I'm a mother of 4, 3 births, 1 set of twins. No c-section but I do have low scar from tube removal due to a tubal pregnancy. I can't remember ever having a flat stomache. I had my first child at 15 and had the loose skin ever since, of course it got worse after each pregnancy. I've recently began a weight loss and fitness journey about 7months ago. I've lost 30lbs and I've worked my ass off. I've completely changed my eating habits and I work out like a beast (I'll insert before and after pics of the weight loss) . I'll insert photos of the infamous FUPA. However we all know that the loose skin can't be "worked off". So I'm finally doing it. Im very close to my goal weight, I've worked hard to save the money, and I'm excited to be doing something for me.
38yo Mom of 4 Ready to Say Goodbye to the FUPA!!
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gettingfitmom
- Worth It
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Cost:
$6,900 - Raphael Gabay, DO, Philadelphia, PA
Pre-Op Visit
Hey guys, had my pre-op visit yesterday and everything went well. I received all of my prescriptions (pain meds, antibiotics, steroid pack, and bld thinner because I've had a clot in the past) blood was drawn, pics were taken, and I had a chance to ask my long list of questions. So balance is paid in full (it was so hard to hand over all that money) and I was given all my pre-op instructions leading up to the day of surgery which is Monday 12/15/16 at 9am!!! 30 pounds lighter and that saggy skin is still hanging around (pun intended). Can't wait to say goodbye to the FUPA forever!!!
'Twas the night before Tummy Tuck
I'm officially past the don't eat or drink time and wide awake!!!! I prepared a few meals set up camp in my daughter's room (she's only 2 and almost never sleeps in there), and I'm ready to be snatched!!! I go in at 9am so I'll update u guys when I can..
Surgery day!!!!
On my way to the surgery center and my stomach is in knots. I'm very excited and praying for a successful recovery. I'll update U guys as soon as I'm up to it.
6 hrs post op
So far so good. Pain not as bad as expected. Very, very uncomfortable and tight but i can't say that I'm in excruciating pain. No appetite but very thirsty. Drinking a ton of water and forced a little chicken soup
Just to have smthg with the meds. Walked to bathroom alone jus had hubby there just in case. I have 1 drain bulb but it has two tubs connected.
Just to have smthg with the meds. Walked to bathroom alone jus had hubby there just in case. I have 1 drain bulb but it has two tubs connected.
1 day post-op follow up.
I'm completely in awe about my results. Dr. Gabay did an amazing job. I'm doing well. I washed and dressed alone, for the most part. My husband helped toward the end. I'm very out of breath. I coughed to day..OMG!!!! Everything they said about that is right. Most pain I've had so far. It felt like a bomb exploded inside of me!!! My muscle felt contracted for a good 3-5'mins then it eased up. But when they took of my belt I was all smiles. Dr said my drains will be in for at least 2 weeks. I thought about a week but he was not budging and I trust him.. he said i can shower, but not long and hot. Quick and warm, so I'm happy about that.. thanks so much for all of the support so far ladies
Back soreness kicking in
Going to my follow up yesterday in the rain, in the cold, 1 day post-op was a bit much. Had to stop at a friend's house u can can't hold it, when u got to pee u gotta go asap!! Came home and showered and was just very tired. Today is day 2 post op and I'm just very tired and my back is sore. Coughing has been a problem today and I must say that's the worst pain I've felt so far. Now that almost brought tears to my eyes. It's been a little more difficult getting comfy in my recliner today because of the back pain. I did get up and move around a little. Made myself a little breakfast and later on lunch. However I'm very tired today so I'm not moving from this chair again until my shower before bed. Over all today was a bit more difficult than yesterday but still bareable
Day 4 post-op
Completely off all pain meds, just Tylenol as needed. Getting up and down is much easier, and I have my appetite back. Some back discomfort if I stand for too long but once I sit down I'm ok. Over all I don't have a lot of complaints, Coughing and sneezing is my biggest issue. Last night my husband was helping me dress after my shower and I realized for the first time in 7 yrs I stood in front if my husband completely naked with no shame!!! I'm so excited about how I'll look once I'm fully healed. I feel sexier already!!!!
Day 12 PO
Wanted to let you know ladies that I'm feeling great. A little muscle cramping in the upper ab area (taking Tylenol), exhausted after I go out for a cpl hrs, but overall feeling good. I noticed that my swelling had in creased after that first day and really wasn't going down. I would even wake up swollen. I figured my compression garment was not really compressing me enough to get rid of the fluid. So I purchased a Faja and that did the trick. It took two ppl to get it on but my swelling has gone down a lot. And it's great support
2 wk PO
Hey ladies and gents. 2 wks PO, had drains removed yesterday and boy do i feel better. Been wearing my faja 24/7 and it has helped my swelling tremendously. Starting to feel some muscle spasms in my upper ab area and sum burning around my incision area mainly at night. It's not unbearable but enough to keep me from sleeping well. My energy level is better and I'm getting around with no problem. Still taking it easy over all, returning to work next wk. first set it pics I've taken in undies and damn!!! I can't believe it, my panties lay flat on my stomach, they're not rolling under the "FUPA", and I feel so sexy!!!!
My very first bikini!!!
I'm going on a cruise in February and I'm planning on wearing a bikini for the first time ever...I mean ever in life. Im 18 days PO and Trying them on today was the best feeling I've had in a long time. I actually likes what I saw in the mirror and it blew my mind. I can wait to back in the gym but I'm so gonna rock this bikini and many more!!!
3wks PO, back to work
I work in a hospital and I'm on my feet all day drawing blood. Lots of walking, standing, and moving. Over all I'm doing very good. I only wear my spanx to work and after about 7hrs of work I start to feel tight and little back ache. But I'm still able to come home, cook, bathe the baby, and get myself together. Over all I have most of my energy back. Started sleeping in my bed this week as well, it get easier each night. This wk at PS visit I had stitches removed from my belly button, was cleared to start light cardio, and given a 3wk appt. my swelling is controlled, my scar is healing well, I'm flat and happy!!
4 wks PO, scar is great
He guys wanted to do a quick update. I'm 4wks PO and feeling good. I'm amazed at how my scar is healing. Very pleased and looking forward to the end result. Still swollen (obviously) but it's minimal. Back to work and back to the gym (light cardio)
6wks PO
6wks PO and doing great. I'm working out and pushing it a little more each day. Added some weights and light jogging this week. I'm still swollen by the end of the day but it's minimal. My surgeon says he's very pleased and that I'm above average for healing and progression for 6wks so that definitely put a smile on my face. I still find the most comfort sleeping on my back propped with pillows behind me and under my legs. I can lay on my side but not for long. Can't wait for the day I can sleep on my tummy again. Over all things are well and I'm very happy with my results
8wks PO
I'm now 8wk PO and still very much in love with my new body. I'm back in the gym, lifting weights, and jogging. I swell more after a hard workout but it's not extreme. Just started taking off my binder for a few hrs at a time and sleeping without it. It's a very weird feeling not having it on, but I'm sure it will get better in time. Over all I'm happy
10wks PO
So I've ditched the binder (not for good)!!!. I'm not wearing any compression to work or sleep in. I only wear it to the gym and for a few hrs in the evening after work if needed. It's been 2wks w/o the 24/7 compression and I'm feeling great. It took sometime to get use to but I'm glad I did it. I felt like my body was ready for next step in healing. I'm pushing myself more at the gym, and even doing planks. I'm very happy with my results and still excited to see my final outcome
Vacation @11 wks PO
I went on a cruise and visited an Island. I wore a 2 piece for the first time, partied, drank, and ate whatever I wanted. I did get a little swollen by the end of the night but no more than my normal. I'm extremely happy with my results and I had a fantastic trip. Can't till summer!!
3 1/2 months PO and it's only gotten better
Definitely feeling my new body. At this point in the healing process I no longer wear daily compression I workout 3-4 days a week (no ab exercises) and I have minimal swelling. I swell on the days I workout hard or if I eat the wrong foods so I'll wear my compression to sleep in from time to time if I have a bad day but over all I feel great. My muscles still feel very tight (think I'm just use to it now) and I'm still numb from my belly button down. I don't regret a single thing.
So far I have only great things to say. He was very patient during the consultation. He explained in detail what the procedure consist of and answered all of my questions. The office staff is wonderful, they always return my calls promptly and are very professional
