Older Woman TT After Decades of Waiting and Interviewing Surgeons It’s Done!

I am in my late 60s and have struggled with my weight since I was a child. I would periodically employ extreme control over my diet and exercise, and could reach my goal, but I couldn’t sustain it. Part of the reason was that I really didn’t look any better without clothes - more like a deflated balloon. It was always as if I was “not there yet,” no matter how little I weighed. I had hanging skin. As I grew older, I had more trouble with the lower belly apron, and had to take a hairdryer with me everywhere I traveled to keep everything healthy. Nystatin became a staple, “just in case.” I’d envy people who could simply towel off after a shower and get dressed immediately. I’ve been in situations that had women’s communal showers/dressing/locker rooms where I’d struggle within the confines of a small toilet stall because I felt so embarrassed. And the excess skin was heavy, impacting my ability to do most yoga poses and challenging my back on bike rides. At most I weighed 195 many decades ago, but stayed around 165 - 170 for the majority of my life. I took my excess “baggage” on my bike rides, my hikes, and to bed with my loving husband who once told me at my heaviest, “You’re a goddess.” But I still cringed. I knew there was relief to be had and I wasn’t getting younger. I went for a tummy tuck consult once every couple of years and encountered surgeons who simply didn’t listen. My wish was for a TT without liposuction or muscle tightening. The response was usually a flat refusal or salesman-type pressure toward the additions because, as one put it, “I don’t want you out in the world telling people I did the work if it’s not going to be my best!” I had no interest in having a “snatched” waist - I just wanted a normal body that I could live in without embarrassment or the health concerns of caring for excess skin.
My surgeon is Simone Topal. She is different. We had actual conversations and she really listened. She is beloved by her employees and everyone at the hospital, with good reason. It took a while to see her - I made an appointment last November for her soonest consult, which was in April. I scheduled for her soonest surgery opening, in March 2026 and asked to be put on a waiting list. Three weeks ago she had a cancelation and I was called! Dr. Topal’s office staff is impressive as well. All kind, patient, helpful, and professional.

I’d already read everything I could get my hands on: Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and Real Self - any review anywhere that I thought was even remotely relevant. I took every “tip and trick” seriously and my preparation was overboard, as is my wont.

Here are the things I bought that made me feel prepared:
An electric recliner, toilet risers, a walker, an extra binder, leg compression boots, a belt to hold the drains, and a Fuji instant camera because I was uncomfortable with having “before” pictures on my phone. I wrote myself two cards in case I had a tough recovery. I put 3 before pics in each, and listed the reasons I wanted to get this done. I’ve yet to open either card.I pulled out my “fat clothes” that were waiting for a trip to the local Goodwill, and found many things that would work for the upcoming drain and binder challenges.

Because of my age, I spent the night in the hospital. That wasn’t great, and I was glad to get home the next day. Dr. Topal came in and uncovered my new tummy to check everything. I learned I had zero diastasis recti, from good luck or my hard work. I took a 7 second video of my uncovered belly and have watched it a million times. What a difference!!! I’m in love! Today is Day Two. (Surgery day being day zero.) I’ve avoided opioids, using a brand new painkiller that is non-opioid and non-addicting, Journavx. I have to supplement with 325 mg Tylenol every 6 hours, but so far, so good! I’ve also taken Xanax just to take things down a notch at bedtime. Getting in and out of bed is the worst part of it, but that will change when my drains come out. The drains are easier than I anticipated. I understand how and why they are helpful for healing, and I’m prepared to just go through it.
Dr. Topal gave me confidence. She truly cared, and I was able to finally, finally, FINALLY do this after decades of wanting it.

Today was Day 5, Surgery Day being Day Zero.
Both drains came out! I was well below 30 ml for 2 days straight, and while I had hoped for one to be removed, they both were! It felt strange, but not painful, and I’m only “small sore” tonight. I was treated with calm, confident care, and the stitch removal didn’t even hurt. I counted together with the nurse to “three” at which time she pulled and out it came! Repeated on the other side. Dr. Topal had assured me pre-surgery that the drain line that was to be placed inside was the same size as the line outside my body - I had asked because of horror stories I’d read over the years where the interior line was larger. Maybe that was an old standard for other surgeons…?

I’m healing well, my belly button has a lovely, natural-looking hood and it’ kind of heart-shaped! Cute! My hubby snapped some more pics and seeing those beside my before pictures is an emotional experience for me.
I do miss my daily exercise and fret that I’ll become deconditioned during recovery. I see Dr. Topal next week and hope to get guidance on that then.
Part of me is sorry I waited so long, but all of me is so glad for this surgeon, who was worth waiting for.

Day 8! My energy level is increasing. I’m doing tasks around the house, my soreness was much more yesterday than today. I think the reason is how I changed getting out of bed. I’ve developed a pulley system so I don’t need to wake my husband (or do it myself and incur the abdominal soreness). I looped a dog leash over the bed post at my feet. I grab the leash, scooch myself to the edge of the bed, grip the bed with the left hand, and the leash tightly with the right, and lever my legs to the ground. So that worked!
My diet is good - all whole foods. I’m trying to get to 100 grams of protein per day but have only been able to get in about 70 to 80.
I still stress when I shower and we change my dressings. I’m always nervous about what I’ll see! I had a question 2 days ago about a minor thing, sent a photo to the office and the nurse replied within an hour. It was normal! Whew! We are so careful to wash and glove ourselves and keep everything as sterile as possible. I use a shower chair. I installed a new filtered shower head prior to the Big Day and the water is firm and soft at the same time. I love it!
Nothing drastic to report, and I’m grateful!