Tummy Tucks... was it worth it?
keelerangela
Posts: 88 Member
This is a question for those of you who have had a tummy tuck... was it worth it? how painful was it afterwards and do u ever regret it?
I already have loose skin on my tummy from my back to back pregnancies.. I know that with exercise I will get some tone back but being real with myself I know that if I want to get rid of all of my hanging skin, I more than likely will need a tummy tuck. So I am just curious about how others who have had one.. now feel about it
I already have loose skin on my tummy from my back to back pregnancies.. I know that with exercise I will get some tone back but being real with myself I know that if I want to get rid of all of my hanging skin, I more than likely will need a tummy tuck. So I am just curious about how others who have had one.. now feel about it
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Bump0
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Also bump0
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curious also.0
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I always have concerns about people subjecting themselves to any surgery that is not absolutely necessary. Especially these days when hospital infection rates are up and bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant.
I don't think people realize how dangerous anesthesia itself it, either. Sure, lots of people have surgery and everything is fine and I am not suggesting for one minute that you avoid a surgery that is necessary for your health and well being. I am, however, suggesting you reconsider something done for vanity, especially if you have not exhausted all other possible options.
Surgery always carries risks, some major. Ask yourself if you are willing to put your life in jeopardy for the sake of some loose skin.0 -
haven't had one myself but my friend has. it made a huge difference to her confidence. IMO she has a very noticeable scar, but for her this is a huge improvement on the 'apron' she had previously.0
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I always have concerns about people subjecting themselves to any surgery that is not absolutely necessary. Especially these days when hospital infection rates are up and bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant.
I don't think people realize how dangerous anesthesia itself it, either. Sure, lots of people have surgery and everything is fine and I am not suggesting for one minute that you avoid a surgery that is necessary for your health and well being. I am, however, suggesting you reconsider something done for vanity, especially if you have not exhausted all other possible options.
Surgery always carries risks, some major. Ask yourself if you are willing to put your life in jeopardy for the sake of some loose skin.
well said.0 -
I havent had one but I have went in for the consultation. I was actually going to do it but the doctors availability never matched my work schedule availability. Honestly 2 of my closest friends have had them and they look amazing. I can tell you my friend told me that it sucked as far as recovery time and that she had to wear her drainage bag a little longer than the norm. After 2 weeks she was back at work but she said it took more than that before she could fully function. They gave her vicodin I believe and the garments wear somewhat uncomfortable. I went to the same doc for my consultation that did hers. Do your research and consult with a few docs to see who youd be more comfortable with. She had her husbands help because they had small kids. She has a flat stomach now and aside from a noticeable scar she says it was worth it. The doc told me however that just being black the scar would be more noticeable so I wouldnt count that as a negative. I wish you good luck and hope that if thats what you want it will work out for you.0
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I am a nurse ... so with that being said I am fully aware of the risks.0
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I get irritated when someone comes and hijacks a post.. did you have the surgery done? No.. then please don't lecture me. Am I willing to work hard and exhaust all options before I consider surgery, absolutely. I am pretty sure that i stated that in my original post. I am a highly educated person, so please don't talk to me like I am stupid. I know the risks, I would never even consider anything without fully researching it.0
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Yes worth it! I opted to have mine in conjunction with a hysterectomy about 15 years ago. Hard to separate the the aftercare from 2 procedures, but yes I was sore, had a tube sticking out, and walked tenderly for a few weeks. They took all my excess belly skin and left a big scar (but really low and not viewable). In the intervening years, I am still glad I did it. It completely changed my mid-section. I always had excess belly skin and it always bothered me. Even gaining and losing weight over the years, I am happier with my body. Hope this helps.0
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Go to realself.com There are reviews/photos on various procedures. Very informative.0
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Do a search for tummy tucks on MFP. You will find some informative conversations.
Below is a question I answered about 6 months ago on MFP....
"I'm considering this treatment (tummy tuck) for myself but was wondering what it was like to have it done from a patient's perspective. Does anyone have any before and after pictures after their tummy tuck?"
My answer....
I am a mother of 5. My last 3 were triplets. I gained 100 lbs with their pregnancy. I was a mess. I had a full tummy tuck. They sewed up all my muscles and took off a ton of skin. I also had umbilical hernia. Everything look pretty awful. When the triplets were two we hired a nanny and I had the surgery. I will be honest....it was difficult for me. I had an easier time recoverying from 3 c-sections than I did the tummy tuck. BUT I am so glad that I had it done!! My stomach is very, very flat. My belly button looks very tiny and a little strange. The Dr. explained that it was because of the hernia. He couldn't do much to "save" it and make it look natural. But I don't wear bikinis so it's not important.
I do not have any pictures to share. Sorry about that. If you get the surgery be sure to take it easy and block out a lot of time to recover!!0 -
I had one three weeks ago and It was so worth it for me. I had 4 kids and didn't need to lose weight but my stomach was a mess..loose skin and stretch marks..now my stomach looks perfect and I'm still swollen. It's not for weight loss though, I only lost like 2 pounds. As far as pain..I just set my phone alarm for every 4 hours and took my meds on time..only needed them for 3 days. It feels like you did way to many sit ups. The incision never hurt,just the fixing of my torn muscles. the drains sucked though..had them for 2 weeks...one was hitting a nerve so it hurt when I drained it. did not hurt when they were pulled them out... just felt weird for a second. I was so scared to get it done but so glad I just went ahead and did it!0
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I always have concerns about people subjecting themselves to any surgery that is not absolutely necessary. Especially these days when hospital infection rates are up and bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant.
I don't think people realize how dangerous anesthesia itself it, either. Sure, lots of people have surgery and everything is fine and I am not suggesting for one minute that you avoid a surgery that is necessary for your health and well being. I am, however, suggesting you reconsider something done for vanity, especially if you have not exhausted all other possible options.
Surgery always carries risks, some major. Ask yourself if you are willing to put your life in jeopardy for the sake of some loose skin.
How would you know whether or not it's necessary? Some people have enough of an apron that it gets infected easily down there. It's also I imagine something a person is grossed out by. I don't know anyone that would want to carry that much loose skin so much that it gets infected frequently and is an embarrassment if they say want to go to the beach. If someone has worked hard to lose that much weight then I think they deserve to have the surgery without people passing judgement especially people that most likely will never be in a position to figure out if it's necessary or not.0 -
I have just started reading your post and the replies and don't understand why you were/are so defensive at some helpful replies? I did not read anyone lecturing your or belittling your amazing intelligence or education. Why so negative to perfect strangers?0
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I have not had one yet, but I plan on it once I reach my goal. I have a bunch of loose skin & an "apron". My sister lost a lot of weight--about 150 lbs. & she had surgery to get rid of her extra skin--full body lift (so the scar runs all around her torso), upper arms to get rid of the bat wings, & breast lift & reduction. She looks sooo great. It took her a couple of weeks to recover. She only needed someone to stay with her for 1 week to help out. She only took Tylenol for the pain. I think the drains were the worst part for her--she had so many of them since she did everything at once. She says it was definitely worth it & would do it again.0
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http://funeralformyfat.tumblr.com/tagged/tummytuck
This is a really informative/interesting account from a person only a few weeks post-op, with lots of photos.0 -
http://funeralformyfat.tumblr.com/tagged/tummytuck
This is a really informative/interesting account from a person only a few weeks post-op, with lots of photos.
She looks really great! Wow! It's amazing the difference age & 4 babies makes. I still have 20-30 lbs. to lose, so I still have some fat in my baggy skin, but I'd definitely take her "before" tummy & stretch marks over mine any day :happy: .0 -
Go to realself.com There are reviews/photos on various procedures. Very informative.
This is an IMMENSELY helpful site. Thank you!!0 -
YES! Totally!TOPIC: Tummy Tucks... was it worth it?0 -
I have just started reading your post and the replies and don't understand why you were/are so defensive at some helpful replies? I did not read anyone lecturing your or belittling your amazing intelligence or education. Why so negative to perfect strangers?
nobody's perfect. just sayin'.0 -
I wish I had carried out my plans to get one. I spent my money on other things, and now I am not willing to get one because of my age (oh yes and i'm broke now). And yes I am quite vain and a tummy tuck is not life saving, but if a person can get one and wants one, more power to them and I'm jealous. I don't think anyone would go into any kind of surgery without doing their homework.0
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I had elective surgery - breast reduction - and it was the best thing I ever did. My breasts were huge, I had a lot of back and neck pain. It was so hard to work out and my neck would spasm afterwards.
So yes, I knew there were potential risks to getting the surgery but my life was forever changed for the better afterward. Everyone needs to make their own decisions.
BTW, my insurance company agreed with me and paid 80% of the costs.0 -
Do a search for tummy tucks on MFP. You will find some informative conversations.
Below is a question I answered about 6 months ago on MFP....
"I'm considering this treatment (tummy tuck) for myself but was wondering what it was like to have it done from a patient's perspective. Does anyone have any before and after pictures after their tummy tuck?"
My answer....
I am a mother of 5. My last 3 were triplets. I gained 100 lbs with their pregnancy. I was a mess. I had a full tummy tuck. They sewed up all my muscles and took off a ton of skin. I also had umbilical hernia. Everything look pretty awful. When the triplets were two we hired a nanny and I had the surgery. I will be honest....it was difficult for me. I had an easier time recoverying from 3 c-sections than I did the tummy tuck. BUT I am so glad that I had it done!! My stomach is very, very flat. My belly button looks very tiny and a little strange. The Dr. explained that it was because of the hernia. He couldn't do much to "save" it and make it look natural. But I don't wear bikinis so it's not important.
I do not have any pictures to share. Sorry about that. If you get the surgery be sure to take it easy and block out a lot of time to recover!!
The hernia repair was probably the cause for a lot of the pain.0 -
I can certainly understand the defensiveness to some of the posts. Women in society today are given so many mixed messages. On the one hand we are expected to look like the fashion models and porn stars to get and keep our husbands, yet when we do what is necessary sometimes to look like that, we are criticized for being vain and not loving ourselves the way we are. Damned if we do, damned if we don't. Especially when it comes to elective surgery. When I was 30, after being very large busted my whole life and nursing 2 babies, my breasts looked like my 60 yr old mother's. I was going thru a very difficult end of my marriage as well, and my then husband was especially fond of the extra large breasted porn stars. After much research and consideration, I decided to have mine fixed. Perhaps it would help my marriage, but if that was doomed to failure, at least I wouldn't be entering the dating field feeling so insecure about my body. At only 30, I would never have felt comfortable being with another man looking like I did. I caught flack from some people about my decision, but most were supportive. My marriage ultimately ended anyway, for many other reasons, but I had one less reason to be afraid to be a single woman again. I made the decision that was best for me at the time, and I don't regret it.
I have money set aside for any possible procedures that I may need once I lose the rest of the 80 pounds I have gained over the past 20 yrs. I definitely am having a breast reduction, as the third baby I had at 36, (REALLY was sure I was finished after the first 2), and the extra weight and age has taken their toll. And I may need a tummy tuck or arm lift. At almost 50, my skin has lost a lot of its elasticity over the years, and am afraid of looking worse after weight loss than before. So far the tummy doesn't look so bad. I'm not expected the flat stomach I had in my 20s, and if it continues to tighten up, then I may can get away without having anything done, but if the last 30 pounds coming up leave me with a lot of loose skin that leaves me horrified to look at myself in the mirror, then I will certainly consider having something done. I will wait probably for a year afterwards to allow my body to shrink as much as it can on its own, then assess the damage then. Not looking for perfection, and my now husband is supportive of any decision I make, and loves me no matter what I look like, so this decision would strictly be for my own desires.
So, to the OP, do your research, which includes asking others about their experience with it, as you are doing in this thread. Give it time to see what your body can do on its own, then if you decide to go ahead with it, just prepare well for recover time, and make sure you have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery. You sound like a well educated and intelligent person, so you will make the decision that is right for you.
Yes, there are possibly complications with any surgery. One complication of a back surgery I had, which was completely necessary to save the use of my legs, left me partially in a wheelchair for several years and with a life long spinal condition. So even 'necessary' surgeries have their risks. You just continue to do your homework and weigh the risks against the benefits, and try not to let negative comments offend you, but instead motivate you to make sure you are making the decision that is right for you. Best wishes to you.
BTW, be 100% sure that you are finished having babies before you have it done. I was positive that I was finished and even had my tubes tied, then years later I remarried and we decided to have my tubes repaired to have our son. So if there is any possible chance that you will want more children, then you may want to hold off for a while.0 -
Just do it. You will regret it otherwise - because you clearly want one and if you dont try you will never know. The whole point of getting all this weight off is to be fit and...loook good. I cant wait until I am slim and fit and am on the operating table ready to have my work done. I know some girls are thinking about it because of pregnancy, but its again all to do with looking good. **** anyone else who makes negative comments - they can lead thier own life not yours ! We have all found new life here - so use it ! Hodgie x0
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I had fraternal twins. My muscles were jacked up and when I started working out my insides would poke through and it was painful. I wanted a tummy tuck because I am vain and I wanted to have the sagging skin gone. It was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I have a huge scar but I don't see it and my husband LOVED the results. I am numb right around my belly button and it feels weird when touched but a small price to pay to look and feel good. It also didn't take away all of the stretch marks. I still have them on my hips. Having twins is no joke...I rocka bikini with no problem and my body is not perfect but it's mine.0
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I am planning to have some plastic surgery(ies) sometime this year. I worked hard to get where I am with my weight, but I do have excess skin that, due to my age, will not "snap back" any more than it already has. So, the only way to fix it for both aesthetic and functional reasons is to have surgery.... I have been looking into it and, from what I have been told, the recovery can be pretty difficult depending on the person and their tolerance to surgery and pain. However, I already think it will be worth it and I think I deserve it!! ?This is a total gift to myself!!! So, I plan to go for it! Good luck to you too!!0
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bump and thank you all who have shared their experiences.0
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I have not had one yet, but I plan on it once I reach my goal. I have a bunch of loose skin & an "apron". My sister lost a lot of weight--about 150 lbs. & she had surgery to get rid of her extra skin--full body lift (so the scar runs all around her torso), upper arms to get rid of the bat wings, & breast lift & reduction. She looks sooo great. It took her a couple of weeks to recover. She only needed someone to stay with her for 1 week to help out. She only took Tylenol for the pain. I think the drains were the worst part for her--she had so many of them since she did everything at once. She says it was definitely worth it & would do it again.
Wow! That is a lot of surgery. Was it all done at the same time? Did insurance cover it? If not (do you mind my asking?) how much did it cost? In fact--for you others who have had or are contemplating a tummy tuck--did/does your insurance cover it and what is the approx cost (I know cost will vary)0
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