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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

47 Year Old Mom of Twins Ready for a Tummy Tuck - August 2016 - Raleigh, NC

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I am scheduled for a full TT with lipo and MR on...

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Penka1
WORTH IT$9,601
I am scheduled for a full TT with lipo and MR on 8/8/2016. I interviewed 5 board-certified plastic surgeons and choose Dr. Pyle, based on his results, demeanor, reviews, and feedback from those I found on this website. I have had 3 appointments at Davis & Pyle Plastic Surgery so far, and have been very pleased thus far. The staff are friendly, well-organized and I can tell that they strive for excellence. Of the 5 practices I visited, this one was by far the most organized and professional. I have been particularly impressed with Jessica, one of the coordinators, who has been patient, honest, very professional and informative while answering my many questions. I also love that Dr. Pyle seems truly passionate about his work--both motivated and energetic and his results seem very natural.

SO...about me. I am 47 years old, 5'6", and Mom to twin boys (age 12), who were full-term and delivered via c-section (my preference). They weighed 14 pounds total, and I gained 62 pounds in my pregnancy. I always carried my weight in my belly but after having twins, it has never looked the same! Plenty of fat, loose skin, and my previously cute belly button is simply a "line" now and shows no sign of having ever been circular. For years, I just thought this was something that I had to live with--a war zone representing the birth of my healthy full-term babies. I don't know exactly what it was that triggered me to look into this, but decided in Dec 2015 to start looking for a surgeon and see if I might want to "go for it". After seeing so many impressive before and after pics on this site, I was SOLD. I am taking some time off from my career right now, and want to go back in Jan, so it's a good time for me to get this done. I'm not crazy about being swollen in the summer, but here in NC it's miserable in August, so I might as well be cooped up in the AC all month, right? My kids start middle school 3 weeks after surgery, so hopefully I will be feeling good enough to manage the transition. And if not, I will be able to rest during the daytime when they return to school.

With just over 3 weeks to go, I was hoping to have lost more weight than I have, but that will not deter me from moving forward. My goal is to "clean up the loose skin" and be flatter and I intend to continue to eat well and exercise after surgery (when able) so this is just a step in my journey to get back to a healthier, more attractive body. I have been eating well and exercising A LOT, with some weight loss success but it has been MUCH slower and much more difficult than it ever was in the past!! I developed Type 1 diabetes as an adult (yes--not just kids get it--I was 45!) so insulin, which is a fat storage hormone, has made it difficult to lose weight, but I have been exercising and am in the best cardiovascular shape I have been in a while, and my HbA1C is 5.4%--which is excellent. So, all this to say that I have been working hard to get ready for this surgery and cannot believe how fast the time has gone!

I'm grateful to those who have chronicled their journey here, making it less mysterious to the rest of us, and I hope to blog here as much as I can, so hopefully it benefits others and helps illustrate another trip to the flat side.

OK, that's it for now...will work on posting BEFORE pictures but it won't be easy (ugh)...

Penka1's provider

Jeremy Pyle, MD

Jeremy Pyle, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Penka1

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Replies (29)

July 17, 2016
Hello, I also am a mother of twins, and am scheduled for a TT in early August. I have been reading up a lot about the surgery and possible complications, so right now just dealing with alot of anxiety and a bit of fear over having this procedure done. I thought this through for a good couple years before making the final move to decide to have surgery, bc I have worked hard to get physically fit, yet no diet or abdomen exercise could minimize the loose skin around my belly area. It is horribly embarrassing, and I am tired of looking like I have a kangaroo pouch in my belly lol!... I wish you good luck on your upcoming surgery, and also welcome your feedback on any knowledge you have to advise on a speedy recovery and helping to minimize scarring.
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July 17, 2016
Thank you! Best of luck to you too. Have you read Kimmers25's posts? She has done one on Do's and Don't of TT's and this too: https://www.realself.com/files/12-Things-I-Wish-I-Knew-Before-Tummy-Tuck-Surgery.pdf

Also, there is a Forum for those having TT's in July & August, so be sure to join that and also start a review (which is how you start a blog like this one) so people can follow your journey.

As for scarring, you can search this website for ideas, but I am thinking about investing in the Embrace strips, assuming my PS is okay with them, when the time comes. I think my husband will be most "freaked out" by the long scar so am hoping to minimize it as best as I can.
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July 17, 2016
Here's the link: https://www.realself.com/forum/tummy-tuck-survival-real-life-guide
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September 22, 2016
I had my tummy tuck on sept,still swollen
July 17, 2016
Just be prepared for the long haul of a tummy tuck
July 28, 2016
So excited for you and looking forward to seeing and hearing about your experience. I have decided also to take the plunge and need to consult first but am interested in both Dr Pyle and Dr Stocker. Best of luck to you
August 5, 2016
Hope everything goes well. I also have a tummy tuck and bbl scheduled on Sept with Dr Pyle. Please keep us posted. Best of luck.
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August 12, 2016
Good for you,am doing the same thing,it takes a lot of courage to do this,I too had three csection and hate my kangaroo pouch, I can't even see my pirvite,is crazy,am having my on aug31 and am nerves,keep me posted on your surgery.good luck
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September 22, 2016
I had my surgery,still swollen and puffy,not happy
UPDATED FROM Penka1
12 days pre

The Dreaded "Before" Pictures

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Penka1
I had my pre-op appointment today and everything went well. It's starting to get really "real" and even though I am very excited, I am starting to get nervous about the pain and length of recovery. Because I am having lipo and need muscle repair, I know it will be more painful than if I was just having the straight up abdominoplasty. But, the extra time and patience will all be worth a more sculpted result (I hope). I took some "Before" pictures today. NOT FUN. But, hopefully I will look back in a few months and say, "Wow, I'm so happy that I did this!". I saw someone else wishing that they had taken before pics, so hopefully I'll be happy about them too at some point. Ugh.

Replies (4)

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July 26, 2016
I am having surgery on the exact same day! Also doing muscle repair and TT. Let's keep in touch!!!
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July 26, 2016
Yes! Do you check in the July/August tummy tuck forum sometimes? I hope more people start a review--I like seeing the pics and reading about their progress.
August 12, 2016
I hope all went well. You are still in what i called the 'walk like a 90 year old prostitute' stage. Hang in there, it will get better. My hubby was my best helper with my drains and helping me to get up and move/walk around and give me my daily shots. Week three was hardest for me. Be prepared to go through the 'what have i done to myself' phase. Once you hit 4 weeks, you will be feeling much better. I took two weeks off work and came back my 3rd week and only worked 1/2 days. your younger than me though, so you may recover faster. I had mine done on 6/3/2016 and I'm at the 9 week stage now. i could not be happier. i feel and look better than i ever dreamed. i am 55 years old and previously had 3 C-sections. best wishes.
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August 12, 2016
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I totally feel like a 90-year old woman when I walk! I try and buzz around all bent over; I'm sure it's amusing to watch. I had a moment today where I was like "I'm sad, bored, lonely and hot--can you come sit in bed with me". I knew it would be like this, but even when you know it's coming, it's still hard. I want to progress faster than I am, but am also reminding myself that it's good that I am getting by each day with no scary complications. Patience patience patience. Thanks again for the reminder that it will get better...
UPDATED FROM Penka1
3 days pre

3 More Days! Done with my To Do List.

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Penka1
It feels like this countdown has been going on forever (decided to do this in Jan 2016), and now it's just a few days away! Ahhhh! I'm mostly excited and a little nervous. I have been keeping myself busy and exercising a lot (gotta love those endorphins) and that is helping with the nerves. But, as so many others have said, all kinds of emotions come and go. I am a planner by nature so have enjoyed the planning of everything, but am just so ready to get this done. And then begins the hard part--recovery! Ha! Here are some things that I've done to prepare. Certainly, others prepare more or less, but this is how I roll.

-Rented walker & lift recliner for my downstairs so I can hang easily with family when I feel like it
-Set up recovery table near my bed with laptop, charger, magazines, TV remote, meds, medication checklist (so husband knows what to give me when and to keep track of it all); pillows; tray table.
-Made lists of how husband and kids can help around the house (a girl can dream!)
-Made list for husband of what to feed me and his "nursing responsibilities" (he will love this, ha!)
-I'm an adult-onset Type 1 diabetic (it's not just kids who get it) so have spent considerable time writing up instructions on how to mange blood sugar during surgery (hopefully I will be stable and anesthetist won't even need)
-Make a few meals and froze them for the family so dinner is easier for husband a few nights next week
-Bought all my supplies (I'll list those out too)
-Been exercising a lot and taking pre-surgical vitamins
-Cleaned house; took care of loose ends so won't be driving me crazy when I'm laying around recovering; had carpets cleaned; washed windows (I'm a nesting fool)
-Signed kids up for camp for next 2 weeks so I don't have to take care of anyone during the day except myself :-)
-Filled medications
-Got waxed so don't need to look at hairy legs during recovery
-Had pre-op appt with PCP (did routine tests) and pre-op appt with surgeon; paid the bill!
-Changed my CGM and insulin pump (diabetes-specific)
-Printed out list of emotions that TT'ers go through afterward to help as a reminder when I'm going through them
-Took my "BEFORE" pictures 2 weeks in advance
-Still to do this weekend: Go grocery shopping, get a pedicure, make breakfast foods so kids can reheat them before camp next week; start stool softeners; start Arnica; water plants; take my final pre-op measurements and weight.

Replies (15)

August 6, 2016
Get a cheap plastic or outdoor chair to put in your shower.
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August 6, 2016
You're so prepared! I'm at our lake cabin this weekend relaxing and keeping my mind off of the fact that I go in on Monday for my procedure!
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August 8, 2016
That sounds lovely Jess! I hope you had a great time!
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August 7, 2016
HOLY COW! You are so on it girl! I'll be getting a tummy tuck the same day:) I on the other hand am doing all the getting ready tomorrow :/ I will be following your updates! and GOOD LUCK!!
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August 8, 2016
Thank you!
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August 8, 2016
Good tip. We have a built-in seat so I think that will work.
August 8, 2016
Good Luck today! I have triplets that will be 7 in September; I had a TT with lipo on July 26 and recovery well from it! Keep in touch with me - I'll be thinking about you!