To Have a TUMMY TUCK or Not?
By jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
February 13, 2007 12:08am CST
I had a tummy tuck operation 5 days ago. I had been on the public waiting list for 2 1/2 years, and as I volunteered to be operated by a trainee surgeon (under supervision), I got in earlier.
I had a general anasthetic, although the operation is available under an epidural.
The results appear to be excellent, so far, but there is a LOT of pain. I had a drip pain killer for 11/2 days, then they took that off and gave me panadol and oxycodone. I was up and about on the day of the operation, as you have to get mobile. By the third day I was showering by myself.
The cut goes from one end of my stomach to the other.
I did not expect to be a perfect figure at my age (I turned 49 the day after the operation), but I just wanted to get rid of the bulge that was created after I had an emergency cesear nearly 14 years ago.
I have to wear a corset and stockings for 6 weeks.
What it worth it? Yes, but I won't be doing it again!
6 people like this
9 responses
@LovingIt (5396)
• United States
13 Apr 08
I had a tummy tuck with liposuction 9 days ago. I see you posted this a year ago. Are you happy with the results? Did you have much swelling? I tried to put on regular clothes for the first time today and much to my dismay they are too small, which is kind of depressing since I was expecting them to be really lose. I do look really swollen, though.
1 person likes this
@LovingIt (5396)
• United States
15 Apr 08
Thanks. I'm really excited about and am starting to feel really good. I go back to get my stitches out Friday, so I'm excited about that. Even with the swelling, my stomach looks so much better -- no more lose flabby belly!
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
14 Apr 08
I didn't have the liposuction part. I am very pleased with the results. The part of me is completely flat now. I had no side effects whatsoever. There is a scar which doesn't bother me at all.
If you only it done 9 days ago, I think the swelling goes down over time. I can't quite remember how long it took mine, but the end result is excellent.
Just watch out for infections ( I had none), & dont overdo any work.
I am sure you & your tummy will turn out great.
Let me know if you want.
1 person likes this
@western_valleygirl (1363)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I have known others to do this also. I believe however, that it is not something that I could do, because I scar very badly, and I hate operations, having spent much of my childhood there. Also, I believe that not everyone can handle it well...I hope that you have been able to, and be sure to get your scarring check soon, so that there aren't any infections, and, hopefully, it will disappear. I know that there are people that are fast healers and have no scars, I am not one of them. In fact, most of my family are heavy bleeders, we probably wouldn't survive the operation, lol, with all the blood gushing out (yucky I know). Good luck, you will look fab!
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
I would never talk anyone into a tummy tuck. It is a lot of pain, no doubt about that. And they wouldn't like it if you were a heavy bleeder. As it is you have to have these drainage tubes coming out your stomach, and the more you bleed, the longer you have them in.
Cosmetic operations are not something I normally am particularly in favour of, but well, looking like I'm pregnant at age 49 is a bit off putting.
Your childhood experiences must have been bad.
@western_valleygirl (1363)
• United States
14 Feb 07
Thanks for the best response. And, I just had a lot of reasons to need medical attention. The doctors and nurses were always friendly, I liked all the balloons and gifts, when I was little And, yeah, my uncle's wife has the same problem...but she is in her 30's.
1 person likes this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I'm glad to see you back. Although my tummy could use a lot of tucking, I don't think I could do such a thing. I hope things work out well for you and you get the results you wanted. Oh and belated happy birthday.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
Thanks for my birthday message. It was my birthday the day after my operation in hospital! My husband and 3 children were very generous with their gifts.
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
13 Feb 07
So glad that you are going well. I cannot imagine this! Am happy that you think that it was work it, thanks for being honest about ever doing it again. You will have to keep us updated when you are in your clothing and moving about doing your daily things.
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
I am moving about now, but my husband is always trying to stop me overdoing it.It's hard not to do "things", as long as I don't bend or reach up.
My husbands sisters have already given me some gift vouchers to buy new clothes. I can't wait.
@Sawsen (793)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I don't think I'd be a tummy tuck candidate. lol not because I don't need it (because I do), but because I think I would feel like I was cheating myself. That's my personal belief though so please don't be offended. I feel like for me if I were to have one, I would feel like I was taking the easy way out. And I wouldn't want that because I always like to strive to accomplish the things I want to do. Anyway, I hope you feel well soon, and it's nice to have you back on mylot.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
I am not at all offended. It would have been best if diet and exercise could have helped me to loose the bulge, but I guess nothing but an operation would have shifted those muscles.
@bkfuels (1601)
• Canada
13 Feb 07
Hope you are feeling well. I never thought about getting a tummy tuck my tummy is fine. I am 47 and I do want a partial face lift. I have seen a doctor a few times just waiting for the right time to get up the nerve to do it. Also the cost is very high.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
Thank you for your comments. I am feeling better every day.
You are right about the cost of plastic surgery. Mine was free as I went on the waiting list.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I have a tolerance for pain, but not sure if I would want to have any type of surgery done that would later give me pain.
Belated happy birthday wishes to you, 49 is a wonderful age to be. I will be 49 until I turn 50 on July 30th. Huggers to you. Speedy recovery.
@lifeiseasy (2292)
• United States
14 Feb 07
I am 46 and i had a c-section alittle over 2 years ago ...not fun ...but that was worth it ...lol ..anyways ..as for a tummy tuck I have also noticed a litle like roll just under where I was cut form the c-section ...I don't think that I will bother with it ...my bikini bottoms still covers it ...lol not ... but it is that low so I don't really see the need for me too ...I am glad you had the courage to do it ...I know it must have been painful right afterwards ... hope you have a very quick recovery and let us know how it looks after its all healed and if you are happy about it ...
@LindaLou (483)
• Canada
13 Feb 07
Good for you, you go girl!! You've got to do what makes you feel good about yourself. If you can put up with the pain, and feel that it is worth the reward, I say more power to you. I think that we have to follow our own path and do what's right for us as long as we are intelligently informed on all the possible risks.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
13 Feb 07
Thanks for your comments. Yes, being intelligently informed is the key to any surgery, let alone cosmetic surgery.
