Tummy tuck question for those who've had one

[itdidntworkout]

I plan on getting one at the end of the year. My husband can take time off over Christmas to help with the children and the bank holidays will give me a few extra days recovery.

Realistically, how long will I be out of action? I expect to be in bed for two days and bending over for a while, but after 10 days or so, will I be okay to carry on close to normal? I need to be able to do the school in January and be able to hold a sports bag. I think I've read that it can take 6 weeks + to get back to normal activities, but for school runs and helping kids into and out of the car, will I be okay?

I can't have the op during the school term and I won't have anyone to help out.

Thanks.

[Krumbum]

Ok, and that is fine. I just hope to work towards a society where a women's worth is not based on her looks and we can feel comfortable even if we do have loose skin, scars, wrinkles or fat.
I accept that people will have surgery as things stand, But it is important to be informed of how patriarchy conditions us.

[Yeahthatsnotgonnahappen]

Krum you are being so naive and blinkered. Just because you feel that one should love your body regardless, it doesn't mean that everyone has to feel that. For some, not all, surgery is the answer. Who are you to say that cosmetic surgery shouldn't be available to these people? Can you not see how your own dogmatism is parallel to the very ones you despise? 'Fit into my world view of feminism and the female form or you're a poor beleaguered woman who can't even see how she is being oppressed by a patriarchal society.' do you really not see the hypocrisy?

[Krumbum]

I'm not being dogmatic. I'm not saying cosmetic surgery should be banned.
But how is it not more positive for people to like themselves? What are you arguing against? That the pressure to conform doesn't exist, because it obviously does.

[AmberLeaf]

I don't judge another womans choices but I do agree with Krum that surgery isn't the only and shouldn't be the first solution to psychological pain about how your body looks.

Surgery for problems that affect the function of your body aside I don't think such sugeries are wise-thats of course just my opinion.

I have scarring on my stomach from surgery as a child. Its not been helped by having 3 children. Maybe I got used to it easier as I grew up with it? It wasn't as bad until I'd had children though.

I've made myself live with it and that doesn't feel like a hardship.

I don't want un necessary surgery. There are risks which include death and I really don't think its worth it especially as 3 people are reliant on me being alive.

Having had abdominal surgery I just could face that again.

Its horrible.

[Yeahthatsnotgonnahappen]

Ok sorry that was a bit ranty.

I think my opinion is based on the fact that I see women and actually more men who have this tremendous guilt about choosing surgery because of the opinions of others.

Of course I would prefer if surgery wasn't necessary. I know first hand how big an op it is and certainly have seen people turned away because they have unrealistic expectations or don't seem to be able to grasp the risks. I suppose that's because I have been fortunate to work with amazing surgeons who work with a group of very dedicated psychotherapists so that for the patients who go under their knife this is the last choice.

I just wish that for people who have had to undergo this surgery they weren't viewed negatively.

[PhyllisDietrichson]

I had one on the NHS when 2nd and last child was around 3.5.

The state paid because I had added complications of a severe umblical hernia and so much loose skin that when I bent forward two huge curtains of flesh flopped forward and hung about 3/4 ft away from my stomach wall, and when I stood up I had to literally flop it into my pants each morning forming a huge unexplained bulge that was uncomfortable. Unsurprisingly I also had associated body issues as a result! Essentially I have very little or no elasticity in my skin. I was slim and looked after myself but still had around 100,000 stretch marks and without exaggeration my tum looked just like an elephant's arse! Aint no-one gonna tell me that I didnt' need a tummy-tuck and I should have ''loved myself'' the way I was.

But the hospital (one of London's finest cosmetic surgery places) had a lot on that day and rushed the job, the result's just about OK - not great. They removed the 'apron' but the scar which is a big one for this op has got little 'dogs ears' all along it, and of course I still have terrible stretch marks - they cant' get rid of those. (I know someone who had one and her skin quality was lovely and her end result is much better.) The surgeon said he'd do it again, but I've not got around to it and I don't mind too much - it's an improvement. It's definitely not a cure-all, it improves the appearance of ones silhouette. Am I glad I had it done? Yes. Is it the answer to all one's post-baby body issues? Definitlely not. I was terribly disappiointed at first but really I'm happy the way I am post operatively now.

So go for it, but be realistic about it and the very best of luck.

[EightiesChick]

Valiumredhead - I have had quite a lot of physio but it had minimal impact, and it got worse again when my course (on the NHS) stopped. I did get some relief from going to a chiropractor but, again, only while I was regularly attending, and I am trying to cut down my outgoings right now. Just interested in how others have dealt with postpartum/post-surgical back pain.

[GemmaPomPom]

I very much doubt that your vaginalplasty is 'for you'. And that if we lived in a fair and equal society you would not feel the need to do this to yourself.

Krumbum, with respect, how the hell do you know? And, are you saying that - as a woman - I am not entitled to a satisfying sex life?

[DunkyWhorey]

Re men having tummy tucks "Irrelavant. It's a tiny minority"

Not such a tiny minority, actually.

And you can be pretty sure if men had to do pregnancy there would be even more. But they can't

And you can't even blame the "patriarchy" for that.

[SkinnyVanillaLatte]

Out of interest,and apologies if this has already been answered,how do you know if you have muscle separation? I had really good abs before 2 CS's but don't seem to get a lot of response from ab work now,so very curious.

[DunkyWhorey]

Your doctor should be able to diagnose it. They often do a quick exam during your 6 week check, also in the hospital if you had your baby in hospital they often send a physio round to check you.

If you are unsure get your GP to have a look next time you go there or see a physio.

[firawla]

Just wondering if anyone knows this as I saw the laser lipo mentioned earlier on the thread, I have had a look about it and it said its not substitute for weightloss its more toning so if your bmi was into overweight will it not be suitable? for eg someone thats about 5 ft 4 and size 14 for dresses, 16 for jeans - would they let you have it done or would they say have to lose weight first?

I thought it sounded good but not sure what the restrictions are, then ive seen there is an offer on wowcher so im slightly tempted, but not sure!

[Krumbum]

Yes you can blame the patriarchy for men feeling they need cosmetic surgery. Patriarchy does not benefit the majority of men, who also feel constrained by gender roles.
Gemma how will it affect your sex life? Unless it is not actually cosmetic surgery which you made it sound like it was.

[GemmaPomPom]

Krumbum, it is to tighten the vagina and tidy it all up a a bit. Have a read here if you're interested: LVR. Be warned, though - it's a bit graphic.

[Itdidntworkout]

Firawla, my surgeon suggested that I get to the lowest weight achievable and be the fittest I've been in my life. With good muscle definition, I should get great results and the weight is more likely to stay off. Also the health risks are lower the fitter you are. I wouldn't rush out and by something on Wowcher.

At just over 5'6", I am on target to be 60 kgs by the beginning of December. I swim and gym 6 days a week. Around a loss of 35kgs total by December. With two pregnancies and a huge weight gain with number two, I feel I deserve to be back to the old me, hence the tummy tuck.

[firawla]

hmmm... ok then
guess it would be too good to be true if u could just wander in a bit fat and come out about 2 sizes thinner!
u have done well 35kg!!

[NigellasGuest]

A clinic quite near to where I live does this and I am quite tempted! Far preferable to a tummy tuck IMO.

It is non-invasive and permanent, apparently.
Does anyone else know anything about it?

[NigellasGuest]

the clinic I refer to also said that as long as you are within a stone of your ideal weight, you don't need to prepare in any way for the procedure! and no special diet stuff after - just eat as you were doing before / eat healthily.

[SeratoninIsMyFriend]

SkinnyVanilla: to check for separation, lie on floor, knees up and feet on ground. Feel around your belly button as you gently raise your head off the ground, at this point you should feel your abs tense and any gap running down the middle. Two fingers or less is considered normal.

OP, I am now 19 days post op and still not very functional: any standing or walking makes me sore, swollen and tired after a while... I can manage to get round a school fete as I sat a lot, walked a 5 min distance slowly and uncomfortably. Still suffering if I have to support my wannabe walker son as it is a lot of weight on the abdominal region. I think driving would be uncomfortable and I haven't tried it yet. My scar is weeping in one patch and really sore. Hope this is useful.

[SkinnyVanillaLatte]

Thanks DunkyWhorey and Seratonin! Nothing was mentioned at my check ups and I've just tried what you suggested Seratonin and it feels like its within the normal range tbh. I think I probably just need to work a lot harder to get near where I was to begin with then.

Good luck to everyone who has had or is recovering from a tummy tuck. I think it's a very personal choice and I can understand going through that if that is what will make a difference to you.

[DisappointedHorse]

I had a tummy tuck. I lost a lot of weight and had stretched even further with 2 pregnancies. I didn't have lipo, I wasn't seeking perfection, just normality.

My belly looked like it was melting. I had to wear magic pants all the time just to be able to fit it into my clothes and that in turn gave me constant thrush. There were times when I considered gaining some weight back just to pad it out a bit and not look so shit.

So I had a tummy tuck, with a cheap Eastern european surgeon, affectionately known as the butcher of Prague. And they were bloody marvellous. The hospital was pristine, the after care tons better than you get in the uk. I had no bad after effects, no dog ears, no seroma.

I was initially disappointed with my result. It's not particularly tight but my skin is just too damaged. It's been stretched like crepe paper, to pull it too tight would not have been safe and may have ripped. My scar was also too high. So I went back and had corrections and now I am much happier. I can send a pic if you want OP.

The recovery was tough, up there with a c-section, maybe a bit worse. It felt like I'd done a billion sit ups. I do sometimes wish I'd had lipo as my belly is the first place I gain weight but hey.

For the record, I consider myself a feminist. I didn't do it to be more attractive, just not to feel like a freak. It's my body. Before I did it, I showed my belly to a very anti surgery friend. Her response was "fuck me, I had no idea you were carrying all that in your pants. I can see why now". She had a couple of slight wrinkles on her belly after having her daughter, it was in no way comparable. As is usually the case.

Good luck OP.

[Itdidntworkout]

Disappointed horse, I would love to see a photo. Not sure if you attach a photo to a pm. If not, pm me and I'll give you my email address.

What's a seroma? Also, were you walking comfortably 10 days post op?

[NigellasGuest]

did anyone look at my link to Cool Sculpting?
Hope this is not too much of a highjack, but surely it would suit some people who are considering a tummy tuck.... and I would love to know what anyone thinks of it, as I am thinking about it!
p.s. I also consider myself a feminist, I am happily married and I'm not considering this because my DH demands it - he doesn't even know (or care, I'm sure)! I've never told him about anything I've had done, it is for me not him. (I have a friend whose DH tells her to get this that and the other done - I would divorce my DH if he was that type - awful).

[DisappointedHorse]

OP, I've PM'd you a link.

Nigella, I've just had a look. I don't understand how it can work but if it does, fabulous. I can't see it replacing the need for a tummy tuck as it won't repair split muscles or remove excess skin but as a lipo replacement, interesting.