TUMMY TUCK....oh my!
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ohhh just you wait, you will LOVE it so much more in a few more weeks. My pic is post op week 2 to 5, the swelling change is unbelievable!yes!!! its worth the pain and the investment...
you spend money on vacations, cars, houses, kids....why not spend it on yourself...
after losing 156lbs, i was left in a skin that i was so uncomfortable in, i couldn't wear clothes that i wanted to and i had to wear compression garments all the time...it was horrible...
im only a week and a half post-op i love what i see in the mirror and how clothes look on me (even though i have to wear stretch stuff so that when i swell up im not uncomfortable and don't irritate my incision)...
but all that will change in time and i will be able to show off my enviable coke-bottle figure....0 -
I am excited with all your stories, but I am going to wait and lose more weight! UGHHHH, hurry up and wait, lol0
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Had a tummy tuck about 3 months ago from McLean's clinic, Toronto.. Was able to return to work and regular activities at about 6 weeks and even though i usually heal slowly from injuries, my incision seems to be healing up great. So glad i went through with it!0
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Lose as much as you can first. I'm 5'5 and 137 at the time of tummy tuck (which was late October). I'd lost 80 lbs a total of 5 times first and my stomach was incredibly flat but with a ton of loose skin. I'm SOOOO happy with my results! My scar is incredibly low, I'm barely numb, I have an amazing belly button and stomach, I had a lift with no implants (I'm a natural 30FF and went down to a 30F). Looking through results at realself.com I didn't expect half of the amazing result I got. The recovery wasn't near as bad as I figured either (the coughing is the worst part!). I'm so glad I mustered the courage to do it!
My profile pic is actually my BEFORE pic- I had 3+ lbs of loose skin tucked into my shorts but still ripped abs... even then I needed muscle tightening. My skin was bad enough I qualified for panniculectomy through insurance but opted for the muscle plication and I'm happy I did.0 -
I had a tummy tuck 5 years ago. I wish that I would have been at the weight I am at now.
I also gained 60 pounds 3 years after my TT but I am here to tell you that it did not mess up my surgery. I am at my lowest weight since probably high school. I feel amazing and I look amazing. My tummy is flat and there is no bluging anywhere.
It was honestly a very painful surgery. 3 days into it and I was bawling because I had paid to be in so much pain. That being said, I would do it over again in a heartbeat. My scar can't be seen unless I am naked. I still have no sensation from the scar to my belly button but I am so happy with it!
Best of luck...do your research and select the right surgeon!0 -
I so want this....0
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How long after a tummy tuck can you begin to exercise again and what types of exercise? I am going into surgery this Friday and to be honest I am scared to death of the whole ordeal! What helped you get through the pain and the healing process?
Thank you!0 -
Good question Lolo. Did you lose all the weight you wanted to before you scheduled your surgery?0
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What are you scared of? If you are worried about anything that happens after you walk through those doors then you might want to reconsider since you might have some fears about surgeon or his staff...
There is nothing you can do once you get there for your surgery, it is totally out of your hands...
You can do your best to make sure you are the best that you can be before hand...fill your meds, take the meds that you have to before your surgery, have everything that you need set up at home so you can relax and begin your recovery...
Other than that, my only advice is stay on top of your pain meds, don't wait to be in pain before you take some more....
I set my alarm to go off every four hours to take my pain meds, even if I was sleeping I would wake up, down a few pills along with a few Ritz crackers and some peanut butter as the pills would make me feel sick to my stomach, then go back to sleep...
Keep this up for a few days and you should be good. The swelling sucks! I feel bloated all the time and its obvious, but that's to be expected at only three weeks post-op....
Best of luck! I would do it all again in a heart beat!!!0 -
How long after a tummy tuck can you begin to exercise again and what types of exercise? I am going into surgery this Friday and to be honest I am scared to death of the whole ordeal! What helped you get through the pain and the healing process?
Thank you!
I am 2 months post op.
I basically did nothing for 6 weeks (no cleaning, no lifting baskets, vacuuming, exercising, baths, sex, etc.) and got clearance 2 weeks ago. I went back to the gym, and felt I was taking it easy, but now have some more swelling -- which I know is NORMAL but I have one spot around my belly button that won't resolve and I fear I ruined something. I think at 2 months I would have felt if I pulled a stitch, but even at 6 weeks I caution anyone.. take it VERY slow. I felt great and back to normal and now I feel like I blew it
ETA: I am the only one who can see it, but I know it's there!
like another poster said, the swelling sucks! it will go away, so keep that in mind. I didn't prepare for the swelling, it was/is nuts!0 -
I had a full tummy tuck. Most doctors(from my understanding) recommend 6 weeks for light exercise and 3 months for abdominal work out, but EVERYONE is different, you need to ask your physician.
I did light exercises at 4 weeks on legs/arms(I'm a rock climber) and was okay'd to do so. I waited 3 months until I really started focusing on abs. I'm now about 4months post op and I feel great.
Then again I have always been very active.
The only meds I took were Ibuprofen and I took 8 the first 3 days? I had my surgery outside the US and they do not give you medication like they do in the US. It's not so bad after 3 days. The worst for me was coughing & laughing honestly the first few weeks. I still feel numbness, but the more I work out, the more feeling I am starting to notice.
It has been the best decision I have made. 0 -
I had a full tummy tuck. Most doctors(from my understanding) recommend 6 weeks for light exercise and 3 months for abdominal work out, but EVERYONE is different, you need to ask your physician.
I did light exercises at 4 weeks on legs/arms(I'm a rock climber) and was okay'd to do so. I waited 3 months until I really started focusing on abs. I'm now about 4months post op and I feel great. Then again I have always been very active.
The only meds I took were Ibuprofen and I took 8 the first 3 days? I had my surgery outside the US and they do not give you medication like they do in the US. It's not so bad after 3 days. The worst for me was coughing & laughing honestly the first few weeks. I still feel numbness, but the more I work out, the more feeling I am starting to notice.
It has been the best decision I have made.
Awesome!
I am 9 weeks today, thought I blew something going back to light exercise but on exam today he said I am absolutely ok! I found out that while he sews the abs back together he also sews some of the skin down to the muscles to help with a nice contour after (ie 6 pack) and this is probably what I am starting to see as the swelling is going down.
At this point he has freed me to do as I wish with common sense and listening to my body -- ie I can lift weights, but I will not yet! too scary! and I plan to leave abs for awhile longer too.
I also believe it was the best decision I ever made. My surgeon was beaming today when he saw me, can't wait for the final product.0 -
Every surgeon will advice you to lose weight before tummy tuck because essentially TT is all about tightening your loose skin and muscles. So if you lose weight after your tummy tuck your skin will sag again and you will have to go through all the processes again. And that won't be as easy because remember that tummy tuck is a really tough process, the recovery will take time and you will not want to go through all that again. In case you have got any more doubts regarding tummy tuck this blog will help you. Go through it for sure. http://www.theplasticsurgerypost.com/category/tummy-tuck/0
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Keep the stories coming! I am feeling so motivated!0
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This is all very intersting to read! I'm going in for a consult with a plastic surgeon in a couple weeks. Initially I just wanted "the girls" fixed (would like the bewbs of a 30-40 year old, not an 80 year old) but once I scheduled the appointment, I started doing some thinking and reading and decided I might want a TT as well so I asked them to note that for the consultation as well.
When I went in for my annual a couple weeks ago, I talked to my doc about it and she fully supports the idea. She told me they may want to do some lipo as well. That kind of weirds me out but at the same time, I understand the reasoning. Both of my best friends have had their bewbs done so I already have some insight into that but my procedure will be different as I think it will require some skin removal as well as a small implant for lift. Very curious to see what they say!!0 -
Sounds like you need to talk to your Dr.0
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Great information. I want to have a tummy tuck when I'm at my goal, 135 lbs. My hubby's on board already so I said how about a boob lift and some lipo too? (Hubby) Eyebrow raise, well, I better start saving for that too. That is my motivation.0
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Great information. I want to have a tummy tuck when I'm at my goal, 135 lbs. My hubby's on board already so I said how about a boob lift and some lipo too? (Hubby) Eyebrow raise, well, I better start saving for that too. That is my motivation.
Generally lipo is a part of the TT procedure. All the surgeons I consulted planned to do it.
Everyone I've talk too who has had a TT had it as well
Obvisously for the abdomen/flank area... thighs, etc. would be another story! good luck! 0 -
20 lbs to go!0
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Sorry folks, I have made a few attempts to respond to all of those who so graciously took the time to respond to my question and each time I ended up with an error and everything I had written was wiped out. Soooo that being said, here I go again! LOL I did not lose the weight I wanted prior to surgery, but was also not considered obese and was in what my doctor considered a healthy range (I don't know how) I am 5'8 and weighed 164 going into surgery and I am now 154 after surgery and could not be happier with the flat tummy and smaller waist that I have. That being said...... I did not anticipate the amount of pain and discomfort I am going through! UGHHHH and can someone PLEASE come up with a comfortable compression garment to wear after surgery??? I am not sure which is worse. I am back at work after two weeks. I attempted to come back after the first week and after a full day of work said no way!!! I was not ready to be back at the office. If I could I would work half days for a while. I really thought I would have bounced back quicker. I know the end results will be well worth it, it is the time and patience as I wait to feel good again. My doctor on the other hand has given me the green light for sex and for exercise with light weights, but no ab work. I on the other hand am not ready to give myself that green light. I feel so fragile still. I should be ecstatic, but I am going through the blues, simply because I want to feel amazing! 0
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Bit the bullet and did it. What I was afraid of was being disfigured and the pain and weakness that I am going through now. The doctor did not disfigure me, I look great and ended up with a very cute belly button! But the pain part as I am coming upon three weeks is ughhhh..... I do not like pain (of course who does?) I don't like feeling out of control and not feeling up to doing things. Coming back to work this week has been excruciating. Enough of the whining.... I am sucking it up and waiting for my final results! Anyone with advise on the best foods to eat right now, would greatly be appreciated. I know that I should be on a high protein, which is all I have been told, but any types of menu ideas for home cooking would be awesome info! Thanks! And someone please tell me that soon I will start feeling like myself again?
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How long after a tummy tuck can you begin to exercise again and what types of exercise? I am going into surgery this Friday and to be honest I am scared to death of the whole ordeal! What helped you get through the pain and the healing process?
Thank you!
I am 2 months post op.
I basically did nothing for 6 weeks (no cleaning, no lifting baskets, vacuuming, exercising, baths, sex, etc.) and got clearance 2 weeks ago. I went back to the gym, and felt I was taking it easy, but now have some more swelling -- which I know is NORMAL but I have one spot around my belly button that won't resolve and I fear I ruined something. I think at 2 months I would have felt if I pulled a stitch, but even at 6 weeks I caution anyone.. take it VERY slow. I felt great and back to normal and now I feel like I blew it
ETA: I am the only one who can see it, but I know it's there!
like another poster said, the swelling sucks! it will go away, so keep that in mind. I didn't prepare for the swelling, it was/is nuts!
The swelling is nuts!!!! I tried having a few glasses of wine with friends this past weekend (had not been taking pain meds for a few days) thinking I could handle it. My tummy blew up like a watermelon!!!! The other thing I am experiencing is that area where my lipo was done on my back flank areas, there is knotting that will not go down. Now it feels like I have gravel stuck in my back with or without the garment on. The therapist is to start working on that tomorrow. Patience..........0 -
I just can't tell if my belly is extra skin or fat that I need to lose. How do you make that comparison?0
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glad to hear you say this. I've often thought about having a tummy tuck to get rid of the flap that was created when I had two major surgeries about 20 years ago. but I've also thought about getting the girls worked on once I lost weight. now I may have to consider both. (i'm going to be 55 in June)I did not have mine until I lost all the weight (well I still want to lose 20 but I'm happy where I am)
If you are on the fence about including the "girls" ... include them. I would not be nearly as happy with my tummy tuck if I still had fat, flabby fat boobs hanging over my beautiful tummy .... getting perky girls back at age 50, priceless
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weight loss is stalled, so tired, thinking of going ahead and getting this done even though I am not at my ideal weight.
I am going to give a try to crossfit. 6 weeks. If I don't see big changes, I am moving forward with the surgery. Measuring myself tonight for comparison.0 -
I just can't tell if my belly is extra skin or fat that I need to lose. How do you make that comparison?
You and me both. I think it's skin, I mean I have two pockets over my belly button that really hang a weird way when I bend over, but who knows. It's very frustrating... I hate it!0 -
Go post on a plastic surgery site!
Realself.com is your BFF from now on!0 -
I just can't tell if my belly is extra skin or fat that I need to lose. How do you make that comparison?
You and me both. I think it's skin, I mean I have two pockets over my belly button that really hang a weird way when I bend over, but who knows. It's very frustrating... I hate it!
It's tough to tell especially if it's a mix. I look shrivelled up so I knew lots was skin, but I would be naïve to think there was no fat there. The surgeon will tell you, and look at all your measurements and advise on what he thinks - good time, lose more, etc.0 -
How long after a tummy tuck can you begin to exercise again and what types of exercise? I am going into surgery this Friday and to be honest I am scared to death of the whole ordeal! What helped you get through the pain and the healing process?
Thank you!
I am 2 months post op.
I basically did nothing for 6 weeks (no cleaning, no lifting baskets, vacuuming, exercising, baths, sex, etc.) and got clearance 2 weeks ago. I went back to the gym, and felt I was taking it easy, but now have some more swelling -- which I know is NORMAL but I have one spot around my belly button that won't resolve and I fear I ruined something. I think at 2 months I would have felt if I pulled a stitch, but even at 6 weeks I caution anyone.. take it VERY slow. I felt great and back to normal and now I feel like I blew it
ETA: I am the only one who can see it, but I know it's there!
like another poster said, the swelling sucks! it will go away, so keep that in mind. I didn't prepare for the swelling, it was/is nuts!
The swelling is nuts!!!! I tried having a few glasses of wine with friends this past weekend (had not been taking pain meds for a few days) thinking I could handle it. My tummy blew up like a watermelon!!!! The other thing I am experiencing is that area where my lipo was done on my back flank areas, there is knotting that will not go down. Now it feels like I have gravel stuck in my back with or without the garment on. The therapist is to start working on that tomorrow. Patience..........
You are still VERY early on in your recovery. I am shocked at 3 weeks you got the go ahead for exercise with light weights and sex. I got the go ahead for very very light exercise, NO weights at 6 weeks and even then it felt too soon. I only really got back to normal stuff (and being comfortable with sex) at about 2 months. I couldn't even stand up straight for 3 weeks!!!!!! The swelling is unreal, even at 12.5 weeks post op I still have swelling, and I only really see it recover overnight on weekends because I can sleep in longer. I have a 'knot' on one side where lipo was and a dark mark but I don't care.. I don't strut around in bikinis or such.
just know your 3 week belly is FAR FAR from your final result, at 3 weeks I still felt butchered and upset with it, and now I am over the moon! and I know it will only get better.
Take it easy!!!!0 -
What I find so funny/unreal for me, is even after a tummy tuck I still have stretch marks that extend up past my belly button -- that is how butchered my stomach was from having twins!!!
My incision looks red and thick, but if you look closely, it's just more stretch marks causing the thickness .... My stomach was screwed, as was my pelvic area from stretch marks.0
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