Fast approaching...any insight?

September 2nd I go in for my tummy tuck and breast lift(insurance covered both the panniculectomy and breast lift...we are paying the difference out of pocket for the tummy tuck part of it)....i'm nervous and scared to death....keep hearing all the horror stories about how horrible it will be...mostly from people who have never had it done...sooo...any true tales/experiences....good or bad would be appreciated...and in the mean time i'm reading reading reading...

And in case anyone is wondering, yes I know I'm pretty early out to be doing this already...but they are getting done for medical reasons now as opposed to waiting(I'll be happy to share those reasons with anyone who would like to know...just ask)...the plastic surgeon, primary care dr, and my bariatric surgeon, as well as the physical therapist and DO, all feel that i am stable and the benefits outweigh any risk right now...i've reached goal...plus some...and my weight is holding steady....has been for a couple months...and am now in maintenance mode...could honestly stand to put on another 5 or so lbs(never thought I'd be saying that...lol)...we are holding off to do my arms and thighs for another 4-6 months though....

Well I can only speak for the tummy tuck part because I didn't have the breast lift (wish I had), but I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I am thrilled with the results.  I never remember not having a hanging panni and it is so wonderful to feel normal in clothes and look normal.  Even though I got a nasty infection I would do it again.  I think you'll be glad you did it.  Best of luck!
Marsha  

I'm four weeks out from my plastics whi*****luded a tummy tuck.  The pain was bad, I won't lie, but it's manageable with the painkillers.  I'm still walking a little hunched over and I'll say that the back spasms caused by hunching over was worse than the pain from the incision after the first couple of days LOL.  Does that answer your question?

I had both done at the same time. You're going to be pretty sore, especially if you have the muscle tightening in your tummy. If you have a high bed it might be difficult to get in and out of. I did much better in a recliner for a couple of weeks. Other people do fine in their bed with lots of pillows to prop them up. Just make sure you stay on top of your pain meds and I highly recommend starting right off with a stool softener and/or a laxative. The pain meds often times cause constipation and you won't want anything to do with straining after a tummy tuck.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted with your progress and results!

I had a what my PS called a Maxi TT with lipo and an upper arm lift both done at the same time in May. It was not too bad, ofcourse the first few days will suck, but I found if I stayed on top of pain meds (Hubbys job) I was comfortable.

I am having a breast reduction and lift on Friday, so I cant speak to the whole pain thing with that op just yet.

I'm glad you posted. I'm having the exact same procedures on Aug 31st and lets say the 2 week freak ha**** in full force - even moreso than pre-WLS!!

Trying to tell myself I'm choosing to do this, etc but still get the "it's going to hurt like an SOB!" thoughts running through my head. So I just want it over with. Can I hit the FF button to about Sept 20th when I figure I'll be feeling human again??

I'd like to be right beside you pounding on that FF button!!!!....LOL

Hi LdiSaphire,

Just a breift histoory on me.  I had an Anchor TT and Breast lift on 5/29/2009.  I wasn't sure that I wanted implants then.  Now on July 13th, 2010 I had a modified lower body lift and inner thigh lift.  That surgery went okay.  I do have two holes on my back incision side that I am having to do a saline packed solution.  They are feelingfine now.  And finally on on August 17th I had my arm lift and breast implants done.  I hope and pray that this is the final phase of my surgeries.  I look and feel okay.  I am in quite a bit of pain from the last surgery.  But I have a wonderful family,co-worker, and of course a bunch of guardian  looking over me.

The main thing is have your support system,  great friendship with your doctor and his staff, and above everything else realize there is no such thing a perfection here on earh only in heaven.

I hope this helps.  Have a blessed and wonderful evening/ morning.

Jasmine

Thanks everyone!!!...9 days and counting and I'm starting to freak a bit....I don't know that it's necessarily the surgery itself as much as just feeling overwhelmed by all the changes the past year....but thank you so much for the insight...it's much appreciated!!!

Nina