POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
No Kids, No Weight Loss Drainless Tummy TT- 9 months later
ORIGINAL POST
Ever since I can remember, I have had a big belly...
8806anonOctober 10, 2015
WORTH IT$8,500
Ever since I can remember, I have had a big belly (I also have big boobs, but that is a whole other issue that I will one day deal with too- this first). I have been fat, I've been thin, the belly is constant. I'm 5'6 and I can remember at one point, being 115 lbs with a 35" waist. The most I have ever weighed is 185ish but I've pretty consistently been in the 130's for the last decade.
About 5 years ago, I had lipo of the abs, hips & flanks. It made an enormous difference- my clothes fit better, I no longer had an entire spare tire and they removed about 3.5 liters of fat from my 135 lb frame. At the time, my surgeon told me I was a better candidate for a fully tummy tuck and that lipo would make a big difference but I'd still have muffin top and I'd not be wearing a bathing suit because I'd probably have some sagging skin. Ultimately I decided to go for lipo alone because on paper I should bounce back (no kids, not a lot of stretch marks); because I had recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and didn't know how my body would react to surgery and because frankly, at 30, I couldn't say for absolute certain that I didn't want to have kids in the future. I have no doubt that this was the right decision at the time, and I don't want to diminish how pleased I was with the improvement.
Fast forward to 2015, the belly still bothers me- I'm a perfectionist, I can't deal with looking like this. Its not nearly as bad as it once was, but you know people still think I'm pregnant or a mom. One time I was with friends at a bar and a man asked me why I wasn't home with my kids- I said I don't have kids and he said "then how did you get that belly?"
I've decided to share my story in case it can help someone else. I certainly am thankful for the ladies who have shared their journeys and I'm always looking for someone who was just...born this way :-)
So why now? I'm not getting any younger and it seems like the procedure is maybe getting a little easier, and a little less scary to recover from. I guess I just want to know what it's like to be "normal" looking.
I'm reaching out to doctors in the NC area to schedule consults and hopefully a surgery. Would love to hear from anyone who has been through it around here.
About 5 years ago, I had lipo of the abs, hips & flanks. It made an enormous difference- my clothes fit better, I no longer had an entire spare tire and they removed about 3.5 liters of fat from my 135 lb frame. At the time, my surgeon told me I was a better candidate for a fully tummy tuck and that lipo would make a big difference but I'd still have muffin top and I'd not be wearing a bathing suit because I'd probably have some sagging skin. Ultimately I decided to go for lipo alone because on paper I should bounce back (no kids, not a lot of stretch marks); because I had recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and didn't know how my body would react to surgery and because frankly, at 30, I couldn't say for absolute certain that I didn't want to have kids in the future. I have no doubt that this was the right decision at the time, and I don't want to diminish how pleased I was with the improvement.
Fast forward to 2015, the belly still bothers me- I'm a perfectionist, I can't deal with looking like this. Its not nearly as bad as it once was, but you know people still think I'm pregnant or a mom. One time I was with friends at a bar and a man asked me why I wasn't home with my kids- I said I don't have kids and he said "then how did you get that belly?"
I've decided to share my story in case it can help someone else. I certainly am thankful for the ladies who have shared their journeys and I'm always looking for someone who was just...born this way :-)
So why now? I'm not getting any younger and it seems like the procedure is maybe getting a little easier, and a little less scary to recover from. I guess I just want to know what it's like to be "normal" looking.
I'm reaching out to doctors in the NC area to schedule consults and hopefully a surgery. Would love to hear from anyone who has been through it around here.
Replies (14)
December 7, 2015
Did you decide to go with Dr. Pyle? I am having surgery with him on Dec 23! Scared to death!
February 14, 2016
I too was "born this way". Had a pot belly as a child n the weight issues continued for years.
Am Day 4 PO now n although feeling tired most of the time lm glad I got it done.
Great to read that ur pre flat story is a little similar to mine.
Hope u r healing well n enjoying being past the surgery.
February 14, 2016
You will be so happy- I was looking at my day 2-3 pictures where I was like- this is great, but it really does get better. And those first few days...and weeks...it will seem to drag, but before you know it, you will be 8 weeks out and back to normal. Looking back, it went by quick!
October 1, 2016
How are you feeling? My surgery is in 3 weeks.... super nervous, but sick of the belly I have had since the beginning.
October 1, 2016
Hey AeronLiz. Am feeling great. It's been months since my surgery and have never regretted it. Go for it! With good support I'm sure you'll be loving the final result.
February 14, 2016
I'm 49, never had kids. I always had a little pot belly and muffin top and hated it it wasn't firm fat either so when I had lipo about 13 years ago I looked better in clothes but I still had loose skin which makes me self concious during "intimate moments" and I feel grossed out and demoralized when I look down at it hanging there when exercising...sigh. My body shape is similar to yours, I'm 5'7 and about 127 give or take the same 5 pounds I tend to gain or lose depending on hormones... Or anxiety. Looking forward to my tummy tuck and breast lift in march! Thanks for posting your experience and photos, you look great, really nicely porpotioned.
February 14, 2016
You are going to be so happy...I too did the lipo and oddly- I know they say it doesn't grow back if you don't gain weight- I feel like my stomach did grow back a bit - and with the the loose skin, it was not pretty. I was really happy at the time, but looking back now- and with the advances in technology- I probably wish I had done this sooner. I haven't really ever dated- I'm sure it was fear of someone having to see the mess that kept me from it so I know what you mean about 'intimate moments"- I just never got there :-) Best to you and let me know if you need anything!
February 14, 2016
Wish I could think of a clever comeback for "how did you get that belly?" but there is no reason to ----what an ignorant idiot!!
February 14, 2016
There was no come back, sadly :-( I will say part of me thought "is this what other people don't have the stones to say?" Anyways- he was not the catalyst. But I would like to see him now. HAHA.
February 15, 2016
I've scheduled mine for 3/9 tt breast lift muscle repair, lipo on flanks. I'm 62.
UPDATED FROM 8806anon
2 months pre
Set the date!
8806anonOctober 31, 2015
Booked my surgery for 12/11/15. I would actually really just like to do it tomorrow so that I don't have time to agonize for it, but since I live alone this requires coordinating someone to come stay with me for a few days. I was originally thinking I could just take a cab home.
Cannot wait. Procedure will be drainless with exparel. One thing I could use advice on is pain meds: Whenever I've had minor surgery in the past (oral surgery, lipo) I've managed pain without prescribed meds because they make me sick. Am I crazy to think I can do this again?
Cannot wait. Procedure will be drainless with exparel. One thing I could use advice on is pain meds: Whenever I've had minor surgery in the past (oral surgery, lipo) I've managed pain without prescribed meds because they make me sick. Am I crazy to think I can do this again?
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM 8806anon
6 days pre
Pre-Op complete...last Friday with a belly
8806anonDecember 5, 2015
I hate my preop today for surgery on the morning of 12/11. I have all of my logistics in order: help for first 3 days (its just me so no kids or others to worry about); prescriptions filled and supplies. I'd like to fly home for Christmas on the 23rd and Doctor has cleared me to fly if I feel up to it. I was given an antiseptic wash, arnica, nausea & pain meds for the surgery. Preop weight is 137.8.
Welcome to the community, I am happy that you joined us. Take a look at this link to the Raleigh Doctors who participate on RealSelf. From here you will be able to research the doctors as well as read patient reviews. Try to set up at least 3 consults before making any final decisions on a doctor.