Question:
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OUT OF THIS TUMMY TUCK

I DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF HANGING SKIN, HARDLY ANY. WHAT I DO HAVE IS FLUBBINESS, FEELS LIKE MARSHMALLOW. WILL I HAVE A FLAT STOMACH WHEN I'M DONE ( THE SURGEON SAYS I WILL BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD IT DONE) AND WHAT ABOUT THE HIPS WILL I LOOK DISPROPORTIONED?    — Tammy W. (posted on July 10, 2004)

July 10, 2004
Please remember that, as with all surgeries, different patients will have slightly different experiences. A great deal always depends on the surgeon's skill and experience...and a great deal depends on each individual patient's overall physical condition, pain tolerance, and emotional/psychological attitudes. I was 55 years old when I had my "anchor incision" TT. The surgery gave me a tummy you can bounce a quarter off of, and a great hourglass figure....and yes, the hips are completely in proportion. I had an armlift at the same time, and the surgeon removed a total of 16.5 lbs. of excess fat/skin. I had lost 140 lbs. after my WLS and had a large amount of hanging skin on my tummy and arms. My new belly button is "precious", and just the tiniest bit off-center, but who cares?...and who notices but me? I was back to work in a full-time office position in 10 days, with four drains in place. Even with the long incisions and all those drains, this was the most "comfortable" major surgery I have ever had....even more so than my lap RNY....don't ask me why. I had no problems with my incisions, and no "dog-ears" at the hips. The vertical scar from breastbone to pubic area is now just a fine white line, and the hip-to-hip incision is almost completely invisible. The only challenge that I experienced was how to creatively pin those drains to my underwear so that folks at work didn't think I was carrying four hand grenades under my skirt :-)....and, for me, the drains were a nuisance, but painless while they were in, and painless when they were removed. Be sure that you are completely comfortable with your plastic surgeon-of-choice...in your conversations about your expectations and his realistic/professional abilities and thoughts about meeting some or all of those expectations....with his portfolio of before/after pictures of other patients with a similar surgery....with his/her ability and willingness to answer all of your questions (and always take a written list)....talk openly about the risks involved with any major surgery, as well as the specific instructions that you will be given post-op. With all that being said, try to maintain a strong positive attitude and the knowledge that the vast majority of TT patients feel that the experience ranks right up there with their WLS as being one of the best decisions that they ever made for themselves. I couldn't be happier with my TT/armlift surgery three years post-op...I hope that you have the same great experience. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

July 11, 2004
just a tip about what to do with the drains. when i would shower i would take a cut pantyhose leg and tie it, but it around my neck and pin the drains to it. that way i could have both hands free to shower. when you are done had the pantyhose up to dry and it will be ready for your next shower.
   — franbvan

July 11, 2004
I am 5 days PO from TTw/MR. I have found a wonderful site dedicated to TT. It is atmakemeheal.com they answer a lot of questions!
   — Cindee A.

July 12, 2004
I am one month post op and have my check up this date. My doctor says I look wonderful. Still some swelling but tolerable at this point. He says that it will take a few more months and all swelling should be gone. I think I look wonderful and would do it all again in a heart beat.
   — CINDY D.

July 13, 2004
I just had my surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago. I had lots of hanging skin, 11 pounds were removed and I am completely flat. It is amazing what a good surgeon can do. My hips and waist also look incredible. I am very pleased. I am also swollen so will see even better results in the coming months. Suggestion: make sure you have seen pictures of your surgeons previous surgeries, some surgeons are not as good as others, I have seen some very bad abdominaplastys.
   — lmonroeny