POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Tummy Tuck with Umbilical Hernia - Wisconsin
ORIGINAL POST
Hi! I have a tummy tuck scheduled and am very...
WORTH IT$8,100
Hi! I have a tummy tuck scheduled and am very nervous about the whole thing. I have three children and after my third child my abdominal walls separated and I also have an umbilical hernia. I am 5'3 and 122 pounds and have a belly that pooches out. I haven't told any family or friends and am so happy to of found this website as it will be my only support system. I am most nervous about the recovery (like most other people) and the depression so many women experience shortly after the surgery and I am trying to mentally prepare myself. My rationale at this point is that a few months of recovery outweigh the number of years I'll enjoy my new stomach. The power of positive thinking!
I have read countless reviews and comments on this site and can't express how important they have been in making this decision. Your candid posts have really helped me understand the process so much better - thank you! Any advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Replies (3)
UPDATED FROM flower18
11 days pre
My surgery is now postponed for one week. A little...
My surgery is now postponed for one week. A little disappointing because the nerves are killing me, but everything happens for a reason. Any one have suggestions on what to do before surgery and what they brought with them to the hospital, or wish they would of brought with them? I imagine some comfy clothes to go home in :) Thanks ladies!!!!
Replies (3)
January 14, 2011
You will do great! Seriously just went through it (7 weeks post op) tt with lipo and repair of inguinal hernia. THe pain wasn't as bad as I thought. It was controlled VERY well through medications..Most of my pain was soreness in muscles in upper stomach and then they were tender when I moved, coughed,,or stretched in a certain way. It was not excrutiationg if you take your pain meds as needed and don't wait until the wear off to replenish. Believe it or not, I went to my families Thanksgiving party just 4 days after my surgery, drains and all...I was Christmas shopping with 2 weeks for quite a few hours actually. It is so worth it you will feel like a new person, even from the begginning with your new flat belly and curvy body. Best think I ever did, and though I'm not fully recovered (minor pains not enough to take any meds for past 4 weeks)I would still do it again i na heartbeat. You are going to be THRILLED with the results and so happy you did it...Good luck to you and keep us posted!!
January 16, 2011
Joderbug40,
Thanks for the comment! Your positive words and personal story are very helpful and inspiring. I hope I recover as well as you have. At first I was extremely nervous, but now those feelings are turning into anticipation - I just want to get it over with and begin to experience everything I've been thinking and talking about. I hope that makes sense! I will continue to post througout my recovery. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment! Your positive words and personal story are very helpful and inspiring. I hope I recover as well as you have. At first I was extremely nervous, but now those feelings are turning into anticipation - I just want to get it over with and begin to experience everything I've been thinking and talking about. I hope that makes sense! I will continue to post througout my recovery. Thanks!
January 21, 2011
Hello Flower18!
I am sooo excited for you since you are having your surgery tomorrow! I remember the night before my surgery. I flew to Southern CA the night before, I knew I was in great hands, so I wasnt nervous, just very excited. Keep us in touch so that we know how you are doing. Believe me, it is not that bad. I hardly had any pain at all. I was just very sore as if I had done hundreds of sit ups. Keep your positive attitude, thats key!!
I am sooo excited for you since you are having your surgery tomorrow! I remember the night before my surgery. I flew to Southern CA the night before, I knew I was in great hands, so I wasnt nervous, just very excited. Keep us in touch so that we know how you are doing. Believe me, it is not that bad. I hardly had any pain at all. I was just very sore as if I had done hundreds of sit ups. Keep your positive attitude, thats key!!
UPDATED FROM flower18
1 day post
Well it's the day before my surgery and...
Well it's the day before my surgery and I'm feeling anxious, excited, nervous, scared...the emotions alone are exhausting me! I thought I would post some of my feelings, as I'm sure some of you can relate.
My house is clean, all the sheets are washed, groceries are bought and laundry is done. I've made arrangements for my children and packed their bags (my friend is taking them while I'm in the hospital). I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for my husband so he doesn't have a lot of household things to do this weekend. Guess that's the mother in me! I think no matter how much I try and prepare myself it's the fear of the unknown that is scariest. I just keep reminding myself that I'm a strong woman who has the ability to get through this and that it's only a temporary discomfort. I think emotional heartache and pain can be as painful as physical pain. At least my mind is strong and my attitude is positive.
I do have before pics and I will try and get those posted tonight. Thanks for reading!
My house is clean, all the sheets are washed, groceries are bought and laundry is done. I've made arrangements for my children and packed their bags (my friend is taking them while I'm in the hospital). I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for my husband so he doesn't have a lot of household things to do this weekend. Guess that's the mother in me! I think no matter how much I try and prepare myself it's the fear of the unknown that is scariest. I just keep reminding myself that I'm a strong woman who has the ability to get through this and that it's only a temporary discomfort. I think emotional heartache and pain can be as painful as physical pain. At least my mind is strong and my attitude is positive.
I do have before pics and I will try and get those posted tonight. Thanks for reading!
Replies (1)
January 23, 2011
Flower, hope all went well yesterday. I have some pain, but it's manageable. I have my pain pump through Sunday and then it runs out of medicine, but hopefully I will not need it by then. I'm thinking about you doing your recovery, good luck!!
Hi Flower and welcome to RealSelf :)
You are another tiny person. I am also short and small and let me tell you...getting rid of the double muffin top was the best thing I ever did for myself. You are making the right decision and the results will far out weigh the temporary pain.
I am so glad you did find RealSelf because this is a wonderful support group our here. Th women will all help carry you through and put you at ease. We have all been there, done that and will certainly help you through.
The nerves are normal so just roll with it and know it will be fine. Keep up the positive thinking and I know that will help you. Just keep telling yourself that any pain, swelling or minor depression you may go through is all part of it and temporary. It will come to an end and you will heal. Just try to focus on the end result. I like what you said about the "Few Months" of recovery. That is exactly right! I went in thinking I would be fine in 2-4 weeks and was really let down and emotional for a while.
I look forward to reading your posts and please let us know if you have any questions....any at all. We don't hold back on the questions and no question is a dumb one.
My PS is on vacation until next week so I'll see him one week prior to surgery. I feel like that's so close to the surgery date and I don't feel prepared for what I'll need prior to the surgery, at the hospital and when I get home. Any suggestions? I have read the lists and articles here and it's been helpful.
Hi Flower,
Yes this is a wonderful site with excellent support. You can't talk to just anyone in your life about this procedure. Most people don't understand at all and just judge you. Not here; we all get it and feel each others pain. It is very comforting to have the women on the site to help you through.
Did you look at my lists in my Survival Guide? http://www.realself.com/forum/tummy-tuck-survival-real-life-guide
Basically you will need the following:
For the hospital:
Just wear comfy clothes and slip on shoes. Baggy sweat pants and a zip up hoodie work best. Also make sure you have pillows in the car for the ride home.
For home stock up on your pain meds, Milk of Magnesia, cotton granny panties, protein shakes, fruits and veggies, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, apple sauce, toast and crackers. Soups are also good. You will need to have something in your tummy when you take your pills.
You are going to do just fine. The pain you have will be temporary and you will get back to normal before you know it.