Tummy Tuck complete

Hi everyone,
I had my tummy tuck on Nov.25 at New Britain General,and was home on Nov 26. Everything went better than expected. I had NO pain and never took any of the pain medication offered to me.
 I am doing very well and other than the drains, that are so bothersome, I feel great. My doctor was awesome and checked on me several times and sat and chated with my hubby right after the surgery was done. He showed me how to take care of the drains and change the dressings. And I think he did an awesome job. I thought because of my age (58) it would be very sensitive, but it was a piece of cake.
Well take care all, and enjoy your holidays,
Hugs,
Sarah

CONGRATS!!! That is so exciting to see other people get to that point in the journey!

Thanks Kathy,
 I feel great!! I can't wait to see the end results after all the healing.
 Take care,
Hugs,
Sarah

Oh my gosh Kathy!!  I haven't been on in ages and I can't believe how well you are doing...and looking awesome!!  Great Job!!  You are almost there!!

Thanks! I have a new pic to post as soon as I get about 5 minutes to do it. I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were.

Happy all went well.   I hope that when I am your age (I am 55 and hoping for a Feb WLS )  I will be making the same post. But I now have a question.  The gastroenterologist found 2 Hernias and told me to wait until after the WLS and lost weight to fix them   In case I wanted a Tummy Tuck   Duh. I am 320 and older with an apron that does not tie in the back outside my clothes.   What was he thinking.

I have heard that when you have a Hernia operation after WLS.  they can do a tummy tuck at the same time and the insurance pays for it.  Its that true.  
Thanks
Gloria

Hi Gloria,
Most insurances DON'T cover tummy tucks. Just the pentilectomy. Removal of extra skin. And thats all you will get. Depending on your doctor doing it. What he meant is, if you have a hernia,the insurances will approve it faster because it is a medical necissity and the doctor doing it usually provides a TT at the same time. I didn't have a hernia, just that great apron you described. I was approved because of the many rashes I was getting.
I was 55 when I had my surgery in 2005. I have lost 135 pounds and kept it off for 2 1/2 years now. I feel great and have seen parts of me I forgot were there!! If you have any questions, you can email me. [email protected].
Good Luck,
Sarah

Hi Sarah...my name is Laura...I had laparascopic RNY July 30, 07...my highest weight was 277 now I am between 138 and 145....depending on salt, time of month, etc....I am amazed you did so well with your tummy tuck...I do have a bit of a belly...and have been contemplating surgery....EVERYBODY I have spoken to has told me that the pain is worse than the original WLS......may I ask who your doctor was??  How long do you have to keep those drains in??  (that, to me is the worse part!!)  God Bless!!  You are an inspiration.....one more thing...do you still have your belly button??  I know some people end up not having one......huggs...laura

Hi Laura,
Thanks so much.
Yes I have a belly button. My surgery was on Nov.25 so I still have the drains in until Friday when I get the stitches and drains out. They weren't really all that bad. Just annoying because of where they are. My old baggy underwear serves the purpose of holding the drains in. LOL And you have to wear a binder which helps hold everything tight. THAT is annoying!!! It rides up, It bends and creases and makes it uncomfortable. You have to wear it for a month. They only give you one, so you need something to wear when you wa**** I bought the waist cincher from curves ( AVON) for $10.00. It has a zipper instead of velcro. It is far more confortable and works the same.
As far as pain. I had NONE!! I was hooked up to a morphine thingy  but never pushed the button. The nurses and all the doctors who checked on me were amazed that I had no pain.I got up, walked around with no issues. The only time I felt twinges was getting in and out of bed. Now it is only when I sneeze. OUCH, that hurts.
My doctor was the same one who did my RNY. Dr. Barba. He is amazing. He showed me how to care for the incision until the stitches were out. It is a very large incision. an inverted "T". Right down the center and across the bikini area. I look at it as a frame of mind. If you expect pain, you will have pain. You can't go on someone elses experience. Everyone is different. I had people who had the same doctor say it was painful, but others not so bad. So I guess it is an individual thing.
Good Luck,
Hugs,
Sarah

Thank you so much Sarah...I hope you are still doing better...let me know how it goes when they take the drains out....I had one after my lap-RNY.....crap ...it hurt when it was taken out!  I wasn't aware that Dr. Barba did TT.....he did my RNY....did you have insurance??  I am on medicare and have BC/BS..I was wondering if they'll cover it...anyway, I am so happy for you.....that's great about the belly button....alot of people don't have one after the surgery....IF I go for surgery, I will absolutely be getting a belly ring!!!!  huggs