POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
5'9 - 180lbs - 23 y/o - TT + BA + BL- Toronto, ON
UPDATED FROM tinselbear
9 months post
Long time, no update!
Hey guys, so its been a long time since I've posted. Thanks to my friend Matea2 Ive decided to follow through with my initial intentions and make this post.
I'm going summarize to try and keep this as short and sweet as possible but feel to ask any questions. So, day of the surgery I weighed 177 lbs. Got there at 645 am and was in surgery by 730. Dr. Tong came in marked me up and off to the operating room I went. Next thing ya know I was awake puking my guts out lol that SUCKED after surgery. It was so painful on my tummy. Good thing I was given lots of morphine and barely remember it now lol My surgery was around 5hrs long and I was in the recovering area around 1230. I was in and out of sleep with 2 nurses taking care of me and checking in on me every so often - I remember they were so sweet and caring. Around 7 pm we decided it was time to go to my suite where I would be sleeping for the night. I remember i was soooo afraid to stand up and walk to my bed. The nurses were so helpful and accomodating though, it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. Definitely a crazy feeling though. 2 drains, Iv in my arm, catheter haha At this point youre pretty high on meds so it doesn't seem as bad as it sounds now.
First nights sleep was rough. I was SO ITCHY. I wasn't in much pain but I was crazy itchy the nurses gave me benadryl via my Iv but it didn't do the trick. I was off and on awake all night. Anxious to see my boyfriend in the morning and get my first glimpse at my results. Fast forward to the morning - the nurses got me up to have my shower. That was intense. I was looking at myself under the bright lights in this hotel like washroom just in awe. Was this ME?! Still high on pain meds and very numb so looking back the memory is hazy. I had my shower with the nurses help. They washed my hair and got me all set up back in bed. before putting my binder on and getting dressed i had asked one to take a picture of me lol they thought i was crazy!!
An hour or so later my boyfriend was there to pick me up. I was excited to get home and rest in my recliner. The ride back was okay, about a 1.5 hr drive. I was happy i had my recliner and walker and would recommend that to anyone going in for this surgery. I alsp got a shower chair - very good decision. I had 2 weeks off work and I recovered at my boyfriends house. Everyday I would start to feel a little bit better. Had some weird pains once in a while buy over all i was surpised with how well I handled this surgery. I was off pain meds by day 5. I'd mostly just take 2 a night with a gravol to sleep. I was always so awake at night from not doing anything all day. Honestly, the back pain was much worse than the pain from my proceedcures. Sleeping on your back sucks, especially when your a side sleeper. I found it hard to get comfortable a lot of the time. I slept in my recliner every night for the full 2 weeks. To help with the swelling and pain I took both Arnica (capsule and gel) and bromelian - both which I would highly highly recommend! I also had no problems with going #2 lol i was taking 2 stool softners a day. That was another concern of mine. Oh and I had a big apitite so my eating wasnt a problem ethier.
Week 1 post op apt I got my drains removed - that was a craaaazyyy feeling but not painful. The drains were okay, of course they sucked but they are manageable for a week or so. My doctor was sooo impressed by my results and I was too. I say was because ive gained about 6 lbs and feel fat and its bothering me lol Anways, he just answered any questions I had and soon enough I was on my way. I want to say though, Dr.Tong is an amazing doctor. Never once did he make me feel like I was being annoying or wasting his time with my little questions. He genuinely cares about his patients and takes his time to make sure you are happy. I love that about him and ultimately thats why I chose him and I'm sooo happy I did!!!
Week 2 post op was similar to week 1. Progressing everyday - a few small things here and there id complain about but this surgery was a lot more manageable then I had anticipated and im soooo greatful for that. I quickly learned about the true meaning of swell hell. By the night time I'd look and feel ready to burst even from just going out and doing a few errands during the day. I just would cope (and continue to cope) with it and I know its apart of the process. I took this second week to just relax and recover cause i knew the following Wednesday be back to work. In total I got 14 days off from work.
First day back to work was bitter sweet. I was longing for my routine back but it was still uncomfortable to do much of anything. I just sucked it up and sat in my chair for most of the day at work (i have a fesk job) Some days I would use my binder, others my spanx. I hate them both because neither give me the full compression I want and need. I have a leonisa garment coming in the mail and i cannot wait until it gets here!!!! I hope it helps with the swelling. I have a lot in my upper abdomen by the end of the day. In the beginning it was around my pubic area but it seems to have migrated to the top of my tummy now and this is what im hoping my compression garment will help with.
Fast forward to today I am 4 weeks and 3 days post up. Ive gained a good 6 or 7 lbs due to complete [RS bleep] eating to be honest. I'm so ready to get back on track and feel healthy again. Im also im between moving and my birthday was earlier this week so my life has been crazy and ive had a lot of excuses to not be healthy. Those are going out the window because im ready to see what this body can do. On Dec.02 i will be seeing my surgeon and will be 6 weeks post op. I'm crossing my fingers that i will be cleared to workout!!! I want to look good for the holidays! Lol
As for my scars, they seem to be healing well. They are taped 24-7 so i don't see much them. My surgeon has told me to keep the tape on as long as possible up until our 6 week post op apointment. So far ive changed it once in 3 weeks. I don't like looking at the scars so I have my boyfriend do it. Also a shout out to my amazing boyfriend. He helped me sooooooooo much throughout this whole thing and theres no way it would of been as successful without him, i can honestly say that.
I also realized i didn't talk much about the girls lol I opted for 540cc High profile implants. Im very happy with my size and cannot wait to get into regular bras!!!! I love having cleavage and I honestly just love them so far. They have a longggggg way to go but im trusting the process. I had a lolipop lift done on my right breast and regular augmentation on my left. The pain in my breasts was achey but never unbareable...sometimes I think I just wanted this so bad that the pain often did phase me.
But yeah! I think thats about it guys. If you have questions feel free to ask!!! I'm sorry it took me so long to update but life has kind of gotten in the way. Soon I will be moved into my house and hopefully will update more often. Also, ive uploaded some pictures for you all to see. Im going to try and put them in chronological order. Happy healing everyone!!! Xo
I'm going summarize to try and keep this as short and sweet as possible but feel to ask any questions. So, day of the surgery I weighed 177 lbs. Got there at 645 am and was in surgery by 730. Dr. Tong came in marked me up and off to the operating room I went. Next thing ya know I was awake puking my guts out lol that SUCKED after surgery. It was so painful on my tummy. Good thing I was given lots of morphine and barely remember it now lol My surgery was around 5hrs long and I was in the recovering area around 1230. I was in and out of sleep with 2 nurses taking care of me and checking in on me every so often - I remember they were so sweet and caring. Around 7 pm we decided it was time to go to my suite where I would be sleeping for the night. I remember i was soooo afraid to stand up and walk to my bed. The nurses were so helpful and accomodating though, it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. Definitely a crazy feeling though. 2 drains, Iv in my arm, catheter haha At this point youre pretty high on meds so it doesn't seem as bad as it sounds now.
First nights sleep was rough. I was SO ITCHY. I wasn't in much pain but I was crazy itchy the nurses gave me benadryl via my Iv but it didn't do the trick. I was off and on awake all night. Anxious to see my boyfriend in the morning and get my first glimpse at my results. Fast forward to the morning - the nurses got me up to have my shower. That was intense. I was looking at myself under the bright lights in this hotel like washroom just in awe. Was this ME?! Still high on pain meds and very numb so looking back the memory is hazy. I had my shower with the nurses help. They washed my hair and got me all set up back in bed. before putting my binder on and getting dressed i had asked one to take a picture of me lol they thought i was crazy!!
An hour or so later my boyfriend was there to pick me up. I was excited to get home and rest in my recliner. The ride back was okay, about a 1.5 hr drive. I was happy i had my recliner and walker and would recommend that to anyone going in for this surgery. I alsp got a shower chair - very good decision. I had 2 weeks off work and I recovered at my boyfriends house. Everyday I would start to feel a little bit better. Had some weird pains once in a while buy over all i was surpised with how well I handled this surgery. I was off pain meds by day 5. I'd mostly just take 2 a night with a gravol to sleep. I was always so awake at night from not doing anything all day. Honestly, the back pain was much worse than the pain from my proceedcures. Sleeping on your back sucks, especially when your a side sleeper. I found it hard to get comfortable a lot of the time. I slept in my recliner every night for the full 2 weeks. To help with the swelling and pain I took both Arnica (capsule and gel) and bromelian - both which I would highly highly recommend! I also had no problems with going #2 lol i was taking 2 stool softners a day. That was another concern of mine. Oh and I had a big apitite so my eating wasnt a problem ethier.
Week 1 post op apt I got my drains removed - that was a craaaazyyy feeling but not painful. The drains were okay, of course they sucked but they are manageable for a week or so. My doctor was sooo impressed by my results and I was too. I say was because ive gained about 6 lbs and feel fat and its bothering me lol Anways, he just answered any questions I had and soon enough I was on my way. I want to say though, Dr.Tong is an amazing doctor. Never once did he make me feel like I was being annoying or wasting his time with my little questions. He genuinely cares about his patients and takes his time to make sure you are happy. I love that about him and ultimately thats why I chose him and I'm sooo happy I did!!!
Week 2 post op was similar to week 1. Progressing everyday - a few small things here and there id complain about but this surgery was a lot more manageable then I had anticipated and im soooo greatful for that. I quickly learned about the true meaning of swell hell. By the night time I'd look and feel ready to burst even from just going out and doing a few errands during the day. I just would cope (and continue to cope) with it and I know its apart of the process. I took this second week to just relax and recover cause i knew the following Wednesday be back to work. In total I got 14 days off from work.
First day back to work was bitter sweet. I was longing for my routine back but it was still uncomfortable to do much of anything. I just sucked it up and sat in my chair for most of the day at work (i have a fesk job) Some days I would use my binder, others my spanx. I hate them both because neither give me the full compression I want and need. I have a leonisa garment coming in the mail and i cannot wait until it gets here!!!! I hope it helps with the swelling. I have a lot in my upper abdomen by the end of the day. In the beginning it was around my pubic area but it seems to have migrated to the top of my tummy now and this is what im hoping my compression garment will help with.
Fast forward to today I am 4 weeks and 3 days post up. Ive gained a good 6 or 7 lbs due to complete [RS bleep] eating to be honest. I'm so ready to get back on track and feel healthy again. Im also im between moving and my birthday was earlier this week so my life has been crazy and ive had a lot of excuses to not be healthy. Those are going out the window because im ready to see what this body can do. On Dec.02 i will be seeing my surgeon and will be 6 weeks post op. I'm crossing my fingers that i will be cleared to workout!!! I want to look good for the holidays! Lol
As for my scars, they seem to be healing well. They are taped 24-7 so i don't see much them. My surgeon has told me to keep the tape on as long as possible up until our 6 week post op apointment. So far ive changed it once in 3 weeks. I don't like looking at the scars so I have my boyfriend do it. Also a shout out to my amazing boyfriend. He helped me sooooooooo much throughout this whole thing and theres no way it would of been as successful without him, i can honestly say that.
I also realized i didn't talk much about the girls lol I opted for 540cc High profile implants. Im very happy with my size and cannot wait to get into regular bras!!!! I love having cleavage and I honestly just love them so far. They have a longggggg way to go but im trusting the process. I had a lolipop lift done on my right breast and regular augmentation on my left. The pain in my breasts was achey but never unbareable...sometimes I think I just wanted this so bad that the pain often did phase me.
But yeah! I think thats about it guys. If you have questions feel free to ask!!! I'm sorry it took me so long to update but life has kind of gotten in the way. Soon I will be moved into my house and hopefully will update more often. Also, ive uploaded some pictures for you all to see. Im going to try and put them in chronological order. Happy healing everyone!!! Xo
UPDATED FROM tinselbear
8 months post
A couple more pre-op pictures
I thought I would upload a couple more pictures of my pre-op belly just to come back and refer to after my surgery. Not sure if I already mentioned this but I will NOT be getting lipo. This sort of freaks me out a little because I'm petrified of looking like a box or not having desirable results after. I really don't want to get lipo though and don't have the extra 3 grand sitting around to have it done. Anyone else had a tummy tuck with no lipo? Seems like almost everyone has it done with their procedures. I opted to have fat removed from my side boob instead. Hope I don't regret this :(
Replies (5)
October 8, 2014
I went to see Dr. J for implants and I LOVE him! He is an artist and just amazing at what he does. I am 41 years old and I was always a size 0-1 before my son was born in 2008. He destroyed my tummy! I have no stretch marks - but despite working out several times per week (weights/cardio) I cannot get rid of the skin and fat around my tummy. I have seen several drs trying to get a better price for my surgery and I never felt comfortable with ANY of them. I LOVE DR J. I LOVE HIS STAFF AND HE IS ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU NEED HIM. I went for a consult with one surgeon and never recieved a call back with a quote! Kim (Dr. Js office) always responds promptly - even on the weekends! He has an incredible office and everything is top of the line! I am considering my surgery in January! I will be in touch with you to see how it all goes! Best of luck - it will be worth it!
October 8, 2014
Thanks. I'm glad you like Dr.J... I just did not get good vibes from him or his office so that's why I chose a different surgeon. Best of luck!!
October 8, 2014
I had a tummy tuck with no lipo, after I lost 115 pounds first. Good decision :) I don't regret not having lipo with the tummy tuck. I mean, I still have fat areas, and my love handles bother me, but my father had lipo on his love handles TWICE because the fat kept coming back. Sort of. It's hard to explain. But I just don't want to be straight up and down, I want to keep that curve to my waist and most pictures that I've seen…when the gals opt for lipo they lose a lot of that curve. Just my two cents. Good luck to you!
October 8, 2014
Hi! I have just signed up with Real Self, what a great resource! Anyway I have read your entries/seen your pics and have really been inspired: you have done so well and will be so blessed by this investment in your body. I saw your pics first (I have a very similar body type..i.e. tummy rolls and overweight much of my life etc.) and I have been looking into this same procedure for years...fantasizing about a flat tummy...a life free of the mess that is my middle:( Many years ago I had a breast reduction which changed my life and now that I have lost weight I have this same goal in mind...I am really looking forward to seeing your results and hearing your story as it unfolds. I just want to say good job and thank you for sharing, it is very motivating to finaly start this process for myself when I hear/see what others are going through. Take care and be blessed!
October 24, 2014
Welcome Meg. We would love to follow your journey on your page. You should tell us some more about you and share some pics (when you are ready) by updating your profile. We love to follow each other around here! :) The site takes a while to figure out
October 8, 2014
I got your message. I will give a real response later. LOL! Your body looks ready to me. You are doing great! You are going to have the cutest little waist. You have come so far. Girl, you will NOT look like a box. Your shape right now says a lot. Good luck! You will not regret this. Are you serious???
UPDATED FROM tinselbear
8 months post
12 Days and counting....
So my surgery is quickly sneaking up on me, i'm getting soo nervous!!! Had my pre-op appointment.. it went well. I'm having a hard time deciding on what size implants to get. My two choices are: 470CC Moderate profile, or 540 CC High profile. I REALLY don't know what size to pick! Any suggestions? I think I would be happier with the look of the 540CC High profiles but I don't think that I would like that my boob job would be very 'obvious' I'm also concerned that it would make it hard to find tops? Does anyone have experience with this? They told me it is quite a difference between the two and I really don't know if I should go more 'natural' or more 'sexy' haha The other con with the 540's is I'm told they will sag quicker as well. The reason why I'm having a hard time is because when I'm shown two sets of boobies, one high profile and one moderate, I always pick the high profile look!! Really not sure what I'm going to do. Input would be awesome!
Yesterday I brought my prescription in to get filled. I've purchased Arnica tablets as well as a gel cream. I will also be purchasing Bromelain tablets as well. My surgeon as well as his patient consultant said that these would be beneficial in the healing process and I've read similar things. This morning I called in and booked my rental for my Power Lift Chair, Walker with wheels, and Shower Chair with Back Rest. I think these will really help to just make things easier for me. Especially since I'm a baby with pain and I'm getting really nervous about the pain now!!!
Yesterday I also put together a list of things I will need for surgery. Some things I already have, some I will need to purchase. Please feel free to let me know if there's anything I'm missing or anything that I won't really need that I've listed. I'm getting so nervous for my surgery guys!! I'm already having troubles sleeping at night. I'm always back and forth between I'm so excited and I might die...or end up looking like a botched troll. I'm just so nervous and scared of the unknown!!! My boyfriend is going to be taking care of me and he's being so helpful and sweet about the whole thing. I hope he still loves me after this lol!!
Anyway, not sure if I have much else to report right now.. I will post my list of supplies below. If you guys have any input about anything I've said please feel free to share!! It's nice knowing I'm not alone in this.. My surgery date is Oct.21 at 7:00 am...anyone around the same day as me?? Hope everyone is healing wheel and enjoying their flat or soon to be flat tummies!!! :)
My List:
Medical:
Prescriptions
Tylenol,
Bromelain
Arnica
Stool Softner
Gauze
Medical Tape
Bandages
Clothes:
Baggy/Comfy pants
Loose fiting tops
Button up tops
Front closing bras
Granny Panties
Tank tops
Misc.
Pillows pillows pillows!!!
Compression Stockings (wasn't told I would need but see a lot of people use them?)
Safety pins
Neck pillow
Small table to keep by my Lift chair
Medicine Container
Lift chair
Walker
Shower seat
Ice packs
Towels
Heating pad
Moisturiser
Hair ties
Baby wipes
Dial liquid soap
I know it seems like a lot but I want to list EVERYTHING. I need to be as prepared as possible and I really don't want to forget anything. Especially since i'll be recovering at my boyfriends I need to make sure I have all my supplies there cause I won't be at home where I have little things like hair ties, bobby pins, etc.
xox
Yesterday I brought my prescription in to get filled. I've purchased Arnica tablets as well as a gel cream. I will also be purchasing Bromelain tablets as well. My surgeon as well as his patient consultant said that these would be beneficial in the healing process and I've read similar things. This morning I called in and booked my rental for my Power Lift Chair, Walker with wheels, and Shower Chair with Back Rest. I think these will really help to just make things easier for me. Especially since I'm a baby with pain and I'm getting really nervous about the pain now!!!
Yesterday I also put together a list of things I will need for surgery. Some things I already have, some I will need to purchase. Please feel free to let me know if there's anything I'm missing or anything that I won't really need that I've listed. I'm getting so nervous for my surgery guys!! I'm already having troubles sleeping at night. I'm always back and forth between I'm so excited and I might die...or end up looking like a botched troll. I'm just so nervous and scared of the unknown!!! My boyfriend is going to be taking care of me and he's being so helpful and sweet about the whole thing. I hope he still loves me after this lol!!
Anyway, not sure if I have much else to report right now.. I will post my list of supplies below. If you guys have any input about anything I've said please feel free to share!! It's nice knowing I'm not alone in this.. My surgery date is Oct.21 at 7:00 am...anyone around the same day as me?? Hope everyone is healing wheel and enjoying their flat or soon to be flat tummies!!! :)
My List:
Medical:
Prescriptions
Tylenol,
Bromelain
Arnica
Stool Softner
Gauze
Medical Tape
Bandages
Clothes:
Baggy/Comfy pants
Loose fiting tops
Button up tops
Front closing bras
Granny Panties
Tank tops
Misc.
Pillows pillows pillows!!!
Compression Stockings (wasn't told I would need but see a lot of people use them?)
Safety pins
Neck pillow
Small table to keep by my Lift chair
Medicine Container
Lift chair
Walker
Shower seat
Ice packs
Towels
Heating pad
Moisturiser
Hair ties
Baby wipes
Dial liquid soap
I know it seems like a lot but I want to list EVERYTHING. I need to be as prepared as possible and I really don't want to forget anything. Especially since i'll be recovering at my boyfriends I need to make sure I have all my supplies there cause I won't be at home where I have little things like hair ties, bobby pins, etc.
xox
Replies (1)
Replies (5)