Welcome to my web site that chronicles my experience with tummy tuck surgery.  Here you will find before and after photographs of me, as well as information on the procedure and my feelings on the results. Do I love them? Do I hate them? Would I do it all again? Find out here. If you'd like to contact me you can send an e-mail to me at TheGirlsNY@aol.com.

UPDATES

Click on a date below to jump to that day's entry.

2006 Entries:

8/7/06 | 7/19/06 | 7/16/06 | 6/27/06
4/21/06 | 4/8/06 | 3/21/06 | 3/15/06

2005 Entries:

6/6/05 | 5/30/05 | 5/14/05 | 4/26/05 | 4/15/05
4/11/05 | 3/30/05 | 3/29/05 | 3/23/05 | 3/21/05 | 3/19/05
3/18/05 | 3/15/05 | 3/14/05 | 3/13/05 | 3/11/05 | 3/10/05
3/8/05 | 3/4/05 | 3/2/05 | 2/27/05

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Monday, August 7, 2006

So I went for a follow up last week and the doctor told me to take the tape off of my stitches. It feels better now because the tape doesn't pull and it doesn't get all hot and sweaty from this crazy weather we have been having.

If anyone read my blog regarding my first surgery you will recall that one of my favorite parts was that the anesthesiologist knocked me out without telling me. No time to get nervous or worry about anything. This time, not so much!

I was laying there in the bed in the recovery room expecting to be knocked out any minute when the nurse tells me to get up and follow her. I was like "What do you mean?" so she explained that for this surgery (and anything that involves turning a patient over) they have to do a standing prep on you. Once I walked into the OR, I had to stand naked holding my IV over my head while 2 nurses washed me from neck to ankles with sterile iodine solution! Then I had to walk backwards and sit on the table without touching anything while the nurse rolled up these long full leg socks on each leg. Once one was done, I had to get it up on the table without touching it and then get the other one up! Then I had to lay back and put my arms out on the side boards while they covered me with a sheet. I have no idea when the anesthesiologist got me but I remember asking the nurse to move the sheet down about half a centimeter because it was in my mouth and after she did, I was out!! : ) Just before she put some kind of towel between my legs for "modesty." I said "NOW??? You just washed me down NAKED and I am facing the security camera!" LOL! Did I mention that EVERYONE remembered me? LOL!

When they checked me the nurse told me she was going to give me the same locker as last time. She was right, I had #12 again. The OR nurse remembered me and my teddy bear and the anesthesiologist said "You were here last year, weren't you?" : )

 Anyway, the heat has been murder because my clothing is always damp on my stitches but it has been better lately. I was on antibiotics for a week to prevent infection but am all finished now. The incision line looks good. Very thin. There is a new picture from this weekend in the after photos. (Back to Top) 

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Day one after surgery. I just want to tell Dr. Rosenfeld that I love him. I know I am still swollen and stuff but the results are exactly how I pictured them in my dreams. I know I am never going to be a super model, I just want to be happy with me. Well, today I am a happy woman.

The pain was a lot less than with the tummy tuck. However, I was quite nauseous this time and actually did throw up a piece of bread that I ate when I got home yesterday. Because I had a lot of liposuction on my back, it leaked quite a bit. I went through 2 shirts and a towel and it is all over my son's bed and my pillow. My compression garment got the worst of it so the doctor told me to wash it. Luckily I have the one from last time so I am wearing that while the other dries.

My back is very stiff and sore but I have no choice to lay on it. I only took one pain killer before I went to sleep and just woke up a few times during the night. I am eating normal and feel great! My husband said I looked better/more rested this morning than I usually do. He was very pleased to see me up and about at 6:30 a.m.

I went by myself (I took car service both ways, I am not crazy) for my follow up. The doctor ripped off all of the bandages except for the tape over my stitches. I swear that hurt more than anything. The tape was so stuck, he even had trouble getting it off! Once he did though, I felt much better. The tape over my stitches is really red from the lipo fluid leaking on them. They are fine and not bleeding or anything. I go back in one week for a check up.

Would I do it again? HECK YEAH! (Back to Top) 

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Well, two more days! I am excited now. I have been washing with the antibacterial soap and am all set. I rearranged my son's room today so I could take over for a week. :) I also took my before pictures (you can see them in the "before" photo gallery). Yuck. I won't miss my hips! LOL! (Back to Top) 

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Ok, I don't know how I forgot but I postponed my surgery until 7/18/06. I just confirmed today and am all set. Same instructions as last time. Woo-hoo! I will keep you posted. (Back to Top) 

Friday, April 21, 2006

Lillian is a rock star! Lillian, I love you! Lillian was able to secure my additional financing so, if all goes according to plan, I will be getting my hips done on June 27th! YAY! (Back to Top) 

Saturday, April 8, 2006

Well, I heard back and the financing company won't raise my credit. What that means is I either have to come up with $3,000 or I have to take out a second line of credit. That is what I was trying to avoid. I wanted to just increase my current monthly bill a little, not have an additional $100+ bill to pay each month.

I am going to see what happens over the next few months and try to have the surgery over the summer. If anyone wins the lottery, don't forget about me! LOL! (Back to Top)  

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

I went for my consultation last night for what I like to refer to as a "hip tuck."  It is just like the tummy tuck but it extends to the sides and a little around the back.  My surgery will be a little over $6,000 so one of the women from the office who works on the financing is going to contact my financing company about increasing my credit line by $3,000 so I have enough to cover the new surgery.  If she is able to get the increase, I will schedule the surgery very, very soon.  I am so excited! 

The doctor was in a very good mood last night.  I think it was the most I had ever spoken to him.  There were a bunch of women there for consults (and a few men).  I had the nurse show them (just the women) my "before" and "after" photo and I gave a few of them the address for this page so, I hope you are all reading this!  Do it, have the surgery, you won't regret it!

As always, please e-mail me if you have any questions.  I will let you know what happened with my financing. (Back to Top)  

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Monday, June 6, 2005

Oh happy day! After my surgery I bought a cute pair of capri jeans. They seemed like they would stretch, so I ended up exchanging them for a smaller pair. I just fit into the smaller pair which you can see in the pictures dated 4/15/05. Well, the weather has been crappy so I have not worn them in a while but, we finally had some sun, so I wore them on Saturday. Well, they were REALLY big! I had the ribbon drawstring really tight and they were still big! YAY ME! And YAY for my friend Jodie who will be receiving them in the mail soon! Anyway, I really loved those jeans as they were very soft so I went to Lane Bryant today to see if they had more. They had one left in my size and I had a 30% off coupon! It was meant for me to have them! I went from being upset that my favorite capris didn't fit to being happy because they were too big, not too small, and then really happy since I now have a new pair!

I also noticed this weekend that my hips are no longer hard as rocks to the touch. Not sure when they went back to normal but, if I only noticed Saturday, it must have been recently.

That's my good news story of the week! Hope all of you who had surgery are doing well and those of you who are about to have surgery are getting excited for your big day and all of the many changes that are about to happen to you. I wanted to point out an article to you all. It is actually about gastric bypass but a lot of the issues about having to think like a thin person, etc., are the same. It is from New York magazine and you can read it here: http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/health/features/1868/

I have also added one new picture which is a comparison of the capri jeans when I first wore them and what they looked like this weekend. (Back to Top)  

Monday, May 30, 2005

I went to the doctor today, FINALLY! I called the other day and, apparently, I am supposed to be wearing the band at night for at least 2 months after the initial month of wearing it 24/7! What that means is for the past 3 weeks when I wasn't wearing it, I should have been! OOPSIE!

Anyway, he said I looked great, noticed that I lost weight and told me to come back in 6 months. I asked about the redness of my belly button and he told me that was just the blood circulating after the reattachment and that it was a good thing. He said it would go away in 6 months. I assumed he meant 6 months from the date of my surgery. Guess I'll see!

I added 2 new photos that were taken yesterday by my son. I wish my hair was not wet and he didn't take them while he was sitting on his bed! LOL! But, they don't look too bad. I especially like the side view!

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Well, it has been a little over 2 months and I feel great!

I stopped wearing the band on Thursday. I have not been to the doctor in a couple of weeks because I had to miss my last appointment but I can't imagine I had to wear it at night for longer than a month and that is how long I was wearing it. One month for 24 hours a day and the second month only at night.

I can laugh now with little pain but sneezing still hurts. Rolling over and sitting up in bed are still issues too. But, it does get easier each day!

Thanks to everyone who sent me e-mails. I love hearing from people. (Back to Top)  

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

My belly button stitches finally fell out today! YAY! They had been a little crusty for a couple of days and now they are all gone! My belly button is still very red, but it doesn't hurt at all and it is nice not to have all of that thread there!

I have a sinus infection but luckily we caught it early. I sneezed twice today and each time hurt my abs a lot! I have only sneezed 4 times in the past 6 weeks since the surgery. Thank goodness I don't have allergies or I would really be miserable.

I had a lot of fun the past week buying and returning new clothes. I finally found some pants that fit property and also got some cute tops. There is a lot of purple out this season! However, since purple is my favorite color, that's fine with me!  (Back to Top)  

Friday, April 15, 2005

Hope you all filed your taxes on time!

I didn't wear my band today for the first time. It was strange. I kind of missed it! It keeps everything in check and makes me sit up straight. I still have to wear it at night so I have it on now.

My inner stitches still pull when I laugh, cough or sneeze. I made the mistake of going to see Fever Pitch tonight. It was really funny and cute but at some points my stomach was killing me!!!

I added some new photos to the after section so take a look. I tried to remember to date all of the new ones so you can see the difference/progress. Please note that I stand slightly tilted to one side so if you find yourself tilting your head or thinking my incision line is crooked, everything is fine, that's just me!

I don't go back to the doctor until the 27th so I guess everything is healing nicely. The only thing my doctor never mentioned was when I would get the stitches taken out of my belly button. They are more like string and are not the dissolvable kind. (Back to Top)  

Monday, April 11, 2005

I can sleep flat, I can sleep flat! YAY!

The first time was Saturday night. It hurt and pulled a bit, but I managed and then I did it again last night. It was easier last night. I knew it would hurt/pull a little in the beginning but, once everything gets stretched out, it would be ok.

I think things will be easier from here on out.

Both scabs came off of my drain holes over the weekend and a lot of the scabs on the stitches are coming off. I can still see and feel little bits of the wire (I say wire" because it looks like fishing line) from the stitches. Especially in the corners. I guess because they are the end pieces and are not inside of my skin, they are not dissolving as fast.

I can't believe it has been almost a month. I can't wait to get this band off. I go back to the doctor for another follow-up tonight so, hopefully, he will tell me when I can stop wearing it. Although sometimes I do feel better when it is on. It also reminds me to sit up properly. I overheard a woman at the doctor's office during my last visit saying that once your one month of wearing the band 24 hours a day is up, you then have to wear it 12 hours a day for a period of time. Maybe I have to wear it during the day but can take it off at night? That would be nice. I have to ask him about that tonight if I remember. I am only in with him for like 10 seconds so I always forget to ask my questions! (Back to Top)  

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

I figure it is time to fill you in on what exactly happened on the day of surgery!

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. because car service was picking us up at 6:15. I could not eat so after showering, washing my hair and shaving my legs, I gave my son breakfast and got him ready for school. I got dressed and took my iPod and teddy bear with me. My teddy bear travels with me and sleeps in my bed so I would not have gone without him!

We arrived at the surgery center and gave my name. We had to sign a few papers and were given a copy of the "patients rights" and then went to sit down. The second I went to sit down, a nurse called my name. I asked if my husband should come with me and she said no. I didn't realize that was it and I was not coming back out to wait. I didn't even say good-bye to my husband!

My friend Lisa and I have this thing with numbers. 8 and 12 are especially good and come up at lot. Like if we buy something it will be $8.12, etc. The nurse brought me to the locker room to leave my clothes and said "your locker will be number 12." I just smiled and said "of course it is!"

After I changed and locked my clothes in the locker, my bear and I were escorted to the pre/post surgery room. It looked like an emergency room with a lot of beds and monitors, etc. There was one desk where the nurses and doctors could do paper work. I was given a bunch of forms to read and my blood pressure was taken.

A few minutes later the doctor came in. He looked at my bear and said he needed a face lift. I said that he was actually missing a lot of filling so whatever he takes out of me, he could put into the bear. : ) I had to go to a smaller examination room with the doctor to take care of business. The first thing he did was have me sign the slip for my financing! Then he took my "before" pictures and marked me. When he took out the pen to mark me, I immediately felt even more comfortable because he used a purple felt tip marker. Not only is purple my favorite color, but I had bought that exact same marker just days before! Strange, huh? Between that and the number 12, I was pretty calm.

After the marking I was escorted back to my hospital bed. I met the anesthesiologist and OR nurse. I told them both about the shows I watch on Discovery Health. The anesthesiologist told me that anesthesia awareness is "bullshit" and the nurse assured me she would count all of the tools and sponges. One of the nurses told me the doctor said I was a "very nice girl" but I don't remember which one. The anesthesiologist found a vein in my wrist and put the IV in. I didn't even realize when he gave me the shot to put me to sleep and he never told me he did it. I remember saying "oooh, feeling woozy" and grabbing the side of the bed and the next thing I knew, it was all over and I was right back in the same spot where I started! I like that they did it that way instead of the big, dramatic walk/wheel to the OR and the big "ok, count backwards from 10" until you are knocked out.

I woke up and the only thing I noticed was that I was FREEZING! They put another blanket on me and put my socks back on. My bear was right there in the bed with me. My legs were taped up with ace bandages to prevent blood clots and I had a really, really tight band across my torso and hips. I don't remember having any pain at that point but I know they gave me some Demerol in my IV. I laid there quiet while the woman they wheeled in after me kept yelling "AYE, MOMMY" at the top of her lungs over and over. The nurses tried to get her to calm down and told me I was the best because I was not even complaining about the pain. Well, that all changed when they told me I had to sit up and go sit in the chair. Since I wasn't feeling pain, I didn't know what my limitations were. I went to sit up and OUCH! That is when I realized that most of the pain was coming from the inside stitches, where they stitched my abs back together. (I asked the doctor today how many stitches I had and he said "Hundreds, I didn't count. There is layer upon layer." That explained a LOT!) They helped me up and over to the chair and asked what I wanted to drink. Apparently they need to make sure you can drink something without getting nauseous. I drank a little bit of orange juice and then they let my husband come in. The first thing he noticed was that my boobs looked really big since my stomach was not in competition with them anymore! LOL! They gave me a Percocet. YAY!

I felt a little nauseous and they gave me a little plastic pan. The feeling passed, thank goodness! They showed us how to empty the drains which is another requirement. You have to write down the date and time and also how much is in each one, left and right. To empty them, you open the top (it is a little plastic piece like when you blow up a water toy) to let the air in and then you squeeze it all out without letting go. If you let go, air can go back into your body and that's not good. Once it is empty, you just replace the cap. Hubby got it perfect on the first try so they said we could leave. I was escorted back to the locker room to get dressed. Of course I had to pee at that exact moment so the nurse helped me into the bathroom. I could not use my muscles so I just had to wait for the pee to trickle out. I also could hardly bend so it was really hard and painful to wipe. But, I did it and then the nurse helped me get dressed. We went to the front desk and they called car service for us. I was DYING of thirst. My husband told me at this point that if he knew then what he knew now, he would never have let me done it. To this day he can't believe they don't do these procedures in hospitals. The car ride hope was really painful. I could not sit back in the seat so I had to lean forward and hold onto the seat in front of me. Every bump and turn brought me to tears. It didn't help that we had a "hurry to the red light and then slam on the brakes" kind of driver. 

We made it home and up the steps. One step at a time! We had to adjust the pillows on the bed a few times to get me comfortable, but we managed. You have to lay and sleep with your chest and knees higher than your incision site to prevent clots and to prevent fluid from going into your lungs. I was home and in my bed by 2:30!

I slept most of the day on and off. I ate one piece of bread just so I could take a pain killer. Later I remember waking up and finding the second piece of bread on my lap and eating that too. LOL! Bread and water was it for the first day. I remember being awake to watch Survivor and American Idol and then I went back to sleep. At one point I felt sick and did one dry heave. That was so painful that I just prayed I would not feel nauseous again. It totally pulled on my inner stitches. Thankfully, that was the only time I dry heaved and I never actually threw up.

That night I ended up getting up 4 times! 3 times to pee (I think it was because the band was so tight. I didn't really drink so I should not have needed to pee. Especially not 3 times. The 4th time I got up was to let one of my cats in the room. I think he knew I was not feeling well because he was doing that horrible meow where they sound like they are in pain. It almost killed me to get up so many times by myself, but I managed. My husband was sleeping in my room with my son and I didn't want to wake them up when they had to get up early for work and school the next day. Honestly, looking back, I don't know how I got up unassisted. Maybe the pain killers helped.

Not so bad, right? : ) The good news is that each day I felt better and stronger. My husband was a whiz at changing the drains and after two days of back pain, I got used to sleeping sitting up! After a few days I was able to sit on the couch for short period of time with my legs up on a chair and soon thereafter, I was able to spend hours on the couch. In fact, when I would get tired of sleeping sitting up in the bed or I was uncomfortable, I would go sit on the couch and sleep there for a while.

Today is my two week post surgery anniversary and I felt really good today. I was even able to lay in the bed with my legs flat this afternoon. Another first!

I went to the doctor again today because he was concerned about the redness of my infected stitches. However, I guess the antibiotics are helping because he said the redness looked much better, that I looked great, to keep taking the antibiotics until they are gone, and to take it easy. I plan to! He also said I could take the tape off of the stitches. My response was to ask if I could just leave it on. LOL! I will probably try during my next shower.

I go back Monday for my next post-op. I look forward to the day when he will take my "after" photos. : ) (Back to Top) 

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Well, today is my first full day back at work. I came in for half a day yesterday and then went to see the doctor for a follow-up. He is "concerned about the redness" of my infected stitches. I have been taking antibiotics to help clear it up and prevent infection but it is still very red in the one spot. I have to go see him again tomorrow at the surgery center. I have a feeling he is going to take off some of the tape so he can see the actual stitches and see what is going on.

I feel much better physically. I can move around better but it still hurts a LOT when I laugh. It's those damn inner stitches!

I had to wear pajama pants to work today because I need to wear comfortable stuff with an elastic waist! Oh well, at least they are cute! (Back to Top) 

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

I went to the doctor for another follow-up today. He took my drains out. YAY! Actually, he didn't "take" them out, he YANKED them out! He wrapped his fingers around the tubes, counted to three and PULLED! It only hurt for a second though.

I have to wear this Velcro band for 3 more weeks. Grrr! But, I get to take a shower tomorrow! I am not allowed to wash my hair for the first time in the shower though because they don't want the dirt/chemicals from products getting into the wounds. So, I washed my hair in the sink today to avoid that! : )

After my shower I have to dry off and then carefully cut off any tape that is curling up over the stitches. At least I can see down there to do so! : )

I feel much better today. Hopefully I can sleep flatter and will be more comfortable at night. (Back to Top) 

Monday, March 21, 2005

Ok, wow. Did you know how much my stomach weighed? Me either! So, when I went to the doctor for my second follow up visit tonight, I asked. He took EIGHT pounds off of my stomach and another 3 with the lipo of the hips/flanks! WOW!!!

I go back Wednesday morning to have my drains removed. YAAAY!!! (Back to Top) 

Saturday, March 19, 2005

I feel MUCH better today. I got a good night's sleep, I can eat a little without feeling like I am going to hurl and I was able to go to the bathroom! Considering I can't blow my nose or cough, that was pretty amazing! LOL!

The only thing that had me concerned today is one of my drains was leaking a bit. We changed the gauze and I think it is ok. I go back to the doctor Monday. I wish he would take them out so I can sleep normal! The tight band around my whole midsection is not very cute either. It makes it hard to breathe. The doctor did loosen the bottom but it just gets bunched up which also gets annoying.

I took some "after" photos which are now in the "after" section but you can't really see anything but the pain in my face and my drains! Enjoy! (Back to Top) 

Friday, March 18, 2005

Well, today is the first day I can sit at the computer long enough to write something.

I have a bad back but didn't think anything of it regarding the surgery. BIG MISTAKE! Sitting all day in a chair and sleeping in a sitting position all night is killing my back! I swear, the surgery is the least of my problems.

However, I know it will all be worth it in the end.

I get my drains out and band off Tuesday so I should be able to sleep normal by then.

I am just taking it one day at a time. (Back to Top) 

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Well, this is it! I ate at 7 and only had a little water since then. I did the laundry, my room is ready and I finished my work.

We are getting up at 5:40 so I can get my son ready for school before we go. He doesn't leave until 6:50 so we will be leaving way ahead of him. I want to give him his breakfast to ensure he does not fall back asleep!

The 3 of us were watching The Amazing Race tonight and my son (who is 12) started poking my stomach as he likes to do. My husband said "You better poke it now! In fact, I am going to poke it too" so I had the two of them doing it! Then my husband felt the need to take a really bad side view picture of me sitting on the couch. I'll spare all of you.

For the record, TWO, count them TWO of my friends called or e-mailed me today to wish me luck and none of them were my really close friends. Yeesh! NOT feeling the love!

Oh well! Off to take a bath, shave my legs and try to get a little sleep! (Back to Top) 

Monday, March 14, 2005

Are there really only TWO days left???

My doctor's office called today to make sure I was following the instructions. I have been doing everything so they need not worry about me. She also told me they want me there earlier so the car is picking us up at 6:15! Yeesh!

I bought some magazines and word search books today. I put a chair next to the bed in my son's room (where I will sleep for a week) and put my stuff there plus some pens and my phone charger. I hope I am not forgetting anything!

I do some extra typing at home for an attorney and he is giving me a tape to type tomorrow. That should help keep my mind off of things!

I had a great sleep last night. Lots of crazy dreams involving MTV and New Kids on the Block! LOL! (Back to Top) 

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Well, only 3 days left now!

I did the grocery shopping for two weeks today and bought a lot of low sodium soup for me to eat after the surgery!

I also measured my waist and hips. Ouch! Waist 41" and hips (at the largest point over my fat roll) 53 1/2"!!!

My husband, son and I went out for brunch again today. We were almost finished when who walks in but my boss and his whole family!!! Too funny! Shortly thereafter we asked for our check but the waitress came back and said it was taken care of. Awww...how nice. Of course when I went to thank my boss he started joking about how he was going to bring me files to work on while I am home! LOL! (Back to Top) 

Friday, March 11, 2005

I woke up sick today!  I can't believe it!  I have been wearing my gloves, dressing appropriately, washing my hands before meals, etc. and now, 5 days before the surgery, I am sick!  Hopefully it won't turn into anything big that would require me having to postpone the surgery!  One of the people at my doctor's office warned me about germs.  Waaaah!  Well, I bought some Tylenol cold medicine (since I can't take aspirin) and I hope that will be enough! (Back to Top) 

Thursday, March 10, 2005

I went to get my hair colored on the 8th and ended up cutting a lot of it off! Fabio, the owner of the salon, is always wanting to cut my hair but he is the most expensive. He was playing with my hair and whining that I never want him to cut it and I decided, what the heck! I would let him cut it and get a new look on top to match the new look on the bottom! When he was finished I could not believe how much hair was on the floor and that it was all mine!

I have been sleeping ok but the realization that I only have 6 days left before surgery is setting in. I am running out of time to do things!

I went to have sets of my keys made today for some friends who are going to stay with me the second and third day after surgery when my husband is at work and my son is at school. This way, I won't have to get out of bed to open the door for them!

I wanted to have a "Good-bye Stomach" dinner on Tuesday but my husband goes to the gym until 7:30-7:45 and I can't eat dinner after 7 so I ordered a prepared dinner from Fresh Direct for Saturday. We are also going out to brunch on Sunday with our son. Tuesday I am having a nice lunch at an Italian place near my office with some of the girls from work.

I am going to see a nutritionist to learn how to eat right because something is not working for me. I really don't eat a lot, I almost never eat candy, cookies, etc. and I rarely drink alcohol (and never at home). However, something is not right. Maybe I am eating too much at night or my body is having a hard time digesting certain foods? I hope to find some answers. My GP also suggested I take up yoga. A former coworker who lives near me does yoga so I am going to talk to him and see if he will go with me for a while until I learn the basic moves.

There is a photo of my new hair in the "before" section. I learned tonight that I can change the settings on my camera to sepia or black and white! Maybe I should read the manual one day! I love sepia!

I have not burst into tears in 2 days. YAY! (Back to Top) 

Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Well, I have definitely calmed down a bit.  I think I was weepy due in part to having to adjust my cycle to make sure I would not have my period the day of surgery or within a week or so after.  To solve this problem I started my last pill pack earlier than normal.

I have been sleeping better but I imagine by the weekend I will be sleepless again.

I like to be prepared so my clothes that I am going to wear on the day of surgery are all packed in a bag waiting to be worn!  I bought cute little bootie socks with the sticky dots on the bottom so I don't kill myself when I try to walk on the hard wood floors of my apartment.

All that's left to do now is wait! (Back to Top)

Friday, March 4, 2005

I went to Macy's today and bought a stretch, zippered front sweat jacket with no hood. I think it will be perfect. I also bought a really nice, overpriced shirt for after the surgery!

I broke down in tears twice today for no real reason. I guess it is a combination of being nervous and excited. I did sleep much better the past two nights. (Back to Top)

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

My doctor's office called with a list of instructions. They are as follows:

On March 16th a car service will pick my husband and I up at 6:30a.m.

From now until my surgery I am not allowed any of the following:

Aspirin
Smoking
Vitamin C or E
Diet pills
Herbal supplements

Luckily I don't do or take any of those things!

I am only allowed to use only Extra Strength Tylenol.

I am to bring name and telephone number of pharmacy so they can call in prescription for pain killers.

3 days prior to my surgery I am to wash with antibacterial soap.

On the day of surgery I am to tell the doctor if I take any controlled substances. 

The night before surgery I should eat dinner around 7 and have a snack at 9. I can drink water up until Midnight but after that, NOTHING to eat or drink!

On day of surgery I am to wear no make-up and I cannot use any cream.

I cannot wear jewelry.

I must wear something comfortable that zips or buttons up the front like a zippered sweatsuit. I gather I will not be able to lift my arms above my head!

I am also to wear warm socks which I will keep on for the surgery.

After the surgery I am to eat normal. Somehow I don't see that happening. I suggested I may eat prepared foods and was warned to check the sodium content so I don't "blow up."

On March 17th, the day after, I have to be back at the surgery center by 7:30a.m. for my first follow-up. (Back to Top)

Sunday, February 27, 2005

So, what made me want to get a tummy tuck, you ask?  Well, you obviously have not looked at the "before" pictures!  I have two main reasons.  The first is that I am really, really tired of people thinking I am pregnant.  I get offered seats on the train, people ask when I am due and, this past summer, an older man that I did not know who was talking to a friend of mine pointed to my stomach and said "and good luck to you!" as he walked away!  Yeesh!  I am sorry.  Be 110% positive that someone IS pregnant before you say anything!  I am a big girl all over, not just my stomach.  Personally, I think I just look fat, NOT pregnant!  What's the second reason?  I can't see my cooch!  Yes, I know it sounds silly but sometimes, for whatever reason us women NEED to see down there and I can't.  Well, I can a little if I lift up the fat roll and hold it out of the way!!!  There are other little reasons like the line under the roll where the skin folds gets irritated (especially in the summer when it gets sweaty) and I have to buy shirts big enough to fit over my stomach and hips that they are huge under my arms.

Details?  You want details?  Sure!  I am having a full out tummy tuck with liposuction of my hip pockets.  I never even had those hip pockets until I gave birth to my son over 12 years ago!  That's what I get for gaining 65 pounds while pregnant!  I saw three doctors before deciding.  Actually, four but the first was like 5 years ago.  The first doctor I didn't like.  He spoke to me like I was 12 and tried to explain the entire procedure to me.  Hello, I came to you!  I know what it is!  The second was great and even good looking but he was very expensive.  The third was not overly friendly but has 27 years experience and was $2,000 cheaper than Dr. Cutie.  I selected Nachman Rosenfeld, M.D. and the total for both the tummy tuck and lipo is $8,600.  Thank goodness for tax refunds!  I put $1,000 down to secure the date, another $2,600 from my tax refund and I am financing the remaining $5,000 at $134/month for 4 years with no prepayment penalty.

My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16, 2005!  Am I nervous?  You bet!  I watch waaaaay too much Discovery Health Network.  Two shows NOT to watch before surgery: "Anesthesia Awareness" and "When Surgical Tools Get Left Behind."  I have a few things to say before they get started!  LOL!

Most recovery time is a few weeks but I am going to TRY to go back to work after 7 or 8 days because I work only 18 blocks from my house, I take the bus there and I sit all day.  If I had a job that involved me moving around, etc. I would have to stay home at least 2 weeks.

So, that's my story!  Please check back around 3/18 to read about my procedure, how I am feeling and see the first of the "after" photos.

Wish me luck!  : )

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