Hello all,

I have learned a ton from everyone's reviews on this site, so am hoping I can do the same for something else. I had a T tummy tuck and full upper inner thigh lift along with a hernia repair on December 29th. The surgery was six hours and the doctor removed five pounds of skin. The surgery went great. The day after surgery my hemoglobin became low, which required a blood transfusion. For that reason, I stayed two nights in the hospital. I live nearly two hours from the hospital, but took medication just before leaving and do not remember much of the ride home.

A couple things that have been life savers for me are; I rented a reclining lift chair and purchased a toilet seat riser. The incisions from my thigh lift go around the back of my leg, under by butt cheek, which makes it very difficult to sit on ANYTHING, therefore I use the bathroom holding myself up on the handles on the seat riser. I purchased a shower chair but becuase I cannot sit have not used it and also purchase a walker, but have not needed that. I feel fortunate from what I have seen on other posts because I can walk standing perfectly straight. Don't get me wrong, it takes me a minute to get stretched out when I stand up, but not bad at all. I have stayed on top of medication, taking pain medication every fours hours, along with Vitamins, Iron, laxitive, etc. I had my first bowl movement today, not as bad as I expected, but I sure am glad it's over with.

I have five drains and was able to take my first shower yesterday, which was amazing! I have been recording the drain output three times a day and they are doing great. I have to call tomorrow to schedule my post-op appointment. They all take place on Saturdays, so I am planning to go down December 7th to have some of the drains removed. I am prepared to keep a couple, but based on the minimal drainage, it would be amazing if he removed them all.

My insurance paid for the hernia repair and most of the tummy tuck. My out of pocket expense was $11,300.

I am attaching a couple pictures for reference and would be happy to answer any questions I can.

who did your surgery?

OMG that looks so painful!

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OMG! why were you opened like that vertically? Couldn't they do your hernia laparascopic? I know I won't be having a tummy or thigh tuck after seeing this. Im sorry that just looks like to much for me. Your a trooper for sure. I hope you heal well.

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it's a fleur-de-lis. It makes your waist much smaller, but unfortunately, it also leaves a scar. Not sure which way I'll go with this (I haven't had plastic surgery yet) - I can see both sides (smaller waist vs. vertical scar)

Holy God that's a lot of cuts and scars.

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Sounds like you were well prepared and are having a smooth recovery. Hope that continues!

I am surprised that your surgeon says it's ok to be fully upright. I was told to walk and sleep in a slightly bent position for proper healing.

Good luck on the 7th, I'm rooting for ALL drains to come out, I know what a pain they can be, lol!

OMG! why were you opened like that vertically? Couldn't they do your hernia laparascopic? I know I won't be having a tummy or thigh tuck after seeing this. Im sorry that just looks like to much for me. Your a trooper for sure. I hope you heal well.

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Yes, because that is the type of tummy tuck I opted for (the incision was not related to the hernia). If it is too invasive for you, by all means you can just have the horizontal incision. I figured I was paying $11,000, I was opting for the best possible results and for me that included curves on my sides. My other thought aside from the cost, was I did not want to not be unsatisfied with the results and have to go through the pain and healing again.

Dr. Vincent DiNick, in Ypsilanti, MI, he was fabulous!

who did your surgery?

Sounds like you were well prepared and are having a smooth recovery. Hope that continues!

I am surprised that your surgeon says it's ok to be fully upright. I was told to walk and sleep in a slightly bent position for proper healing.

Good luck on the 7th, I'm rooting for ALL drains to come out, I know what a pain they can be, lol!

He said, now the nurses are going to give you some instructions about walking, but as long as you are comfortable, just walk as normal as you feel comfortable. Now, I haven't been getting crazy and bending backwards and don't get me wrong, it takes a minute to straighten up when I've been sitting or sleeping, but I just walk normal, I do not consciously tell myself to stay bent over. I'm counting on your luck on the 7th, they don't hurt, they are just annoying.

Dr. Vincent DiNick, in Ypsilanti, MI, he was fabulous!

Thanks! I'm starting to look at surgeons, that's why I asked. Thanks for the recommendation!

Looks painful, but you made the decision you wanted for you. Proud of you. I'm seeing past the incisions and you'll be quite sexy. Good luck. Hope you are healing well. Larry

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Is your TT circumferential or do your incisions end somewhere around your back? Was it a spiral thigh lift? Sounds like it might have been if your incisions go across under your butt cheeks.

That could not be me

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Thank you so much for sharing this part of your journey so openly! I'm still in the loosing stage, but am starting to think about what those end procedures might be to make everything'feel right'. Please keep us posted and best wishes for a continued healthy recovery!

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You are so brave, I wish you the best health during your recovery.