I' checked into a tummy tuck the cost is about $5000,00 here in Wi,

Doe's it hurt bad? and how long are down for?

Ive lost all the weight but can't do the stomach work to tighten it up because of a bad back! No Crunth's Nothing.

Even though I, lost the weight people are always stairing at my Stomach or saying why do you have all those strech mark's.

I fought all these years to not wear a shirt, now im finding out it is just better to wear one. I feel like a target.

Is that weird or some thing wrong to feel like that?

Great question! I hope someone answers!

I'm in the same boat, and will likely look into one too.

I am anxious for those that have experienced this to chime in!

Hi,

I had a tummy tuck this past June. Actually a lower body lift where the scar is all the way around (but my butt looks good now too). I also at the same time had my band revision (slippage) and a low profile port inserted right at my left hipbone.

All I have to say is the first week is pure pain and I even borrowed a walker to help me get up from the recliner to go to the bathroom and get around. But right after that there was discomfort but no excess pain. I even stopped the pain meds.

One of the most bothersome parts is the "drains" that you will receive. They collect the excess Fluid instead of your body reabsorbing it and stretching out your newly flat body. I had mine for 3 weeks. You have to drain them several times a day and keep track of the drainage. It is hard to wear certain clothes with these "bulbs" hanging from your waist.

But no regrets. I haven't lost anymore weight as I still swell quite often. My weight can actually vary 5 to 10 pounds a day now that I'm back to work full time. They removed 10 pounds of fat and skin.

The other frustrating part is wearing the binder as much as possible. It looks like a back support brace (the kind that people wear that continually lift heavy objects). I don't recommend getting a TT in the summer like I did because with the heat/swelling/support brace, etc., you are mighty uncomfortable unless you sit in front of the air conditioner constantly. Even going to the grocery store was uncomfortable. They would like you to wear some kind of body shaper (lipo in a box, flexees, etc) for up to six months, or at least my PS recommended that. I do feel they definitely help with the swelling now that I'm at work but not as much as the support binder that they give you does. I wear that the minute I get home until the next morning.

Feel free to ask any questions but do talk to several people about the surgery and do your research. There is a yahoo message board for bandsters and plastic surgery.

GOOD LUCK

Carol

banded 12/29/03

269/165/149

I am 2 days post op, and I have to say, thus far, it has not been as bad as I had expected.

I am treating the pain with OTC paracetamol, and walking around the house a lot (bent over, naturally!)

I agree with the drains being the pitts. If it were not for the drains, I could stop the paracetamol. They just bug me. Twitchy type pains. Nothing dramatic. (my drains are in cute little bags that I hang over my shoulder when I get up to walk around.)

I forgot to ask how much was taken off (I will ask at my post op appointment on Monday) But I was at goal anyway, and any loss is a bonus at this stage.

I am finding that the binder helps me feel secure. The pressure feels good.

So my opinion is, it's not that bad, really.

Thank you Cadydid and Aussie chick. Your posts helps me greatly. I feel better equipped for this surgery. I will have it done in a few months. I am loathing the drains.

Aussie Chick, your profile on obesityhelp.com was pretty cool. I love the ring btw. Your progress has been well journalized. I would like to redo mine, too bad though I was too shy to have my husband take pics of me so I took them myself with my web cam. Got too many grainy pics.

Thanks ladies.. helps bunches.