Worries & Questions

Less than two days before my surgery!! I can't even sleep at night any more because I am so overwhelmed with emotions. Its like waiting for Santa Claus all over again! :)

A few small things about my surgery have been constantly crossing my mind. For example;

• Belly Button:  What if my doctor places my bellybutton too high or low? What if my belly button isn't placed directly center, more off to one side? Will my belly button heal as an innie or an outtie?
• Drains:  How long will I have my drains in for?  Does it hurt to have the drains taken out?
• Swelling:  How long will I be swollen? When will I be able to wear jeans comfortably? Does the swelling effect the results?
• Depression:  I have read in several forums, websites, and blogs that it is extremely common for women, post-tummy tuck, to go through depression.  Will I have the same side effect? When will it come, within the first month? How long will it last? Will it hinder my overall feelings about the surgery?
• Society:  What will my family think (only my immediate family knows), what will my friends think?
• Scarring: Will my incision be placed lower or higher? How long does it take for the numbness and pinkness of the incision to lighten?

Those are just a few questions off of the top of my head that I plan to ask my doctor. I will admit I am extremely nervous, but as with any surgery that is expected. Eek!!

A Helping Hand

It's only a few days before my Tummy Tuck and Liposuction!! I have decided to provide a few links and lists of a few women who's blogs and videos have really encouraged me to go along with the tummy tuck, and to write my own story as well.  I will also list a few things that I have learned are necessities for my Post-Op Journey :)


I came upon Roni's website when I was googling before and after pictures of tummy tucks.  Not only did she provide these encouraging photos, she explained what she was going through along with monthly and yearly updates.  Her confidence really aided the progression of my own confidence for my surgery:

Roni's Tummy Tuck

Another extremely inspiring woman was Becky.  I found her videos on YouTube.  She went public from the night before her Tummy Tuck surgery through one year post-op, and beyond.  Her strength and confidence in posting a video for the world to see is truly inspiring and interesting to see.

Becky's Tummy Tuck Journey via YouTube

Now I am going to list a few necessities I have learned that are essential to a healthy recovery:

• Burts Bees, Mama Bee Belly Balm (used to lighten the tummy tuck scar)
• Non-Zippered Abdominal Girdle (this was referred to me by a friend who also had a tummy tuck & by my surgery facility)
• Vitamin E Oil (Also used to lighten the tummy tuck scar
• Flexible Straws (so you won't have to bend)
• Stool Softener (I know this is disgusting but it will help when using the restroom, you won't have to use your abdominal muscles to push)
• Extra-Pillows (for comfort, under the body and at the bend of the knees)
• Extra-Sheets (in case the drains leak on the couch, chair or bed area)
• Ice-Packs (aid swelling)
• XL Underwear (for comfort, at least 6 pairs, two at a time, one for holding the drains)

These are a few things, that I would have NEVER thought to buy before my surgery.  And aside from the girdle, most are extremely inexpensive and essential to have. If I can think of anything more, I will definitely add them.  :)

Life before Surgery

Hello :)

This Blog will follow my Abdominoplasty Journey, from the night before surgery through my post-op difficulties, thoughts, opinions, and updates.  I have never written a blog before, so hang in tight, and give me a chance :) My surgery is in approximately three days, and so the countdown and sleepless nights begin. I am going to begin by giving you a little preview of who I am, and why I chose to go through with this surgery.  I am currently in my 20's, about 5'11, married with no children.  Now, most people would ask, "why are you getting this surgery, if you haven't had children?" Well, let me give you some details on my childhood.  I grew up much taller and thicker than most of my childhood friends.  At the age of about 12, I weighed over 200 lbs. Now you can only imagine, how large I was.  Being 12 I couldn't remember a time that I wasn't stepping into plus sized clothing.  Being overweight at a young age, really took its toll on my emotional state.  My mother and I decided I should visit a dietitian.  I choose the cabbage soup diet and with the doctors approval I began.  On the diet I lost about 50 pounds in three months (I also signed up for softball, for exercise).  Throughout my middle and high school years I lost about 10 lbs. of "baby fat".  I began college, and throughout the four years my weight plummeted and rose.  My senior year of college I lost about 35 pounds, and weighed only 138 lbs. at 5'11, which is pretty low for a woman of my height.  A few months later, I was married, and as most women know, unfortunately I gained a bit of weight.

I have finally chose, years later, to get a consultation with my plastic surgeon (whom also performed my breast augmentation) and we both decided that I get an abdominoplasty and liposuction of the flanks. 

I know that many people would disagree with my decision, but I chose to do this for myself.  Being overweight a large part of my life has really damaged my confidence and securities.  Although I have not had children, I still have extra skin on my tummy from my previous weight losses.  And at my prime weight of 138 (a year and a half ago) I still had the little pouch that forms above the pubic area. And trust me, with healthy eating, and excessive exercise and training the pouch still hung there taunting me.

With my past done and said, this blog will now be dedicated primarily to My abdominoplasty Journey.

(I will post before pictures of my abdominalplasty on Friday)