My Tummy Tuck Story - Ramsey, NJ
So I'm 40 years old and have 2 children ages...
So I'm 40 years old and have 2 children ages 19 & 16. Within the last 3 years, I lost 60lbs on Weight Watchers, became a lifetime member and at 140, I still had a skin apron and a protruding top belly. I felt that all my hard work didn't pay off. So, I have been struggling to maintain the weight I lost. However, it has been hard 30 lbs heavier and 3 years later, I decided to do something about it. Last year I had gotten a carecredit card for Lasik procedure and realized I could actually get a tummy tuck.
So a few months ago, I started researching. I went to 4 consultation meetings, and when I went to my PS I felt like I had found the one. I looked into my doctor because he was recommended by carecredit. I checked out his website and was impressed that he had been on 20/20 and the View and had lots of pictures on his website.
At my consultation, we sat down and spoke, but he just didn't talk to me, he examined my body. He pushed and pulled skin and explained what would I would look like. He explained where my scar would be and what it would look like. He took pictures. I had a tummy tuck, with muscle repair and lip of the hips.
I met with the patient coordinator and set the date. It was important to me to have the procedure right at the end of June because I am a teacher and wanted the summer to heal.
I came back 2 weeks after (it was also 2 weeks before my date) and paid the balance and met with the doctor again. He answered my questions in regards to lipo of the hip area. He showed my pictures of other patients that had similiar bodies to me.
Pros
very detailed doctor
attentive staff-emails, phone calls, etc..
1 night stay at a wellness center
Even though my PS explained that he will see me the next day, 6 weeks, 3 mos, 6 mos and a year. When I called about a concern the had me come in right away.
Con
New Jersey (30 mins. away from where I live)
Iteachtoo's provider
4 weeks post op today. I'm feeling good except...
:) my doc removed 7 lbs of skin and I've lost another 7....so 14 lbs in 4 weeks. Yay!
My ps also doesnt want me to put anything on the scar for 6 weeks. He also does a different kind of stitch than what many of you ladies have. However its beginning to flatten out. Ive also have had some superficial skin separation on the corner of my pubic hairline. My doc says its because thats where the most tension is. It is scabbing now. My doc says that means that that little area's scar when healed will be 1/4 of a cm. Thicker than the rest of my scar. He said the could revise it but we have to wait. Also, i am still stuffing my bb with gauze 3 times a day till the end of this week.
My lipo bruises for the most part have gone away or have turned grey. The areas dont hurt only when i touch it. I havent had any stinging. Still have some lumps which are areas of scar tissue that need to heal. They are not visible but when i touch them (2) i feel them.
Mentally, ive been ok-aside from the one day before my period but thats it :) i still have no regrets. I didnt realize how long the healing would be and what it entailed (even though we're told) but it's still worth it .
I have been a pain in the butt calling, emailing and making extra appts. But i feel that i want to make sure everything is healing the way its supposed to be healing. I have another appt tomorrow.
Mentall
Havent worn any type of compression garment-ps prefers i dont, and i dont think i could deal with more tightness.
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Sorry for typos and spacing...typing on my ipod is...
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How are you feeling? What can i look fwd to next week ;)
Def not regretting
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Good for you for doing your homework. You deserved this and I'm glad you were able to do it! Thanks so much for sharing here on RealSelf!
Wow you look amazing. And congratulations on the weight loss:)
Cataco, no complaints so far. I mean my ps does things a bit differently so i feel a little alone no binder, different kind of stitching/scar, no ointments or scar therapy until after the 6 week visit, but i still have found comfort in this blog. :)
You look great! I can't wait to get this recovery behind me!
Getting the drains out, is a milestone!! :) You will feel better. I know what you mean about this looooong recovery process.