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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Bon Voyage Everyone

Name: Bon Voyage Everyone
Item: James H. French Jr., MD, FACS
Rating: 5
Author: So Deserving

ORIGINAL POST

I am 46 years old and I have been wanting to do...

So DeservingAugust 1, 2011

WORTH IT$9,400

I am 46 years old and I have been wanting to do this for about 18 years now. I had to have surgery twice when I was in my early 20's to have ovarian cyst removed. I started noticing after that surgery that a little pouch had formed across my low belly above the incision. I figured in time it would go away, it didn't. In fact, over the years it has gotten bigger.

Six years ago I went through a tough divorce and I picked up a lot of weight. On January 8, that all changed. I finally made up my mind to get the weight off. I promised myself when I got within 10 pounds of my goal, I was going to get a tummy tuck to get rid of that roll that I hated.

I have lost 40 pounds and I feel great, except I still can't stand that jelly roll. Well, now it's time for my prize. I met with my PS and I think I'm ready to go for it.

I've been reading a lot about tummy tucks because I wanted to educate myself as much as possible. I stumbled across this site and I'm so glad I did. It has been extremely helpful. It has made me scared and nervous and has also given me hope, strength and encouragement.

I do have a question for you other tummy tuckers. I was not able to have children so I never had a baby. Do you think this procedure might be a little easier on me since I've never had kids. I'm getting a full tummy tuck with some lipo to belly (aka - my jelly roll) and flanks and probably some minimal repairs to my abdominal wall.

I would love to hear from someone who had a tummy tuck with lipo and never had kids.

So Deserving's provider

James H. French Jr., MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

So Deserving rating for Dr. French:

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Replies (3)

Kimmers25

August 2, 2011

Welcome to RealSelf! I am very happy you found us.

You will find amazing support in this community and all of the ladies will cheer you on while you go through your process.

I think it is wonderful that you are doing this for yourself and I just know you will feel amazing.

I am really not sure if having had a child or not makes any difference. It's a surgical procedure and I think the same pain and healing apply either way.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Puggymom

August 7, 2011

Thanks for the comments on my blog. Congrats on yr weight loss! I love that you decided you were going to reward yrself. Especially after to tough divorce. Please post some pics so we can see yr before & afters.

marinemom

August 7, 2011

I read some posts from women who never had children, I think the only difference is that your ab muscles may not be as separated as some of ours, but then, that depends on the weight gain/loss. Are you having muscle repair? That can be the uncomfortable part. Although lipo keeps you sore too. But, it's not so bad you can't bear it, unless you have a low tolerance for pain. Then just load up on pain meds. :) I am sure your ps can give you more specific answers. Good luck~ You deserve this. :)

UPDATED FROM So Deserving

Great, I went to my family doctor today to have a...

So DeservingAugust 9, 2011

Great, I went to my family doctor today to have a physical to clear me for surgery. I picked up "Shape" magazine to read while I was waiting and what was the first article I see when I open the magazine? An article on liposuction and you better "think twice about going under the knife." OMG, my mind started going crazy on me. I started wondering if this was a message from God telling me not to do this. It was just too weird. I really started second guessing myself.

Needless to say, when I got home I called somebody I know who had a TT and Lipo done 3 years ago and talked this out with her. Feeling much better now. Uggg, this process is mentally draining.

Will post pictures soon.

Replies (4)

Kimmers25

August 12, 2011

Any magazine you pick up will post warnings about something or another. It's not a sign at all. Darn magazine just happened to be laying in the doctors office so you picked it up..that's all.

marinemom

August 12, 2011

So Deserving: Okay, if that was a sign, how about this one: I went in to my regular dr. for my clearance letter/checkup and when she found out why I needed it, she was like: "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you came in to see me today, I have been thinking about getting this done for years, I have even consulted with PS's! I can't wait to hear all about it and see your results" So, I took it as a confirmation! LOL>
I remember a few years back, my Dermatologist told me she would never have lipo,as she felt it was just too risky. I have to admit, that made me stop and think. But, when I made the decision to get the tummy tuck, if I am going to get the t/t with muscle repair and the PS recommended lipo, I did not even think twice about it. It hurts a little soreness wise, and it looks bad with bruising, but I am 16 days post op now and all the bruising is gone, just tender to touch. Make sure your surgeon is great and do what they say and I am sure you will be just fine.

Ariel99

August 16, 2011

You may also want to ask you PS if you even need lipo as maybe with skin removal maybe enough, it was in my case at least. I did have muscle repair, I do have kiddos. So far I am pleased with the results and recovery has been pretty good. Just a thought

Robyn in Sunny SA

August 17, 2011

The nerves and second guessing yourself are normal and do stay away from Magazines and Negative comments :) You will be thrilled once you see your beautiful flat tummy :) Best Wishes x

UPDATED FROM So Deserving

I have had allergy problems with pain meds in the...

So DeservingAugust 19, 2011

I have had allergy problems with pain meds in the past, especially morphine. PS wants me to try taking a percocet (before surgery) so we will know if I'm going to have an allergic reaction to it. I just took it and I am praying that I'm okay with it. Please don't let me be allergic to it. Eleven days and counting.

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