than ultram... Not sure that's gonna cut it!
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April 9, 2011
Joyce, they decided on Demerol.
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April 10, 2011
Meg,
glad to hear they switched pain meds. Even though there isn't a huge amount of pain I would think ultram would be a little weak!
UPDATED FROM meg5719
1 day pre

Well, to all the April 12th TTer's.....

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meg5719
Well, to all the April 12th TTer's...mackenzieds, kumama, Clair Bear, shari1969,tomorrow is the day!!! All my best to all of you. I am not really nervous, just anxious! Praying for all of you and send an update ASAP! Am I forgetting any other April 12th ladies???

Replies (4)

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April 12, 2011
Today is your big day! YAY! I wish you best of luck and a speedy recovery. You're going to be fine and after its all done you'll be thrilled with your new body. It'll be tough the first few days then the rest is a breeze. Get plenty of rest and drink up that water.
April 12, 2011
Just saw your post... your surgery is today! Good luck! I am about 3 weeks after you so hopefully by the time I have my surgery, you'll be up and doing the samba! Or at least standing up straight :)
April 12, 2011
Thinking of you, sending all the best for a successful day! Cannot wait to see your results!
April 13, 2011

Meg - thinking about you and hope you are resting.
UPDATED FROM meg5719
3 days post

TT was April 12th. Doing well, but also had a brow...

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meg5719
TT was April 12th. Doing well, but also had a brow lift. A bit much,. but DO NOT regret it. I just look very scary right now! More when I am feeling a little better.

Replies (12)

April 15, 2011
Hi Meg, just signed up today. Anxious to have tt w/lipo. R u happy/satisfied w/ your surgeon? How can I find out his/her name? Wants to know also how expensive they are. thx
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April 16, 2011
DR. L. Cervino-Akron Crystal Clinic.
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April 15, 2011
Can't wait to see pics! Healing takes time so give it time and enjoy the couch lol
April 15, 2011
Just wondering if you had any nausea and how you are doing today, Sending you the most positive wishes for a speedy recovery!
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April 16, 2011
I asked for the patch behind the ear and they gave it to me. I am amazed I did not get sick at all!!!! I was in surgery for at least 6 hrs or more. I also had a brow lift and eye lid revision. I am doing great. Sore, but pain meds help that. I feel better by the hour it seems.
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April 17, 2011
po day 4. nauseous all day, feeling depressed. po day 5, better, took a shower, sitting, by myself. one drain has a leak, can't wait to get them out, hopefully tomorrow.
April 18, 2011

Hang in there Meg :)  It gets better each day.  You are at the worst possible stage right now. 
April 17, 2011
Yes Meg, you will start to feel better after the drains are out, but I am almost 4 weeks post-op and still swollen, sore and frustrated. I know the healing is a long and slow process, and sometimes I find myself second guessing myself on deciding to have this done. I am still trying to keep positive, even though sometimes it is difficult. Just know we are all here for you. Let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow!
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April 17, 2011
thanks, cleve10, i will.
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May 4, 2011
I am 3 weeks Post Op, and I look 6 mo. pregnant! Dr. says I may have about 15# swelling to go down. Has anyone else had this much swelling at 3 weeks???
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May 4, 2011
Meg, I am 4 weeks PO, and I experienced increased swelling at 3-4 weeks. I am not sure what 15# means, but I know that I cannot even fit the clothes I wore at 2 weeks PO. I have been so discouraged, but slightly concerned as well. I emailed my PS nurse last week to inquire.

This is her reply:
This swelling is normal. The scar tissue that is forming between the layers is very suspectible to retention of fluid and swelling. This decreases with time. Some people have more lymphadema then others. As the scar tissue matures and tightens this will go down.
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May 4, 2011
thanks j-taylor, that is very encouraging to know! My PS told me not to even bother buying new clothes for 6 weeks to 3 mon. I can see why he said that!!!