Tummy Tucks with Dr. Tattlebaum - Rockville, MD

February 20, 2013

I am 32 years old with 3 children and I'm 5' 3", 130 lbs. Check out my review. ;-)

February 20, 2013

Hi, I read your blog...what a journey! I am 46, but don't look my age so I've been told a million times...3 kids-27, 20 & 12, soon to all become a year older in April...hard to believe my kids are that old! I do know Dr. T, he did my BA in May 2012 and I too thinks he's great! A friend recommended him to me. My procedure went great and I was off pain meds by the third day (I wish I knew about this site before-would have been cool to post a day by day blog of how things went for me-how soon we forget the pain. But really, it wasn't as I thought it would be. Unfortunately I do have a capsular contraction on my left breast and want to get that fixed which really started me back on my tummy tuck thoughts I've had over the years. I'm not fat, but have rolls when I sit or when bending my baby pouch hangs/sags (you really can tell if I'm on all fours - lol...when exercising of course - lol). Anyway, I want to see if he can fix mr cap. con. through the TT and I also found out I have a hiatal hernia which I also want to see if he can fix. So that's my story...I live reading everyone's posts-would rather connect on FB-so cool to put faces with people ;) Rhanks for responding!!

February 20, 2013

Oh okay. Capsular contracture is really annoying. Sorry to hear about your capsular contracture. I got breast implants in 2006 and I also developed capsular contracture on my right side. I was seeing another PS at that time and had a revision with the same PS. He removed my scar tissue and "scored it". That usually works, or so I was told. I really don't know the odds. My breast was soft and great for about a week or two and then the contracture came back. So f'n annoying! I was about to just have the implants removed but my boyfriend encouraged me to get a second opinion. I saw yet another PS and she suggested we replace the implants with a smaller size. Thankfully that worked. My breasts are not as large as I had wanted but they are soft and look very natural. Although I breastfed three babies and now my breasts are a little saggy, I'm really unlikely to do another breast surgery unless an implant breaks on me. I just fear messing with a good enough thing and risking another contracture. Anyway, good luck to you with that. I know how emotional it can be. Also, I went back to that PS for a tummy tuck consult but she didn't have as impressive before and after pics as I wanted. So then I found Dr. T. ;-)

February 21, 2013

I was sooo disappointed I developed that cc ... go figure, always MY luck, I am in that percentage of women that develop something! Do you have saline or silicone? I have 450cc silicone, went from a 36B to a 34D/DD depending on the bra. I love them except naked or in tank tops you can notice the contracture. I hope to God whatever he does helps! I still haven't convinced my husband to let me get the TT, and it's not that he's not supportive, he just doesn't think I need it. I'm small overall and look thin, but I hate the rolls and not having a hard, flat stomach - I'm sure only women can relate to! I wear a size 5 pants, so I'm def not big-but it's frustrating, you can't exercise SKIN away. So how long now has it been since your TT and do you feel back to normal yet? Numbness, swelling still? I'm scared, but at the same time, would rather go through a week or so of pain for a different look! I had a c-section with my first, which was of course 27 1/2 years ago (don't remember if I already said that, so I know how painful it can be and a TT is a bigger cut, kind of freaks me out). Any regrets or things I should know??

February 21, 2013

Oh girl, I felt the same way. I could sure tell you stories- Like I'm cursed or something! ;-) When I got capsular contracture I thought, oh yeah great, that's what I get for trying to mess with how God made me. Then, I thought no forget that. God gave me a brain that can earn my own money and pay for my own boobs that I want! Hahaha. Anyway, I have saline implants. I have no regrets on my TT. Main things to know about- be prepared to deal with swelling for months. I'll be 4 months post op next week and my swelling is almost gone but somedays it's worse than others. Rest and eating healthy help so much.

February 21, 2013

Wow, 4 months and still swelling...great, maybe I should wait until after summer if I do it. I don't want to look bloated all the time-just how bad is the swelling? How long before you could wear jeans...and have sex? Too many things to consider. How does your scar look now after 4 months-can you inbox a pic? I was showing my husband random pics and he was not thrilled about how big a scar it is-I keep telling him it will fade like my c-section scar.

February 21, 2013

I will post new pics next week at my 4 month mark. Right now in trying to get back on track with eating healthy. We had a few birthday celebrations in my family over the past two weeks and Valentines's Day, I have been eating way too much high sugar and high salty foods. I'm up a few pounds on the scale and feeling fat. I would say, that I wore a size 6 jeans before my tummy tuck but I had a gross flabby muffin top. After my tummy tuck, I could wear my size 6 jeans after one month. I could fit into them right away but it doesn't feel good to have anything tight against your incision when it's first healing so really I was wearing stretch pants and dresses for about the first 6 weeks post op. Around 9-10 weeks I stopped wearing any compression garments and I started fitting into size 4 jeans. I'm still wearing size 4 jeans and looking good. I waited 3-4 weeks to have sex. My scar is dark red/purple in some areas and some areas is just starting to fade to pink. Also, some places along my scar are very smooth and at skin level and some places along my scar are more raised up. I think this is all normal.

February 21, 2013

Okay, sounds good. I just don't know if I decide to do this in March, if he even has space ... whether I'll be good by the end of May. We have a pool and last year opened it in late April since it warmed up pretty well by then. I love laying in the sun, floating around in the pool, it would suck if I couldn't. I meant to ask, how was it with the drains ... is that painful sticking out - how do you attach it around your body so it's not hanging. The other thing is I have a belly ring and I'm guessing he "moves" your belly button (I don't get how they do that).

February 21, 2013

Haha, well if you get a full tummy tuck you will have to get a new belly ring piercing. They cut around your belly button and cut a low incision, usually about from hip bone to hip bone, then lift up your skin, tighten your abs, then sit you up into lawn chair position and pull your skin down, cut off excess skin and stitch you back together. Also, thy cut a new hole in your tummy skin and pull your belly button through it and stitch around it. So essentially, your belly button doesn't move b/c it has a stalk that is attached to insides. The surgery is major. Are you currently wearing a bikini?? You might be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck.

February 21, 2013

I do wear a bikini, but when I sit, I also have rolls starting from above my belly button ... I think I read somewhere the mini is for if you only need the tightening below the belly button. Thanks for the explanation about the BB, I wondered how they did that. So really it's your same BB.

February 21, 2013

would love to see pics

February 21, 2013

I haven't had anything done yet ... I'm gathering info from people who have so far ;)

February 21, 2013

sorry - got it - me too :-)

February 21, 2013

When do you plan to have something done and what? I've already had a BA ... now I want the TT ;)

February 21, 2013

I want both. I have to wait until late June due to obligations and my daughter is expecting in June and I want to wait until after that. I have the week picked out and since it is so far in advance, hopefully he will be able to do it that week. I am 5'5" and weigh 135 and look fine in my clothes - can wear anything I want EXCEPT a bikini - lol I really don't want larger boobs, just fuller but of course that will look larger - I am a weak 34 B and would like to be a full 34 B and be able to wear unpadded bras and look like I do in padded bras if that makes sense. I have been so impressed by Dr. T's photos as compared to so many I have seen on here. I have seen some scary stuff. I downloaded a bunch of pics to take to my appt next week - 1 of someone I don't want to look like and a bunch of his that I love.

February 21, 2013

Go look at Wild Orchids - she looks amazing

February 22, 2013

How do I find it - I'm new to this and don't know how.

February 22, 2013

Top left corner of RealSelf has a search field. You can enter a profile name. Or you can find her review under Dr. Tattelbaum's patient reviews in RealSelf. Check her out- WildOrchids ;-) she is 5'8" or 5'9" though, so her body may be much different from yours. But her results are stunning.

February 22, 2013

There is a search bar at the top of real self you can type her name in. Or you can go to my profile and scroll down to where she has commented and click on her name

February 22, 2013

yeah tall does help :-) I would love to be that tall

February 23, 2013

Well, my consult appointment for my revision surgery and possible TT is 02/28. I'm looking forward to talking with him again and hope he has a positive outlook for me. I took pictures for him to review of my capsular contracture and tummy. I have to say I got very emotional after looking at my pictures and seeing just how bad my cc is, as it's harder to notice when I'm just looking in a mirror. I am anxious to get it fixed, but also scared of the possibility of it occurring again. I also really want the TT, as I miss my pre-pregnancy body. Some of the stories scare me with the pain and swelling, but I feel the outcome will be worth tolerating that (I generally have a high tolerance for pain anyway). Anyway, I guess I'm just feeling very down right and needed to vent :(

March 1, 2013

Tell us about your appt. I am gonna post about mine soon. Thanks

UPDATED FROM So MD mom

So those of you who have had TT's ... can you get...

So MD momMarch 9, 2013

So those of you who have had TT's ... can you get up from a laying down position or sitting position at post op day 1 or do you need help from someone? Is it more of a "pain" in that area or just "sensitivity" where the incision is?

Replies (16)

March 10, 2013

Okay, after a TT it really feels like you did about one million sit-ups. Your incision is numb for a long time. That's pain I thought I would have too b/c he cuts you right, but really b/c he undermines the skin off the facia (layer of connective tissue above abs muscles) so it's all numb until nerves reconnect which varies patient to patient and can take a few months. It will hurt to cough, sneeze, laugh for awhile (2 months). Sitting up is best performed in a log roll fashion from your back to your side and just plant your feet on the ground and use your arms to slowly stand up. Or get someone to help you. You will quickly learn what you can and can't handle and generally if you just stay put sitting/laying upright you will be just fine (2-3 weeks). It basically only hurts when you try to move. And if you get any lipo, well that feels like you got beat up with a baseball bat. It's all temporary though! ;-) Take your pain meds round the clock for the first 3-4 days and then you should be fine with extra strength Tylenol or maybe nothing depending on your pain tolerance. The hardest thing for me was after the pain mostly subsided, I didn't stand fully upright for 4 weeks. Dr. T pulls us TIGHT. It gives a beautiful final result but walking around for a few weeks a bit hunched over is no picnic and sometimes my back felt like it was going to break. It can all be overwhelming at times and I found the lack of normal routine and normal socialization also difficult. I'm a social person and usually I am a very active stay at home mom with my kids. It was probably 3 months post op before I was back to full speed with everything. And every week since, I'm feeling stronger and have more energy.

March 14, 2013

I thought I responded to this, but don't see one ... Doesn't it hurt to roll to your side? I asked him about sleeping on my side and he said I probably wouldn't want to for a while ... so I thought rolling to your side would hurt too. I don't need any lipo ... so glad about that. I am not a back sleeper, so it was hard when I had my BA last year ... I hope I don't have to sleep on my back too long for this too. I guess I need to get pillows ready for under my knees like I've read and to prop me up in the back too. I really don't sleep as well anymore since I had my BA though either because I was really a stomach sleeper ... I miss that!!

March 14, 2013

I can relate to being a stomach sleeper and not sleeping as well with large implants. I struggled with that too. I thought it was the contracture and if they were big and soft then it may have been better. Anyway, regarding rolling to your side, yes it's painful but sitting up using your stomach muscles is excruciating so you have to use your arms and legs and just do the best you can. Let others help you for as long as you need. I was able to start sleeping on my stomach again around 12 weeks. I was able to sleep on my side around 6 weeks. Everyone is different. I think the lipo to my flanks made sleeping on my side painful for so long. You might be okay sooner.

Imasweetie10

April 1, 2013

I recommend sleeping in a recliner for the first few weeks.

April 5, 2013

Surgery tomorrow - have to be there at 8:30, surgery by 10:00. All my fellow TT friends, I just ask for PRAYERS :) I'll update you as soon as I'm coherent, hopefully tomorrow afternoon/evening.

luvmyboys

April 5, 2013

You are in my thoughts and remember moms are tough cookies!

April 7, 2013

Thanks! And yes we are tough :)

Imasweetie10

April 5, 2013

I lived in hubby's oversized recliner for a good week. I was able to get up from it by myself by the evening of my surgery. Didn't even try the bed. But it was still a challenge when I tried sleeping in it at 11 days po. Good luck to you and see you on the flat side.

April 5, 2013

Thank you!

4blueorchids

April 5, 2013

In my prayers! Hugs for the morning. Can't wait to see your beautiful results!

April 5, 2013

Thanks girl-cant wait to see you! I'm on my way there now...

April 5, 2013

Just checking on you, I'm sure your resting....Give us an update when you can...

April 5, 2013

All ready...on my way to my appt...will update later...

UPDATED FROM So MD mom

Surgery Day - April 5 Woke up from surgery very...

So MD momApril 7, 2013

Surgery Day - April 5
Woke up from surgery very dizzy and nauseous, took me a while before they could get me up, I kept feeling like I was gonna fall over and/or vomit! Went to pee, but barely came out, so they sent me home with a catheter. That was a great idea, as I don't think i could have gotten up so many times to go - when I woke up the next morning the bag was filled to the top! My husband helped me remove it and I was able to go normal on my own. And my aching back, I was so stiff when I got out of bed, it was awful!

PO Day 1 - April 6
Woke up so stiff ... and today was my baby's 13th Birthday. I basically lounged all day, and my husband did a lot of cooking and baking so we could celebrate my "teenager's" birthday ;) Biggest issue is the aching back from walking hunched over ... thank goodness I have a walker that was my dad's, and a toilet seat riser with handles! The only other real pain was in my stomach, too hard to lift myself up so had to be push up by my shoulders. Woke up in the middle of the night and had to wake my husband to help me up to pee. My back hurt so bad I had to sleep the rest of the night in a sitting up position in bed with the pillows under my knees (did I ever mention, I am NOT a back sleeper, so this is extra hard for me)!!

PO Day 2 - April 7
More lounging around today, had my coffee and read the newspaper. We watched a movie and really not much else. My back again is my biggest complaint - it is so stiff and sore :( Let's hope tomorrow is better, husband is going back to work and son is done spring break and back to school. I do have a friend coming to stay with me for part of the day, so that will be great. More to come tomorrow ...

Replies (10)

April 8, 2013

So I was wondering does anyone else hear gurgling sounds in their upper stomach area?`````````

April 8, 2013

Yes sounds like a Grizzly Bear!!

Ellie13

April 8, 2013

I am post op 10 days and have vague memories from the first few days. One thing I remember fondly was wondering if they left a live animal behind inside my belly. Crazy noises and movements.

April 8, 2013

Thanks MyNewJourney and Ellie13, just wanted to know if that was normal. When does the back pain get better-I find that more unbearable than anything! And when do the muscles not hurt enough so you can lay back and get up without help-I hate relying on people :(

luvmyboys

April 9, 2013

I hear gurgling sounds in my right boob...lol. Dr T told me not to worry. I go in to see him tomorrow!

Imasweetie10

April 9, 2013

I heard the gurgling sounds a few times in mine. I've read that it's normal.

April 9, 2013

My appointment is tomorrow also what time is yours?

luvmyboys

April 9, 2013

MyNewJourney check your inbox :)