Question:
Tummy Tuck Scheduled for 4/7- Need info please.

I am kind of nervous and i don't really know anyone who has had one. I was approved in 6 weeks, and monday is the big day. Can you tell right away that your stomach is gone? Is it really gone or do you still have one? How long are you not feeling well? Can you eat regularly? I would appreciate anything you can help me with!!    — MARCY S. (posted on April 2, 2003)

April 1, 2003
These are some good questions for your doctor. I'm sure people here will answer as well but it seems to me that you want to make sure you're fully informed before you go into this and the best way is to discuss these issues with your surgeon. That way they'll be no surprises! Good luck!
   — Kimberly L.

April 1, 2003
I am in the process of consisdering PS, but I wanted to wish you all the best! Everyone that I have talked to loves their results & have said that it is well wo
   — Heather N.

April 1, 2003
There's a WLS-plastic surgery group on Yahoo that will answer all your questions & more...here's the link... [email protected]
   — Leslie F.

April 1, 2003
From your question and your profile, I am not really clear if you are talking about a tummy tuck to remove excess skin or if you are talking about the gastric bypass surgery. I have had both done...the gastric bypass, in which I lost 100 lbs. And then the tummy tuck for removal of excess skin in the abdominal area. Both are serious surgeries. If you have any specific questions, I would urge you to speak to your surgeon. If you want *regular people* experience, feel free to email me. I'd be happy to answer any questions that I might be able to. Have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
   — Mustang

April 2, 2003
hi there :) i had gastric bypass on feb 8 02 and had small hernia repair with excess abdomen tissue on march 27 03. it took of 12 lbs of flesh and trust me i had alot everywhere! i had so much im actaully suprised it wasnt more than 12. ivve done well with both but with the gp, i was knocked competely out with a morphine drip aferwards. with the tt, i had epideral first then was put under, this way, i only needed to be put under a bit so i recovered and was wid awake and alert much faster this way. i really liked the feeling much better! i woke up with some pain which just seemed to vanish due to my euphoric state of mind when i looked down and realized that i now had a waisteline and i looked concave and flat! wow! i have this new cute belly button and its where its suppose to be , im ganna name it :) as i said, i did well with both but find the pain from this one not as bad, it could be due to the fact that ive lost over 200lbs and its easier to get around or its maybe because the results are literally less than over night. i am dealing with a small area in front that they are watching closely as they think it could be a problem with infection if we dont watch it but im blessed that ive done great with both and im so glad to be rid of the excess flab , ive been given a new start and ive vowed to never let that happen to me again! i wish you the best of luck! youll have swelling but youll be able to notice the difference the moment you get out of recovery. i have more swelling now than when i was in the hosptal which is normal but i cant wait til its all gone and i can show off my new belly button! :) best of luck to you! :)
   — carrie M.

April 2, 2003
Yes, you can tell right away. My tummy if flat as a board, and looks awesome. I just got some before and after pictures from the PS, and to see it side by side was unreal. It's hard to believe it was only 7.5 pounds... looked like 20 at least. Take your pain meds on time the first week... don't be a martyr. Take it easy and you'll be fine. I had no trouble eating (sadly). I was back to work in two weeks.
   — mom2jtx3

April 2, 2003
I just had my breast reduction and abdominoplasty on 3/31/03. I came home from the hospital yesterday. Even though I am swollen and have fluid retention, I can tell I look soooooo much better. The Dr said he moved 10 lbs from my stomach and I don't know how much from the breasts. At this point the scale is just down 2 1/2 lbs. So you can see from that there is fluid build up. I have 2 drainage tubes in--they will most likely be removed next Tuesday. There is not much drainage even now. Almost each hour I can tell I am feeling better and moving easier. It is absolutely amazing to look down and not have the hanging panni. I'm eager to see what it will look like when teh swelling is down, but I'm very happy even now.
   — jan M.

April 3, 2003
I had my tt on 11/21/02. Right after the surgery, due to swelling, I was wearing the same size as when I went in to have the surgery. However, once the swelling begins to lessen, you will definately notice a difference. In my case, because I had so much skin removed, and had a little liposuction on the hippos in the back, I had to have drainage tubes for 3-4 weeks, which was painful and inconvenient. Also, because of this, I had swelling, and still do have swelling almost daily. It takes up to a year to see the real results, and for the swelling to stop. As far as knowing if your extra skin is gone or not? It is most definately gone, and you wil see that immediately, just know that what is there will be swollen. You will be amazed at how it feels to have no extra skin hanging. Good luck to you.
   — twenc