POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
Finally! After pics...
UPDATED FROM Lizzy0413
I really cannot believe it, but I am sick again. I...
Lizzy0413April 4, 2012
WORTH IT$9,000
I really cannot believe it, but I am sick again. I caught a cold from my kids and have been in the bed for two days. Ugh. Not to mention that I have had a couple of bad coughing fits. I don’t think I’ve damaged anything, but I’m now fully medicated on cough medicine.
Speaking of medication, I stopped taking the Percocet the same day I completed my antibiotic course (it was a 10-day course.) The following day I took 2 advil in the morning and then one every 4-6 hours. The next day I just took it in the morning, and then I pretty much quit. There are some prickly pains I get on occasion, and my chest and stomach skin are very sensitive. But I just didn’t feel the need to take medication for that. I’m pretty much standing up straight at this point, but frankly, I’ve been in bed for two days, so I’m a little creaky and sicky and blah. Not the best measure of what recovery is supposed to be like. At least I know I’m not over-exerting myself!
I’m finally including “after” pics. These were taken on 4/2 – 2 weeks after surgery. That surgical bra is really unbecoming, but it’s functional. The pic from the side has me somewhat distressed. I don’t see much difference – I thought my tummy would be flatter. But I’m still swollen and I’m not standing up straight – I’m hoping there will be improvement down the road. Any words of wisdom on this would be much appreciated!
The scars look awful, but they don’t really hurt at all. I’m getting my stitches out next Monday, and I’m hopeful I can start some sort of scar therapy. For some reason I bought Scar Guard before my surgery, so I need to ask my PS if that’s what I need to use, or something else.
The boobs are still looking good. The one on my left is about a half inch lower than the one on the right. I assume this is the “dropping” I’ve read so much about. I’m hoping the other one catches up, but really, they both look fine to me. I’m just happy to have nice lookin’ boobs!
I hope you all are well this week! Take care!
L
Speaking of medication, I stopped taking the Percocet the same day I completed my antibiotic course (it was a 10-day course.) The following day I took 2 advil in the morning and then one every 4-6 hours. The next day I just took it in the morning, and then I pretty much quit. There are some prickly pains I get on occasion, and my chest and stomach skin are very sensitive. But I just didn’t feel the need to take medication for that. I’m pretty much standing up straight at this point, but frankly, I’ve been in bed for two days, so I’m a little creaky and sicky and blah. Not the best measure of what recovery is supposed to be like. At least I know I’m not over-exerting myself!
I’m finally including “after” pics. These were taken on 4/2 – 2 weeks after surgery. That surgical bra is really unbecoming, but it’s functional. The pic from the side has me somewhat distressed. I don’t see much difference – I thought my tummy would be flatter. But I’m still swollen and I’m not standing up straight – I’m hoping there will be improvement down the road. Any words of wisdom on this would be much appreciated!
The scars look awful, but they don’t really hurt at all. I’m getting my stitches out next Monday, and I’m hopeful I can start some sort of scar therapy. For some reason I bought Scar Guard before my surgery, so I need to ask my PS if that’s what I need to use, or something else.
The boobs are still looking good. The one on my left is about a half inch lower than the one on the right. I assume this is the “dropping” I’ve read so much about. I’m hoping the other one catches up, but really, they both look fine to me. I’m just happy to have nice lookin’ boobs!
I hope you all are well this week! Take care!
L
UPDATED FROM Lizzy0413
DPO 11: Doing better today. The past few days...
Lizzy0413March 30, 2012
DPO 11: Doing better today. The past few days after my fever I’ve just been wiped out. Zero energy. I have also been fighting a cough (can you imagine? A cough!) But today I seem to be coming back to the land of the living, and the tickle at the back of my throat is abating. I even went to Target this morning and made it through just fine. I did have a nice long afternoon nap though. ?
I had my first follow-up on Wednesday. They said that everything was looking good, that my abdomen (especially around my scar) is really swollen. My drains were removed (hooray!) and the tape taken off my chest (again, hooray!) and I was told to keep on with the binder and bra, and stay hunched over for a few more days. I’m almost vertical at this point, but I will stick to doctor’s orders and not try to stand up perfectly straight until Monday.
Once the tape was removed I finally got a good look at the girls. They look great! As I told my husband – best case scenario boobs! They are a very nice size and look very natural to me. I’m pleased with them. I’m not as pleased with the belly at this point. I thought it would be flatter, especially below the belly button. But I’m sure there is still some swelling going on still – but looking at others’ photos I would have thought it would look better than it does. Also, my scar is monsterous. Literally, I feel like Frankenstein. Not only is it swollen, but it looks like a big ridge. I know it will go down, so I’ll just have to wait and see. I’m so looking forward to feeling like myself again. Being tired and hurting is very wearying. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I had my first follow-up on Wednesday. They said that everything was looking good, that my abdomen (especially around my scar) is really swollen. My drains were removed (hooray!) and the tape taken off my chest (again, hooray!) and I was told to keep on with the binder and bra, and stay hunched over for a few more days. I’m almost vertical at this point, but I will stick to doctor’s orders and not try to stand up perfectly straight until Monday.
Once the tape was removed I finally got a good look at the girls. They look great! As I told my husband – best case scenario boobs! They are a very nice size and look very natural to me. I’m pleased with them. I’m not as pleased with the belly at this point. I thought it would be flatter, especially below the belly button. But I’m sure there is still some swelling going on still – but looking at others’ photos I would have thought it would look better than it does. Also, my scar is monsterous. Literally, I feel like Frankenstein. Not only is it swollen, but it looks like a big ridge. I know it will go down, so I’ll just have to wait and see. I’m so looking forward to feeling like myself again. Being tired and hurting is very wearying. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Replies (2)
March 31, 2012
Hey! Im in VA too!!! How did you find your surgeon???? Im in the process of looking for another one =] Im near Richmond.
March 31, 2012
I asked my regular doctor for a recommendation. He happened to recommend a doctor I had heard about from friends and had readers choice awards from a couple of publications around town, so I figured she was the best. :) I'm not in Richmond, so I'd definitely say asking your regular doc is a good first step. Best of luck to you!
UPDATED FROM Lizzy0413
Ugh. Night before last at about 3:30 I had a...
Lizzy0413March 27, 2012
Ugh. Night before last at about 3:30 I had a dream that I had a fever. So I woke up and, you'll never guess... I had a fever. It was about 100, so I wasn't too alarmed. But I felt just awful. In the morning I came to discover I was having some lower GI trouble. My surgeon thinks it's a coincidental viral thing... Very poorly timed. Spent most of yesterday sleeping (and had to miss my follow up appt!). But I started feeling better around 7:00 pm. Just a bit tired today. I'm also attempting once again to go down to half a pain pill, and it seems to be going better this time. I think my follow up will be tomorrow. Oh well. More soon. :)
Replies (4)
March 27, 2012
My body looks similar to yours (pre-op). It's nice to hear that a couple people have had a pretty good recovery. After reading MANY stories on here, I am considering cancelling my TT w/ muscle tightening on April 6th. I have two boys 6& 4. What would you say the recovery has been like for you getting around the house and doing things for the kids? When do you think you'll be able to drive? These are a few of my biggest concerns. My husband will stay home for the first week but will need to go back the 2nd week. I will have to drive the kids and my 4 yr old needs to be walked into his class. I don't know if this is good timing for me. Any advice? Thanks!
March 27, 2012
Hi Jen,
To be honest, I have been doing very little around the house. Both of my parents are here to help. But I also have a 19 month old that weighs 35 lbs, so there is no way I could take care of him by myself as I'm not allowed to lift anything over 5lbs. I think you might need more than a week. I was a week yesterday, although sidelined by illness, I don't think I'd be up to my regular routine. I don't think you can drive until you are off pain meds. I would hate for you to cancel though. Perhaps if you were to have help for 2weeks instead of one? Could a Mother's helper come in and help you with the kids? I would also suggest talking to your surgeon. He or she will be able to give you very good info about recovery and what you will and won't be able to handle. Best of luck to you!
To be honest, I have been doing very little around the house. Both of my parents are here to help. But I also have a 19 month old that weighs 35 lbs, so there is no way I could take care of him by myself as I'm not allowed to lift anything over 5lbs. I think you might need more than a week. I was a week yesterday, although sidelined by illness, I don't think I'd be up to my regular routine. I don't think you can drive until you are off pain meds. I would hate for you to cancel though. Perhaps if you were to have help for 2weeks instead of one? Could a Mother's helper come in and help you with the kids? I would also suggest talking to your surgeon. He or she will be able to give you very good info about recovery and what you will and won't be able to handle. Best of luck to you!
March 28, 2012
Thank you so much! Your story has helped me so much. I had my pre-op yesterday and freaked out. I will only be getting the BA on the 6th. I feel like a big chicken. I really think that it's for the best. I would hate to have any complications and have my husband in London. :(
I do look forward to having a tummy tuck in the future. Reading stories like yours helps me realize it doesn't have to be a really bad experience. I know that it hasn't been a walk in the park, but it is doable. Thank you.
I do look forward to having a tummy tuck in the future. Reading stories like yours helps me realize it doesn't have to be a really bad experience. I know that it hasn't been a walk in the park, but it is doable. Thank you.
March 30, 2012
It's definitely doable! But you are smart to do your TT when you will have the help you need. Best of luck with your BA on the 6th!
March 27, 2012
Although your recovery does not seem to be a "piece of cake" it sounds as if it has not been that bad. Good for you. I hope that you continue to have an uneventful recovery!! Heatlhy and happy healing!!
March 30, 2012
Yup - not that bad, considering what I elected to do to myself. :) But a week and a half later and I'm really feeling a lot better. Thanks for the well-wishes!
March 28, 2012
Congratulations! I am glad that your recovery has been going fairly well. You are right behind me. I had a Mommy Makeover on 3/19. I had a pure hell week up until last weekend then turned the corner and have been doing well since. Take care of yourself!
March 30, 2012
Ugh - so sorry you've had a rough time. You never realize how much you use your core until you really don't want to use it! I'm glad you've turned the corner and continue to have a good recovery!
March 28, 2012
You look really good in your before pictures. I can't wait to see your after pictures! I bet you look beautiful!! I hope you are feeling better :)
March 30, 2012
Thanks very much! I worked like a crazy person to get into shape. I hope to take some pics tomorrow morning and get them posted. It's a bit of a Franken-belly, but I'm sure it will improve. :)
Replies (2)
It's just swelling you skinny little hottie...it will go away I promise. Be good to yourself it's only been a couple weeks now.