Can't wait to get my TT next month. I have my pre-op appointment this Friday morning. I'm still on the fence if I'm just gonna do a Tummy Tuck or go with the fleur-de-lis procedure. The surgeon said I might be happier to get rid of some of the laxity around the mid section and go with the fleur-de-lis. It adds $600 to the price which is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I just don't know if I want a scar going up the middle of my body to my breastbone.?‍♂️ The good news is the doc does not recommend tightening my ab muscles because he said they should be in pretty good shape and that's where most of the pain and longer term discomfort comes from.
Anyhow, I'd like to hear from people who had either procedure done. I'll be staying with my ex mother in law the 1st 2 days and then coming home to take care of myself. My boys will stop in and check on me periodically but other than that I'll be on my own. Is it doable on your own? Honestly that's the part I'm most concerned about.
HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Looks fantastic!

@sillykitty Thank you!

Out of curiosity, if you don't mind, how much total did this run you? I'm only 7 weeks out from my DS, but it'll be interesting to know for possible future plans.

@CoramDeo I could've gone to a less expensive Dr. but part of what I was looking at was how I was treated by the staff as well. Quotes were from $7500 - $10000. Mine came in around $8700.

On 10/27/2019 at 1:59 PM ,336Mike said:

@CoramDeo I could've gone to a less expensive Dr. but part of what I was looking at was how I was treated by the staff as well. Quotes were from $7500 - $10000. Mine came in around $8700.

Thanks, gives me a ballpark number to keep in mind. Does that include all your follow ups and such?

Thanks, gives me a ballpark number to keep in mind. Does that include all your follow ups and such?

You're welcome. Yes, that's everything from beginning to end. Pre-op to all post-op needs and appointments.

On 7/27/2019 at 9:11 AM, BlueCrush said:

I had plastics in May and also got the fleur de lis as I wanted things as tight as possible. We had planned on doing abdominal wall repair to tighten the muscle, but when I woke up from surgery, he told me that my abs were already very tight and did not need any muscle repair. He said this was likely due to my weight lifting routine which includes lots of squats, deadlifts, and other core exercises over the past 18 months or so prior to surgery. So, yes, it's possible that you do not need muscle repair, but I don't know how your surgeon would know that before he opens you up and sees it. It's likely he's just assuming at this point. My surgeon said less than 5% have abdominal walls tight enough to not need muscle repair after massive weight loss, and they're most always male.

I've attached a picture for reference, but I also have a few videos of the procedure if you're interested as well. One of them includes where he's working on my abdominal area and speaks to not needing muscle repair. Just send me a private message and I can send them your way.

Dude, I posted a HAHA to your pictures. Not because of the way you look which is GREAT, but the "HEY" that appears over your manly parts. That cracked me up!

On 8/26/2019 at 1:31 PM, 336Mike said:

Just got back from my postop! 6 pounds of skin removed which is hard to imagine. I get an "A" from the surgeon on how well I'm doing. I saw my belly button for the first time and he removed the stitches from it. I go back Thursday to have my drains out. I stopped pain meds Saturday and have been talking tylenol as needed. I've been able to go out for little walks, etc.

So happy that I had this done!! I can't believe how good it feels to not have the skin there!!


HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost!

336Mike, you look great! But those drains are SCARY!!

336Mike, you look great! But those drains are SCARY!!

They were a little creepy and took getting used too lol

HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

On 10/10/2019 at 10:15 AM, 336Mike said:

@mousecat88 I was off 2 1/2 weeks and then worked from home for 2 weeks. I'm glad I was able to work from home... was able to wear joggers and be comfy while I continued to heal.

Did you have a lot of back pain at all from being hunched over? You had the muscle repair, correct? How long did it take before you could stand up properly?

Did you have a lot of back pain at all from being hunched over? You had the muscle repair, correct? How long did it take before you could stand up properly?

@mousecat88 I did have back pain/ soreness for several weeks. It was harder not to last flat for so long than it was not to stand up straight. It was 3-4 weeks before I could stay to stretch more at night and even then had pillows under my legs.

HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

5 minutes ago, 336Mike said:

@mousecat88 I did have back pain/ soreness for several weeks. It was harder not to last flat for so long than it was not to stand up straight. It was 3-4 weeks before I could stay to stretch more at night and even then had pillows under my legs.

HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost!

I slept in a recliner for about 4 weeks. It was a lifesaver.

15 hours ago, BlueCrush said:

I slept in a recliner for about 4 weeks. It was a lifesaver.

My surgery is in 20 days. I bought a recliner last month specifically for this reason. lmao.

Except I am having an arm lift at the same time so I don't know if I'll be able to pull the handle on it. LOL.

Lol, i think you'll be fine. The recliner was great my body just got sick of it after the first week and a half.

HW = 360
SW = 292
GW = 220 reached 3/7/18
CW = 210 @ 6'5"
150 pounds lost! [emoji106]