Tummy tuck?

I didn't have a tummy tuck with my TAH or the 3 surgeries after that. But, this last surgery I had my only remaining ovary removed. So I decided to do it since this will hopefully be the last time I will ever need abdominal surgery. I had 2 c-sections in the past. I am a small woman, weighing 105 lbs, but after all these surgeries my stomach had never been the same.
The plasctic surgeon opened me then my Onc did the surgery. When she was finished he did his job. He was also planning to do a teeny bit of lipo suction above my navel area. Unfortunately, he decided not to do the lipo b/c my Onc had nicked my bowel and did a resection. He felt it wasn't safe to do it during that time. I was so dissapointed about that part. But, I must say I am very happy with the results of the tummy tuck. Because I was small to begin with I got partial TT. My stomach is so flat and tight in that area. I did have to pay $5,000 of my own money b/c my insurance wouldn't cover it b/c it wasn't a medical need. But, in my opinion it was well worth it.
Long story short, if you can do it, go for it. As I told myself, if I can get something good out of all these surgeries that will make me feel better about myself, why not?!
Best of Luck with your decision.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynnels I didn't have a tummy tuck with my TAH or the 3 surgeries after that. But, this last surgery I had my only remaining ovary removed. So I decided to do it since this will hopefully be the last time I will ever need abdominal surgery. I had 2 c-sections in the past. I am a small woman, weighing 105 lbs, but after all these surgeries my stomach had never been the same. The plasctic surgeon opened me then my Onc did the surgery. When she was finished he did his job. He was also planning to do a teeny bit of lipo suction above my navel area. Unfortunately, he decided not to do the lipo b/c my Onc had nicked my bowel and did a resection. He felt it wasn't safe to do it during that time. I was so dissapointed about that part. But, I must say I am very happy with the results of the tummy tuck. Because I was small to begin with I got partial TT. My stomach is so flat and tight in that area. I did have to pay $5,000 of my own money b/c my insurance wouldn't cover it b/c it wasn't a medical need. But, in my opinion it was well worth it. Long story short, if you can do it, go for it. As I told myself, if I can get something good out of all these surgeries that will make me feel better about myself, why not?! Best of Luck with your decision.

Lynnels,
Thanks for your encouragement. Sounds like you've been through a lot. You deserved that TT after all that!
My C/Sec incision weakened my abdomen so much that the PS said no amount of exercise would flatten my stomach. Plus he thought he felt a slight hernia. . . so having the TT would be a good thing to do. My plan is to go ahead and do it . Thanks for giving me the confidence! I'll let you know how it goes.
Prettyanxious
Surgery 7/31/06

PrettyAnx-
Yep, the skin is tight, and I too am somewhat curvy. No, it does not look out of place AT ALL! My DH is very impressed! I still need to lose around 15lbs, mostly on backside, hips, thighs.

I also had the epidural...but although they work great, my body doesn't tolerate them very well (low BP, nausea), so I was glad to get it removed. The only pain I felt in the hospital was like having done about 1000 sit-ups. I could NOT stand up straight for a long time, though that's normal. Walking around hunched over causes some back pain but the PS gave me Flexeril which got rid of that back pain right away. When you wake from the surgery, you'll be in a compression garment (there's tons of notes to read about those, on the TTT website), and I'm finally not wearing mine at all anymore and I'm 5.5 weeks PO. Lots of folks wear them for much longer but I think it's a personal decision.
I'd be happy to give you any details and answer any questions, just shoot me an email!

bsugg

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm scheduled to have my hysterectomy on 8-24-2006. At the same time I'll have a tummy tuck (fleur dis lis kind) and a tushy lift. I've been have anxiety about how recovery will go. Lots of questions about how to get out of bed and such...so this thread is great. I'd like to hear more !

I had a TAH w/ tummy tuck also a breast mastoplexy (reduction/lift). I am glad to hear that you are doing it. You will be very happy. I was 5' 8" and 171lbs going into surgery - after surgery 162 with a nice flat hard tummy -- only complaint is the swelling. I am 8 weeks post op and still swell at the end of the day but it is well worth it. As for the hysterectomy I get a big smile on my face when I walk by the tampon and pad isle at the store -- loving not having a painful period.

Recommendations: you will not be able to lay flat for at least 5-6 weeks so plan to sleep on an incline. Best way to get out of bed the first two weeks is put your arms around DH neck and let him pull you up or sleep on a bed that is low to ground so you can swing your legs to the side and use your arms to get up. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE ABS. I walked slouched for maybe the first to weeks. I recommend to try and keep standing straight a little each day.

I had an epidural along with the general (it was wonderful) I actually felt no pain only discomfort and pressure of the tummy. My epidural stayed in until the next day. Once removed I was still number from abs to pelvis but could walk so that first trip to bathroom was painless. I had a pressure garment for my chest and waistline, that was uncomfortable but was able to stop wearing it after 2 weeks. I actually cut the garment to make a swelly belly band around the abdominal incision which helped with swelling and relieved some pressure.

I would walk as soon as possible it really does help. Stay on pain meds as prescribed don't let that feeling good fool you into not having any pain meds because once they wear off you will know it. I was off pain meds within the 1st week.

Don't overdo the walking -- my dr. basically said for every hour you are up then you stay down 2 hours for the first 2 weeks.

I wish you luck the good thing about having the hysterectomy w/ tt is you may be giving up the uterus
but you will have an incredible body when you are done.

Also buy some hip hugger underware that incision is tender and underware will bug you. I found the best ones at Target - cheap, loose and just fit around hips.

Feel free to email me with any questions.

celine97

Danielle,
Thanks for sharing your story. It's been very helpful.
I go on Monday, July 31st. I'm nervous but I must say I am better than I thought I would be.
My OB/GYN wants me to have an epidural w/gen anes. also. So I'm happy. I feel I'm as prepared as I can be. . . . just nervous. The waiting has been tough.
My preops are done. I may have a low blood count which causes concern for the PS. He worries about the healing. Did you have any problems with your bloodcount?
Thanks again for your help. Keep me in your thoughts on Monday. I'll let you know how I do.

Maureen

Jaeby,
Yes, this website has been sooo helpful.
Good luck with your hyster/TT. What is a fluer dis lis type of TT?
My surgery's this Monday. I can't believe it's finally here! The waiting has been tough. I listen to relaxation/healing CDs, they really help calm my worries.
My recovery will be about one month ahead of yours. I'll let you know how I do. Keep me in your thoughts.

Maureen

Maureen,

Good luck with your hyster/TT! I'll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts! It will be great to hear how things go for you and what works during recover and what doesn't!

My understanding is that the 'normal' procedure for a tummy tuck is to make an incision from hip to hip. I'll have a mid-line incision as well. The way he explained it to me, the skin that is being taken out is vaguely in the shape of the profile of a fleur de lis (sp?). It will tighten and shape the rib cage area as well as eliminating the excess skin on my tummy!

Jaeby,

Thanks so much for the good information. I'll discuss that procedure with my PS.
Thanks for the good wishes. I'm packing up my stuff today for the castle. I certainly don't feel like a princess!
I've waited so long. Surprisingly I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be.
I'll let you know how the surgery goes when I'm back up and running. Well, maybe not running!
Take care there in CA.
Maureen

Yes, do take care with running too soon! I'll be thinking of you as you go through your journey and can't wait to hear how it all goes for you!

I don't feel like a Princess either and I'm absolutely going crazy with the waiting! I've got 4 weeks from yesterday! I feel like I've got sooooo much to do and not enough time, but yet I feel like it's too much time! LOL guess I need to just relax!

Anyway, good luck!