Considering tummy tuck?

readyforchange
readyforchange Posts: 34 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have been thinking about getting a tummy tuck, the only thing holding me back is I fear the recovery process. Has anyone had this type of surgery and if so how was the recovery? Any insight would be helpful in making my final decision. Thank you so much in advance!

Replies

  • joybell32
    joybell32 Posts: 252 Member
    bump cause im researching it too!
  • Goal_Seeker_1988
    Goal_Seeker_1988 Posts: 1,619 Member
    I keep jumpin to that idea that the only way I'm gonna be happy is by gettin a tummy tuck done. But I am also tryin to hold onto the idea that time is on my side and each year progress pics have shown great improvements. So idk. I hear it is painful thou.
  • PeachyKeene
    PeachyKeene Posts: 1,645 Member
    I have a friend that had an Around the World done. She said the recovery was terrible, but she would do it all over again, because it has really changed her appearance.
  • mojo75
    mojo75 Posts: 314 Member
    rest assured the recover will be rough but its temporary pain and when its gone you will have the tummy you wanted
  • randisaucier
    randisaucier Posts: 178 Member
    I have a friend who had a full tummy tuck done about 2 years ago. Within 6 weeks she was back at work and back to herself. She would do it all over again.

    I totally plan on having one done next year around this time. After two 9 + pound babies, losing 120 pounds and now re-losing most of the same 120 pounds my tummy will never be toned without surgery.

    I know people will flame others for wanting surgery, however don't judge until you have been in someone else body for a while.
  • TBirdGirl
    TBirdGirl Posts: 96 Member
    I have had one. Worst pain I ever felt in my life and I have a high pain tolerance. The first week plus was the WORST for me. Most all will be back on their feet within 6 weeks but again, the beginning weeks are the worst. Also, keep in the mind that you will lose the skin but you will gain a very large scar. So if it's completely aesthetics you are after be prepared. All that being said I am quite happy with mine. Hope this helps.
  • yaddayaddayadda
    yaddayaddayadda Posts: 430 Member
    A neighbor had a tummy tuck two years ago. She was 48 years old. Two days after the surgery, she died. She had a blood clot, and did not realize it.

    Before having any elective surgery, do the research on your doctor and on the procedure.
  • shasslock
    shasslock Posts: 56
    My mom had one after gastric bypass...then she gained all of her weight back. Let's just say she is terribly misshapen.
  • yaddayaddayadda
    yaddayaddayadda Posts: 430 Member
    A neighbor had a tummy tuck two years ago. She was 48 years old. Two days after the surgery, she died. She had a blood clot, and did not realize it.

    Oh my! How awful and sad!

    It was horrible! At that time I decided that I would never have a surgery that was not completely necessary. I know that other people feel differently about this surgery, and I totally understand that, but she just wanted to look better, and now her children don't have a mother.
  • kfitz10103
    kfitz10103 Posts: 354
    I posted about this awhile back and was told to wait until a full year after you've lost all your weight to be sure you will keep it off. I have had 2 babies and have alot of loose skin on my tummy. My last delivery was a c-sec so maybe they can use the same scar? Is it closer to the pelvic area or on your tummy?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,432 MFP Moderator
    I know this might not be helpful and I apologize if it isn't, but why don't you consider doing a program like p90x, turbo fire or insanity. Skin is elastic and can work it's way back to normal with increase muscle mass. It's a much cheaper option than a tummy tuck. Then if it doesn't work as much as you like, then you should get one. I have seen many woman (even after having multiples) get their figure back but you need to really follow the meal plan.


    Just a suggestions. Personally, I am generally against surgery if there is a chance to get the results otherways.
  • dawnemjh
    dawnemjh Posts: 1,465 Member
    I had one about 8 weeks ago. I lost 120 pounds 10 years ago and had alot of excess especially skin above my belly button. I workout 6+ days per week prior to surgery so considered myself pretty active. the first 4-5 days after surgery were the worst as far as pain goes, but I only took pain meds the first couple days cause it can bind you up. I am a nurse practitioner, and was back to work after 2 weeks. I started p90x (modified without ab work) after 2.5 weeks, and back to running about 4-5 weeks after surgery. I still have alot of swelling which I am told can last 4+ months. Its funny because my clothes (pants) are all snug, even though they took away skin, but the dr says thats all the swelling. For the first time ever I can wear fitted shirts without having a big bulge above my button!! The dr said that I could have worked out 24/7 and never would have gotten rid of that skin!!
    The hardest part of recovery for me, was that because they pull everything tight, you cant stand up straight for about 2 weeks, you kind of walk hunched over, and this caused my lower back to be very sore.
    The scar is also significant, but since I will never wear a string bikini, it doesnt bother me at all, it goes from hip to hip...
    I wouldnt hesitate about doing this again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Michelemybelle
    Michelemybelle Posts: 52 Member
    I had one 4 days ago. It is VERY painful. The first 2 days were the worst. Recovery wise, I'm feeling much better today. I had my pain pump and 1 drain removed yesterday, which made a huge difference. I also was able to shower this morning and that made me feel a lot better, too. I have an 8 year old and a 2 year old, so I had to do it during the summer, when my mom (who's a teacher) would be here to help. I still have another drain in and he may take that one out next week. It's pretty gross and much worse than I thought it would be. Both of my kids were C-sections and this is definitely a harder recovery. I will say that I never would have thought that I'd be doing this well 4 days out. Today I can get up and down out of the recliner by myself and have been walking around a bit. My Dr. put me on a blood thinner to prevent blood clots. I'll be on it for 10 days total. Today was the first day I actually got a good look at myself in the mirror and I couldn't stop grinning like a Cheshire Cat. :) It's unbelieveable that this is actually my body, and it's still swollen! This is a very personal decision. My Dr. took off 10 lbs of loose skin, no amount of exercise in the world would have gotten rid of that much excess skin. You should weigh your options and do what you think is best for you. So far, I don't regret it. :)
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