Tummy Tuck consultation tomorrow!

[Nursie_Stacie]

I have been so excited about my tummy tuck consultation tomorrow, but now I'm getting nervous. I know I need this, but how can you make sure your doing the right thing?? I have heard so many varied opinions. Expensive, scarring ect ect . I know all this but I still feel like I will not be happy with all this excess skin my whole life, especially after working so hard to lose this weight and not having the body I want. My good friend said removing that skin will not make me happy, I have to find it from within. She is thin and does not live with it daily! I'm afraid of going through all this them being dissapointed if my expectations were not realistic. Why cant decisions be easy?? " I'm definately stressed.

[AllieCat0817]

DO YOUR THING ok? Screw what anyone else thinks other than people close to you who are directly affected. I wouldn't have done it if my mom and DH weren't behind me, because both of them had to take care of my kid for the longest. They were directly affected to their opinions mattered. Other people can youknowwhat!

Be blessed!

[sugarless4life]

My good friend said removing that skin will not make me happy, I have to find it from within. She is thin and does not live with it daily!

Her opinion doesn't matter, its not her body, its YOURS. I agree with Allie. You have to be happy with the skin you're in. Sure, its alot to go through, but if its what YOU want, then you should do it. Rally those around you who support your decision and forget the others who don't.

Best of luck to you!

Betty

[michelemomof2]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

DO YOUR THING ok? Screw what anyone else thinks other than people close to you who are directly affected. I wouldn't have done it if my mom and DH weren't behind me, because both of them had to take care of my kid for the longest. They were directly affected to their opinions mattered. Other people can youknowwhat!

Be blessed!

I agree with Allie! (I did not have one (Tummy Tuck), but you need to do what is good for YOU.)

[Southern Mom]

You do what's right for YOU. No one else can know how you feel, so if you don't want to deal with the extra skin, then GO FOR IT! If you're worried about being disappointed, then talk to the MD about your expectations and see if they really are realistic. Then you'll have a better idea of what the finished product will be. Good luck

[Chantel]

Your friend means well but you gotta do what Stacie wants and needs.

Let us know how it comes out!

Thats exciting!

[lindaokc]

I agree that a tummy tuck will not make you "happy" but it can sure help w/ your self image. I had one about 20 yrs ago and I've never been sorry. It did not make me happy, but I truly enjoyed how I looked in slacks, jeans, etc, without all that sagging skin bulging my pants out. Ok, ok, it DID make me happy

[Chelle70]

I am assuming that you really are a nurse, so you know what the risks are. You also have seen the photos of other people's results (good and bad). You do have to make this decision for yourself. I agree that it may not be the tummy tuck that ultimately makes you happy, but it could help!

I want a tummy tuck when I get to goal too so I understand what you are feeling. I already have the loose skin, etc. I am envious and really hope that you get outstanding results!!!

[Nursie_Stacie]

Chelle, You assumed correctly Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have always been a strong and decisive person but this has been such a long journey. What I have waited for for so long is here and now my nerves has kicked in. Don't be envious, your day is coming

Allie, your soo right. My Dh supports me 100%. I just felt like I need the support of others close to me, but I guess since they can not relate to my issue first hand, it's easy to pass a negative connotation on to anything they feel is risky or unnecessary. If I get in a funk again, just snap me into reality lol! I normally have enough sense to know better. This kind of milestone is enough to make even the hard nose mushy gushy.

Chantel, It is exciting, and your right. For once I have to do what is right for me. I have spent my whole life, making sure that the people around me were taken care of. For once, it's me time. I just have to learn to enjoy it with out feeling guilt !

To everyone else, Thanks. Today has been a emotional day for me in preparation for almost like a new chapter in my life, and I was in the poor me dumps feeling like no one understood what I was going through. My Dh wonders what keeps me coming to these boards so frequently...

[daisyHair]

If you envision your tummy without the "baggage" and it makes you feel good.. then although the surgery can't necessarily make you "happy" (we are talking about a philosophical happiness here) that does not mean you can't be happy with the surgery.
I am excited for you.. I want to have one right NOW but know I have to wait..

I can't wait to hear how the consult went!!!
C~

[dointhis4me]

I don't know your friend and this may not be the case at all but some people feel threatened when others around them change, especially for the better. I have several people (not close) in my life that keep telling me I am getting too thin, I don't need to lose anymore weight and I looked good heavier etc....sorry but last time I checked 187 lbs on a 5'6" frame is not too thin Anyways you never truly know other peoples true intentions when they say these types of things so you only need to focus on what is right for you and your close loved ones. Good luck!

[cleochatra]

God bless your friend. She has no clue.

[CARLINI]

Just like all other life decisions.. we can take advice and listen to others, but in the end you need to do what's best for you. ONLY you know what that is.

Good luck!

[DesperateLowCarber]

Originally Posted by Nursie_Stacie

I have been so excited about my tummy tuck consultation tomorrow, but now I'm getting nervous. I know I need this, but how can you make sure your doing the right thing?? I have heard so many varied opinions. Expensive, scarring ect ect . I know all this but I still feel like I will not be happy with all this excess skin my whole life, especially after working so hard to lose this weight and not having the body I want. My good friend said removing that skin will not make me happy, I have to find it from within. She is thin and does not live with it daily! I'm afraid of going through all this them being dissapointed if my expectations were not realistic. Why cant decisions be easy?? " I'm definately stressed.

I say to GO FOR IT! You wouldn't have made the appointment in the first place if it wasn't something that you were seriously interested in. Also, your friend is wrong. Not liking a huge flab of excess skin is different than not liking the eyes or nose or whatever that you were born with. It's something that you're not supposed to have, it is inconvenient, it is probably sweaty and uncomfortable in the summer, etc., etc., etc.! You're not doing it for vanity (although it will be nice to have a flat tummy I'm sure! lol), but rather out of necessity for your happiness in the rest of life.

I, for example, have one hip that is much, much large than the other. It actually looks like I have something wrong with me. (To go a step further, everything on that side of my body is larger... my breast is 2 cup sizes larger on that side.) I've always said that I want to get it lipoed off so that I can actually wear things that'll fit me without having to go to special tailors. I don't view that as vanity but rather SANITY! Who in their right mind would want to deal with that forever? Even when I diet, I have gotten to the point where my other hip has the bone sticking out and that one would still fit in a size 6-8 jeans. hahaha

My only question is, should you wait until you're a little bit closer to goal so that you can remove as much skin as possible and have absolutely NO flab whatsoever left over? I would wait until I was like 5 pounds away from goal, but that's just my opinion. Either way, good luck and don't let your friends or family steer you away from something you really want to do!

[sfmama123]

Hello, just wanted to offer my opinion...I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair (and hernia repair) in June of '07. I went from a high weight of 356 down to 235 before the tuck. The surgeon I went to was very sympathetic about the enormous fat apron that I had hanging on the front of my body, and although I still have more weight to lose, he was very enthusiastic about the incentives that having the tuck at that point would give me to keep going on my weight loss journey. I can tell you that it was absolutely the best thing I ever did for my body. I had an enormous pannus that made it impossible for me to fit into clothes properly, to exercise fruitfully, to bend over, etc. And no amount of weight loss was going to make it go away. I can tell you that every day I wake up and look in the mirror, and yes, the tummy tuck has definitely made me happier. I no longer loathe looking in the mirror. I'm working out with a vengeance and I'm so much healthier. The tummy tuck was the impetus for me to keep going. The catch-22 for me was that if I waited to get to "goal weight", that I might just keep setting barriers up to prevent me from getting there, thus a cycle where I just felt hopeless about not ever getting there-hope that makes sense! Anyway, I am so happy with the results. I never knew stomach muscles were supposed to be together like they are now! And the scar is so thin, even only seven months later it has faded as to be almost unnoticeable. Definitely worth it. Hope that helps, and I say go for it! Take care.

[elyseelyse]

Stacie-Just keep the expectations in check (ie you will not have a different shape coming out than you did going in....ie for me, I am think in the middle, and always will be...nothing will change that and give me a true "waist") and you will be fine. Its not about others, its about you. I agree 100 percent with Allie though....the people who are gonna be around to help with kids or laundry or whatever when you are recovering should be in the loop totally and be supporters.

I do not see plastic surgery as a life changing thing. I see it as a way to bring the best you out. As for the scar....meh....I do not plan on wearing a string bikini....just a nice tankini this summer......so no biggie.

[elyseelyse]

Originally Posted by sfmama123

Hello, just wanted to offer my opinion...I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair (and hernia repair) in June of '07. I went from a high weight of 356 down to 235 before the tuck. The surgeon I went to was very sympathetic about the enormous fat apron that I had hanging on the front of my body, and although I still have more weight to lose, he was very enthusiastic about the incentives that having the tuck at that point would give me to keep going on my weight loss journey. I can tell you that it was absolutely the best thing I ever did for my body. I had an enormous pannus that made it impossible for me to fit into clothes properly, to exercise fruitfully, to bend over, etc. And no amount of weight loss was going to make it go away. I can tell you that every day I wake up and look in the mirror, and yes, the tummy tuck has definitely made me happier. I no longer loathe looking in the mirror. I'm working out with a vengeance and I'm so much healthier. The tummy tuck was the impetus for me to keep going. The catch-22 for me was that if I waited to get to "goal weight", that I might just keep setting barriers up to prevent me from getting there, thus a cycle where I just felt hopeless about not ever getting there-hope that makes sense! Anyway, I am so happy with the results. I never knew stomach muscles were supposed to be together like they are now! And the scar is so thin, even only seven months later it has faded as to be almost unnoticeable. Definitely worth it. Hope that helps, and I say go for it! Take care.

Thank you SO much for sharing that.....I love your spirit and outlook. Its just what I needed to hear today.

[ixtapacheryl]

Originally Posted by Nursie_Stacie

I have been so excited about my tummy tuck consultation tomorrow, but now I'm getting nervous. I know I need this, but how can you make sure your doing the right thing?? I have heard so many varied opinions. Expensive, scarring ect ect . I know all this but I still feel like I will not be happy with all this excess skin my whole life, especially after working so hard to lose this weight and not having the body I want. My good friend said removing that skin will not make me happy, I have to find it from within. She is thin and does not live with it daily! I'm afraid of going through all this them being dissapointed if my expectations were not realistic. Why cant decisions be easy?? " I'm definately stressed.

Don't be afraid or nervous. You will LOVE it! If all you want is a flat stomach - than your expectations are not unrealistic. I say GO FOR IT! Are you going to wait until you get to goal?

[Nursie_Stacie]

DesperateLowCarber, your absoluetly correct. I plan on being at goal, or very near when I do this. I'm going to try and schedule March. My kids will be out of school for spring break and can help me if I need it. I dont have any family near me at all to help so that seems like a good time to me.


SFMama, thanks for sharing your story. My stomach muscles are shot out to, after having 2 c sections, one being horizontal because of twins. I think that is a contributing factor to so much hanging skin " apron" on my stomach. I wear a 12 jeans, even though with out this stomach I could eaily wear a 10. What I tried to explain to my close friend was, I'm happy in a general way, but It's hard for me to have a good body image that can live with with my abdomen like this. She thinks its vanity. It may be to a point but its so much more then that. It's almost like closing a chapter in my life so I can move on to the next. I know I i will never have the body I had before kids and yo yo weight gain but I cant have this big blob staring at me every time I'm naked either. It's hard to explain that to someone who has not had to go through this. It's easy to say accept what you have ,when your not living with it. Whether it be right or wrong, I know I need this.

I do not see plastic surgery as a life changing thing. I see it as a way to bring the best you out. As for the scar....meh....I do not plan on wearing a string bikini....just a nice tankini this summer......so no biggie.

Thats how I feel exactly! I looked at tons of photos today again, making sure I am keeping my expectations real. It's almost like a trade off, I can live with a scar, I already have one that I could not wear a bikini with anyway even if I wanted to cause its from belly button to....It's worth the $ , pain, ect to be able to wear clothes and feel good about my self . For some reason at this time in my life, I need that. I want to be the best and look the best that I can.

Daisy, I'll keep you posted. By the time your ready, I can give you some tips

[redtoile]

If you really wanna know about this, check out the show called John and Kate plus 8.
They show her before and after and wowzers!
She loves it!

A gal here in my town had it and says its the best 10K shes ever spent.
Now that was like 2-3 years ago.

I have my grandmothers spare tire (Its an empty tire when I low carb)
its skin and I hate it...

If I had the $$ I would totally get it done.
But I have some other things I want that costs $$$ so I have always pushed the idea away

Do you watch Dr 90210? Theres been some good ones on there.
I suspect some of the Real Housewives of Orange county have had one.

[anniemo]

nursie_stacie = it may be vanity, but does that really matter? you've already taken the steps to become healthy and there isn't anything wrong with wanting too feel good in your skin. no, it will not make you happy in all areas of your life but no one thing will. that boils down to continuous self work. i have a sneaking suspicion that if you've done all of this research and booked the consultation and budgeted for it then it will probably make you happy about your tummy.

[RhondasComputer]

Congrats to you!!!! I had mine done a year and a half ago, and would not hesitate for a minute to do it again!!!!! I love my completely flat belly!!!!

Hugs..Rhon

[SonyaK]

Originally Posted by Nursie_Stacie

She thinks its vanity.

I have my consultation on 1/17 - I hope to be at goal then have sugary in July.

While I won't know for sure that I can afford to do both until after the consult, I am hoping to have both tummy and breast done at the same time. And you know what - IT'S PURE VANITY! 100% vanity in my case. (ok maybe 99% vanity the other 1% has been about motivation to reach goal) I am sick of looking like a defiladed tub sock.

While I do have people around me that are also being discouraging, I don't give them a second thought. I am a grown women, I don't need to justify myself to anyone. I have my husbands support and encouragement and that is about all I need. (since we share a bank account)

So honey next time someone tells you its all about vanity - look them dead in the eyes and say "Yes It Is" Seems to shut them up when they have nothing to make you feel small about.

[Lucky21]

Me and you both Sonya! I can't wait to drop down so that I can get a tummy tuck and a breast reduction. I looked into it a few years ago when I dropped 65lbs, the doc was going to give me a discount for getting both done at the same time, but suggested I lose a little more weight first. Well, I didn't so that got nixed BUT I have every intention of doing it when I get closer to my goal weight. I really think it will be worth it when I'm ready - I'm so glad you are!

BTW my sister is a nurse and totally supports getting the "apron" and reduction done. It's not just vanity, it's quality of life too. You worked hard to get healthy, you deserve to do this!

[Chelle70]

OK, it's appointment day- what happened????