Allison925

Just a quick update on my flat stomach quest! I had a port revision last week, and am hopeful for the results :-) I'm still swollen and bruised, but I can't feel my port anymore! I've been taking some photos, and will post progress pics after the swelling goes down....

Hi All, I had been at goal for quite some time, and went in last week for a port revision. I didn't have any big port-related problems, but had lost enough weight that the port was protruding from my stomach... It was just not nice looking. Anyway, the surgery went super well. I was up and dressed in a matter of hours, and on a plane home that same evening. I've had some discomfort and bruising, but have gone back to my normal life with relative ease. I'm posting because my swelling is INSANE. Surgery was 10 days ago, and with my overall swift recovery, I'm shocked that I am so swollen... Assuming its swelling.. None of my clothes fit (living in workout pants), and today I weighed in 25lbs heavier than on my port surgery date!!! DH just about took my head off for weighing myself while recovering, but that's a different story.... Anyone know if this is normal? How long until my body goes back to its presurg proportions? I appear to be swollen everywhere; chubby legs, rings don't fit, rounder face, etc. It's very frustrating after all that work!!! I also had a complete unfill, and have been unable to work out, but I logically know there's no way I could gain 25lbs in 10 days. I just feel out of control of my body and it's a very hard feeling for me... Input is greatly appreciated

I've read this thread a couple of times in the last few months... But now seeing that it's been viewed 2,500 times, I feel like I should throw this out there... No matter what country you choose for your PS, please be sure to do your research about who the doctor is and what his past patients say. There in an influx on the internet, and on this very board, of 'fake' people providing referances for Plastic Surgeons. For instance, MakeOverTravel.com is mentioned just a few posts ago, in a beyond glowing review. Upon looking at their website I realized that they do not even reveal who your surgeon will be. After a google seach, I found this negative review buried among fake positive reviews --lots of other shadey stuff over there too. Every positive review I read about MakeOver Travel, scattered over the internet, was always from a newly made account (< 3 posts), and are written by someone that one does not use English as their primary language... perhaps the same person over and over? Another doctor brought up in this thread is Dr. Gutierrez Romero. The implication that he's good as gold simply because he works with Operation Smile is insane. Just because he's OK in their book, does not make him beyond reproach. There are serious complaints here and a news piece by CBS that discusses a confirmed death after tummy tuck by Dr. Gutierrez Romero. I'm not advocating these doctors/organizations one way or another. I just stress to do your thorough homework on a doctor, whomever you choose or where ever the recommendation comes from. Best wishes to all.

I'm 5'3" and remember my GP suggesting I need to be 125 --I literally laughed at her. I said my body is simply not designed to be that small. My surgeon and I settled on 145-150 as a realistic goal. I could have very well stayed at 150 comfortably; I felt great, looked good, lots of energy, wore a size 8, and didn't feel 'over-weight' despite what my BMI claimed.

Hello again, I've been collecting info the past few days and thought I'd share what I found. I met with a great plastic surgeon, and he, without hesitation, said "full tummy tuck." Grumble grumble :-/ I guess I was somehow wishing for a new magical procedure to emerge between lipo and a full TT! lol With that info, I posted photos and my question over at realself.com and now have 10 out of 10 plastic surgeons agreeing that I'd get pretty great results with a full TT and possibly some liposculpting. If you click the link it will take you to the photos of my stomach; I welcome anyone else's respectful opinion on my conundrum. My hesitations with a TT are of course the invasiveness, recovery time and cost, but honestly my #1 concern is going through all of that and just trading in one odd-looking belly button for another. Many people look fantastic after their TT, but after looking at hundreds and hundreds of TT photos, I have to say that very often the navel is left looking a little "off." Maybe I'm being trivial, but I'm just not sure it'd be a fair trade off for me personally. Those of you that have had a TT, do you like your new belly button? vonhelzing: Thanks for the compliment! Congrats on your weightloss and TT :-) I'd love to see photos! Jachut: I'm so glad you stopped by and commented! I've followed you progress and think you look fantastic! I don't know what's up with this belly button shelf thing, but it's always nice to know you're not alone. You look amazing in your bikini though! I think my problem is significantly more severe than yours (for example, the word deformity is kicked around on the link I provided). I'm working on the self-love-rock-what-I've-got attitude. Its funny, I feel very confident in any type of clothing nowadays, it's just the flippin' bikini that brings the insecurities out! smsmithart: I appreciate the heads up, you look so great! How long would you say it was until you felt totally 100% again after you PS?

Hi there! Stress certainly can tighten my band. Many things do it to me though; flying, stress, my period, early mornings, emotional crying, time changes, it goes on. I will say though, that it's never been a prolonged tightening... 3 days max as I approach my period, and I've never tightened up for a month at a time. Are you PBing or getting stuck frequently? Taking in enough calories? If not, you may need a slight unfil, regardless of the cause factor of the tightness. I hope you're able to destress soon!

Barb, Thanks for answering my question and for the great compliments. I'm sorry to hear that you're having a down day... There's really no excuse for a friend not to be supportive and kind. Your body is healing and it will take time to settle into its new shape. I'd be willing to bet that your friend's reaction had more to do with her own personal insecurities than with how you actually look. Your photos are phenominal! I would never had guessed that was the same person in both :-D We're very similar in height, but I'm about an inch shorter than you. I just hit 130 yesterday morning, and am just at the point where people are commenting not to lose any more. I'm pretty comfortable here and feel great, but wish I could mix and match body parts; I'll take my rear from 140lbs, and my stomach from 120lbs, please! lol No, I haven't had any PS surgery since my weightloss. I had a breast aug about 6 years ago, and they've held up surprisingly well through the weightloss journey. My skin has generally been pretty forgiving, except for my stomach, which is -hmm, kind of lumpy? So I'm weighing my options now for fixing that. How long were you near goal before deciding to go forward with your PS?

I've decided I'm on a mission to get my body to a point where I feel comfortable in a bikini. I've been working very hard with food choices and hitting the gym, and have been very very pleased with the results so far. I'm happy with my back, arms, and even my thighs... BUT the dreaded stomach is killing me!!! :cursing: My skin has been very kind to me, and I feel fortunate to have decent elasticity still. My lower stomach (formally known as my "pooch") is ok in my mind. Its the area above my belly button that I am having issues with. It's like my belly button has created a little shelf for a pocket of fat and skin to sit on and it won't go away!!!! Grrr... lol Additionally, I have a protruding port that doesn't help the matter (which also sits right in the aformentioned shelf area) and makes me look even more lumpy. DH thinks my tummy looks great as is (smart man!), but also believes having a port revision will help my concerns drastically. I'm not so sure. I have an upcoming consult with a great plastic surgeon, just to pick his brain. I want to know if I'd theoretically be a canidate for lipo, or a mini TT, or if a full TT would be necessary (hope not!). Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestions?

Hi Barb! Your results are incredible, I think you're going to be so happy with the results once you're done healing... Look at that tiny waist now! lol I've been following your progress, and really appreciate all of the candid info and photos you've been sharing. Quick question for you, as I am researching some of my own plastics options: now, at 3 weeks post-op, do you think you could sit on a plane for 3 hours and not be absolutely miserable? Thanks again!