Tummy Tuck (Skin Only) on Athletic Woman Following Weight Loss - Reno, NV

Hi Ladies.....
I wanted to share my experience as I encountered very little in terms of Skin Only Tummy Tuck surgeries while doing my research. I'm 43 years old, no children. After years of being overweight, I have lost approx 50lbs with the aid of a Nutritionist and Crossfit. I'm easily in the best shape of my life, and the happiest I've ever been (seriously), but was left with a lot of loose skin in my abdomen as a result of the weight loss. Let's face it gals.....when you make the commitment to eat clean and get in shape, you want to see the results of your hard work....ALL the results! :) for me, that was getting rid of the excess skin hiding my Abs. I have no expectations of ever being a swimsuit model, but do want to see the Ab muscles I know are "lurking" under all that skin!! I had my initial consultation with Dr Virden in Late May and my surgery was today. The total cost was $5200 (that included Dr fees, Anesthesiologist, and Operating Room costs). The procedure itself took less than 2hrs. As I write this review, I'm resting comfortably in my bed, propped up with several pillows. The pain is (for me) quite tolerable....on a scale of 1-10, I give it a 3. I do have a pretty high pain tolerance, but would describe it as more of an overall soreness vs actual pain at this point. Since I only had skin removal vs a full Tummy Tuck procedure....this is completely normal from my understanding. I have included 3 photos of my stomach skin taken 1 day prior to surgery.

Doing good so far today. I am able to get around by myself, go to the bathroom, etc.... The pain isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. I'm sure it is because it was a "skin only" procedure. I had my PO this morning and everything looked good. I bled very little during surgery, so did not need to have drain tubes put in (bonus!!). Tummy is swollen right now, but looks so much better. Dr Virden has told me to either lay flat or stand during the few days....no sitting. He says that when you sit, it's natural for wrinkles to form and at this point what we are trying to encourage is for the tummy skin to stay taught and adhere down nicely into it's "new" place. I've been drinking lots of water and Aloe Vera juice to help speed the healing process along. I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow....just too lazy to remove binder this evening.

Feeling really good today. I am down to taking my pain meds every 8-9 hrs (vs every 4hrs the day I came home and day after). I was able to shower today, which also made me feel that much better. Something about getting clean, just helps so much. I took my pictures pre-shower, so there is still a little dried blood, which came off in the shower. I changed out my adhesive tape as well. No sign of pus or infection which is good news. Also, very little bruising so far, which is an added bonus. I am forcing myself to stay in bed and relax although I do get up to go to the bathroom and walk around every couple hours. This is the hardest part....I feel like I should be doing something, so it's hard to just lay here. I was able to poop this morning with very little effort, so that also has me feeling good. I was/am taking Swiss Kriss Natural Herbal Laxative tablets just so I didn't become constipated!! I'm drinking a ton of water (approx 1 gallon/day) which may seem like a lot, but I feel is really helping with my healing process....even if it does involve a lot of trips to the bathroom. I am also continuing to take approx 1000mg's of Vitamin C each day (500mgs twice once in the AM and again in the PM), as well as Arnica tablets (taken orally) and Aloe Vera juice mixed in with my water. I've only had my binder off for a short time when I took my pictures and showered. I actually feel better with it on....more security. At my 2nd PO next week, I will probably transition into a Spanx-type garment, but for now the binder is doing the trick. I should mention that I have very little feeling around my belly button. Doc says this is completely normal following surgery, and it will gradually return over the next couple months. For now tho, it's feels a bit creepy when I clean the area and cannot feel what I'm doing.