POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
MaumeeMG - 12 Weeks Post-Op - Updated Review & Pics
ORIGINAL POST
I'm 40 years old, 5' 7" and 150 lbs....
WORTH IT$14,000
I'm 40 years old, 5' 7" and 150 lbs. I have 4 children ages 3, 5, 15 and 21. On January, 9, 2012 I will have a TT with lipo to flanks and muscle repair, ventral and umbilical hernia repairs, along with breast lift with slight reduction to left breast.
I had my first child at 19 and gained only 22 lbs. I easily returned to my pre-baby shape and wore a bikini the following summer. That was the last one I wore. I gained 60 lbs with my second child at age 25. I lost most of the weight but my pants and bathing suit would forever be hiked up to my belly button because anything below was u.g.l.y.
I had my older two kids at age 35 and 37. The complete compilation of the soft tissue in my body changed with these last two pregnancies. I was no longer a confident, sexy person (in my eyes). My husband often tells me it's "in my head" and that I am beautiful - and it means a lot to me - but I'm uncomfortable to be naked in front of him because of my abdominal area. I want my body back.
My plastic surgeon will not perform the hernia repairs - a general surgeon will be in the operating room and will repair them after the PS makes the cut. The PS will then finish up. I'm nervous about the recovery with both the tt and the hernia repairs. I'm nervous the hernias will recur (I am an occasionally avid exerciser :).
I am prepared for the overall recovery. I have a high tolerance for pain (I say so now - I'll let you :). And I'm prepared for the TT scar. But I'm nervous about the belly button scar, especially with the hernia repair because the blood supply needs to be cut from the umbilicus with the repair. I have high hopes of wearing a bikini next summer and if my belly button is snarky that will be a bummer. But I have to stay realistic! How does everyone feel about their new belly button?? Anyone out there that had an umbilical hernia repair at the same time?
I brought up plastic surgery before I got pregnant with my third child. My husband is supportive but apprehensive since I've never had major surgery. I've been researching and we've been saving for it for 5 years. I'll take the next two months to figure out how to prepare for the surgery (supplies, care) so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
I'm excited!!! And nervous!!! I'll post 'before' pics at some point before surgery.
MaumeeMG's provider
Replies (6)
November 10, 2011
Best of luck to you! I had my surgery on July 11th and it is the best thing I ever did for myself. I had pictures posted but took them down to put up other ones but haven't gotten around to it. I am now proud to be seen naked-I never felt that way. I did wear a bikini about 6weeks post op and felt fine about it. My belly button is healing fine and my scars are getting lighter. Even my husband who was sceptical is now very pleased that I had the surgery (I won't get into details....). Good Luck!
November 11, 2011
Thank you teachermom27! It's so good to hear your experience was great!! You were in a bikini 6 wks post-op?? I hope that is my experience, too!! How is your belly button? Had it healed (no scabs) by 6 wks? I'd love to see pics when you get a chance!
The belly button is one of the things I am concerned about (I'm prepared for the TT scars - those can be hidden). I'm having an umbilical hernia repaired at the same time and I'm worried the belly button will just look funky. I've had an outie my whole life so my new button will definitely look strange anyway!!
My husband is skeptical too - but supportive. Now that my date is set it's so real and I'm starting to get nervous (but excited!!!). :-)
The belly button is one of the things I am concerned about (I'm prepared for the TT scars - those can be hidden). I'm having an umbilical hernia repaired at the same time and I'm worried the belly button will just look funky. I've had an outie my whole life so my new button will definitely look strange anyway!!
My husband is skeptical too - but supportive. Now that my date is set it's so real and I'm starting to get nervous (but excited!!!). :-)
November 19, 2011
My belly button looks great. There is a red scar that is still fading. All of the scars are slowly getting lighter. You will not have scabs at 6 weeks at all. I don't remember dealing with scabs. The biggest pain in the neck was the swelling. You will be swollen...know that going into this. The swelling takes a while.
November 19, 2011
Thanks teachermom - very reassuring! The thought that I'll wear a bikini next summer boggles my mind!:-)
Good to know about taking it easy for the swelling. I've read reviews here where it takes some gals up to 8 weeks to see the swelling subside. My plan is to wear the binder/compression garment as long as required, try to maintain a low sodium diet, not push too hard too soon (around the house), and drink lots of fluids! I'm a big talker now, though. ;-) How long did it take for your swelling to go away so you could get a realistic look at the final result?
Good to know about taking it easy for the swelling. I've read reviews here where it takes some gals up to 8 weeks to see the swelling subside. My plan is to wear the binder/compression garment as long as required, try to maintain a low sodium diet, not push too hard too soon (around the house), and drink lots of fluids! I'm a big talker now, though. ;-) How long did it take for your swelling to go away so you could get a realistic look at the final result?
UPDATED FROM MaumeeMG
Before my last two pregnancies I at least had a "4...
Before my last two pregnancies I at least had a "4 pack" (the other 2 pk was hidden under the pooch below my belly button). After my last two pregnancies my abdominal area had pooches above and below. I love to exercise and I have strong abs underneath - but sadly you can't see them.
I have been a runner since 1998 but I don't run every day. I'll get into it for a bit and then slack off. Sign up for a race for motivation, run it, then take a few months off. After the birth of our last child I became a personal trainer (2008). I had decided "this is it" I am losing the rest of the weight and getting into the best shape. I came to realized that no matter how hard I worked out, I would never have my body back. My stomach would never be back to what it was even after my first two pregnancies.
I had been talking about plastic surgery for years but this is when I started to seriously research these procedures.
I am very happy with my decision to undergo surgery. I haven't told many family members about it yet - I'm not sure they would "approve." Some would even say I don't "need" it, but they haven't seen me naked and clothes hide a lot!!!
I have been a runner since 1998 but I don't run every day. I'll get into it for a bit and then slack off. Sign up for a race for motivation, run it, then take a few months off. After the birth of our last child I became a personal trainer (2008). I had decided "this is it" I am losing the rest of the weight and getting into the best shape. I came to realized that no matter how hard I worked out, I would never have my body back. My stomach would never be back to what it was even after my first two pregnancies.
I had been talking about plastic surgery for years but this is when I started to seriously research these procedures.
I am very happy with my decision to undergo surgery. I haven't told many family members about it yet - I'm not sure they would "approve." Some would even say I don't "need" it, but they haven't seen me naked and clothes hide a lot!!!
Replies (15)
November 18, 2011
Hi MaumeeMG, I've never had surgery either so I know how it feels. I counsult a few doctors, one dr do tt in 3-4 hours, other in 6 hours, and the last one I saw 2-3 hours... I guess it depend on the surgeon skills and the patient body... one of my friend had breast lift, tt, and tubal ligation she was under for 8 hours. I was so scared and I wasn't her... but everything went fine. So I thing is great that your dr will do it in around 4 hours! I'll be following you on your journey!
November 19, 2011
Hi Glory! Good luck on selecting a doc!
8 hours to be under was a long time for your friend - glad she is doing well! Yes he said 4 to 4-1/2 hrs and that sounded like a long time to me. After reading reviews on here I thought about asking about lipo to inner/outer thighs but I know that will add to the surgery time and I'm not sure what is too long!
8 hours to be under was a long time for your friend - glad she is doing well! Yes he said 4 to 4-1/2 hrs and that sounded like a long time to me. After reading reviews on here I thought about asking about lipo to inner/outer thighs but I know that will add to the surgery time and I'm not sure what is too long!
November 20, 2011
I think I read somewhere up to 6 hours is ok, after that could be risky but it is done with good results and as long we are healthy and have medical clearance we should be okay :)
November 20, 2011
Hi MaumeeMG. I am also having an umbilical hernia repair, I had a repair with my first pregnancy and then it came back again after my second. Mine is only tiny. U can't see it but I can feel it. Im sure your PS would not perform the surgery if he thought there was a high risk of necrosis to your BB. I so know the feeling of knowing your tummy will never be the same and yes a TT is the only way to have that nice tight tummy. I like you am prepared for the scar. I can hardly see my caesar scar, you really have to look hard to find it. The TT scar doesn't worry me as I have so many scars on my belly anyway. Looking forward to following your journey.
November 25, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving ;) sweetie read your post and just thought I would let you know you mentioned you would be getting your supplies ready just wanted to tell you that stool softner has really helped me ;) just wanted to share that info with you .... thanks for posting on my site it means a lot to me for the comments its a big change and it means a lot to hear positive feedback ;) good luck!
November 28, 2011
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving Deb Sunshine! I have purchased stool softeners - thought I would need them - had constipation issues prior to already. :(
Hope your recovery is still going well!!
Hope your recovery is still going well!!
December 3, 2011
MaumeeMG how are you? How have you been? Just wanted to say hi and wondered what kind of supplies are you buying get ready for the big day?(since we are only 4 days apart on surgery) I'm kind of lost on what stuff I need to be getting. Like binders or spanks to Chapstick and straws... What kind of stuff will make this process easier on us...so excited about having this done! Do you know of any good info on the breast augmentation on what to prepare for etc...
Anyway hope your doing good and I'll talk to ya later:)
Anyway hope your doing good and I'll talk to ya later:)
December 10, 2011
Hi! Now that my semester is nearly over I can finally join the living again! I'm back to school to finish my bachelors (finally!). This semester is kicking my butt!
I am getting so excited about the surgery. 4 weeks to go seems like ages but I know it will go fast, especially with holidays approaching!
The only purchase I've made so far is 3 sweatsuits (with zip up hoodie) because I read those are the easiest to get into (due to the bl) and they are comfy. I'll prob get sick of them after the first month postop but they'll be easy!
I'm making a list of ?? for the ps for my pre-op appt which is Dec 19th. I want to ask about the nausea patch in case I need it due to the anesthesia. I'm also not sure about which compression garments/binders are included because I'm not having surgery done at my ps facility - due to the hernia repairs I will have surgery at the hospital- - so I don't know if I'll get them there or if I need to purchase myself.
My other ?? for ps are things like what should I get for scar care? Do I need vitamins after? I also have specifics about the surgery and post surgery like I want him to show me exactly where my flanks are and what are the chances of "dog ears" and where will my drains be, how many drains, exactly where my scar will be, etc. So many questions!!!
How about you?? How are your preparations coming?
I am getting so excited about the surgery. 4 weeks to go seems like ages but I know it will go fast, especially with holidays approaching!
The only purchase I've made so far is 3 sweatsuits (with zip up hoodie) because I read those are the easiest to get into (due to the bl) and they are comfy. I'll prob get sick of them after the first month postop but they'll be easy!
I'm making a list of ?? for the ps for my pre-op appt which is Dec 19th. I want to ask about the nausea patch in case I need it due to the anesthesia. I'm also not sure about which compression garments/binders are included because I'm not having surgery done at my ps facility - due to the hernia repairs I will have surgery at the hospital- - so I don't know if I'll get them there or if I need to purchase myself.
My other ?? for ps are things like what should I get for scar care? Do I need vitamins after? I also have specifics about the surgery and post surgery like I want him to show me exactly where my flanks are and what are the chances of "dog ears" and where will my drains be, how many drains, exactly where my scar will be, etc. So many questions!!!
How about you?? How are your preparations coming?
December 4, 2011
I read on the November tt blog that you were thinking about lipo of inner and outer thighs. I am undecided as well. I am scheduled for tt with lipo of flanks and the thighs areas as well but I am having second thoughts about the thighs..not that I don't need it b/c it would be an improvement but I spent some time reading reviews on the lipo discussions and many give lipo a not worth it review for reasons like lumpiness, hard bumps, etc.
I am still doing the flanks regardless as my doc includes that in her price but since I am 40 yrs old, I am worried about how my thigh skin will respond, don't want sagginess. I know I can address my thighs with exercise which we can not do with our stomachs b/c of muscle seperation so... I am so on the fence. Let me know what you decide and any reviews you read from the gals who had tt and lipo of thigh area.
I am still doing the flanks regardless as my doc includes that in her price but since I am 40 yrs old, I am worried about how my thigh skin will respond, don't want sagginess. I know I can address my thighs with exercise which we can not do with our stomachs b/c of muscle seperation so... I am so on the fence. Let me know what you decide and any reviews you read from the gals who had tt and lipo of thigh area.
December 5, 2011
I did lipo of flanks and thighs. I also did a breast lift W/ augmentation and a tummy tuck (I had the works). I am not sorry I had the lipo, my thighs are much thinner, but there are lumps and my skin does sag a bit. If you do have the lipo, remember that you will leak-be prepared. Bring something to line the seat of the car and your bed/recliner at home. There is considerable bruising with the lipo so you may want to consiser a supplement such as arnica and bromelain (I am sure I misspelled them). Also be aware there is discomfort, but it goes away. If I had to do it again, I would. I am very happy with my results.
December 10, 2011
Thank you for the comments about your lipo, teachermom! The sagging skin you mentioned (due to the lipo) is it super noticeable or something *you* notice because it is your body? I am considering inner/outer thigh and my hips and my ps mentioned that I'd have some sagging skin on my tush because of the fat removal in the hips. Not sure what is worse though I think my clothes would fit better if my hips were smaller.
December 10, 2011
I'll let you know, newmom. I have a pre-op appt Dec 19th and I'll be discussing it then. Thinking inner/outer and hips. I'm having flanks done with tt also.
January 11, 2012
Hi teachermom - I did have the thigh lipo and of course I'm still pretty bruised and swelling (day 3 PO). Did your ps recommend for you to massage your lipo areas to smoothe out lumps?
UPDATED FROM MaumeeMG
I have my pre-op appointment today with the ps. I...
I have my pre-op appointment today with the ps. I have a long list of questions and hope I get them all answered so I can feel I am READY.
This ps came highly recommended and I feel confident about my decision to go with him. However, after reading the intensive ps searches of some women on here I am a little embarrassed to say that I have not seen pictures of my ps's work. I figured that ps's will only show you their "best" anyway so what is the point? I didn't even ask to see anything during my consultation.
So I called ps and talked to his nurse. She said she has never been asked by a patient to see pictures so she doesn't have them, the doc does. That seemed bizarre to me that no one has asked to see any! So I'll talk to the ps at the pre-op today about how I feel I haven't done my due diligence until I see a picture - hopefully he has something to show me!
This ps came highly recommended and I feel confident about my decision to go with him. However, after reading the intensive ps searches of some women on here I am a little embarrassed to say that I have not seen pictures of my ps's work. I figured that ps's will only show you their "best" anyway so what is the point? I didn't even ask to see anything during my consultation.
So I called ps and talked to his nurse. She said she has never been asked by a patient to see pictures so she doesn't have them, the doc does. That seemed bizarre to me that no one has asked to see any! So I'll talk to the ps at the pre-op today about how I feel I haven't done my due diligence until I see a picture - hopefully he has something to show me!
Hi there! Yay for you. I'm glad your husband is being so supportive. After having 4 kids, you definitely deserve this! Here's what some doctors say about supplies you'll need after your tummy tuck. You also should read JenBob's 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before A Mommy Makeover. It's full of funny stuff and good info. Please keep us posted on how you're feeling as the big day nears!