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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

42 Yr Tummy Tuck, Lipo on Flanks and Hips - San Diego, CA

ORIGINAL POST

After having a hysterectomy, bladder lift and...

SmilnshellNovember 7, 2014
$12,000
After having a hysterectomy, bladder lift and anterior lumbar fusion, my stomach is one big mess! I'm not skinny (5'8 183lbs) . My sagging stomach is actually making my back pain worse. I'm not looking to do this to be a model, but to feel a weight lifted on my front side to help with the back pain. I'm scheduled for next week and am ecstatic! I've been reading all the tips and am making a list of what I need before hand. If you have any suggestions please feel free to post away !

Smilnshell's provider

Johan E. Brahme, MD

Johan E. Brahme, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (31)

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Matea2
November 8, 2014
Thank you for sharing! I had a big overhang in the front. I have had a lot of sacroiliac joint pain off and on. I have noticed since my muscle repair my posture has improved, I can even tell 3 weeks postop. Also, lots of TT sisters have a lot of back pain and I have had none since surgery, even when my meds wear off. 5 pounds were removed from my lower abs. I hope you will finally feel good. My mom has had your same surgeries and is still in so much pain. If she could afford this surgery, I really think it would help her. I hope you do well walking hunched for a bit. Time passes quickly after surgery though. Please update us. I think your story is needed here and will inspire others with similar conditions to what you have endured. Take care!
Smilnshell
November 8, 2014
Thanks Matea2! It's nice to have people to talk to about it since I really don't feel like announcing it right now to all my friends. Luckily, i do have 3 close friends who had it done on the pas few years. I really love this forum and will keep everyone posted!
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Sallyf
November 8, 2014
Good luck for the 12th. I can understand how excited you are. Us women get stuck with these awful body's . I waited 32 years for mine lol x
Smilnshell
November 8, 2014
Thanks Sally!
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Lesh1953
November 8, 2014
Hi & welcome...the first thing i'm going to suggest is that you start taking a stool softener...trust me you will be happy that you did. The first few days are the hardest because getting in & out of bed is difficult. You may want to rent a hospital bed I wish I had. Otherwise you should get 2 contour pillows. One for behind your head and one for under your knees. A toilet lift from Walmart can really help when you need to use the toilet. Make sure you pick up all your meds and bring them all with you when you go for your surgery. You'll need someone to take you home and stay with you for the first couple of days & nights. Buy all the groceries you'll need for 2 weeks. I had soup for the first couple of days. Yogurt was also my go to food. Because you'll be on pain killers you must continue to take the stool softener. I used Colace b/c it is gentle and doesn't cause cramping. Get your hair done the day b/f. I also went for a mani & pedi (french on my nails) Take comfy stretchy pants & loose T shirt and since you're in San Diego all you need are flip flops. You are going to be soooo happy! I'm only 10 days post op and feeling so much better and i'm so happy with my tummy. I was so glad to get rid of all that flab forever! If you have any questions just ask away... now go take that stool softener! lol
Smilnshell
November 8, 2014
Moveebuff, thanks for the advice. I was thinking of taking the drink to clean out my system like you do when you have a colonoscopy. What do you think?
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Lesh1953
November 8, 2014
You don't need anything that strong...no one is going to put a camera up there...haha That would be overkill....ask your surgeon or your pharmacist what they recommend. Avoid the steaks until after the surgery....or anything else that takes a long time to digest... Soup, pasta, salads, veggies...all good. Oh and you have to stop taking any herbal remedies that you might be on.... Cheers!
Smilnshell
November 8, 2014
No herbal remedies so I'm good! :) WhAt else did you eat the week following? I need to go grocery shopping.
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Lesh1953
November 9, 2014
For the 1st couple of days I only wanted yogurt & soup ... I bought Arthur's smoothies Pom juice Breakfast I have 1 soft boiled egg on rye toast (whole grain etc.) snack: greek yogurt with blueberries & sliced strawberry Lunch: soup with a couple of crackers sliced up apples tall glass of water Snack: carrots & hummus Dinner: salad with tomatoes, avocados, red peppers, purple onion, cucumber, slivered almonds...with olive oil & balsamic vinegar dressing...no salt (ground pepper) Water..lot's of water
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Matea2
November 9, 2014
I used Miralax with OJ for two days prior to surgery. The day before surgery I was so emotional I didn't eat until about 8 PM! I had no bm probe. I take Miralax every day. My son had to do that for a long time or he would get really plugged up. His pediatrician advised it is gentle enough to use daily. No cramps, no diarrhea. Good stuff!
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Matea2
November 9, 2014
I had yogurt, bananas, soup , crackers and protein shakes with pineapple and blueberries as my main food for about a week. The muscle repair made me full fast. I think the meds killed my appetite too. The protein shakes were a lifesaver.
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Lesh1953
November 9, 2014
Yup all sounds good....I was the same. Didn't have much of an appetite because of the meds.
Smilnshell
November 9, 2014
I'm putting a mini frig next to my bed so I don't have to bother everyone all of the time in case I need a drink or yogurt :)
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Lesh1953
November 9, 2014
That's a great idea however you will still strain to get to the fridge. Let others get things for you for the first 3 days no matter what. Why risk hurting yourself. It may seem like nothing to get out of bed but just wait until you do it the first time then you'll know what i'm talking about. The only time you should be getting out of bed the first day is to go to the bathroom. Second day walk hunched over around the living room the back to bed. Day three a little more walking hunched over. Don't forget you'll also be on a strong pain killer like Oxy or Percocet so you will be a little unsteady so you should not even walk alone for the first day or 2......
Smilnshell
November 9, 2014
Thanks for the tips! The frig is mainly so my step kids don't eat all my little snacks like yogurt and protein shakes.
hw2700
November 9, 2014
I'm having TT nov 20 and plan on having protein shakes too. You seem to be doing great. Looking forward to your after pics.
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Lesh1953
November 9, 2014
Hi Jodekry...I'm doing really great. My only problem is my pubic mound which is really swollen like an orange. It doesn't hurt at all but still it's a concern. I'm following my dr. orders to a T and not taking any chances. I'm so happy with my new flat belly. When I look in the mirror I can't even believe it's me. After lugging that horrible blob of a stomach for 27 ...trying to hide it with spanx and being super uncomfortable I can honestly say that this is the best thing that I've ever done for myself. 27 years have been dedicated to my family....not it's my turn. LOL
Smilnshell
November 9, 2014
I live this site! You guys are all the best and yes, I'll be posting pics throughout my recovery. I'm so excited to have a cute belly button lol
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DMBdrmgrl67
November 13, 2014
This is so incredibly helpful!! I haven't even seen a PS yet! But I'm making a list because of you moveebuff! Thank you!
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Joining the club
November 8, 2014
Ur magical day is almost here!!! Good luck!!
UPDATED FROM Smilnshell
1 day pre

Surgery Tomorrow!

SmilnshellNovember 11, 2014
I can't believe tomorrow is the day! I ran around picking up everything I needed yesterday. Today is laundry day and disinfecting everything. Just trying to keep myself busy so I don't start overthinking the surgery.

Replies (18)

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Lesh1953
November 11, 2014
Keeping busy is good. Have you started taking a stool softener? Trust me b/c the last thing you'll want is to have to push b/c you can't have a bowel movement....ouch! Wishing you all the best & see you on the flat side! I'm 12 days post surgery and every day is better and better. Pls. feel free to contact me if you need any suggestions on how to make the post surgery as painless as possible....other than using the meds... This will change your life...for the better!
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Poppie04
November 12, 2014
I listened to you and have started stool softners since yesterday. My surgery was changed from Friday to Thursday. I am scared but I am going to do it. I did take before pictures but have so much to do yet so will try to post them tomorrow or it will have to be after the surgery.
Smilnshell
November 12, 2014
I actually took a bottle of the saline to clean out my system today, but have stool softness too. I'm having a slim fast for dinner so I dint have to digest anything. In exactly 14 hours I will be checking in, starting to get a little nervous. Going to take sleep neds tonight so I don't get insomnia.
NADYNEEDAMAKEOVER
November 12, 2014
awwww, everything will be ok!!!
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Lesh1953
November 12, 2014
It's funny but I'm actually excited for you! Go for it girl....good thing you started those stool softeners early..lol Can't wait to see your pic! I actually did some errands today and it felt so good to get out. I was getting cabin fever....Now I have an ice pack between my leg....oh well it was worth it. Good Luck.... :-)
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Lesh1953
November 12, 2014
Have a good night's sleep...zzzzzz In less than 24 hours you are going to come out on the flat side and it's all great.... I hope that you are as happy as I am right now. Take good care of yourself...
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Poppie04
November 12, 2014
how long since you been out? I am thinking about buying some glycerin suppositories just in case tommorow. I have so much left to do and getting my permanent bridge in as well.........gonnna be a busy day
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Lesh1953
November 12, 2014
Had my surgery on Oct. 29th. I've taken walks around the corner, played with my dog in the back yard but yesterday was the first time behind the wheel and socializing with friends. :-)
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mizz kitty
November 11, 2014
So happy for u:-)
UPDATED FROM Smilnshell
Day of treatment

No turning back...

SmilnshellNovember 12, 2014
It's the morning of my surgery. Of course, I woke up at 4:45. I've done my iodine scrubbing, took my shower and now have an hour to kill before going. Why couldn't I have slept in?!! UGH! Lol My check in time is at 7:15. I'll see everyone on the flat side!!!

Replies (1)

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Lesh1953
November 12, 2014
Think of you!....All the best...be happy! :-)
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