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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

54 Years Old, 5 Ft, Can’t Lose a Lb!

ORIGINAL POST

I exercise, eat very healthy. I can eat salad for...

rparker1985
$9,200
I exercise, eat very healthy. I can eat salad for lunch and dinner and still not drop a pound! been trying hard for the last 7yrs, it’s not working. I need to lose about 10-20 lbs. what bothers me the most is being uncomfortable in just about any pants. Standing up I’m ok, I sit down and all I wanna do is get my pants off! so I’m doing TT and Lipo. My concerns (in addition to all the normal ones). We have a trip planned for end of Dec. will I be feeling ok by then? It gives me 8 weeks post surgery? my arms and breasts are still big. Will I still look heavy just with a flatter tummy? I think I will be happy down the road but I’m still really scared. Do you have to sleep sitting up? How bad was the pain the first week? It sounds horrible! Any times or suggestions for me?
Thank you!!

rparker1985's provider

Walter F. Roettinger, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (3)

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October 26, 2017
As long as there are no complications, you will be feeling pretty good at 8 weeks. You will still need to limit any strenuous activity. But if it's a beach vacation you should be fine! I borrowed a lift chair and I am still sleeping in it. I am post op day 9 today. I am shocked and amazed at the difference in my tummy and how flat it is. I never thought that possible. I also felt I needed to lose 15-20 lbs prior to surgery to get the best result. I have not weighed but I do believe I have lost a few lbs just since being home and not having a huge appetite. Plus, after spending that kind of money I'm sure not gonna mess it up eating junk food anymore. Lol
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October 26, 2017
I'm 3 weeks out and slept sitting up with pillows in my bed for the 1st two weeks... then my PS said "stop! Lie flat!!" First night with just 2 pillows was a little tight but now much better. Can't sleep on my side yet. As for your trip can't say ... it's going to depend on your healing and everyone is different! For me just taking a 30" cab ride to my PS's office makes my stomach all hard and I get spasms .. and again I'm 3 weeks out. I went out to a grocery store 7 minutes away from me and even that was an effort !
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November 3, 2017
Hello! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! What kind of trip do you have planned? If it’s something relaxing you will be ok. If it’s a ski trip or something very active you may not be able to tolerate that. The first couple days were painful, but each day it subsides and gets better. You will not be feeling “normal” or great for a couple weeks, but you will eventually get there! All of your thoughts and worries are completely normal! You can do this! Good luck!
UPDATED FROM rparker1985
11 days pre

Everything’s puffed up and slidin south!

rparker1985
I used to maintain a healthy weight very easily. Was always pretty thin. Then I turned 48 and everything started getting bigger and sliding south! I’m so uncomfortable in “normal” pants. Can’t wait to add my after photos!!!

Replies (4)

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November 3, 2017
Once that skin is removed, a flat curvy shape will be revealed! You’re going to look great!
November 17, 2017
Not seeing it yet! Can't wait!!
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November 17, 2017
Hang in there! I just saw your update and your still pretty swollen. In a couple weeks you’ll start to see major differences! I started to look super flat around week 6 or 7. It’s a long journey, but totally worth it :)
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November 7, 2017
is today the big day?
UPDATED FROM rparker1985
8 days post

1 week post-op

rparker1985
Pain is much better but area around the incision is irritated and extremely itchy. I'm SO bloated! I feel like I swallowed a watermelon. I also have bronchitis. The cough is not helpful!

Replies (17)

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November 15, 2017
I bet coughing is hard! I was able to fight off my sneezes until week 5! Yes you are swelling... as you know Normal... and as you know, I haven't unswelled yet and I'm At week 6! I didn't have itchiness but it might be from the stitches drying and thus your skin contracts.... ? Hang in there !
November 16, 2017
Thank you! Evwn though i know the swelling is normal I'm still having a hard time not worrying that this will get better! The pics of other people really help! 'm glad the pain is better but I am SO uncomfortable! It's only been a week and I'm already ready for this part to be over! Do you think most start to feel more comfortable around 3-4 weeks?
November 16, 2017
You'll be fine I'm in week 3 And getting around really good, sleeping on my side and all.
November 17, 2017
Had swelling gone done a lot?
November 16, 2017
Hang in girl!! It will get better...you need time to heal...First few weeks are the hardest and what you see now is not how it will look in a couple of months...I know it can be hard doing almost nothing in these first few weeks...it will all b worth it....I think the weight gain is called menopause..lol....the same thing happened to me at 46...this to will get better!! I'm 60 in a couple of months and look better than I did when I was 50!!! Your going to look great...looking forward to seeing your progress...take care and take it easy on yourself!!!
November 17, 2017
I can't wait to start seeing some results! Thank you for your incouragment! I need it!
November 18, 2017
I think I need to print out some of these comments and post above couch! It's so hard being bigger then I was prior to surgery. I keep thinking " Ahhh! I went the wrong way!" It's only been 11 days! I need to calm down!
November 18, 2017
Try not to stress. Unlike a lot of posts on here, i, too, was so swollen in my hip area from the lipo. I felt like I would never fit in my old clothes, much less a smaller size. I refused to weigh myself or try on real clothes until I had to at 13 days po to leave the house. To my surprise, my old clothes were actually too big! It DOES get better, the swelling WILL go down, you will feel a little better every day. One day at a time!
November 16, 2017
I am 8 weeks po today. I feel great and can do almost any activity I want. Believe me, the first 10 days are the worst! I thought I would never get to normal again. But you do....Day by day. I slept in bed in my back with pillows propping up my head and knees for 3 1/2 weeks! Side-sleeping was impossible due to the pain and discomfort I felt in my hips and flanks. Those areas were liposuctioned and were more painful than my incision. Like you, I have and still have to deal with swelling. However, a nice, tight compression garment will help with that. At 5 days po, my PS said I could ditch the (horrific) binder for compression. I only take it off to shower. Don't despair, you WILL feel better.
November 16, 2017
By the way, I am 57 years old, 5'3", 2 kids, and after being a size 5/6 and 120-125 pounds for years, menopause hit me 4 years ago. 35 pounds came from out of nowhere and a double-bubble (above and below my belly button) that I had never had before. I did not feel good at 160!! Since surgery, I've lost 15 pounds and continue to lose. Love my flat abs!
Keep positive and keep healing!
November 17, 2017
That is sooooo exciting!! I hope that will happen for me too! I'm 5 feet tall, 55 years old, 2 kids and I too was always a size 5/6, before surgery i was 140 lb, I'm only 10 days post-op so I am bigger then I was Fw fore surgery. Wish I could fast forward a few weeks!
November 17, 2017
When you ditched that lousy compression garmet did you go without a new one? I ordered a really nice one nut with the swelling it is a little too small. I have to return it.
November 18, 2017
My PS switched me from the binder to Spanx compression garments at 5 days po. Then I wore that day and night until 6 weeks po. Now just during the day and I go without it at night. Hang in there!
November 18, 2017
Really?!! I'd love to switch to spanx! At this point it would be better then this binder since it won't stay on! And I'm getting swelling creases in my sides where there is any clothing that's not totally smooth. I'll double check with the doc monday. Thank you! Apparently I suddenly need constant reassurance!
November 18, 2017
I remember the first two weeks seemed to drag on forever. The sooner you can get back to your normal routine, you'll be too busy to concentrate on the slow healing and the days will go much faster.
November 17, 2017
Hello again!! I hope your feeling a little better 2day!!! Hope your taking things easy!!!