TT on March 22, 2013 So Worth It - Schenectady, NY

My tummy problems began when I was 22 days old, in 1950. No that is not a misprint.I was born two months premature. At 20 days I began projectile vomiting. After a couple of days a diagnosis was made, pyloric stenosis. Surgery was performed. That surgery left my midsection a mess. As a child and teen I was cursed with a huge vertical scar surrounded by bulging flesh. Nothing like being a teen and wearing a long line bra. Body issues were definitely present.

My first reconstructive surgery to repair multiple hernias was in 1970. There were other hernia surgeries in 1982, 2000, 2005, and 2007. After the surgery in 2007 I was left with a huge bulge on the upper left quadrant of my ab region. 3 different docs told me I did not have another hernia. Finally, as I was shopping for a gown for my daughter's up-coming wedding, I was becoming more and more discouraged. Dresses in my usual size were not fitting.

In frustration, I went to Dr. Barach (ps). He made an appt with a surgeon. They both felt I had another hernia. So on March 22 the surgeon took care of a hernia and a wall tear next to it and Dr. B took care of the tummy tuck. I am so thrilled. The first time I saw my middle, 5 days po, I cried. I never thought my middle could look this way...I look great with my drains and swelling.

Based on the stories shared by others here, I can only imagine what I will look like 6 months from now. I have been seen by my ps two times since returning home and have another appt this afternoon. Keeping my fingers crossed that the drains will be removed. Thank you to everyone who reports here.

This website has been very useful and comforting. I am looking forward to returning to the gym and am continuing to eat healthy....well...Easter doesn't count...Does it?Have a great day! PS...Insurance covered the hernia portion of surgery but not the plastic surgeon's bill. The use of the OR was also prorated, and we had to pay @ $875 for that.

I am now 13 days po. On day 10 my drains were removed. Today, PS removed stitches from my bb; not a comfortable experience. PS was surprised that I had feeling so soon po. I hadn't taken my own before pics. I asked for a set, which they gave me. Now I have to figure out how to scan them onto my computer so I can post them. What a difference! My pre op size 6 jeans fit with no muffin top. Yay! I bought Assets (Target) Spanx to begin wearing today, but the high waisted shorts kept rolling down. I am short waisted. Luckily, I have a one piece Spanx type garment. That seems better, plus there are snaps in the crotch. I may still wear the CG at night. I am only taking 1 hydrocodone at bedtime. It's about 5:15 p.m. now, and I haven't taken Motrin or Tylenol today. I have begun to walk slowly outside. PS reminded me that my walking should not resemble exercise, when I complained that it took 15 minutes to walk about 1/4 mile. PS said I shouldn't even consider using a treadmill for a 6 weeks. I was in the gym 5 days a week prior to surgery. Due to issues that make me easily develop hernias and tears, I can't do CORE exercises. I want to thank all the flat side members who share here.

I am dpo 15. A friend of mine visited this morning. I showed her my before pics and then unveiled the new me. She cried for me because she was so happy for me. I never had shown her my torso before. She was truly overwhelmed by the difference.