M.W. asks from Zimmerman, MN on April 18, 2008
Tummy Tuck
I am having one done in less then a month wondering if there is anyone that has had one that has questions that they wished they would have asked before they had it done. Also if you have anyother advise.
So What Happened?™
I had my surgery 1 week ago today and I am feeling great. The first 2 days were really hard as the pain meds did not seem to help and I had to sleep sitting up. Each day is getting better I hopefully will get my drain out tomorrow but I think it still might be a few days. It is so different and I am glad that my husband took over and is very helpful.
Featured Answers
M.M. answers from Milwaukee on April 22, 2008
I just want to clarify to all those out there who don't think this is needed to lose the belly. Some of us have the unfortunate genes of getting ugly stretch marks. This is why I did it. I do kickboxing and am on weight watchers but neither one of these could get rid of that scar ridden pouch on my belly!!!I had one about 6 years ago. I was a little confused when the dr. asked me if I planned on having another baby. I was suprised because I guess I wasn't planning on making that decision then. I said no but I actually did have another baby and it still looks fine. It kept its firmness. Also, what I didn't anticipate was how long it would be before I could do crunches, etc. and felt that I had fullly recovered. Even still it seeems a little numb at times. I took about 3 full years before I felt like I could do everything I could do before that required a strong core. BUT-I'd do it again in a heartbeat!!
More Answers
J.G. answers from Milwaukee on April 19, 2008
Hi M.,
My friend had a tummy tuck last summer. It was painful for the first few weeks, but she did as the doctors instructed and she looks fabulous!
The scar isn't so pretty though.
J.
J.H. answers from Milwaukee on April 18, 2008
I don't have any questions to ask your doctor, but I will tell you that you need to sleep in sort of a seated position for a pretty long time following the surgery, so having a lot of extra pillows in your bed will help alot after you get out of the hospital. I had read a bunch of horror stories prior to my surgery, but I didn't think it was a big deal. I was up and walking around about 12 hours after the surgery. I had the drainage tubes in for about 10 days, but those didn't really bug me either. I had to go once to have my incision opened up again to drain additional fluid, and the do that right in the office, and you walk out like it never happened. Good luck, I hope you are really happy with it.
D.L. answers from Rapid City on April 19, 2008
M. -- I'm so excited for you! I am 51 yrs old with a sagging belly that even keeps me from wearing pants with zippers and wish I could afford to have this done. Please let me know how it went for you and about your recovery. I wish you a speedy recovery and a lifetime of happiness for having it done. Is insurance covering this procedure?
Blessings,
D.
B.B. answers from Davenport on April 19, 2008
First I wanted to tell you how cool it was to read about you and see my name there! I've never met anyone else who spells it as I do! As for the tummy tuck, good luck with it! I am hoping to have one after my third c section and I hope all goes well for you. The only thing I have heard about them is that the recovery can be tough, so freeze some dinners, plan some babysitters, get some good movies and take some time off. I hope every thing goes as planned and you are happy with your new look!
B.
W.E. answers from Davenport on April 21, 2008
Hi M.. I thought I'd put in my two cents. I tend to agree with Brenda about not needing surgery to lose your belly. It sounds so invasive. But I do realize some people would rather do that than to get rid of it with exercise and a clean diet. If you check out this website, you will find many people who have gotten rid of their flabby bellies with exercise and clean eating. Here it is in case you might want to check it out and change your mind. Check out the message boards for testimonials.
Good luck!
M.M. answers from Milwaukee on April 22, 2008
I just want to clarify to all those out there who don't think this is needed to lose the belly. Some of us have the unfortunate genes of getting ugly stretch marks. This is why I did it. I do kickboxing and am on weight watchers but neither one of these could get rid of that scar ridden pouch on my belly!!!I had one about 6 years ago. I was a little confused when the dr. asked me if I planned on having another baby. I was suprised because I guess I wasn't planning on making that decision then. I said no but I actually did have another baby and it still looks fine. It kept its firmness. Also, what I didn't anticipate was how long it would be before I could do crunches, etc. and felt that I had fullly recovered. Even still it seeems a little numb at times. I took about 3 full years before I felt like I could do everything I could do before that required a strong core. BUT-I'd do it again in a heartbeat!!
F.C. answers from Omaha on April 20, 2008
I had one done a couple of years ago. They tightened my abs along with the tummy tuck. I have to say this recovery was by far the worst I had ever gone through. Sneazing, coughing, and laughing were tremendously painful. Unbelievably painful is more like it.Just want you to be prepared for that.
Advise side of things: Wear your drainage bags low and under a skirt. They are less likely to be seen or get in the way. You may have to wear them 7-10 days. I also pinned them to the underside of shorts and wore a baggy shirt. Your kids are old enough that they can help themselves when necessary. That is good because it will be at least a week before you can stand up straight. In fact, the docs will tell you not to try it at first until you are healed a bit. Best of luck!! You won't regret it.
If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a private message.
B.J. answers from Minneapolis on April 19, 2008
M.-
My name is B. Jarmoluk
I'm a wellness coach- also a med. prof. in the Operating room.
I can chat with you from both sides of the fence- but also to let you know I didn't need to put myself thru surgery to lose my tummy.
I had twins when I was 41- left after most of my 100 lb weight loss with what I called my kangaroo pouch. It's gone now- thanks to my friends persistence and my wilingness to try something different. I"m 5'7 1/2" and weigh 135 in a bikini at 48 yo!!
So before you go thru surgery and the risk- at least let me send you some information and do a wellness eval. on you- it's free!
my email is ____@____.com
B. Jarmoluk
Email