Experience with Tummy-Tuck anyone?

[limewave]

Hi Old Friends! It feels like ages since I've been here. Life has been really hectic which has kept me away from the computer (and unfortunately less biking time too--but I still try and sneak in a ride once a week).

To the point:
I am seriously considering having a tummy-tuck done in the near future. 12-13 years ago I lost over 150 pounds. I have managed to maintain that weight loss for the most part, the only exceptions being my two pregnancies. I have always wanted a tummy-tuck but have not focused on that as I was more concerned with starting a family, having babies, taking care of my children, my career, and living a healthy lifestyle.

Now my kids are old enough to brush their own teeth and wipe their own bums. I am at a place where, while it will obviously be an inconvenience financially (and not to mention the recovery time), I feel like this is something I can do. My family is very supportive of me pursuing this.

I consulted my doctor, a naturopath, and she is also supportive and thinks it will be a good thing for me. Her only suggestion was to talk to some others that have had a tummy tuck that live athletic lifestyle.

So . . . are there any TE'ers that are willing to share their experience with me? If you are more comfortable, please PM me.

I am looking at a vertical and horizontal incision, they will also be stitching my abdominal muscles back together. My doctor said that will help strengthen them . . .

Thanks!

[zoom-zoom]

I'm interested in more info. on this topic, as well. After pregnancy, c-section, weight loss...I have a flap. And the thinner I am, the more flap I have. I sweat under the flap and it's really uncomfortable.

I know in some cases of significant weight loss that insurance will cover this procedure, in much the same way that breast reductions are often covered (mine was). If the primary goal of the procedure is function and not aesthetics, then it's deemed reconstructive, not cosmetic.

[OakLeaf]

I don't know anything about it ... just, good to see you Limewave!!

[indysteel]

I don't know anything about it ... just, good to see you Limewave!!

+1. Good luck with the surgery!

[Pax]

My only experience is with breast reduction surgery, all in all a wonderful improvement on my quality of life... but not without it's issues afterward. I would ask you, how do you scar? That can impact the success (athletically speaking) of the surgery. If you scar badly and are prone to adhesion (as I do) I could see where it might be rough.

[zoom-zoom]

My only experience is with breast reduction surgery, all in all a wonderful improvement on my quality of life... but not without it's issues afterward. I would ask you, how do you scar? That can impact the success (athletically speaking) of the surgery. If you scar badly and are prone to adhesion (as I do) I could see where it might be rough.

I can't speak for LW, but my scars are invisible. Even when I look for them they're really tough to find. A large part of that is my surgeon's work, though. One of the things he's known for is his skill in minimizing scars. The same cannot be said for my c-section scar. That thing is ugly.

[thekarens]

Oh wow! Yes, I have that crazy diastis recti thingy! No wonder I can't do ab stuff! Doing some reading on it now. Having that stitched together could actually really help with low back pain maybe?
http://inspiredrd.com/2012/06/dear-d...-over-you.html

I got diastasis recti when I was pregnant with my first child. I went from very skinny to huge. I still have it and it's never stopped me from ab work, but I had a co-worker who had to have hers surgically repaired. There are exercises you can do to help it.

If I were in your shoes I'd definitely go for the the tummy tuck. I think it will help you and make you feel better.

[limewave]

As soon as we figure out how we're going to finance the procedure I"m going to get it scheduled. Hopefully squeezed in somewhere between Iceman and Thanksgiving.

[Wahine]

It sounds like you've really thought this through and have come to the conclusion that will work best for you. Good luck with it all!!

[Skippyak]

This is always a thought in my mind, I had always been chubby, had a good first sized baby (8#10) via section, then term twins via vbac (combined weight of 13#10, fraternal so all that too). I never gained much preg weight (18 for number 1 and 23 for the twins) but I was already 40# overweight. I have no DR. Now I am in a normal weight range, near 50, and have a panni, but at 135# and 5"3" I have a lot of visible body fat. I would guess that I could lose 15# from around my middle before I could even justify a tuck. Fortunately back in the day I was an RN and saw way too many thing go wrong that I probably will stick to compression wear, but if I jump rope,. things flap. I have asked my NP and she said no insurance company would be interested even if it were function over form, Like has been mentioned, risk in tucks might be increased when nutrition related, for people who lose weight in a non surgical and healthy way, one assumes the risks of post op healing would be optimal if you eat a good diet with protein and fresh foods. I always thought I would get a tuck and a hyster and a magic op that would tighten my pelvic floor, but the older I get the more I realise that this is not very likely LOL. I suppose my total weight loss was about 65-70 pounds. Ig you go ahead I would be really interested, my state has a lot pf plastic surgeons and apparently is pretty competitive $ wise. But I too want to know the impact on exercise. I still fell my section scar even 17yrs later.

[shootingstar]

Best of luck limewave.

[limewave]

Home from the hospital. Surgery went well but I was very nauseated afterwards. My stomach feels like I did a million crunches. I haven't looked at my belly yet--I'm so nervous! Thank you for all the get-well wishes!

[OakLeaf]

Wow, I wasn't expecting you to check in for a few days yet! Glad you're feeling good enough to check in. Heal fast!

[Crankin]

I am sure you are glad to be home. Heal well!

[limewave]

My family is taking such good care of me. I had to sleep in a recliner because i have to stay in a bent position for five days. When I am sitting I have very little pain. It's the attempt to stand up that is brutal. My arms feel pretty good and I have almost full use of them already.