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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews REVIEWS

40 Years Old, 5'6 180 Pounds. 4 Bio Children and 5 Adopted. I've Loved Taking Care of Others, Now It's my Turn! :)

ORIGINAL POST

I cannot believe this if finally happening! My...

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mommyof9andcounting
WORTH IT$10,000
I cannot believe this if finally happening! My consult is on April 29. Already have my finances in order for the surgery. I plan to have a TT with lipo. I've taken care of everyone else my whole life. My husband and I have 9 children. 4 biological and 5 adopted. 3 are special needs and our youngest,now 2 has had multiple diagnosis and surgeries. I've spent much of the last two years at Children's hospital with him. He's our miracle. Wasn't expected to live to his 1st birthday and here he is 2 1/2. We have been foster parents for 9 years. Just closed our home in December.

I've wanted this surgery for years! I'm so excited and nervous all at the same time. Don't know what to expect. I would appreciate any advice. Shopping list prior to surgery? What should I expect with recovery time? I have chronic fatigue syndrome so I do expect to add time to my recovery compared to others without fatigue issues.

Thank you in advance for your support! :)

mommyof9andcounting's provider

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

mommyof9andcounting

mommyof9andcounting rating for Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (24)

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March 29, 2016
Hello, you're a busy mom! WOW! good for you to take time for your self and put your self first for once:) I will follow your journey! I am scheduled for may 6th. Im nervous too :( as far as the list goes google your procedure and recovery supplies/needs.... I found some from all different sites and they even give good diet advice on what to eat and what to avoid.... Good luck hun!! can't wait to see your results! Im following you now!
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March 29, 2016
Thank you! I will follow you as well. How do I find you? :)
Is your consult scheduled for the 6th or your procedure? Good luck! We can encourage each other.

Busy. Absolutely! :) We've been foster parents for 9 years. Many children have come through our home. 5 have stayed.

This is a scary step but so exciting at the same time. I'm looking forward to a new me! How about you? :)
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March 29, 2016
To follow just click on my name..niuniastar..it will take you to my post. My surgery is on may 6th....had my consult month ago.
March 31, 2016
Welcome to the community, so glad to have you here with us.   Make sure that you have help with all of the kids for a while after surgery.  You are not going to be able to lift or do any housework for a while.   Make sure to get active in our Forums and also check out my Tummy Tuck Guide.  
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March 31, 2016
Thank you. I have help covered with family. Will 3 weeks be a realistic time frame? I'll check out the forums and TT guide.
April 3, 2016

Yes that is a great amount of time.  You will still be healing but well on your way in that recovery process.  At that point just listen to your body.  If something hurts, then modify.  You will do great.

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April 23, 2016
Hello :) How do I get to the May Tummy Tucker's? The link you shared no longer shows up.
April 25, 2016

Here is a new link to the May Tummy Tuckers for you.  

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April 26, 2016
I had my consult today I am scheduled for my TT on June 3rd! :) I do not know how to save the May/June TT's? I would really like to stay active on the board. What am I doing wrong? The links you are sending I can't go back to.
April 26, 2016

Are the links not working?    If you go to the main Tummy Tuck Page, then under the Forums Tab you will see the list of all the forums.  Try this and let me know if it works.  

April 28, 2016
Hi my consultant is on April 30 the can you tell me how much are you paying for Tummy tuck and liposuction?
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April 28, 2016
Hello :) I am paying just under 10,000 for my TT w/lipo of my upper belly and love handles. Where are you having your TT?
April 29, 2016
Get a lip garment. There is a place called "make me heal" online. She will put you in it while you are knocked out. I bought an extra. You'll have drains that you will have to keep track of fluid coming out. It's not pleasant, but best money I ever spent. 12 years and mine is still holding up. Dr cherup is great. The surgery center is great. The nurses are great. I did not have 1 bad experience and have had 3 surgeries and multiple botox and fillers. Can't say enough good things. Everything stays where she puts it.
April 29, 2016
Lipo garment. Makemeheal.com.
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April 29, 2016
Thank you. I will look into the lip garment. Have you done a review for Dr. Cherup? I actually switched to Dr. Clavijo because her reviews were not good. She needs reviews like yours for others in my situation looking at reviews to select their surgeon. What led me to seek another doctor was that her reviews were saying she was nice at consult but then after surgery she was unavailable and rude. After I read that I looked elsewhere. I'm glad your experience has been pleasant.
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June 14, 2016
I saw Dr Cheryl for a consult years ago and must say she is NOT plus size friendly. I've even read one of her answers to a question on one of these sites and she was pretty rude regarding a weight issue.
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June 14, 2016
Oops, Dr. *Cherup
June 18, 2016
what is a lip garment?
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June 18, 2016
Typo...Lipo Garment
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June 5, 2016
First, let me applaud you for being a great mom and choosing to take on the task of raising speciak needs children. My son is autistic and has epilepsy, so I understand the patience it takes, as well as putting your childrens wants and needs befoe your own. I pray that your surgery goes well and you get the body of your dreams:-)
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June 15, 2016
Thank you so much! I don't know why I'm just seeing your comment. Bless you and your family as well. :)
UPDATED FROM mommyof9andcounting
3 months pre

Before Pics

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mommyof9andcounting
One side is bigger and sags more than the other. I cannot wait to be rid of the hanging belly!

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June 14, 2016
You go girl you look amazing.
UPDATED FROM mommyof9andcounting
3 months pre

Weight Loss Tips??

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mommyof9andcounting
I need proven weight loss tips that work with minimal exercise. I have chronic fatigue, working out hard isn't an option for me.

Replies (12)

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March 29, 2016
I lost 20 lbs drinking lots of water...green tea...seamed or baked meats nor fried and 1 carb a day...that's in 3 months with walking...loosing weight it's not so easy...wish it was. I got 10 lbs to go hope I can do it in 4 weeks
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March 29, 2016
Is this your goal weight or does the doctor typically require weight loss before surgery? I've been stuck here for more than a year.
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March 29, 2016
Doctor said I'm good...I weigh 171lb now...my goal is 160...I'm 5'7"...so just to get to 160 and have surgery then just tone my body after healing...I don't want to be a tooth pick. ..lol...my highest weight was 210 after my 2 kids.
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March 29, 2016
Ohh and weight is not really a factor in doing a tt...as long as you have enough skin...but they do prefer you to be at your ideal weight and a stable weight. And also a mon smoker..I smoke but have to quit in 2 days...I need at least 4 weeks no smoking b4 procedure...on the 15th of April I need to do urine..blood and chest xray tests and then I'm ready!
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March 30, 2016
Getting to my goal weight isn't going to happen. That's 40 pounds away! I'd be happy with 10 lost now. What are they texting for? Do we have to pay for those tests independently or is this included in the TT cost?
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March 30, 2016
*testing
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March 30, 2016
I'm in Canada so I don't pay for those tests.....we have health care "ohip"that covers that...I pay just for tt.....blood work is needed to see if we're healthy enough...if we have enough vitamins..ect...they also do a pregnancy test...and in my case x-ray of lungs cuz I smoke.
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March 30, 2016
My price for tt includes the procedure...and post op visits for 1 year or a bot longer. It does not include any of prescribed medication that I will need to take after surgery.
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March 30, 2016
Ok. Thank you. I really appreciate your answering my questions!
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March 30, 2016
You're very welcome.
June 5, 2016
I find that high protein, low carb works even if you can't be very active. But as with any diet, you have to be careful to not overdo it. I'm a big fan of Atkins, but the first couple of months on it are kind of rough. If you just cut back seriously on carbs (but don't cut them out entirely) you may find it easier to lose/maintain your weight. There are lots of different low carb programs out there. Maybe one will fit your life.
July 18, 2016
Keto diet ck out utube no exercise and you still drop weight lots of it.