Honolulu TT with Diastasis Recti

So tomorrow actually will be my 2 week post op date but I decided to post anyway. I keep reminding myself that it’s still very early in my recovery and that I’m still very swollen, my silhouette and the way I look in clothes (still wearing loose clothes and binder) is 100% better already. Even still I feel strange, I feel like there is no space between my stomach and pubic area; I think it’s because I am still really swollen and also because I used to have a tattoo that spanned across the entire pubic region that is now gone. I can see actual curve to my waistline (which I’ve never had) but I’m still getting used to the fact that I’m missing so much of myself. You know how when some people lose a limb they have the “phantom” effect where it still feels like they have the missing part? Well that’s what I feel like with my belly apron; there is no more hang but out of habit I’m constantly pulling my pants up over what used to be a flap of skin. It’s still hard for me to imagine a trim, smooth waist. I know that I’m only at about a quarter way done with this journey (I still have the Ultimate Silhouetteplasty procedure in another 90 days then the road to recovery), and it won’t be until that recovery period that I see the final results so I’m trying to stay pragmatic and optimistic at the same time

My plastic surgery journey came sort of out of desperation after years of dieting, exercise regimens, active lifestyle and thyroid issues. A year after the birth of my daughter I was diagnosed with Hashimitos disease and at almost three years later and medication I was still struggling to lose weight. I had this stubborn belly that was literally an apron that hung no matter how I ate or what type of exercise I would do. I am an active duty service member who is by regulation of my job, required to maintain a height and weight standard which I just could no longer do on my own. My early research led me to Dr. Schlesinger and my first interaction was with one of his office staff who answered my email inquiry and she was so down to earth and honest about her experience with Dr. Schlesinger. He was the first consultation I booked and after our meeting, I cancelled all other appointments, I knew I was at the right place.

I explained my goal and desired outcome but also was concerned that I was over BMI for a TT which he agreed and recommended I do lipo prior (see review for upper, mid and lower back lipo). I want to talk about this for a quick moment; don’t be put off if a surgeon recommends lipo in addition to your TT, it’s important to remember that these procedures aren’t “weight loss” procedures , they help you achieve a shape and contour to your body. It’s likely not that your doctor is trying to “upsell” you, they are trying to help you achieve your desired outcome.

I just love Dr. Schlesinger, whatever concerns or questions I may have always seem to melt away whenever I meet with him because he’s so knowledgeable, candid and confident. I’m 4-days post op and don’t have after pictures yet but will post as soon as I can stand.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about recovery so far or why I did to prepare. I’ll update as I continue to heal for now here’s a list of things I bought to prepare that I have found MORE than helpful

- toilette seat riser/$18 from Amazon (adds 5” to your regular toilette seat because c’mon, you’ll be surprised at how much of your stomach muscles are used just to get in and off the toilet)

-tolling Walker with sweat/$20 from OfferUp app ( trust me, it’s worth it when your bent over like a #7 to have wheels to roll you around instead of lifting a non wheeled walker)

-Reclining chair/ $50 from OfferUp app ( look I know buying things from people can be a gamble [cleanliness, questionable condition] but just do your research because preparing doesn’t have to cost you thousands

-shower stool -$38 Amazon I wish I’d have thought if the before my surgery instead of being able to finally take a shower just to suffer through it hunched over. I was also surprised at how much these things cost

Again, this is just a quick list and I’m more than happy to answer whatever questions you may have!