I am finally starting to feel on top of things. I started doing sit-ups a few days ago (just 5 a day!) and I went for my first (very brief) run today. I still have some pain when I use my abdominal muscles which is why I am taking it so easy.
The past 5 weeks have been rather hard for me, which is why I haven't updated. I have had the dressing of my wound to deal with and the frustration of a slow recovery.
I am hoping that now I have started to exercise again that I will notice a huge improvement in the way I feel, the reduction of pain and the way I look (not that I am complaining about that).
I have another appointment with my specialist in December and I am hoping to be in great shape for some 'after' pics.
I love to read your comments and happy to answer any questions about my experience.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Back to Work at 4 weeks postop abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
What a week!
I started back at work last week. Even though I only worked 4 short days it was extremely hard. I found myself walking around the office like a hunched over old lady by 10am.
My job has a physical side to it involving packing my equipment into the car and setting up my office at a different site each day. On my last day of work before my surgery I took my equipment out of the large suitcase that I usually use and packed it into several small bags. My theory was that it would be easier to make several trips, carrying small bags, rather than one large bag. While it was a good idea it was still near impossible. The bags were still too heavy for me to carry on my own and it was all so tiring that by the end of the day I could barely manage one trip let alone three.
When I got home from work I needed to lay flat on my back and rest. By the end of the week my muscles were sore, just like having done a huge ab workout at the gym.
If I had known what it would be like I definetly would have waited an extra week to go back to work or eased into it. It might have been different had I had a 'desk job' or if I didn't have children to look after before and after work. I also wonder if the muscle pain would have happened regardless of when I went back to work. After all it is only natural to get pain when using a new muscle or one that has been inactive for a long time.
Anyhow after a big rest on the weekend I have gotten through another week of work without too many problems- well almost. I am walking straighter and multiple trips aren't bothering me but unfortunately I have developed an infection in my wound.
The next bit is graphic so time to log out if you get queazy...
It all started when the compression garment that I need to wear got caught on the nearly healed wound. One of the scabs pulled right out of the wound. Being the laid back person that I am I assumed that it would heal on its own with no problems. However, it didn't heal and two weeks on it still hadn't healed but it had become infected. Ouch! I have to say that it has been the most painful part since I got home. Imagine being so sore that a slight brush on your clothing causes you to scream in pain, or that you can't even move your leg to walk because of the pain on your hip area. Luckily some strong antibiotics seems to have helped and I should be pain free in a day or two. I am seeing a nurse to treat the wound and hopefully it will be all healed in a week.
I feel like I won't be recovered and back to my full strength for atleast another 3 months (just in time for Summer- woohoo). Once again I am so glad that I have had this procedure now. It has and still will take a huge chunk out of my life in terms of feeling active, fit and energetic- qualities that I usually thrive on. Atleast I can hope for many years ahead of enjoying these qualities once again.
I started back at work last week. Even though I only worked 4 short days it was extremely hard. I found myself walking around the office like a hunched over old lady by 10am.
My job has a physical side to it involving packing my equipment into the car and setting up my office at a different site each day. On my last day of work before my surgery I took my equipment out of the large suitcase that I usually use and packed it into several small bags. My theory was that it would be easier to make several trips, carrying small bags, rather than one large bag. While it was a good idea it was still near impossible. The bags were still too heavy for me to carry on my own and it was all so tiring that by the end of the day I could barely manage one trip let alone three.
When I got home from work I needed to lay flat on my back and rest. By the end of the week my muscles were sore, just like having done a huge ab workout at the gym.
If I had known what it would be like I definetly would have waited an extra week to go back to work or eased into it. It might have been different had I had a 'desk job' or if I didn't have children to look after before and after work. I also wonder if the muscle pain would have happened regardless of when I went back to work. After all it is only natural to get pain when using a new muscle or one that has been inactive for a long time.
Anyhow after a big rest on the weekend I have gotten through another week of work without too many problems- well almost. I am walking straighter and multiple trips aren't bothering me but unfortunately I have developed an infection in my wound.
The next bit is graphic so time to log out if you get queazy...
It all started when the compression garment that I need to wear got caught on the nearly healed wound. One of the scabs pulled right out of the wound. Being the laid back person that I am I assumed that it would heal on its own with no problems. However, it didn't heal and two weeks on it still hadn't healed but it had become infected. Ouch! I have to say that it has been the most painful part since I got home. Imagine being so sore that a slight brush on your clothing causes you to scream in pain, or that you can't even move your leg to walk because of the pain on your hip area. Luckily some strong antibiotics seems to have helped and I should be pain free in a day or two. I am seeing a nurse to treat the wound and hopefully it will be all healed in a week.
I feel like I won't be recovered and back to my full strength for atleast another 3 months (just in time for Summer- woohoo). Once again I am so glad that I have had this procedure now. It has and still will take a huge chunk out of my life in terms of feeling active, fit and energetic- qualities that I usually thrive on. Atleast I can hope for many years ahead of enjoying these qualities once again.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Tummy Tuck- 3 weeks post-op. Look at me now photo!
I had my 3 week post-op appointment yesterday with the plastic surgeon. He was really happy with how I am healing and progressing.
I finally got to see my new belly button- a big improvement on the old one. Apart from some redness around it (which will fade), it looks very natural.
I think the initial shock of the scar was the size and the redness. But now that the 'scab' is dissapearing I can see that it should heal nicely. I have been massaging my scar two to three times a day with bio-oil, "nice, firm massaging with the fingertips", the nurse had told me.
The doctor told me that I can start some light exercise now, if I wish. But walking the kids to and from school and helping them around the house is more than enough exercise for me at the moment!
So here are the photos that I promised. Plastic surgeons tend to say that the best results are seen about 6 months after surgery. That is how long it can take for all of the swelling to go down. I am really happy with the 3 week results. By 6 months I might be a contender for Australia's Next Top Model- LOL!
Before- In case you have forgotten
The 'scar' at 3 weeks- lots of healing to go
The new tummy- bikini ready after just 3 weeks!
I finally got to see my new belly button- a big improvement on the old one. Apart from some redness around it (which will fade), it looks very natural.
I think the initial shock of the scar was the size and the redness. But now that the 'scab' is dissapearing I can see that it should heal nicely. I have been massaging my scar two to three times a day with bio-oil, "nice, firm massaging with the fingertips", the nurse had told me.
The doctor told me that I can start some light exercise now, if I wish. But walking the kids to and from school and helping them around the house is more than enough exercise for me at the moment!
So here are the photos that I promised. Plastic surgeons tend to say that the best results are seen about 6 months after surgery. That is how long it can take for all of the swelling to go down. I am really happy with the 3 week results. By 6 months I might be a contender for Australia's Next Top Model- LOL!
Before- In case you have forgotten
The 'scar' at 3 weeks- lots of healing to go
The new tummy- bikini ready after just 3 weeks!
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Abdominoplasty- Stitches Out
It has been just over two weeks. I had an appointment with the nurse yesterday and had my stitches out.
First of all because I felt ok I went for a walk through the shops after my appointment. Bad idea. Yes I could walk and it didn't hurt but - WOW - hard work! I don't know if it was the walking, the crowd, the bright lights or the noise but I came home with a terrible headache and nausea. I was on the lounge all night last night and I still don't feel well today.
Now to the stitches. Getting the stitches out of my belly button was fine as was having the steri-strips removed from my scar. I am not the type of person who cringes at the site of blood or gets faint at the thought of surgery; having a big scar on my tummy doesn't even really bother me. However now that I can see the cut and imagine the scar that will remain it is quite confronting.
I even took a photo of it but can't quite bare to post it on the blog yet. If you are considering having a procedure like this and are faint hearted then the scar is something to seriously consider. As I have said before, I NEEDED to get rid of the excess skin to feel happy in my own body. The gains for me are massive while the scar doesn't really worry me, but seeing it, I can understand why it would worry others. I will post a photo, just not today.
First of all because I felt ok I went for a walk through the shops after my appointment. Bad idea. Yes I could walk and it didn't hurt but - WOW - hard work! I don't know if it was the walking, the crowd, the bright lights or the noise but I came home with a terrible headache and nausea. I was on the lounge all night last night and I still don't feel well today.
Now to the stitches. Getting the stitches out of my belly button was fine as was having the steri-strips removed from my scar. I am not the type of person who cringes at the site of blood or gets faint at the thought of surgery; having a big scar on my tummy doesn't even really bother me. However now that I can see the cut and imagine the scar that will remain it is quite confronting.
I even took a photo of it but can't quite bare to post it on the blog yet. If you are considering having a procedure like this and are faint hearted then the scar is something to seriously consider. As I have said before, I NEEDED to get rid of the excess skin to feel happy in my own body. The gains for me are massive while the scar doesn't really worry me, but seeing it, I can understand why it would worry others. I will post a photo, just not today.
Monday, 22 August 2011
2 weeks post-op abdominoplasty
I slept in my own bed and I slept all night.
My tummy muscles don't hurt today.
I need to resist the urge to sweep the floor- I can probably do it, I want to do it but I shouldn't do it.
I am feeling a bit depressed. I know that this is a situation that i created but being unable to do things around the house is getting to me.
I know that the this is stating the obvious but somehow the thought of having nearly 4 weeks off work seemed like a great chance to get all those bits and peices done around the house (in between watching T.V and having naps). Reality check- I am just on half way and still can't get things out of the frezeer. I don't think the tops of the kids cupboards are going to get sorted out.
It feels like I will be like this forever. Can't wait to get back to the gym.
My tummy muscles don't hurt today.
I need to resist the urge to sweep the floor- I can probably do it, I want to do it but I shouldn't do it.
I am feeling a bit depressed. I know that this is a situation that i created but being unable to do things around the house is getting to me.
I know that the this is stating the obvious but somehow the thought of having nearly 4 weeks off work seemed like a great chance to get all those bits and peices done around the house (in between watching T.V and having naps). Reality check- I am just on half way and still can't get things out of the frezeer. I don't think the tops of the kids cupboards are going to get sorted out.
It feels like I will be like this forever. Can't wait to get back to the gym.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
11 days Post-op Abdominoplasty
Well it has been a long week (and a half).
I am feeling really well. I am starting to be able to do things on my own. I can finally make it up and down the stairs of our house- but i try to limit this to once a day. I can shower myself and dress myself. I can make myself a cup of tea and my cereal (as long as everything is on the bench or on a high shelf in the fridge).
I can also walk a reasonable distance but am hunched over and need to sit down or lean on something for a rest.
What can't I do yet? I can't make anything more that the above to eat for myself because standing up that long in the kitchen hurts my back. I can't reach things in the kitchen that are on shelves or in the freezer. I can't lift anything heavy, for example a 2L bottle of milk or juice- I feel the strain straight away in my abs. I can't tuck myself in at night or pull the heavy blankets onto myself during the night if they fall off.
Apparantly I can't throw a cushion! I tried to throw the light cushion I was holding at my daughter who was annoying me (understatement of the year). I felt a slight strain in my abs which has taken 3 days to stop hurting. Laughing, coughing and sneezing also causes pain that can take a day or two to get better.
On the positive side I have had lots of time to think, relax, read, work on my laptop, watch movies and help my kids with their homework.
Most nights I have slept on the lounge downstairs. I have slept in my bed twice but with a combination of a hard mattress (just the way i usually like it) and not being able to roll freely, I am waking up with pressure pain on each side. Not to mention a husband that pulls the blankets and snores!Downstairs on the lounge I sleep soundly with my daughter's pet, a white rabbit called Sparkles, a great room mate.
Some of the more specific things I have noticed about the recovery are
- a contracting and tightening feeling of my abs,
- an itchy scar,
- frustration at wearing the elastic compression bandage,
- yellow and black bruises on my abdomen and
- swelling from the top to bottom of my abdomen.
The difference in my appearance is already amazing. As well as having more normal, tight skin on my tummy I also now have more of a waist (because my abdominal muscles have been moved in- so I am not as 'wide'). No signs of the 6 pack yet, but we will put that down to the swelling.
One thing the doctor mentioned that I didn't really pay much attention to was that I would also notice a tightening of the skin from my upper legs. This is because of the 'pulling' of the skin that was done. Well I have actually noticed this improvement which is nice. I feel like I have lost 2-3 kg off my legs, simply because the skin is tighter.
So here we go, the start of a new week. No mum here to help me this time.My plans are to get the kids off to school and pick them up- but little else. Let's hope my kids are well behaved and independant or it will be a very long week!
I am feeling really well. I am starting to be able to do things on my own. I can finally make it up and down the stairs of our house- but i try to limit this to once a day. I can shower myself and dress myself. I can make myself a cup of tea and my cereal (as long as everything is on the bench or on a high shelf in the fridge).
I can also walk a reasonable distance but am hunched over and need to sit down or lean on something for a rest.
What can't I do yet? I can't make anything more that the above to eat for myself because standing up that long in the kitchen hurts my back. I can't reach things in the kitchen that are on shelves or in the freezer. I can't lift anything heavy, for example a 2L bottle of milk or juice- I feel the strain straight away in my abs. I can't tuck myself in at night or pull the heavy blankets onto myself during the night if they fall off.
Apparantly I can't throw a cushion! I tried to throw the light cushion I was holding at my daughter who was annoying me (understatement of the year). I felt a slight strain in my abs which has taken 3 days to stop hurting. Laughing, coughing and sneezing also causes pain that can take a day or two to get better.
On the positive side I have had lots of time to think, relax, read, work on my laptop, watch movies and help my kids with their homework.
Most nights I have slept on the lounge downstairs. I have slept in my bed twice but with a combination of a hard mattress (just the way i usually like it) and not being able to roll freely, I am waking up with pressure pain on each side. Not to mention a husband that pulls the blankets and snores!Downstairs on the lounge I sleep soundly with my daughter's pet, a white rabbit called Sparkles, a great room mate.
Some of the more specific things I have noticed about the recovery are
- a contracting and tightening feeling of my abs,
- an itchy scar,
- frustration at wearing the elastic compression bandage,
- yellow and black bruises on my abdomen and
- swelling from the top to bottom of my abdomen.
One thing the doctor mentioned that I didn't really pay much attention to was that I would also notice a tightening of the skin from my upper legs. This is because of the 'pulling' of the skin that was done. Well I have actually noticed this improvement which is nice. I feel like I have lost 2-3 kg off my legs, simply because the skin is tighter.
So here we go, the start of a new week. No mum here to help me this time.My plans are to get the kids off to school and pick them up- but little else. Let's hope my kids are well behaved and independant or it will be a very long week!
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Day 3 post op
Today I got to come home - yay.
My first few hours of being home were incident free. My kids were really happy to see me and they were strategically positioned around me so that we could watch a DVD together.
It doesn't take kids long to forget that they have to be careful though. And so I have been moved to the recliner where I can't be accessed quite as easily. So now sit here on my recliner in a 90 degree position, with my laptop on my lap.
I have been given strict instructions by the doctor that for the first week I am meant to move from the lounge only to go to the bathroom or eat. I am managing to get up ok, with some pain as I reposition myself. The hardest thing is that I am not allowed to use my abdominal muscles for anything. Try getting out of a chair without using your tummy muscles- it's really hard. For this reason I am so glad that I am fit and have strong legs and back muscles. Without these I think recovery would be alot harder.
It is nice to be home. It is weird to be unable to do anything. Oh it doesn't happen very often so I think I might just enjoy it!
My first few hours of being home were incident free. My kids were really happy to see me and they were strategically positioned around me so that we could watch a DVD together.
It doesn't take kids long to forget that they have to be careful though. And so I have been moved to the recliner where I can't be accessed quite as easily. So now sit here on my recliner in a 90 degree position, with my laptop on my lap.
I have been given strict instructions by the doctor that for the first week I am meant to move from the lounge only to go to the bathroom or eat. I am managing to get up ok, with some pain as I reposition myself. The hardest thing is that I am not allowed to use my abdominal muscles for anything. Try getting out of a chair without using your tummy muscles- it's really hard. For this reason I am so glad that I am fit and have strong legs and back muscles. Without these I think recovery would be alot harder.
It is nice to be home. It is weird to be unable to do anything. Oh it doesn't happen very often so I think I might just enjoy it!
Friday, 12 August 2011
Day 2 postop- abdominoplasty
I woke up today feeling much better. I had survived on panadol and voltaren over night. I even woke up in the middle of the night hungry and had a muesli bar and cup of tea before settling down for another 5 hours sleep.
My overnight success meant that one of my drains was removed as well as the drips and oxygen tubes. Of course this freed me up to have a shower. I was happy to have a shower but after standing like an old lady for 15 minutes while washing, drying and dressing I was exhausted. My back ached and i was ready for a nap.
The doctor came to visit me today and i got to have my first look at my tummy. Wow! I couldn't beleive that all the wrinkly skin was gone. I have to say that it looked weird though because my whole abdominal area was swollen on top and below my 'new' belly button. Even still I am happy with the result already. I gave the Dr a high five as he left the room!
My overnight success meant that one of my drains was removed as well as the drips and oxygen tubes. Of course this freed me up to have a shower. I was happy to have a shower but after standing like an old lady for 15 minutes while washing, drying and dressing I was exhausted. My back ached and i was ready for a nap.
The doctor came to visit me today and i got to have my first look at my tummy. Wow! I couldn't beleive that all the wrinkly skin was gone. I have to say that it looked weird though because my whole abdominal area was swollen on top and below my 'new' belly button. Even still I am happy with the result already. I gave the Dr a high five as he left the room!
Day 2- postop
I woke up today, finally feeling coherent- well slightly. I found that I had drains, tape and cords attached to various parts of my body.
Some of my 'attachments' included
Drains: I had a drain coming from each side of my stomach. At the end of the drain was a container to collect blood. These drains stop blood and fluid accumulating inside and causing swelling. The nurses would look at the containers every day, measuring the amount of blood that had drained into them.
Oxygen tube in nose: I don't know what the technical name for this was but i had some little tubes in each nostril. After abdominal surgery people don't breathe fully. The tubes blew extra oxygen into my nose.
Drip: the drip supplied me with fluids and also morphine. The fluids are to avoid dehydration and the morphine was for pain releif.
Bandage: My whole abdomen was wrapped in a huge elasticised bandaged. To be honest i don't really know the reason for this. I think it provides support and stops swelling. I will need to wear this bandage for about a month.
Catheter: a catheter is used so that i didn't have to get up to the bathroom to urinate. After going through a big procedure the last thing you want to do is get up to do a wee!
Pressure stockings: I had tight stockings on my legs. These are used for almost anyone who is in hospital to reduce the risk of blood clots.
By the end of the day the nurses strongly encouraged (read that as made me) get out of bed and sit on a chair to have my dinner. They also 'encouraged' me to walk to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I thought this was a bit soon. I felt a bit annoyed by the nurse who told me to straighten up and walk taller- especially when it was my first time getting up and the doctor had told me time and time again that i would need to walk 'hunched' over for a while.
Be prepared that the nurses will 'push you' to make the next step in your recovery. I heard one nurse say time and time again that we were making progress. I felt like yelling at her that it had been less than 24hrs since i got out of theatre- i didn't care about progress yet.
My top tip: Pretend that you feel like total crap and then the nurse will be happy to let you stay in bed for a little bit longer.
Abdominoplasty today
Ok so it's not really today, but i had my operation 3 days ago. On the day I was a combination of excited and nervous.
We arrived at the hopsital at 2pm and I expected to be waiting for hours as that has been my past experience at hospitals. However that wasn't to be. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the hopsital I was being wheeled into the operating room. But before that happened i needed to have a quick shower and scrub my belly with an antibacterial wash. Then the doctor made a quick visit and 'drew' on my tummy.
What happened in between reaching the operating room and making back to my room was a blur. The surgery took about 3 hours and all i remember is being extremely drowsy and sore when i got back to my room. I was so tired, my mouth was dry and I was in pain. Once the nurses got me into a good position the pain was alot less. I remember being woken up during the night to have my blood pressure and temeperature taken.I had morphine available at the press of a button, but didn't use it all that much.
We arrived at the hopsital at 2pm and I expected to be waiting for hours as that has been my past experience at hospitals. However that wasn't to be. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the hopsital I was being wheeled into the operating room. But before that happened i needed to have a quick shower and scrub my belly with an antibacterial wash. Then the doctor made a quick visit and 'drew' on my tummy.
What happened in between reaching the operating room and making back to my room was a blur. The surgery took about 3 hours and all i remember is being extremely drowsy and sore when i got back to my room. I was so tired, my mouth was dry and I was in pain. Once the nurses got me into a good position the pain was alot less. I remember being woken up during the night to have my blood pressure and temeperature taken.I had morphine available at the press of a button, but didn't use it all that much.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Abdominoplasty Here I Come
Tonight I did my last serious workout before I have my tummy tuck. That is right, in just 2 more sleeps I will be having surgery.
I am feeling excited, nervous and a bit sad. I am excited about the way my tummy will look when I have recovered. I am nervous about the procedure, about leaving my kids and about the recovery. Why am I sad? I never thought I would be sad to say goodbye to my flabby tummy but for some strange reason I am - just a little.
I have been unhappy about the extra skin on my stomach since the day after I delivered my twins. I remember the exact spot I was standing in when I realised the condition that my tummy was left in. I was standing in my hospital room, beside my bed and leaning over one of the baby's bassinettes.
For 5 years I have grabbed the extra skin in my hands and imagined it was gone and I have cringed when my top came up slightly hoping that no-one saw what was beneath it. Having this tummy, that I hate, has been a part of who I am.
I laugh to my husband that despite being very unhappy about my tummy the one thing I haven't done for the past 5 years is complain about my fat butt, thighs or arms. So although I feel like I am having an amazing procedure that is going to fix everything, the reality is that it is going to return things to the way they were and to the way they were meant to be. And that is far from perfect.
Before the twins I always had a flat tummy, and soon I will have it back. But I always disliked my butt, thighs and arms and soon they will be my worst bits again.
Let's face it my tummy tuck is not going to turn me into a supermodel, but I am still looking forward to the results. Even if that means going back to complaining about the other parts of my body- the ones that I am stuck with.
I am feeling excited, nervous and a bit sad. I am excited about the way my tummy will look when I have recovered. I am nervous about the procedure, about leaving my kids and about the recovery. Why am I sad? I never thought I would be sad to say goodbye to my flabby tummy but for some strange reason I am - just a little.
I have been unhappy about the extra skin on my stomach since the day after I delivered my twins. I remember the exact spot I was standing in when I realised the condition that my tummy was left in. I was standing in my hospital room, beside my bed and leaning over one of the baby's bassinettes.
For 5 years I have grabbed the extra skin in my hands and imagined it was gone and I have cringed when my top came up slightly hoping that no-one saw what was beneath it. Having this tummy, that I hate, has been a part of who I am.
I laugh to my husband that despite being very unhappy about my tummy the one thing I haven't done for the past 5 years is complain about my fat butt, thighs or arms. So although I feel like I am having an amazing procedure that is going to fix everything, the reality is that it is going to return things to the way they were and to the way they were meant to be. And that is far from perfect.
Before the twins I always had a flat tummy, and soon I will have it back. But I always disliked my butt, thighs and arms and soon they will be my worst bits again.
Let's face it my tummy tuck is not going to turn me into a supermodel, but I am still looking forward to the results. Even if that means going back to complaining about the other parts of my body- the ones that I am stuck with.
Saturday, 9 July 2011
3 days until my plastic surgeon appointment
I have my appointment with my doctor in a few days. This is the appointment that my husband was supposed to attend with me. I say WAS, because something has come up at his work that he can't miss.
I am no stranger to doctor's appointments, hospitals and medical procedures so it doesn't bother me to go on my own. However, the doctor had told me that he would like my husband to attend with me. I guess he needs to know that I have family support as I will need care after the surgery. Eeeeeerggh! Frustrating!
I'm not sure what I will do about this one. Maybe my brother could get the day off work and pose as my husband- bahaha! It has kind of put a dampener on my excitement about the appointment.
Apart from this small disapointment, I have also had a really tough few weeks. First I had a really bad cold, then a knee injury, followed by some nasty flu type virus. This has all meant very little exercise for me. My plan is to get serious with the exercise about 3 weeks before my procedure. Hopefully if all goes to plan this will mean that I will be at a nice, lean weight for the procedure. This will mean that once the hernia and abdominal muscles are repaired, my skin can be pulled really tight to get rid of as much damaged skin as possible.
It just occured to me that tomorrow it will be exactly 1 month until my procedure! So excited! I am also starting to feel a little scared. Being sick the last few weeks has made me realise how much I hate it when I can't do the things that need to be done! For example I like to have my house organised and clean and anything less makes me a little edgy. Once I have my surgery housework will at first be physically impossible and will then be on the 'banned activities' list. With my 3 kids I think I might as well give up on housework now, because it only takes them 3 days to turn a perfectly organised house upside down!
I am no stranger to doctor's appointments, hospitals and medical procedures so it doesn't bother me to go on my own. However, the doctor had told me that he would like my husband to attend with me. I guess he needs to know that I have family support as I will need care after the surgery. Eeeeeerggh! Frustrating!
I'm not sure what I will do about this one. Maybe my brother could get the day off work and pose as my husband- bahaha! It has kind of put a dampener on my excitement about the appointment.
Apart from this small disapointment, I have also had a really tough few weeks. First I had a really bad cold, then a knee injury, followed by some nasty flu type virus. This has all meant very little exercise for me. My plan is to get serious with the exercise about 3 weeks before my procedure. Hopefully if all goes to plan this will mean that I will be at a nice, lean weight for the procedure. This will mean that once the hernia and abdominal muscles are repaired, my skin can be pulled really tight to get rid of as much damaged skin as possible.
It just occured to me that tomorrow it will be exactly 1 month until my procedure! So excited! I am also starting to feel a little scared. Being sick the last few weeks has made me realise how much I hate it when I can't do the things that need to be done! For example I like to have my house organised and clean and anything less makes me a little edgy. Once I have my surgery housework will at first be physically impossible and will then be on the 'banned activities' list. With my 3 kids I think I might as well give up on housework now, because it only takes them 3 days to turn a perfectly organised house upside down!
Friday, 1 July 2011
Looking forward to my next appointment
It is just over a week until my next (second) appointment with my plastic surgeon. I am really looking forward to the appointment! I am so happy about my decision to do this and no longer feel depressed about my stomach- it won't be there for much longer now! Time to think about how I am going to pay for this procedure!
Saturday, 18 June 2011
See photos of my stretch marks and tummy
It’s time to share some photos of my tummy! Many of my friends have said that I am brave sharing my experience and having such a large procedure. Doing those things is nothing compared to showing the photos!
My tummy is something I hide! I get embarrassed when my shirt comes up slightly in public! I was mortified when my father mentioned something about my tummy a few months ago. What he said was fine but the fact that it indicated that he had seen it is what mortified me!
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| You can see the skin over my leggings at the front and on the sides as well |
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| I like that you can see the line of my abs in this photo. Even the area at the bottom of the photo is extra skin. |
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| That is all extra skin |
I understand that while many people may look at these photos and think ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘but my tummy is bigger than yours’, that my ‘embarrassment’ is about the way my tummy looks and feels to me. I hope my friends and family reading this know that I don’t judge their bodies the way I judge my own!
Saturday, 11 June 2011
11th June 2011: House of tears
Today my daughter asked me about the tummy tuck again. I still haven’t even mentioned it to my kids. She got very upset today, even crying. She said that unless I promised her that I wouldn’t get a tummy tuck that she would ‘move out’. She packed her bags and even had my younger daughter packing her bags, both ready to move out.
When she would finally listen to me I asked her why she was so upset and she explained that it was because she likes me just the way I am. It took some convincing but I explained to her that ‘just the way I am’ isn’t healthy for my tummy. That I can’t pick up heavy things (including her), that it makes my tummy and back weak, and that parts of my insides are in the wrong place. A tummy tuck would fix those problems as well as making my tummy look the way it did before it got stretched.
I thought that perhaps if I showed her some photos of me before I had the twins it may help her to understand that mummy hasn’t always had a wobbly belly, and I would be the same person. She saw some lovely photos of me on my honeymoon. My tummy was flat and thin. I also had short hair! She was quite happy with the way I looked in the photo, including the short hair. So we have a deal. If I decide to have a tummy tuck, she can decide what I do with my hair- cut it, grow it, or keep it the same.
My youngest daughter wants to choose my hair colour! My son doesn’t know what all the fuss is about. Everyone is happy in the household- phew!
7th June 2011: Feeling good
The surgery is a certainty, at least in my mind now. I think that confirms that it is the right thing for me to do.
I have been working hard every day doing sit ups, eating healthy and exercising as much as I can. Hopefully this will help with recovery following my tummy tuck. It would also be great to have ‘instant abs’ once the surgery is done. I know that they are there, but are hidden under skin and lumpy hernia bits.
I haven’t told my children about it yet but my eldest daughter is clever. She has tried to make sure that I know that she loves my tummy the way it is on numerous occasions, since she saw me writing this article. The other day she got a glimpse of my tummy while I was lying in bed and she sternly said “Mummy…. Show me your tummy. Did the doctor give you a little bit of a tummy tuck? Tell me the truth”. My younger daughter loves the way my wrinkly belly feels and likes to dig her fingers (and sometimes her toes) into the skin. My son doesn’t seem to have any deep connection to my tummy the way the girls do. I will explain to them what is going to happen when the time comes closer. I hope that as long as they know that I am the same mummy, that they will be ok.
26th May 2011: "Mummy, I love you just the way you are"
I was working on this article when my daughter walked in the room. She saw the title ‘Tummy Tuck’ and asked me what a tummy tuck is. I explained to her that it is when a doctor fixes someone’s tummy so that it is not flabby anymore. Her response- “I think you would look better without a tummy tuck, I love your tummy”. To top it off she gave me the biggest hug and with tears in her eyes said “I love you, how you are”.
Well this has thrown a spanner in the works! For a little while I was considering that maybe I shouldn’t have the procedure until she is a bit older and can understand why I need to do it. But deep down I know that I need to do it. I need to do it for my self-esteem, happiness and for my health. Am I giving my daughter bad messages? Should I just get the hernia fixed and keep the flabby tummy? Yep all these thoughts are running through my mind. Deep down, I still want to do it though.
24th May 2011: Booked in
Today, right on 8.30am, I rang the doctor’s office and asked to be booked for my abdominal reconstruction procedure- an abdominoplasty. I have a conditional booking for the 10th August- two and a half months away! I have to see the doctor two more times before my date will be confirmed. I feel really nervous. Not so much about the procedure but about the impact on my life. I will need time off work and lots of help at home with my kids. I am excited as well, but it seems SO long away!
22nd May 2011: My first appointment with the plastic surgeon
Today I had my first appointment with a plastic surgeon. I felt really nervous on the way. My nerves lessened as soon as I saw the specialist as he took another patient in. Phew…. He looked lovely, friendly and down to earth.
When it was my turn, we first had a chat about why I wanted a tummy tuck, what the procedure involves and he showed me some photos of tummy tucks that he had done. Then the doctor looked at my tummy. The funny thing is that after 5 years of hating my tummy, this was the first time that a doctor had ever looked at it and given me real advise. Well, I am still feeling shocked by what he said. Firstly I felt really proud that he said that I was in good shape and obviously looked after myself. Who doesn’t like a compliment? The not so good news was that my abdominal muscles are quite separated and damaged; also that I have two hernias- one quite bad. No wonder I don’t feel very strong and can’t lift things up. So not only does my stomach look bad but it is not normal!
Hernias can cause quite severe medical problems and tend to get worst over time. There is no way that I want to be having hernia problems later on in life when I can fix it now while I am relatively young and healthy.
The doctor said that he wouldn’t let me book for the procedure today; I had to go home and think about it. However now I am surer than ever that I want to get this done; even if it means getting a loan to cover the cost.
Tonight I spoke to my husband about all the finer details. He agreed that I should go ahead with it. I told my mum too and she was supportive as well.
1 week to go until my appointment
I am so excited that my appointment is just next week. I have been eating well and increased my exercise; so that I can be in as good shape as possible when I see the Plastic surgeon. Even seeing my tummy through tight clothes isn’t bothering me at the moment because I hope it will be gone soon. I am really looking forward to the appointment.
One month until my appointment
It is still one month until my appointment. I know that I decided that I wouldn’t have a tummy tuck but I am feeling sad about this decision. I see my tummy in the mirror or see the overhang when I am wearing tight clothes, and I don’t think I can happily live with it. Yes I agreed that I SHOULD be happy with my body the way it is, but that doesn’t mean that I am happy or will be. I am so glad that I haven’t cancelled my appointment!
Changing my mind
I have been talking to my friends about having a tummy tuck. Some of them knew about my tummy, most of them didn’t. Besides one friend who was totally supportive and agreed that she felt I should have a tummy tuck, most of my other friends were surprised that I was even considering it. They have tried to convince me that I should be happy with my body the way that it is- they have succeeded! I agree that I SHOULD be happy with my body the way it is, and decide that I won’t have a tummy tuck. I’m not going to cancel my appointment yet though!
Visit to my GP
Today I had to go to the GP for my son. While I was there I decided to ask him for some advice about my tummy. I was hoping he could answer some of my questions about what a tummy tuck involves and maybe give me some encouragement to look into it further. My doctor wasn’t very helpful, he seemed dismissive even. He gave me a referral for a well regarded plastic surgeon but didn’t even look at my tummy. I left feeling judged and wondering if I was being frivolous and self-obsessed. Despite feeling that way, I went home and made my appointment with the plastic surgeon. The next available appointment is still two months away- I took it, I can always cancel if I change my mind.
Talking to my Mum
My mum has always known about ‘the tummy’. Today I told her that I thought it was ‘time’. She asked lots of questions that I couldn’t answer like “how much will it cost?” and “How will you look after the kids?” But was clear that she was supportive, and even offered to have some time off work to help me, if I needed it!
Talking to my husband about cosmetic surgery
Today the topic of my ‘tummy’ came up again. Instead of the usual umming and ahing, my husband said he thinks I should look into getting a tummy tuck. He said that he hoped it would make me happier and easier to live with. I told him that I am not sure that it will make me easier to live with, I will still get annoyed when the house is a mess or it has been a few weeks since the lawns have been mowed. It will however make me happier with my body and stop me from looking in the mirror and grabbing all the loose skin into a bundle as I imagine that it was gone. He still thought I should get it done.
What is wrong with Mummy's tummy? Tummy tuck after twins.
Being fit, healthy and looking after my body has been a part of my life since my teenage years. When I had my first baby at 28 years old, I was relieved that after about a year of giving birth, my body was in its pre-pregnancy shape (well almost). My body shape was different- my hips were a bit wider and my boobs weren’t as pert but with some hard work my belly was nice and flat, and I felt good.
Giving birth to twins was a different story! During my pregnancy I went from a tiny 50kg to a massive 80kg! The weight gain didn’t bother me because I knew that weight gain was a part of pregnancy and was important to have healthy babies. I had already proved to myself that I could get back into good shape.
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| These are photos of me about 3 days before i gave birth to my twins- I looked (and felt) like I was going to 'pop'! |
The fact that I delivered two healthy babies, weighing in at 3490grams and 2940grams, meant that I had done a good job of incubating and growing my twins. By the time they were 6 weeks old, I was back to a close to normal 53kg. But one thing that wasn’t normal was the appearance of my tummy! When my twins were only 2 days old I noticed that the space that they had filled in my tummy was now floppy and felt and looked like a slow deflating balloon. It was soft, saggy and there was lots of skin! It was at that moment that I understood why some people turn to cosmetic surgery.
My twins are nearly 5 years old now and being fit, healthy and looking after my body is still a priority for me- one that I fit around work, parenting and home duties. Five years on and I am in pretty good shape but the appearance of my tummy looks horrible. Even when I am dressed the skin hangs over the top of my jeans, underwear and leggings. I am constantly ‘tucking’ the skin into my pants. Not only does my tummy look unattractive but it also feels weak. When I lift things I feel like I have no stomach strength and all the effort goes to my lower back, I wonder if this is because of the state of my stomach.
After thinking about considering having a tummy tuck for almost the whole 5 years since my twins were born, I have finally decided to bite the bullet and do something about it. Here is my journey.
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