5 weeks post op. Couple new pics
Where to begin. I have been devouring all your...
Where to begin. I have been devouring all your stories for the last two weeks and have really appreciated reading about everyone's journey, so thought it only fair to share mine. I am always looking for the "before belly" that looks like mine to give me some sort of insight to what I will look like! Maybe my journey will resonate with someone else.
I first had a consultation for a TT in 2008. I was interested in a breast lift, augmentation and a mini TT. My plastic surgeon said I wasn't a good candidate for a mini because I had too much skin above my belly button as well. My boobs were deflated and hung to my belly button and it was a no brainer getting the lift with augmentation. I wanted small perky boobs that looked natural for my body. The TT was another story. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around such an invasive procedure to fix a problem that wasn't "that bad." I delivered all 3 of my children vaginally, so no scars. I wasn't sure I wanted to trade the skin for the scar.
At my one year check up for the lift and augmentation, we discussed the TT again. Gave it lots of thought and passed again. 10K and quite frankly, i was afraid of the surgery and recovery.
Fast forward 2 years. I have been obsessing about getting my tummy fixed for the last 6 months. I think it is actually my love handles that bother me more than anything. Maybe it is the 40th birthday, don't know. I had a consult for cool sculpting for my muffin top on my back side. She felt I would see some improvement, but not a significant amount, as there is a lot of loose skin. Soooo, made an appointment with the doc for another consultation. Same answer, full TT with a little lipo in the flank area. This time I was ready.
I'm thin, 5'6, 110lbs, but feel like a blob with my belly hanging over my jeans. My husband thinks I'm crazy to put myself through this for what may only be minimal improvement. I think that is my biggest fear. I'm going to spend 12k of hubby's hard earned money, be laid up and not able to take care of my kids and not have significant results. I trust my surgeon, he is the best. He says I'm ideal, as I do need muscle repair and have stretchy skin that he will be able to excise. He says that I won't even need a vertical scar and he can do it low. I so anxious! Living in AZ, I could live in my bathing suit. Hoping for amazing bikini bod lol.
I had my pre-op already and am paid in full. Now I just need to talk myself off the shelf and be patient for my new tummy! I will update with some before pics.
denimdiva's provider
These are my before photos. Doesn't look too bad...
Replies (5)
So, I've been calm, cool and collected....until...
I've been trying to pin point what is giving me the most anxiety, the fear of the surgery (don't think so), fear of the recovery(very possible), fear that the results will fall short of my expectations(more likely) or the stress of trying to come up with excuses as to why I'm out of commission for so long(possible). So, I don't think it is the fear of the surgery. I've had surgery before and am quite comfortable that I will be in good hands. The fear of results, hum that definitely has me worried. I gained almost 80 lbs with my first baby and in the 40's with the others with 10 lb babies to boot. I don't have one stretch mark because apparently I have very stretchy skin. Not sure if that is a blessing or a curse....My whole body is stretchy, loose skin. I guess that is where my worry of results come in. Worried I will still have the hang over in the back because of the loose skin. Recovery, well I think I may be a whimp when it comes to pain, so I'm surely anxious about that phase. Coupled with the swelling that is bound to come, I'm sure I will look worse before I look better, so I will need to be mentally strong and keep my eye on the end result. Then the white lies that ensue the whole process. I really don't want to share this journey. I actually feel vain and self absorbed doing this, but really want to do it, so I am. I don't need anyone telling me "I'm nuts, look just fine, hide it well or (my favorite) going through a mid life crisis and making me have second thoughts. But the act of covering it up and dropping off the face of the earth for who knows how long is giving me a little distress.
I'm ready for it just to be done. Once it's done, it's done and it is what it is! Reading everyone's stories is really keeping me encouraged, so keep 'em coming!
Replies (2)
Replies (1)