Tummy Tuck - Scottsdale, AZ

With a 12 pound weight loss since first photo.

I had my drain removed on Wednesday (16 days post op). And it has made such a huge difference in how I am sleeping and my pain level. I was almost embarrassed to admit that at day 16 I still felt like I needed pain meds and still struggled to sleep more than a few hours at a time during the night.
And I was really dreading having it removed. I was sure it was going to hurt. I felt slight tugging but nothing uncomfortable at all.
I slept 7hrs in a row that night!
I feel so much better, I don't know if it was the position of the drain but removing it cut my pain in half.

My doctor also removed my tape covering my incision. I forgot to update that I did not have to have a vertical incision where my old belly button was. I just have one thin line from hip to hip. And even though I have some stretch marks under my new belly button, it looks a million times better than I ever imagined!
My doctor is truly gifted and I really feel lucky to have found him on here!
A family friend or my husband generally go to my appointments with me. Both are very impressed by his knowledge and compassion. He is very professional while maintaining a high level of consideration. It's rare to meet someone that can exude both qualities and be so relatable.

I had instructions not to remove my compression garment for any length of time to prevent fluid from collecting after he removed my drain.Once I am able I will post pics soon.
During my recovery I have lost 8 pounds, mostly due to loss of appetite but my doctor did say he lipo'd a liter out! My only regret is I didn't consider having my thighs done also. But some gym time will help that and after spending the past three weeks taking it easy, getting back into running will be a welcome release!

The first three days were difficult. There was discomfort and I had a hard time sleeping due to pain. I was groggy and those three days seemed to pass by in a blur.
I spent the first two days at a hotel. Day three we checked out and went directly to my follow up. I have to admitt, I was ready to just go home. And crazy out of it because of the meds. At my check up, I remember Dr. Repta being very positive and pleasant. He looked at my drain, and incision. At one point he asked if I wanted to see my results so far. I was so groggy I hardly remember having a reaction. I think I said thank you and tried to quickly shuffle my way out the door. I was so ready to go home.
Day four was much better! I got plenty of rest and a shower. After getting out of the shower I really saw my results.... I dont even have the words to describe how ecstatic I was! I'm pretty sure there were some tears of joy! I never imagined I would have results like this. For the first time in 8 years I really looked at my body and didn't feel like it was disformed. For the first time I didn't feel embarrassed to stand in front of the mirror right out of the shower.

And every day is getting better and better.

I read on here that the meds and helplessness can make you emotional. I have been emotional but in a way I never expected. Not an hour passes that I don't tell my husband how much I love and appreciate his care and help. And I find myself looking at my family and feeling so blessed. Every day when my daughter comes home I find myself showering her with even more praise and patience than I had before. I am generally a very positive person but this experience has dramatically changed the way I feel about myself and my life.
Maybe it's the physical change and actually letting someone take care of me and relaxing. It could be all three and it feels wonderful.
While there is pain and discomfort and I did cry a little more than usual while watching the news one night, this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.
I am so thankful to have found such a gifted surgeon and to have such wonderful family.
And every day will just get better and better!