POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Day Before
UPDATED FROM jwallace16
1 month post
I Finally Found My Stride
WORTH IT$8,100
From what I read, most people start feeling like themselves around week 4. It took me a little longer. My normal pace and schedule is intense though. Up at 4, bed by 10, and non stop in between. I found my stride on Saturday and it feels so good. I’ve been cleaning like a maniac and preparing for Christmas. I’ve finally got around to cleaning out my closet as well. Tons of stuff to donate. I’ve hid my stomach for so long my oversized tops now look ridiculous. Especially the maternity tops I wore even after pregnancy :/ . I feel motivated to eat and sleep better, and take care of me. I’ve upped my calorie intake because I never want to be at a deficit for too long. I’ll start training again November. I’ve already accomplished feeling better so I’m not focused on a specific number. Just want to be content overall.
I saw Dr. T and Pei today. They said I look great and have no concerns. I enjoy seeing them even though it’s always quick. Come Thursday I can finally lift my baby! I go back in a month.
Now on to some updates...
Things that are making me happy:
- Not taking forever to get dressed because I feel fat
- Being able to shave without my stomach being in the way
- TMI #1 bowl movements have gotten better for some reason
- TMI #2 my husband is all over me
- My linea nigra from pregnancy is finally gone. It never seemed to fade all the way.
- My potbelly is no longer a toy to my daughter!
And a sinister habit: I’m a serial spanx cutter. I love my compression garments and bought many just for surgery. My shape wear drawer was not safe from my closet clean out conquest. SHAPE WEAR DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE A CROTCH! I’m not going to kill myself every time I have to go to the bathroom. And I’m not going to drink less water so I don’t have to. If you are considered shape wear, and you have a crotch,...I will find you and I will cut you! I have so many more options now. If this seems like your thing check your drawers, and try them on, before you buy more than you need. I have zero time for spanx that have a crotch!
I saw Dr. T and Pei today. They said I look great and have no concerns. I enjoy seeing them even though it’s always quick. Come Thursday I can finally lift my baby! I go back in a month.
Now on to some updates...
Things that are making me happy:
- Not taking forever to get dressed because I feel fat
- Being able to shave without my stomach being in the way
- TMI #1 bowl movements have gotten better for some reason
- TMI #2 my husband is all over me
- My linea nigra from pregnancy is finally gone. It never seemed to fade all the way.
- My potbelly is no longer a toy to my daughter!
And a sinister habit: I’m a serial spanx cutter. I love my compression garments and bought many just for surgery. My shape wear drawer was not safe from my closet clean out conquest. SHAPE WEAR DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE A CROTCH! I’m not going to kill myself every time I have to go to the bathroom. And I’m not going to drink less water so I don’t have to. If you are considered shape wear, and you have a crotch,...I will find you and I will cut you! I have so many more options now. If this seems like your thing check your drawers, and try them on, before you buy more than you need. I have zero time for spanx that have a crotch!
jwallace16's provider
UPDATED FROM jwallace16
1 month post
2nd Week Back at Work
My first week back was a little rough but I feel like I’m getting back in to my normal routine day by day. I wound up taking 2 days off last week because I had a cold and ear infection. Perfect timing right? For ladies who have upcoming surgery, for me the pain and healing part was EASY! Who doesn’t want to sleep and watch tv? The most difficult part was adjusting back to normal life. I’m curious to see when the pulling sensation in my abdomen will go away. It’s not painful. Just a strange feeling. Not being able to move at my normal fast pace, wanting work out, and not being able to pick up my daughter have been the hardest parts. But it’s a process so I expected that. And even with saying that I’d still do it all over again. I can imagine it’s easier for women who have older children but in hindsight I’m glad I didn’t let that deter me. I’m so happy. I’ve maintained my weight loss and can’t wait to lose more because my husband and I are going to Mexico in January. I’m so thankful for the confidence that I have now even with the scar. I don’t want to be dramatic but it is life changing.
Replies (3)
Hey there. As always thank you for the update.
I’m sorry you were feeling Ill last week.
Ironically, I was just thinking that I need to stay away from all the sniffling and coughing people in my office and my children! Lol.
I want to stay well through this process but I also know that this is cold/flu season.
I don’t want to have to cancel my surgery because of a cold.
I bet getting back to normal life is rough. I’m considering waking up a little earlier each morning when it’s time to go back to work to help my children move along and get ready for school because I may not quite be moving as fast as usual yet. My youngest is in kindergarten and can be mostly independent.
I can’t believe I now have less than 3 weeks. Cue the nervousness. I have just worried about everything regarding the surgery this week, anesthesia and dvt being at the top of the list. I’m young and healthy and don’t have many risk factors... I’m just nervous. Reading your updates helps.
As always thank you for the comment! I feel like I want to at least keep you updated since you’re so close to your date. Isolate yourself lol! I know it’s so hard as the weather is changing. Biggest annoyance, most pain in a single moment, and the one time I cried was when I sipped some water and it went down the wrong pipe. I can’t even imagine what being sick would have felt like. Pain meds didn’t take that away. Stock up on cough drops, antibacterial soap, and Zicam/whatever cold remedy work for you. It was tough, but today I felt so close to normal. Still feel the pulling but we were able to go to the pumpkin patch today after a full day of work! A week ago I would have laughed at the thought of that. Worrying is normal but shift your focus so that you’re in the best shape mentally afterward. We scheduled a few play dates and I spent quality time with my little one. I also planned a date night with my husband. Those normal family outings are going to be put on hold for a little bit so planning those out helped me not feel guilty or feel like was missing out. Also just reminding yourself why you’re doing this will get you through. Worries, mild pain, any frustrations are temporary. But my confidence since then? Consistent! I’ll take consistency over temporary any day!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! I will definitely stock up on the Zicam and I’ve been drinking Echinacea tea while I can.
I am pretty physically fit and have been keeping up with my workout routine ( although for the next 3 weeks I am toning it down a bit as to not work myself to the muscle soreness I normally do with weights) I am staying out of the gym and working out with resistance bands at home or some yoga to “stay in shape” and as strong as possible because I know I’ll have some down time from the gym afterwards.
You are a trooper and a real gem. I hope that you continue to heal well and have an amazing trip in January.
You are right about the confidence. I’ll have more of that soon!
Hubby and I have planned an anniversary trip next Spring and I’m looking forward to wearing an itty bitty bikini for once :P
Thanks again. Have a great week and I look forward to your next update.
My surgery is scheduled for 11/9.
Crossing my finger and sending you good vibes as always! Take it easy. I felt like was killing and putting too much pressure on myself so everything can be perfect after surgery. Dr. T said stop at one point. Told me I was beautiful and that you need to be stress free and eating well to heal properly. Not well as in healthy but well as not in too much of a calorie deficit. High fiber, high protein of course. After surgery massaging my legs with my hands helped with all the fluid and stopped them from feeling like mush. I don’t think everywhere else feels soft but I’m happy to get back into a routine once my body is fully ready. You are the sweetest! I can’t wait to hear about your doing. It’s like October flew. Yey to the anniversary trip! We’re going to feel so good on our vacations. Hope you enjoy the rest of your week as well. :)
I really appreciate your updates, please keep them coming!
UPDATED FROM jwallace16
25 days post
First Day Back at Work
I must say this has been the most challenging day of day of my journey and I have it easier than most. My husband and I work in the same area and have the same hours so he was able to drop me off and pick me up right at my entrance. But let’s rewind.
-The day before: I picked out my clothes for the week which is always easy because my office is business casual unless we have an event. I usually wear ponte pants, a dress top, and dress flats. All of which hides my binder nicely.
-The night before: No idea why I decided to get back in bed with my toddler. I lied. I missed her. I didn’t get the most restful sleep. She also talks and gives kisses in her sleep. Kicks and kisses literally all night long. Not quite what I envisioned when I prayed for an affectionate child but I’ll take it.
-Now the work day: Office chairs are sent from Hell...even with cushions and blankets. Standing and walking around felt better than sitting. I pulled out all of my old pregnancy tricks and I was still uncomfortable. Tylenol didn’t work. I had on too many layers, and was too busy, to even think about arnica. The feeling is coming back in my stomach so I had a case of the itchies at one point. I’m switching back to my post surgery binder and not the one I bought. It’s more flexible and comfortable at work. I’ll wear the other one at home and on the weekends because it still works best for my swelling. I did too much today. And of course nobody cares when there’s work to be done. I’m going to take it easier tomorrow. Currently locating my positive self. I’m not going to be stuck in this rut. One bad day is manageable. I’m beat though. I slept on the way home and felt much better once I sat down and put my feet up.
Ladies! Enjoy your time off. It’s not a tropical vacation, and you may be experiencing pain, but at least you don’t have to wear pants.
-The day before: I picked out my clothes for the week which is always easy because my office is business casual unless we have an event. I usually wear ponte pants, a dress top, and dress flats. All of which hides my binder nicely.
-The night before: No idea why I decided to get back in bed with my toddler. I lied. I missed her. I didn’t get the most restful sleep. She also talks and gives kisses in her sleep. Kicks and kisses literally all night long. Not quite what I envisioned when I prayed for an affectionate child but I’ll take it.
-Now the work day: Office chairs are sent from Hell...even with cushions and blankets. Standing and walking around felt better than sitting. I pulled out all of my old pregnancy tricks and I was still uncomfortable. Tylenol didn’t work. I had on too many layers, and was too busy, to even think about arnica. The feeling is coming back in my stomach so I had a case of the itchies at one point. I’m switching back to my post surgery binder and not the one I bought. It’s more flexible and comfortable at work. I’ll wear the other one at home and on the weekends because it still works best for my swelling. I did too much today. And of course nobody cares when there’s work to be done. I’m going to take it easier tomorrow. Currently locating my positive self. I’m not going to be stuck in this rut. One bad day is manageable. I’m beat though. I slept on the way home and felt much better once I sat down and put my feet up.
Ladies! Enjoy your time off. It’s not a tropical vacation, and you may be experiencing pain, but at least you don’t have to wear pants.
Replies (4)
Ugh I'm so sorry you had a rough day back at work! I hope your week goes better. You made me laugh with "at least you don't have to wear pants." How is your weight?
I’m determined to make the rest of the week great. I didn’t mentally prepare myself. AT ALL. Not having to wear pants or a bra is a game changer lol. I never changed so fast. It’s like being freed. I’ve maintained my weight loss. I haven’t started working out or walking on the treadmill yet. My energy level is just not there. Hopefully I’ll be cleared for that on the 29th.
Oh wow. Thanks again for the update. I hope the rest of the week is better. So, I’ll put that on my list of things to do **mentally prepare for going back to work**
I’m hoping I can at least work my first week from home. We’ll see.
Today was much better! I wore my surgery binder which is more comfortable. And I bought in a neck pillow for my back. I’m in better shape and spirits than I was yesterday. And my colleague who added much stress to my day yesterday was out today! I’m ready for whatever the rest of the week brings.
I am happy to read that you had a better day!
Replies (4)
Thank you for the tips!!!