POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Getting a New Tummy - Orlando, FL
ORIGINAL POST
I'm a small person, 5' 5" and 110...
9170anonNovember 20, 2010
WORTH IT$7,600
I'm a small person, 5' 5" and 110 pounds - after having two huge babies (first born 8 lbs. 9 oz., 21" long and second 8 lbs. 13 oz., 23-1/2" long) and gaining 60 pounds each time, you can imagine why my stomach looked like it was alien and not human. My oldest just turned 10 and I turn 35 next week and after thinking about this nearly every day of my life I decided to get up the courage to get my stomach fixed.
I would really liked to have had the whole mommy makeover and had my girls put back in place too, but that was too much for my hubby to bear. He wasn't not supportive, but he just kept telling me that he liked me just the way I was. Problem was, I didn't and since my stomach was my biggest issue, I went for it.
I am two days post-op and really my biggest fear going into this was that the pain afterward was just going to be unbearable. I read so much online and watched so many videos on YouTube about how horrible the pain was, that two weeks prior I almost chickened out. I am so glad I didn't because aside from feeling like a truck hit me when I woke up from the procedure and struggling to get in my house and into the recliner, I haven't really had any pain.
I have taken some pain medication - definitely the first day, but really I feel great. My back definitely hurts from walking hunched over and I'm a tiny bit queasy, but all-in-all, not bad.
I took a shower today and got to see my tummy and it's amazing that all the extra skin and stretch marks are gone.
I definitely recommend this is you're considering it.
9170anon's provider
Replies (13)
November 20, 2010
I am meeting with Dr. Soto this week. I am super excited because I have heard such great stuff about him. I am also seeing 3 other drs for consults as well. I want to be thorough in my decision. I was wondering what other drs you saw? I am sorry that your hubby didn't support your decision for a new change. Its great to hear that you didn't have much pain. I won't be getting mine until this coming summer, however, I want to be prepared.I hope that you will post pictures of before and after. I can't wait to see your results. I hope you are feeling better and you recovery goes well.
November 21, 2010
Hi there,
I only met with two doctors - one was Dr. Matas, he's the VP of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the President of the Florida Society. He has a beautiful office and nice staff, was less expensive by about $1k, and you spend the night at his facility with a nurse. Lots of pros for sure, but he was cold and I just didn't like him.
But, my girlfriend is an ob/gyn and she highly recommended Dr. Soto. I went to see him and just really, really liked him. He's very warm and I felt more comfortable with him.
I think Dr. Soto did such a great job - my parents flew in to help me in addition to my hubby and all of them keep saying how they can't believe how great I'm doing. I really don't feel bad at all. The funny thing is I almost chickened out b/c of the horror stories online, but it's just not been that bad at all.
Best of luck with your decision. I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have. And, I'll post a photo in a few days - I'm going to wait until he sees me again before I take the binder off long enough to take a pic.
I only met with two doctors - one was Dr. Matas, he's the VP of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the President of the Florida Society. He has a beautiful office and nice staff, was less expensive by about $1k, and you spend the night at his facility with a nurse. Lots of pros for sure, but he was cold and I just didn't like him.
But, my girlfriend is an ob/gyn and she highly recommended Dr. Soto. I went to see him and just really, really liked him. He's very warm and I felt more comfortable with him.
I think Dr. Soto did such a great job - my parents flew in to help me in addition to my hubby and all of them keep saying how they can't believe how great I'm doing. I really don't feel bad at all. The funny thing is I almost chickened out b/c of the horror stories online, but it's just not been that bad at all.
Best of luck with your decision. I'm happy to answer any other questions you may have. And, I'll post a photo in a few days - I'm going to wait until he sees me again before I take the binder off long enough to take a pic.
November 24, 2010
Thanks, I am glad that you are doing so well. Its reassuring for those who haven't gone through with it yet. I meet with Dr. Soto today and I hope he is the clincher. I met with the other 3 yesterday and although I really liked one and felt confident that he would be the one- he is so expensive. I am hoping that Dr. S will fall in the middle price wise and I will just know that he is the one. I can't wait to see your before and after pictures. Did you have any Lipo? Well I hope you continue on such a great recovery. You are doing so well so far.
November 25, 2010
He canceled the consult because an emergency arose. This is the third time he had to reschedule. I am a bit disappointed. However I still want to meet with him. I have heard raves and seen such great after pics that I still will meet with him. I scheduled the consult for next Tuesday but I have to take time off of work. :(
November 25, 2010
Well that is disappointing :( Hang on because he will be worth waiting for!
November 29, 2010
I would love to see pictures. I am doing a lot of comparisons of pictures between the two doctors I am leaning toward. I have yet to actually meet with Soto, but I can't wait. I have heard that a lot of people want to chicken out because of the horror stories they hear or see. I have seen a few bad stories but they were in other countries. Pretty much all of the ones I have seen say it is completely worth it.
December 4, 2010
Hi there,
I did have lipo on my sides, which was totally seamless on my right side, no swelling and hardly any bruising. On my left side though I still have some knots in my side and it's not as curvy yet b/c it's still a little swollen. I was a little worried about the lipo as I had heard it was painful, but other than a HUGE bruise on my left side if he hadn't told me, I would have never known he did it.
I'm now two weeks and two days post op and am completely back to normal as far as doing things goes. I go back to work Monday and am totally ready for it.
Hope you're getting closer to deciding what to do. Did you meet with Dr. Matas by chance? He was the least expensive ($6500) and provided the most care. He also has excellent credentials. I just liked Dr. Soto better.
I did have lipo on my sides, which was totally seamless on my right side, no swelling and hardly any bruising. On my left side though I still have some knots in my side and it's not as curvy yet b/c it's still a little swollen. I was a little worried about the lipo as I had heard it was painful, but other than a HUGE bruise on my left side if he hadn't told me, I would have never known he did it.
I'm now two weeks and two days post op and am completely back to normal as far as doing things goes. I go back to work Monday and am totally ready for it.
Hope you're getting closer to deciding what to do. Did you meet with Dr. Matas by chance? He was the least expensive ($6500) and provided the most care. He also has excellent credentials. I just liked Dr. Soto better.
UPDATED FROM 9170anon
Quick update day 4 PO (my surgery was on 11/18/10)...
9170anonNovember 22, 2010
Quick update day 4 PO (my surgery was on 11/18/10) and all is still going very good. Only took two Tylenol today (one in the morning and one in the afternoon)...I don't have any pain, just a little uncomfortable in the binder. Definitely standing up more straight today...back gets very tired from walking.
I took my second shower today - by myself. I took a chair into the shower so I could sit in there for a good amount of time and wash my hair without busting myself apart :o).
Then, got out, dressed slowly and rested a bit. Dried my hair and straightened it with my flat iron, put on my contacts, make up and jewelry and the cutest thing that would cover up the drains.
I had ordered 7 pairs of tiny, tiny, lacey underwear from VS (been wearing granny panties for 10 years) and tried those on this afternoon - WOW! Amazing. I bet no one else one earth is as excited as I am about underwear.
Going tomorrow to my first check-up and if he takes out my drains I'll post pictures. The drains are just not that cute, not bothersome though...just not going to take a pic with them hanging out my sides.
That's it for now.
I took my second shower today - by myself. I took a chair into the shower so I could sit in there for a good amount of time and wash my hair without busting myself apart :o).
Then, got out, dressed slowly and rested a bit. Dried my hair and straightened it with my flat iron, put on my contacts, make up and jewelry and the cutest thing that would cover up the drains.
I had ordered 7 pairs of tiny, tiny, lacey underwear from VS (been wearing granny panties for 10 years) and tried those on this afternoon - WOW! Amazing. I bet no one else one earth is as excited as I am about underwear.
Going tomorrow to my first check-up and if he takes out my drains I'll post pictures. The drains are just not that cute, not bothersome though...just not going to take a pic with them hanging out my sides.
That's it for now.
Replies (1)
November 24, 2010
You are doing wonderful! Shower, make up and all. Way to go girl..
I know what you mean about the underwear excitement. Just wait until all of your swelling is gone. I went totally nuts in VS at four months post op. My hubby is loving all the sexy panties and bras now.
He does all the laundry and is loving not having to fold the granny panties any longer :) I think he actually enjoys doing my laundry now....he he!
Can't wait to see your pictures.
UPDATED FROM 9170anon
Went today for my second check up and both drains...
9170anonNovember 29, 2010
Went today for my second check up and both drains are now gone...yeah!
I'm 11 days PO and feel like a million bucks. Plenty of energy, up and out of the house, shopping, to the movies, dinner out with my family, etc.
I could not be more pleased with the results and how easy this whole thing has been....especially because in researching it online it seems most people have a harder time. I'm thinking because I'm in good shape and work out that my body has had an easier time healing. Although I'm not working out any time soon!
I've posted one picture - it's hard taking a picture of yourself! My left side is still pretty swollen and not as curvy as my right, but I'm not complaining since I can find my stomach on my body now!!!
I'm 11 days PO and feel like a million bucks. Plenty of energy, up and out of the house, shopping, to the movies, dinner out with my family, etc.
I could not be more pleased with the results and how easy this whole thing has been....especially because in researching it online it seems most people have a harder time. I'm thinking because I'm in good shape and work out that my body has had an easier time healing. Although I'm not working out any time soon!
I've posted one picture - it's hard taking a picture of yourself! My left side is still pretty swollen and not as curvy as my right, but I'm not complaining since I can find my stomach on my body now!!!
Replies (10)
December 4, 2010
Congratulations on your results! Your tummy looks wonderful:) I am having a mommy makeover with Dr. s on 12/17/10, and your post helped alleviate some of my pre-op jitters. I am also worried about pain (and maneuvering around with the drains), so it is encouraging to hear that your pain was pretty minimal afterwards. I have been very impressed with Dr. S so far- he is very knowledgable, safety-conscious, and personable. Congrats again, and I hope you are able to post some more photos throughout the healing process:)
December 4, 2010
Hi there,
Thanks! I am so pleased with how everything has gone - a few tips that really helped are to buy a plastic chair from Target or Lowes and put it in the shower - its very hard to shower without a chair. Then, get a few of those round elastic headbands that people use for working out and put it around your neck and pin the drains to it when you shower. That was the only time the drains were a bit of a problem. Other than that they really were a non-issue.
I'd also highly recommend a recliner - I bought one from Big Lots for $189 and it was so useful (don't know what the heck I'm going to do with it now though).
The whole thing really was so easy - don't let all the negative stuff online worry you. I had mine done on 11/18 and by 11/25 I was fully able to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family and decorate for Christmas. Just take your medicine as prescribed. I was completely off the pain meds within four days and was then just taking one Tylenol every four hours after that. By day 10 I didn't even need the Tylenol. By day 12 (just this past Wednesday) and all week I've been out shopping with my girlfriends and put to lunch, etc.
Let me know how you do - it's the best thing I've ever done for myself.
Thanks! I am so pleased with how everything has gone - a few tips that really helped are to buy a plastic chair from Target or Lowes and put it in the shower - its very hard to shower without a chair. Then, get a few of those round elastic headbands that people use for working out and put it around your neck and pin the drains to it when you shower. That was the only time the drains were a bit of a problem. Other than that they really were a non-issue.
I'd also highly recommend a recliner - I bought one from Big Lots for $189 and it was so useful (don't know what the heck I'm going to do with it now though).
The whole thing really was so easy - don't let all the negative stuff online worry you. I had mine done on 11/18 and by 11/25 I was fully able to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family and decorate for Christmas. Just take your medicine as prescribed. I was completely off the pain meds within four days and was then just taking one Tylenol every four hours after that. By day 10 I didn't even need the Tylenol. By day 12 (just this past Wednesday) and all week I've been out shopping with my girlfriends and put to lunch, etc.
Let me know how you do - it's the best thing I've ever done for myself.
December 20, 2010
Anon- you have recovered quickly. How old is your youngest? Did you put the recliner in your bedroom or in the family room? I already have a recliner, we are debating whether to leave it in the family room or put it in the bedroom.We are concerned about where I can get the best rest. My youngest will still come into my room and want attention. How come you showered wtih your drains still in? I know when I met with Dr. S he said I wouldn't be able to shower until they came out.
December 21, 2010
Hi there,
My youngest actually turns 5 in a month and my oldest is 10. My oldest knew what was going on - in fact she told me a ton of times that she thought I should get my tummy fixed so she was very supportive and helpful. I didn't tell the youngest, my son, that I was even going to have anything done. I came home from my surgery and we told him I was "sick" and was going to have a bandaid on my tummy for a while. So, 4-1/2 weeks later he still calls it my "bandaid".
I would highly recommend putting the recliner in your room - I thought about putting it in the family room too so I could be in the middle of the action. I was really glad to have it in my room though. The first two days I pretty much stayed in there and it was nice and quiet and I could rest. They would come in and talk to me while I was awake. Plus, I slept in it overnight - I couldn't sleep in my bed until about day 8.
My PO instructions said I could shower one day PO, but I didn't shower until two days after the surgery. I got my first drain out on day 6 and my second out on day 13. So, I can't imagine not being able to shower for 13 days - yikes!
Are you having breast aug too? If so, I think you can shower with the drains but you have to wait a few more days. My printed PO instructions said something in there along those lines.
When are you scheduled?
My youngest actually turns 5 in a month and my oldest is 10. My oldest knew what was going on - in fact she told me a ton of times that she thought I should get my tummy fixed so she was very supportive and helpful. I didn't tell the youngest, my son, that I was even going to have anything done. I came home from my surgery and we told him I was "sick" and was going to have a bandaid on my tummy for a while. So, 4-1/2 weeks later he still calls it my "bandaid".
I would highly recommend putting the recliner in your room - I thought about putting it in the family room too so I could be in the middle of the action. I was really glad to have it in my room though. The first two days I pretty much stayed in there and it was nice and quiet and I could rest. They would come in and talk to me while I was awake. Plus, I slept in it overnight - I couldn't sleep in my bed until about day 8.
My PO instructions said I could shower one day PO, but I didn't shower until two days after the surgery. I got my first drain out on day 6 and my second out on day 13. So, I can't imagine not being able to shower for 13 days - yikes!
Are you having breast aug too? If so, I think you can shower with the drains but you have to wait a few more days. My printed PO instructions said something in there along those lines.
When are you scheduled?
December 21, 2010
HI, I think we will plan on having the recliner in the room just so it is more restful. I am going to have a breast lift and Aug with a TT and lipo. I am scheduled for June 13th. I know it is a long way off. I was told during my consult with Dr.S that I wouldn't be able to shower until drains came out :(. My oldest is 7 and he knows that I am going in for muscle repair in my belly. My youngest is 2 (will be 3 at time of surgery) we will have to show him my boo boos or he won't remember and want to jump on me. He is a handful. My mom will be down to help with recovery and the kids. Ugh I can't imagine having to sleep in the recliner for 8 days. I know I can do it, I slept in the recliner for 4 months when my son was an infant. He had acid reflux and wouldn't sleep in his crib on his back. I just hate to think of that, I love my bed and sleeping on my side.
December 21, 2010
I so wish I would have had a breast lift, but I just couldn't get my husband to agree on that. However, not that my tummy looks (dare I say, amazing) I feel much better about the girls. Although I think I'll have them done for my 38th or 40th birthday and he'll just have to deal with it.
Honestly you're so hunched over with the TT that the recliner is just a God send. You won't want to lay in your bed.
I also sleep on my side and have a very hard time falling asleep, but am now so used to sleeping on my back that I may just keep doing it because they say it keeps you from getting wrinkles on your face.
June is a long way off, but you will just be so happy you did this for yourself. It's a bit uncomfortable for the first 10 days, but I think my fast recovery really had to do with Dr. Soto being a great surgeon.
Keep me posted!
Honestly you're so hunched over with the TT that the recliner is just a God send. You won't want to lay in your bed.
I also sleep on my side and have a very hard time falling asleep, but am now so used to sleeping on my back that I may just keep doing it because they say it keeps you from getting wrinkles on your face.
June is a long way off, but you will just be so happy you did this for yourself. It's a bit uncomfortable for the first 10 days, but I think my fast recovery really had to do with Dr. Soto being a great surgeon.
Keep me posted!
December 21, 2010
I think Dr. S is an artist (based on all the before and after pictures I have seen). am trying hard not to think about the pain, tenderness or recovery right now. Its is so far off that I am just trying not to think at all. I feel like it is all I think about.:)
December 22, 2010
I wouldn't spend 10 more seconds thinking about the pain or recovery - it was SO much easier than I made it out to be in my mind beforehand. I was so close to canceling because I had talked myself into how bad it was going to be.
And, I so wish I had gotten on this web site way beforehand to have the encouragement of others. I'm sure everyone's different, but I've told Dr. Soto a few times that this was way easier than having children - and I did not have a c-section (although I probably should - who lets a 102 lb woman have a 9 lb baby without a c-section these days anyway?). So, needless to say, I'd focus only on the positive and really, really keep all those thoughts about pain, recovery, etc. out of your head. You're going to look amazing - that's all I'd think about if I were you :o)
And, I so wish I had gotten on this web site way beforehand to have the encouragement of others. I'm sure everyone's different, but I've told Dr. Soto a few times that this was way easier than having children - and I did not have a c-section (although I probably should - who lets a 102 lb woman have a 9 lb baby without a c-section these days anyway?). So, needless to say, I'd focus only on the positive and really, really keep all those thoughts about pain, recovery, etc. out of your head. You're going to look amazing - that's all I'd think about if I were you :o)
WOW you are a lucky lady to only be having minimal pain. That is wonderful!
Glad you are happy with your results and hope that your recovery continues to be smooth. You will have highs and lows as you recover but that is all normal.
Will you consider posting your before and after pictures?
I actually don't have a before - I hate my stomach so bad that I didn't want any. However, in a few days after I have my second visit I'll post a picture so you can see what it looks like now.
Thanks!
That sounds great! Can't wait to see the new you. I remember taking the before pictures and it was awful...so can't say I blame you for not wanting those pictures.