BR/TT - Philadelphia, PA, 6 weeks post op!

will write more soon...need to sleep now ;-) Cost reflects that the breast reduction was covered by insurance. Planned this for 10 years, but didn't think I would have a tummy tuck since I thought BR would not be covered. Saved for 10 years and when insurance came through, I had enough to add the abdomioplasty.

After twins, weight gain and my final weight loss journey, I decided I was worth it. Soooo happy and only 5 days post op. Am so thankful I found this site and the wonderful women who have been so supportive and informative.

Ok, a bit more detail. I first checked into a breast lift over 10 years after my girlfriend had a TT/breast lift. She showed off her results and I was sooo jealous. I was about 138 pounds at the time (had gone up to 178 in 1998 while preganant with my twins) and almost pre-pregnancy weight. I saw a PS in my town and after my exam, he told me ai would need a reduction and a lift to see results that wouls last. H evn said implants wuould be best. I did not want that and he said there was no way my insurance would cover the BR.

I had no monet at the time to have it done. So, I told my husband I would start savign and not have it done until I was down to 125 pounds and maybe wouldn't need the reduction part. During the next 10 years, I put away $ every month, but slowly yo-yo dieted enetually ending up at 170 pounds last January. Iwas an emotional mess, not a good mom, had no feelings of self worth, didn't want my husband t see me, much less have intimate relations and my marriage really started to suffer. I turned to food and my nightly wine or cocktail for solace. I also work at a cooking school, so food was the center of my life and cooking the only thing I felt I was good at.

Last January, I decided I had hit rock bottome. I told husband I wanted a treadmill for my 50th BD in Feb and wanted to make a positive change. He was worried aboutht einvestment (I wanted a decent one) and that I would follow my usual pattern. Start something, loose interest and the TM would sit there and gather dust.

Well, being the wonderful guy he is, he agreed. I started using the treadmill lightly in early Feb., got a terrible cold, stopped a few weeks and really got moticated in MArch. I had lost about 3-4 pounds. In April, I learned about a program through Rodale Press called the 400 calorie fix (I think Rachael Ray had tried it and promoted it on her show. I bought both the program book with recipes and the subsequent cookbook. You basically paln your meals around 400 calories. aiming for 3 to 4 meals a day (1200 to quick start and then 1600 calories). I was able to really stick with it since I never felt deprived, keeping up the treadmill. I added more activities like swimming in the summer, walking dogs at park and made a deal I could have a glass of wine only on the days I exercised at least 40 minutes.

By October, I was down 25 pounds and made an appt. with the PS one of my local friends had recommended. I was so shocked when he told me we should be able to get our insurqance to cover the breast reduction, which was also a lift!! Over the next months, we (the billing woman at PS who is a wonderful person) and I did all the hoop jumping the insurance company required (of course I have the company with the most strict and difficult qualifications). Finally, a ltter from an orthopedic doctor documenting my weight loss, upper back and shoulder pain, etc., etc. got the job done.

So, when I first saw PS, I started to ask about the TT, since I had lost 25 pounds and the belly looked almost worse! I decided if I got the BR covered I would also do the TT, since I had enough money saved. My husband was very supportive, even though I thought he secretly wanted a new patio with that $ I saved!! I think he will end up appreciating this a whole lot more ;)

I got the call Dec. 30 that it was approved. The PS knew I needed it done in early January due to the fact I had to be back at the cooking school by Feb 6, so they had Jan. 13th open. I jumped at the chance, put the check in the mail that day and things started to move FAST!

I had pre-admissions testing that following week, then my pre-op with PS two days before surgery. Luckily, I had called earlier to find out what meds I couldn't take, what garments I needed, etc., etc.

I never saw any pictures of my PS's work. They do not offer, was not on website and I felt wierd asking. I had seen my friend's results, but went to that appt. expecting to ask to see just a few examples. I actually chickened out. It felt ungrateful since the office had worked so hard on my behalf. I later found they would have gladly showed me some, but I put my faith in my doctor.

I was very worried about fat pouch above BB. PS said he coulod thin that as much as possible and it would be more evenly distributed over my entire abdomen. He was so goos about setting realistic expectations, assuring me he would do his best and telling me he never goes into a asurgery thinking hewill go have to do more later. He did say he couldn't o lipo in that area because all the cutting. Nerves and tissue could have been sucked away with the fat and it was just too risky. I can go back later for a touch up with lipo in that area if need be, but I really don't want have to do that and felt I don't need perfection...it would have to be so much better than what I had now!

I left for the hospital at 5:00 last Friday morning. I drove myself the almost 1 hour there so my hubby wouldn't have to make 2 round trips that day and could drive down to meet me after and he could come with my Dad, and I could see both their beloved faces and that's how both cars would get home.

Arrived at 6:00, went into pre-op at 6:30. The nurses were great. I was oddly calm at that point. Of course I had gone through a freak out of leaving the kids if something happened, feeling guilty, scared, selfish, etc., etc. But talking with my son and calming his nerves the night before helped calm me, too. I even slept 6 hours the night before surgery (amazing since I hadn't slept more than 4 any night for a week before surgery!)

I was worried about nausea, since I have had several bad experiences with that in the apst. I actually vomiited on the operating table as the twins were being delivered via c-section. Then, the anti nausea medicine (copazine) gave me a terrible reaction. I tremored violently for 3 hours after delivery. To the point my muscles were in agony and I couldn't talk or hold my babies. The anesthesiologists were very responsive to my concerns and my PS ordered zofran under my tongue 1 hour before surgery. My next fear was the IV. I have had BAD IV experiences and learned the reason is rolling veins. A nurse called for an anesthes. nurse to do the IV. She gave me a little numbing shot and decided to put my IV port in my inside elbow area. She got it first time and I did not feel it. Could have kissed her!!

Next, my PS came in and got out the Sharpie. As he marked my breats and belly, I asked about the bromelain and arnica I had read about here and he was very positive about their benefits. So, it was time to go in. They gave me a little IV sedation to calm me. They warned me as we went in the OR that it would be cold. OMG, it was freezing in there. All to keep germs at a minimum, I am sure. I joked they should all wear long johns. Luckily, they did not make me stand and bathe me. I would have froze. Have since read some have that done. Iuded the hibiclens (that of course I heard about here!) the night before and morming of. They put some oxygen over my face, told me what it was and then said I would soon be going to sleep. That was it until I looked at the clock in recovery at 1:45 (so surgery was from about 7:45 until 1:15). The PS came out to see my hubby and dad at 1:15 to say all had gone well and that they could go up to my room to wait for me.

My PS and anes. doc were first to greet me back to the world of the awake and both said I did great. I asked PS how it had gone and he said "really well, I think you will be very pleased". Music to my ears. No nausea and I was sure to thank the anes. doc for that! I was so glad to wake up, know I had come through fine and now I was "on the other side".

I went to my room about 2:15 and had a nice short visit with dad. The dear guy is 83 and was very happy to see his "little girl" awake and doing well. Hubby stayed for about 2 hours and I sent him home to be with the kids.

I loved the delaudid pump in the hospital and was able to eat a little ice cream at about 9 pm. Biggest discomfort was dry mouth I couldn't relieve except by having an ice cube in my mouth at all times. And, my throat was a bit sore and raspy from breathing tube. That and the catheter were inserted after I was out. I

I slept alright, remained comfortable and got the cath ou the next morning after PS saw me. He though everything looked good and exaimined all incisions. He brushed gauze against each nipple to see if I had sensation, which I did in both.

Was able to pee and left hospital about 3 pm. Drive home was the pits. Hard to get in car. Dear hubby didn't think and brought his stick shift, bumpy older CRV. 50 minute ride home was bad. Felt nauseous and every bump. In hindsight, should have asked for anti-nausea meds before the ride. Made it home with no vomitting.

Day 2-3 were a bit difficult. Just ouchy upon getting out of my propped position in bed. No appetite and hard to get in a comfortable position. Was worried about my large dogs jumping on me. They calmed down pretty quick and we bought an extra crate so they can sleep in those at night and I don't have to worry about them jumping on the bed. May be a permanent thing!!

Was nauseous Day 3 and 4, but more food helped that. Day 5 went back to PS and had drains removed. He was pleased with progress and gave me some directions to resolve lack of BM. Poor January tummytuckers forum had had to endure my trials and tribulations over last night and evening, but glad to report everything is fiannly working properly. That was the worst part so far. Next worst was coughing fit and sneezing last night. Tried to be off vicoden and just on tylenol and a little valium, but resorted to a vicoden after that episode.

Posted my pre and post-op pics last night. Haven't received any feedback yet, but the improvement to me is nothing short of miraculous. Jokingly saying I am afraid I might start flashing my smaller, perky boobies to people at the grocery store ;0

a FEW FRIENDS CAME TO SEE ME, ONE A NURSE AND THOUGHT i SEEMED GREAT AND LOOKED AT MY BELLY AND BREASTS AND FELT THEY WERE GOING TO TURN OUT REALLY WELL. wILL BE 51 IN fEB, DON'T THINK a bikini is appropriate at my age, but may have to get one just to look at myself in it occasionally.

Have lots of swelling, some bruising in breasts and along flanks where liposuction was done to contour my new belly into the sides. That's a bit ouch. Hoping my saddlebag swelling in upper thighs goes away soon.

I loved my PS and every person at his office. They have all been wonderful. Am especially grateful to my husband and friends who have brought meals, my kids who are trying to not fight so I can rest and have been doing some chores without the complaints, my Mom and Dad for moral support and the wonderful women in this forum. I would have been so much less prepared without you and have received such wonderful support, information and care. THANK you!!!!!!!

Just want to apologize for all the typos in my earlier review. Just read it and was embarrassed! Between the pain meds and lack of sleep last night, my normal typing accuracy and spelling went out the window! Tried to go back in to correct evrything, since some parts are hard to follow, but I can't figure out how to do that. Sorry!!