Tummy Tuck and Flat As a Board - Washington, DC

It's been 2 yrs since my TT w/muscle repair and just noticed that a request was made for me to share my experience. First I'd like to say that this was the best decision I ever made, perhaps short of loosing the weight.

Here we go...

After shedding 70 lbs (20 lbs from my goal weight) I went in search of a PS to aid me in getting rid of excess skin from both weight loss and 2 pregnancies (both 8+ pound babies). Needless to say, it wasn't a pretty sight. Surgery was performed during Christmas break (Dec 2010), I stayed home for 2 weeks 3 days - after the first week I thought I had lost my mind and how in the heck was I eve going to return to work less stand straight again in this life time and the back pain was unbelievable. Note, I was still walking slightly like a hunchback (sp?), when I returned to work. Amazing how we forget that your stomach (basically your core) supports your entire body.

Some basic information...

My PS insisted that I spend the night in the hospital, please insist as I couldn't imagine being home that first night. I woke up from surgery w/loads of bandages and the compression garment from hell on. By the way, I had 2 drains - I looked an absolute mess.

Thank goodness my husband was there to assist me with getting in and out of bed and to the bathroom.

The first days... I walked. To eliminate the gas pains and general discomfort, I took short walks around the yard and house - very short walks initially.

I wore my compression garment 24/7 - initially, I hated it. Then the doc couldn't get me out of it. I wore the blasted thing until mid May (5+ months) as I found the support it gave me a sort of security blanket.

Pain Pills - Remember, you don't heal well if you're in PAIN. I took my Vicodine regularly for the first 10 days, then switched to Tylenol when necessary. Also, please ask your doc for a RX for Colace tablets or get them over-the-counter, they aid you in keeping regular while taking either Vicodine, Percocet... as they tend to constipate you.

Exercise - I resumed both swimming and boxing classes after 8 weeks. Yes, I experienced swelling initially after exercise, this lessened over time.

I took approx 8 months for me to see the final results, have patience... it was so worth the wait.

I'm currently 51 and have the confidence and body that is reflective of the real ME. I'm no longer out of the picture, I'm the first one to get in front of the camera now. Note ~ I stopped taking pics w/family and friends for years due to excessive weight.

I have no problem flaunting my stuff ; } and my husband reaps the benefits of my zest for life.

Finally, I noted $0 cost as my insurance at the time paid for the entire procedure.