Tummy Tuck with Lipo Planned for and Booked. So Far, So Great....

I had been looking into getting a TT for a while and was shocked at the differences in pricing for the same procedure. The average amount according to this site, for Calgary area is $13,000, and one doctor quoted me $18k +tax. As much as I do not want to "cheap out" on a procedure like this, I also do not want a Dr. that charges inflated prices just because. I'm worth it, but I'm not that pricey. lol I looked for well received reviews and also reasonable costs. I went to see Dr. Yeung and I was immediately at ease. He complimented me on what I've done to prepare for this procedure, and how nice the skin that would be pulled down was. We discussed what would be involved in before and after care, and he made me feel comfortable in my decisions. His staff were terrific as well, all of my phone conversations have been great. Booking was a breeze, and financing was too. They were very accommodating. Everyone was super helpful. I have just under 3 weeks to go before my procedure, and I plan on updating here as I go. I can't wait!

I was so excited to get this procedure today, I don’t think I even thought about being nervous! Arrived at the surgical center thirty minutes early, actually a bit before 7:30, to fill out the required paperwork and put on one of those “beautiful” gowns that let your ass hang out the back. My lovely doctor, Dr. Yeung came in to draw the sharpie lines all over my soon-to-be-smaller belly area and check that I didn’t have any unanswered questions or concerns. The anesthesiologist came in to go over what she was going to do, and after that the nurse came to take my vitals like BP and oxygen levels, and again review to make sure I understood everything.

All of the surgical team and staff here at Riverview Surgical Center that looked after me were so welcoming, friendly, and helpful! This is a very busy surgical place, but also relaxing and calming to me as I waited (sort of waited, they were on time and efficient ). I felt even better walking into the OR at 8:00am than I had imagined!! No doubts about my surgery and the level of my care at all!! 

I was fortunate to have a straightforward tummy tuck and liposuction procedure without any complications, so I was waking up in the recovery room at 10 am. It had a few patients in there, but I felt completely looked after. I was offered ginger ale, given some pain meds, and afterward helped with getting dressed and into a recliner chair. They called my person I had written down to come back for me, but I had told my prearranged ride not to even bother coming back until 12:30, so I had lots of time to relax while the staff checked in on me frequently. After a quick stop to fill my prescriptions for pain meds, I was at home recovering and relaxing in the early afternoon. I am a little groggy, scratchy throat, and regular naps are in my future. 

Today was HUGE. An epic day for me, but a typical day for all the medical people. I am so grateful for Dr. Yeung my PS, the nurses, Dr. Jack, the anesthesiologist that was assigned to me, and all the friendly staff at Riverview Surgical Centre. If I get any more procedures done, I would most definitely come back here. I will try to upload pics of my waist compression and my JP drains later on. Happy Day today!!! More to follow!

I had my surgery Monday 8am, and today, Friday, I went out for breakfast whilst skillfully hiding my drainage bags under my loose fitting clothing. Today is the first day I’ve felt kind of normal. I am only on ibuprofen and Tylenol for pain. The Tramadol that I was given made me feel nauseated and the for the past day or so my pain hasn’t been that severe that I’ve needed anything more. The drains are still draining a fair amount (~70ml+/day), but I’ve been moving more, so I’m assuming thats the reason. Better out than in, right?!? When I’m lying or sitting down I feel pretty good, almost forgetting that I can’t get up or move that fast. I would love to take in a deep breath, but the security of my waist wrap is not something that I am willing to give up. So shorter breaths it is. I feel a twinge every now and then when I’m moving (or swatting at a wasp near my head) I really must remember to move slower and allow for proper healing!
I’m so happy with what I look like so far, no jeopardizing allowed! Lazy is good.
I’ve gotten compliments on what I look like even with the wrap on, here is quite a difference. Lots of numbness in my abdomen area. I fell around gently when I’ve showered, all two times that I’ve had. Both my doctors office and the surgical center have called to check in and see how I’m doing. I will make an appointment for the drain removal when they are draining 25ml or less for two consecutive 24 hour periods. Not sure when that will be...