POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
39yo, 4 Kids, 5 inch muscle repair, hernia repair, loving my results!!
UPDATED FROM julstummy
4 years post
Four years later, still loving my results!
WORTH IT$7,000
Pretty much no big change from my previous updates. No changes in scars at this point, they are as good as they are going to get I believe. I don’t have any issue with the triangle of numbness, I have been used to that for quite awhile. I have gained some weight but I’m back at work to shave off those extra 10 pounds that crept up on me! Hope everyone is doing well!
julstummy's provider
Replies (5)
November 22, 2020
So kind of you to write a long reply! Thank you so much - this is so helful.
I have had 3 x c-sections, so feel like I've got a bit of an understanding of the coping afterwards, and yes, I have help lined up. At least this time won't have to feed a baby on no sleep on top of recovering from stomach surgery! Will definitely be on the stool softeners, learnt the hard way after c-sections. I was also considering a recliner, but decided lots of cushions ok. Really helpful comment on being thin in order to have enough extra skin sagging - that's a different perspective. I am going to need a small vertical scar too if I want a belly button in the right place. It's the only way without it being too low or risking the horizontal scar rising up. The vertical scar should pop out about an inch above bikini bottoms and will eventually fade. It's because I don't have enough skin on top to pull down as my natural belly button is quite high on my torso. I'm basically there with my weight - 55kg. Pre-kids I was 52kg which seems a bit out of reach now. I have 2 months to go (however with Christmas in between - and winter weather making those runs less appealing) - will try and shift 1-2kg more before. Working out quite a lot - but it's 90% food as we all know!
Before I had kids my core was ripped with very little effort - so I hear you that cardio does it for you now. That's good to hear - the people I know that have had this surgery are slim enough, but not really fitness ladies and I wondered about "feeling" stronger vs stomach only looking flat. A big goal for me to have the surgery is to be strong and be able to do lots of sports afterwards without worrying about a hernia or having to breathe my stomach muscles in back together before any movement.
Now that you're 4 years on, do you do planks and other ab exercises? I know you said you don't need to with your cardio comment - but if you were doing a class do you abstain from those exercises or do you feel totally normal doing them? That's a good tip to try and get a mammogram beforehand. Do you think you'll go back to get implants now?
I have had 3 x c-sections, so feel like I've got a bit of an understanding of the coping afterwards, and yes, I have help lined up. At least this time won't have to feed a baby on no sleep on top of recovering from stomach surgery! Will definitely be on the stool softeners, learnt the hard way after c-sections. I was also considering a recliner, but decided lots of cushions ok. Really helpful comment on being thin in order to have enough extra skin sagging - that's a different perspective. I am going to need a small vertical scar too if I want a belly button in the right place. It's the only way without it being too low or risking the horizontal scar rising up. The vertical scar should pop out about an inch above bikini bottoms and will eventually fade. It's because I don't have enough skin on top to pull down as my natural belly button is quite high on my torso. I'm basically there with my weight - 55kg. Pre-kids I was 52kg which seems a bit out of reach now. I have 2 months to go (however with Christmas in between - and winter weather making those runs less appealing) - will try and shift 1-2kg more before. Working out quite a lot - but it's 90% food as we all know!
Before I had kids my core was ripped with very little effort - so I hear you that cardio does it for you now. That's good to hear - the people I know that have had this surgery are slim enough, but not really fitness ladies and I wondered about "feeling" stronger vs stomach only looking flat. A big goal for me to have the surgery is to be strong and be able to do lots of sports afterwards without worrying about a hernia or having to breathe my stomach muscles in back together before any movement.
Now that you're 4 years on, do you do planks and other ab exercises? I know you said you don't need to with your cardio comment - but if you were doing a class do you abstain from those exercises or do you feel totally normal doing them? That's a good tip to try and get a mammogram beforehand. Do you think you'll go back to get implants now?
December 4, 2020
I’m not sure my reply went through directly to you...you can find it under the general comments though here :) sorry about that!
December 4, 2020
It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for this surgery! Your core is going to feel so strong once you are fully healed!! It actually has helped my posture believe it or not. So I hardly do planks, I feel like I could do them safely but there’s a part of me that doesn’t want anything putting pressure on those internal stitches if that makes sense. I do know there are other reviews on here where ladies after surgery do all of the ab exercises without issue. You definitely want to make sure you are fully healed though before attempting anything that would put a lot of stress on your core. I would just ask your surgeon what they suggest as far as abdominal exercises once you are through healing.
I have to tell you that when I got the surgery I had just finished nursing my fourth child, and I had like nothing! Now that I am four years past weaning I am surprised I actually am OK with the amount of breast tissue that has kind of plumped back up. I definitely haven’t ruled out implants in the future but for now I am OK with how I look because there is actually something there! I swear it was just like saggy tissue there for awhile that wasn’t pretty!! I am also about 10+ pounds heavier than I normally am which probably helps me feel better about my chest area since that fills out when I’ve gained weight. As soon as I lose that weight I probably will be looking at implants with more seriousness again lol
I have to tell you that when I got the surgery I had just finished nursing my fourth child, and I had like nothing! Now that I am four years past weaning I am surprised I actually am OK with the amount of breast tissue that has kind of plumped back up. I definitely haven’t ruled out implants in the future but for now I am OK with how I look because there is actually something there! I swear it was just like saggy tissue there for awhile that wasn’t pretty!! I am also about 10+ pounds heavier than I normally am which probably helps me feel better about my chest area since that fills out when I’ve gained weight. As soon as I lose that weight I probably will be looking at implants with more seriousness again lol
January 3, 2021
Thanks for sharing your Journey it was really helpful , your before is very similar to mine , I’m pretty tiny but have the loose skin and your reviews and pictures are extremely helpful and inspiring . I’ll hope to get your results ! Thanks again
January 3, 2021
I’m so happy it was helpful!! It was reading other’s journeys and seeing their photos that motivated me to go through with this surgery. I’m so very glad I did, best decision ever and recovery was totally worth it! Good luck with your surgery and let me know if you have any questions! Excited for you!!
UPDATED FROM julstummy
3 years post
Three years later and still ZERO Sit-ups and ZERO Regrets!
Still so happy I went through with a full tummy tuck three years ago! I am about five pounds heavier at the moment but honestly I’m calling it my happy weight. :)
I have yet to do a single sit-up and cardio is honestly what seems to make my stomach muscles show up more! There are definitely some core strengthening exercises that I do, but not that often! I don’t do any planks, or anything that I feel would put a lot of pressure against the internal stitches. But I was never told I could not do those exercises. Honestly I just haven’t felt it necessary.
If anyone is on the fence about the surgery, feel free to ask me questions. It was definitely the encouragement of the ladies on this website that helped me move forward and I am so very thankful I did!! I will say my biggest piece of advice is be at your goal weight and fitness level! You will get your best results that way. Read other’s stories, for me knowledge was power in knowing what to expect. I knew patience was going to be key with this recovery and didn’t try to rush anything. It has truly been life changing and I have no issues with the long scar or numbness bothering me - don’t get me wrong they exist but it’s a non issue for me as far as being concerned about it.
I have yet to do a single sit-up and cardio is honestly what seems to make my stomach muscles show up more! There are definitely some core strengthening exercises that I do, but not that often! I don’t do any planks, or anything that I feel would put a lot of pressure against the internal stitches. But I was never told I could not do those exercises. Honestly I just haven’t felt it necessary.
If anyone is on the fence about the surgery, feel free to ask me questions. It was definitely the encouragement of the ladies on this website that helped me move forward and I am so very thankful I did!! I will say my biggest piece of advice is be at your goal weight and fitness level! You will get your best results that way. Read other’s stories, for me knowledge was power in knowing what to expect. I knew patience was going to be key with this recovery and didn’t try to rush anything. It has truly been life changing and I have no issues with the long scar or numbness bothering me - don’t get me wrong they exist but it’s a non issue for me as far as being concerned about it.
Replies (4)
November 19, 2019
Wow you look amazing!!! Look at those curves and those abs!!! Wonderful results!
Did you have muscle repair? Happy 3 years!
November 19, 2019
Thank you!! Yes I had extensive muscle repair! I had such severe separation that my surgeon called this a true reconstruction of my abdomen!
November 26, 2019
Looking fabulous my friend!!! So lets talk weight... 3 years later everyone of our friends has gained a bit and made me wonder, was the recovery, deep at the cellular level, speeding our metabolism and then, since healed, a true, weight emerged? Just a thought. I am also 3 years PO and AND GREATFUL EVERY SINGLE DAY for this amazing gift!!!! Happy Thanksgiving my friend
November 26, 2019
Hi friend!! That’s definitely a possibility as far as weight gain. I know for me I have been way more relaxed with my calorie count and so the five pounds is not a surprise. The good thing is I know exactly what to do to get those five pounds off! :) I’m pretty good about not letting my weight go too far off where I know I should be. Sometimes a little bit of extra weight is the motivation I need to get back in gear! Happy Thanksgiving!!
December 6, 2019
Beautiful results! I'm about to bite the bullet on a tummy tuck...just researching Dr.s and recovery time.
December 10, 2019
Good luck to you!! I’m excited for you to start your journey!!! I highly recommend taking two weeks off for recovery, first week with help for any kiddos. At two weeks out I felt more confident in taking care of my kiddos and every day chores on my own.
UPDATED FROM julstummy
2 years post
Two years post!! Still so happy!!
Wow two years have flown by. I can’t say enough how glad I am I went through with getting a full tummy tuck. It has given me so much confidence and it is the best feeling when working out or going for a run and nothing jiggles in my midsection! When the wind blows against my shirt I don’t think twice whereas before it made me feel so self-conscious If people wondered if I was pregnant with that pooch. I originally had planned on getting breast implants after turning 40 but I have found lately to be completely comfortable in my own skin. So for now aside from doing sculpture treatments I am pretty happy with what I’ve got going on :)
Replies (4)
December 4, 2018
So happy to hear to see your still updating. You look amazing !!! Happy to hear your still happy !! I finally Had my revision! Had it just last month on the 12th nothing like starting all over. So far I am Very happy. I’ve had a very small problem with my bb just because new dr had to work his magic to fix last dr mistake.
December 4, 2018
Hi!! So good to hear from you! I rushed over to your page to get up to date on your revision. Sorry I wasn’t checking up on you sooner! Your pictures leave no doubt he tightened you up good!! So excited for you!!
December 4, 2018
No worries!!
I’m so pleased with my new PS !! I cant believe what he did for me I’m blown away !!! Thank you I’m excited as well!
You look amazing !!
I’m so pleased with my new PS !! I cant believe what he did for me I’m blown away !!! Thank you I’m excited as well!
You look amazing !!
December 5, 2018
You still look so amazing! Good job keeping it up!
December 6, 2018
And you should feel comfortable in your skin .. because Girl ... you got it going on!!!! Look at that FLAT belly!!! Anyone have a quarter I can bounce off that belly?? Fabulous!!!!
December 8, 2018
Ha!! Thank you friend!! We have truly been given such a gift! I would never have achieved this belly without this surgery!!
1. I want to get my breast implants at the same time. Given your experience would you say you could have handled two things simultaneously?
2. Are there any tips for preparing a few months prior - losing weight and getting fit, should I be at optimal weight or slightly under? In my fitness, should I do the forbidden crunches to strengthen muscles and not worry about separation as that will get fixed? Or just stay off abs exercises and do general fitness?
3. Any other general tips for preparation?
Thanks!
With that said, I think it’s completely doable to recover from both surgeries at the same time. I think it’s better just to get it over with if you are able to. I also would make sure you have help for 2 weeks, first week for sure!
For your second question, I think I got the results I did because I was at my ideal weight and had been working out regularly. 100% I think you need to lose as much weight as you think is needed so you have that extra skin already sagging and ready to be removed. I have read many reviews where the individual regretted not losing more weight before the surgery and now had to save up for a revision. I did a combination of weights and cardio... I probably could have not done the planks as I’ve read that makes the separation worse. I will tell you after surgery I actually notice my abdominal muscles more when I have been doing heavier cardio workouts. It’s amazing once those muscles are back where they are supposed to be how much easier it is to have a strong core. For now, I would still include your abdominal exercises but you don’t have to be super focused on them if that makes sense.
General tips: have help lined up for sure for the first 7 days, preferably 2 weeks. Get some healthy snacks to have nearby, you will get full faster with your muscles stitched together and may not need a full meal but rather smaller portions. Have plenty of water and stool softeners on hand. I bought a second hand recliner but actually found I could get on and off the couch easier! Have extra pillows to get comfortable. Walk hunched over to not pull on stitches that first week or so (may take awhile to walk straight). Wear your compression garment to help with swelling! I was given one by my surgeon, and after the first month or so I ended up just wearing tummy control underwear. I probably overdid it with the compression stuff but it did make me feel more secure.
I’m here if you have more questions! So many ladies on here helped me be confident going through this surgery. Knowledge is power so read as many reviews as you can. :)