POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
43 Years Old, Mom of 8 and Time for a New ME!
UPDATED FROM salgado74
10 months post
Update.....sorry so long
salgado74April 24, 2018
$7,670
Ok so I am almost to my one year anniversary. I am very happy with my results and would do it again! My only down fall was my own brain. I had this mentality that I could eat whatever, and since I basically sat on my butt for most of the time, that’s what I did. I gained back about 10lbs. Getting back to the gym was tougher than I thought it would be! Absolutely had to start back like a baby with anything that requires abs....that is EVERYTHING! These photos do not show how good the scars really look in person. Dr. Pryor went as far around as he could without doing a circumferential lift. I just couldn’t afford anything more than what I got. All in all I say he is a very talented surgeon and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help.
salgado74's provider
UPDATED FROM salgado74
1 month post
36 days post-op! So happy!!!
salgado74July 12, 2017
Today marks 36 days from having a Tummy-tuck with muscle repair as well as breast reduction with lift. I cannot begin to express how happy I am with my results. I had my 1 month post-op appointment with Dr. Landon Pryor on Monday. At this time my abdominal incision tape was removed. Both Dr. Pryor and I are extremely happy with the healing of my incisions. He is a very skilled surgeon resulting in excellent scar recovery. I am starting biocorium now to help in minimizing my scars. I have also been cleared to resume exercising. I need to start working on my lower half! The last 5-6 months prior to my surgery I had been dealing with a hip injury and unable to fully work my lower half. I do still swell and experience some discomfort but if I had to rate myself I would say I am at 90%. So happy
Replies (1)
HeidiHo50
July 12, 2017
Your incision looks great! I'm so glad your healing so well! I hope mine looks just as good! I'll find out tomorrow.
UPDATED FROM salgado74
15 days post
Tips taken from those that journeyed before.
salgado74June 21, 2017
Hello all! Yesterday was my two week surgaversary. My recovery has literally been a breeze. I can only attribute my success to all the GREAT RealSelfers that had journeyed before and left great advice. So what tips made my recovery so great?
1. I started taking the Clinical Support Recovery formula, Bromelain w/ Quercetin and Arnica all from vitamedica.com. Two weeks before surgery and have still continued them. I really feel that this blend helped with every aspect of my recovery. Vita Medica does not have a ton of supplements so I think they are able to fully concentrate on the ones they do resulting in a superior product. They are pricey but if you order 3 items at one time you are given a 15% discount and free shipping. The 3 products cost me approximately $300 for 6 weeks.
2. Rent a power chair!
I cannot tell you how much this chair helped especially during my first 2-3 days. I did have to rent it for four weeks in order for them to do th rental but it was well worth the extra money. It cost me approximately $130. I did learn there are states that do not rent furniture (Wisconsin) so it may not be feasible for everyone.
3. Prep-Prep-Prep!
I did start meal prepping about ten days pryor to surgery. Through other RealSelfers I learned and researched about foods with "healing" properties. Kale, Spinach, all dark berries, Raw Honey and Ginger all have some property that aid in healthy healing. I made a few sizes and froze it. Perfect, especially during the first 2-3 days when appetite is not strong.
4. Recovery station:
This area is very important for optimal comfort for your self and the ones helping you out. So many great tips out there it was easy to tailor to my personal needs. I got a super cheap lunch bag that was light weight and easy to open. Since I have small children all my medicine went into that bag. I also had Q-tips, small lotion, nail clipper, nail file, comb, dental floss, Colgate single use toot brushes, bobbypins, hair clips, tweezers and small mirror. I used 2 side tables, one on each side of my recliner. On side held my plethora of magazines and books to read and the other held my survival bag. I also have a small wire basket that hold envelopes, pens, and small pad of paper and chargers.
5. Make it fun for the kids:
So since I still have small children at home (4) I knew it would be only a matter of time before they started get stir crazy. To help combat that and to assist my recovery they spent the first week at their Fathers house. He had vacation time and was kind enough to use it to help me. The kids came home on day 7 and we have all been "camping " out in the livingroom! We blew up 2 air mattresses, one for the boys and one for the girls. They love it! Something different makes it more fun. I also ordered TinkerCrates in December. I ordered a year subscription and put them away for this reason. We ended up with 5 crates. The kids love them! It really keeps all 4 engaged for sometime and the best part....No fighting! I also made up a kit to do tye-dye T-Shirts, super fun and easy enough that I could participate too. I really tried to accommodate the kids after all it is summer. Normally we would be out and about or at the pool so I felt it important to keep them as active as possible without too much activity.
6. Other minor "Helpers"
A few other helper ideas that I have used are rice socks. I got 2 long Soccer socks and filled each with exactly 3 lbs of rice. These socks are very versatile. They are malable and easily conform to whatever shape you may need. They can be heated in the microwave and used ad a heating pad when your lower back gets sore. I have used them on my tummy for extra weight or compression. They feel good to me especially when I need to cough or sneeze. I have also used them around my neck since there is really no comfortable way to sleep in a recliner for 2 weeks. Also I tried a lanyard to use while showering to hold my grenades. I didn't care for that so made myself a belt instead from a very thick hoodie string. I like this better around my waist especially when showering. They hang at each side of my hip instead of around my neck which bothered my breast incisions. I guess that is only decided from personal preference.
My last tip was from my OT therapist. She told me to try and lay as flat as possible as soon as possible in order to not allow the scar to heal while you are in a scrunched up position. There is research on scar separation or thickening due to recovering in a hunched position then trying to stretch that into an up right position 4- 6 weeks later. It makes a lot of sense to me because I relay this surgery and recovery experience to that of my Gallbladder surgery 26 years ago. That was actually worse than this one and so is my scar. This surgery I have been almost completely upright at day 2 going into my post op appointment. I actually asked if I had any muscle repair due to my ability to walk almost upright?
Last but not least WALK. Blood flow is the best remedy for any recovery. Not only does it promote blood flow but also moving around helps the blues. I have not once second guess my decision. I have read so many reviews about getting that dreaded remorse feeling of "why did I do this?" I feel this is because of all the preparation I did to get me prepared for this moment. I am so grateful to all the ladies that really poured their hearts and souls out for us to learn from. I used this information like a manual. We all have said at some point "if I knew then what I know now I would have.........." well, now you know. Wink wink.
1. I started taking the Clinical Support Recovery formula, Bromelain w/ Quercetin and Arnica all from vitamedica.com. Two weeks before surgery and have still continued them. I really feel that this blend helped with every aspect of my recovery. Vita Medica does not have a ton of supplements so I think they are able to fully concentrate on the ones they do resulting in a superior product. They are pricey but if you order 3 items at one time you are given a 15% discount and free shipping. The 3 products cost me approximately $300 for 6 weeks.
2. Rent a power chair!
I cannot tell you how much this chair helped especially during my first 2-3 days. I did have to rent it for four weeks in order for them to do th rental but it was well worth the extra money. It cost me approximately $130. I did learn there are states that do not rent furniture (Wisconsin) so it may not be feasible for everyone.
3. Prep-Prep-Prep!
I did start meal prepping about ten days pryor to surgery. Through other RealSelfers I learned and researched about foods with "healing" properties. Kale, Spinach, all dark berries, Raw Honey and Ginger all have some property that aid in healthy healing. I made a few sizes and froze it. Perfect, especially during the first 2-3 days when appetite is not strong.
4. Recovery station:
This area is very important for optimal comfort for your self and the ones helping you out. So many great tips out there it was easy to tailor to my personal needs. I got a super cheap lunch bag that was light weight and easy to open. Since I have small children all my medicine went into that bag. I also had Q-tips, small lotion, nail clipper, nail file, comb, dental floss, Colgate single use toot brushes, bobbypins, hair clips, tweezers and small mirror. I used 2 side tables, one on each side of my recliner. On side held my plethora of magazines and books to read and the other held my survival bag. I also have a small wire basket that hold envelopes, pens, and small pad of paper and chargers.
5. Make it fun for the kids:
So since I still have small children at home (4) I knew it would be only a matter of time before they started get stir crazy. To help combat that and to assist my recovery they spent the first week at their Fathers house. He had vacation time and was kind enough to use it to help me. The kids came home on day 7 and we have all been "camping " out in the livingroom! We blew up 2 air mattresses, one for the boys and one for the girls. They love it! Something different makes it more fun. I also ordered TinkerCrates in December. I ordered a year subscription and put them away for this reason. We ended up with 5 crates. The kids love them! It really keeps all 4 engaged for sometime and the best part....No fighting! I also made up a kit to do tye-dye T-Shirts, super fun and easy enough that I could participate too. I really tried to accommodate the kids after all it is summer. Normally we would be out and about or at the pool so I felt it important to keep them as active as possible without too much activity.
6. Other minor "Helpers"
A few other helper ideas that I have used are rice socks. I got 2 long Soccer socks and filled each with exactly 3 lbs of rice. These socks are very versatile. They are malable and easily conform to whatever shape you may need. They can be heated in the microwave and used ad a heating pad when your lower back gets sore. I have used them on my tummy for extra weight or compression. They feel good to me especially when I need to cough or sneeze. I have also used them around my neck since there is really no comfortable way to sleep in a recliner for 2 weeks. Also I tried a lanyard to use while showering to hold my grenades. I didn't care for that so made myself a belt instead from a very thick hoodie string. I like this better around my waist especially when showering. They hang at each side of my hip instead of around my neck which bothered my breast incisions. I guess that is only decided from personal preference.
My last tip was from my OT therapist. She told me to try and lay as flat as possible as soon as possible in order to not allow the scar to heal while you are in a scrunched up position. There is research on scar separation or thickening due to recovering in a hunched position then trying to stretch that into an up right position 4- 6 weeks later. It makes a lot of sense to me because I relay this surgery and recovery experience to that of my Gallbladder surgery 26 years ago. That was actually worse than this one and so is my scar. This surgery I have been almost completely upright at day 2 going into my post op appointment. I actually asked if I had any muscle repair due to my ability to walk almost upright?
Last but not least WALK. Blood flow is the best remedy for any recovery. Not only does it promote blood flow but also moving around helps the blues. I have not once second guess my decision. I have read so many reviews about getting that dreaded remorse feeling of "why did I do this?" I feel this is because of all the preparation I did to get me prepared for this moment. I am so grateful to all the ladies that really poured their hearts and souls out for us to learn from. I used this information like a manual. We all have said at some point "if I knew then what I know now I would have.........." well, now you know. Wink wink.
Replies (0)