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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

11 months later - had revision surgery 9 days ago

ORIGINAL POST

My name is Karina and I'm a mom to 3 kids,...

VarnerificFebruary 10, 2012
WORTH IT$6,700

My name is Karina and I'm a mom to 3 kids, ages 2, 6, and 8. I'm currently 5'7" and weigh 136 pounds. I have struggled with my weight for the last 10 years or so. Just a year ago I weighed about 200 pounds. My highest weight pregnant was with my 8 year old when I weighed 246 pounds on delivery day. When my youngest daughter was born 2 1/2 years ago, I weighed in at 237 pounds. Over the last year I have worked my butt off with diet and exercise and have gotten to my goal weight. I would like to be 135 (only a pound or so to go) but I've been fluctuating between 136-138 for the last 2 months. I am a frequent runner/walker and have found that my body is pretty comfortable maintaining at between 135-140. Having three large babies and a short torso has wreaked havoc on my midsection. My heaviest baby was 9 lb 8 oz and the lightest was 8 lb 10 oz. When I bend a little bit to the side, my ribcage literally hits my hip bone. So I really don't have much of a waist so my babies had nowhere to go bout outward. This caused a lot of stretch marks and tummy skin expansion. I've gotten to my goal weight now and even so, my tummy is not going away. I've got quite a bit of muscle separation and extra skin and tissue that I'm looking forward to getting removed with the tummy tuck. I have been begging my husband for a tummy tuck for years now and he finally relented. :) So here I go!!! No looking back now! My tummy tuck is scheduled for March 1 and I will be getting a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction of the hips and flanks. I am nervous as heck but I can't wait!

Varnerific's provider

Kurt R Reinke

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Varnerific rating for Dr. Reinke:

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Replies (5)

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finallygoingtodoit
February 12, 2012
Congrats on your weight loss, that's awesome! Looking at your cute Lil frame, you will be thrilled with your results! You have help all set up to help with the kiddos after surgery? I promise, great help with the kiddos after surgery is almost the most important part of your recovery, mom to mom! :)
Varnerific
February 12, 2012
Thanks finallygoingtodoit! My husband actually stays home and works for me and my home-based business. So he will be home all the time and able to take care of me and the kids which is a bonus. Your results look great so far! So I noticed in your pictures, you have the little wheely thing. Did they send you home with that or did you rent that from a medical supply place. Looks handy when you're hunched over all the time!
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finallygoingtodoit
February 12, 2012
Oh good, I'm glad the hubby will be avaliable full time for you! Yeah, the walker is something I borrowed from a friend who's grandma recently passed. It was a LIFESAVER forthe first week or so, and I still hang on to it while my hubby getsme all sinched up in the garment after my shower! I've heard they aren't very expensive to rent, I would totally rec. that little helper!
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Taylors
February 13, 2012
Congrats on your decision! I had a full TT and lipo of the entire back area on Jan 27 and I am now 17 days PO. Guess what! I not only lived through it, I look soo much better! My last drain is a bit slow in being removed, but it will come out in two days. I will post photos.
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Katapple
February 13, 2012
So excited to follow your progress! We had/have similar befores, you will have a fantastic result! So excited for you :) I didn't need a walker or anything special. Just a recliner and some pillows :) Also, I like wearing tanks under the binder, so make sure you have those on hand!
UPDATED FROM Varnerific
2 months pre

***Update*** I had to reschedule my tummy tuck for...

VarnerificFebruary 14, 2012
***Update*** I had to reschedule my tummy tuck for April 10. Lots of family drama involving an impromptu wedding in which I am a bridesmaid. Plus there is the bridal shower and the bachelorette party I am expected to be at. On top of that, my 2 year old is having a surgery on March 5 to have a Branchial Cleft Cyst removed from her clavicle area. AND, we just found out that my son was awarded a spot in an Honor Recital concert on March 1 (only 10 kids in the whole school get this honor). So it was just going to be too much I would have to miss to keep it in March.

Replies (6)

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Katapple
February 14, 2012
aww, that's too bad, but it sounds like it will be a busy month so it will go by fast!
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Taylors
February 22, 2012
AND, you are such a good mom to prioritize. I'm looking forward to seeing your results!
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Jennifer6177
March 5, 2012
Hi Karina!! I really enjoyed reading your story and I want to say CONGRATS on your weight loss!! You are going to look amazing after your Mommy Makeover!!! I am also scheduled for the 10th!!!! We will have to support eachother!
Varnerific
April 6, 2012
Can't believe there's 4 days left? Are you doing anything special to prepare?
golden girl 79
April 1, 2012
Hi Karina stopping by to see how the count down n prep are going, sending good vibe
Varnerific
April 6, 2012
Thank you!!!
UPDATED FROM Varnerific
8 days pre

8 days to go! I completely forgot what I was...

VarnerificApril 2, 2012
8 days to go! I completely forgot what I was supposed to do pre-op besides don't eat past midnight. My pre-op appointment was 2 months ago so I barely remember anything. As far as what I've done to prepare is this. I bought a stage 2 compression garment, purchased Bromelain and Arnica, as well as the silicone scar tape (for after 6 weeks post-op - I keloid like crazy).

What else do I need to prepare? Tonight I'm going to pick up a shower chair, a heating pad for my lower back. Also I already have one of those exercise bands to tie up the drains while I shower. As far as help with my kids, luckily my hubby and I both work from home so he will be with me all the time as he usually is. I also have an adjustable Tempur-Pedic bed which will be super nice and a nice little laptop lap desk so I can still work from my bed when I feel like it.

Does anyone know, do I need to eat super light the day before? I think I heard that somewhere.

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