On June 13th 2006 I had a full tummy tuck (and breast lift) after losing almost 70lbs. I have always been very conscience of my belly, for as long as I can remember I’ve carried extra fat there. When I was young I "thought" I was overweight because of that extra belly fat. Looking back I know now it wasn’t true, I just carried a little weight in my midsection, but to a 12 year old it was the end of the world. I started crash dieting and began the cycle of yo-yo dieting that led to my all time high weight of 210 pounds in 2000. Now that I reached my goal weight it was very important for me to experience a flat belly. Having the tummy tuck was a very easy decision for me to make.
It was hard for me to add this section but I am finding it a way to say goodbye to some old demons. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without the support from all the online friends I have made. Thanks so much for your kind words and support!
Now, I have taken these pictures of just my belly. Some may be a graphic and I don’t want to insult anyone so please do not scroll down if you don’t want to see the post operative stitches and such.
Last Updated: 06/15/08
2 Year Post Op
It's been exactly 2 year and 2 days since the big Tummy Tuck. I'll say it again, I really can't believe it's been that long! Two years out and I'm still super happy with the results. I was a bit surprised taking these photos, in the past year I've done a lot of exercise and ab work and my mid section hasn't changed much. Without trying to sound, ummmm, vain, I guess? my stomach feels like a rock. I've built a lot of muscle under there.
I have decided to get the procedure to remove the extra skin from my sides (as discussed in the The Choice for Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss). This picture really represents how most clothes fit me. If the cut isn't high on the pants, I have a hangover of extra skin on my sides.
As for the scar, it is even lighter then last year and right side is pretty much invisible. It will be extended with the additional surgery more towards the back and the doctor mentioned lowering it a bit.
I will keep you posted on the surgery, posting new photos when I can.



1 Year Post Op
I really can’t believe it’s been a year! As you can see the scar is actually getting better. The Right side is almost invisible which gives me hope for the rest of it. Swelling now is minimal, but still happens.
I have my last follow up with the surgeon next week. Last time we discussed the possibility of removing more excess skin on my sides. I guess you can call them "love handles". According to him, it is excess skin, not fat (always good to hear) and the elasticity is just gone. So it will never snap back. I have to admit I’m thinking about it. The devil on my shoulder says to do it. The Angel, on the other hand, says be happy with yourself, look how far you’ve come. Where would it end?! I mean we will always find something we want to fix, right? I will post about my appointment with him when next week.
Looking back, I would do both procedures again in a heart beat. The first few weeks were rough, but well worth it!


6 Months Post Op
WOW 6 months came and went. The first couple of weeks were rough but it was worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. As you can see, the scars are still prevalent. As I said, I was anticipating that. It was a small price to pay for having a flat tummy!
I have stopped wearing my binder all together. I’m not sure when I stopped but it was soon after my 3 month pictures. I do still swell but normally it is only after a salty meal or that time of the month.
I’ll post more pictures on my 1 year anniversary. Hopefully my scars will fade more by then.

3 Months Post Op
These pictures were taken exactly 3 months and 2 days after the surgery. I still can’t believe it’s been that long! In honor of my 3 months I took some shots in jeans. Sometimes I think the scar takes away from the actually belly improvement I’ve seen with the surgery. I am very happy with my results! As you can see from the side jeans view, I still feel need the suck it in. :) It’s a hard habit to break.
I’m still treating my scar daily but it doesn’t seem to be getting any lighter. Like I said previously, I was prepared for that. I scar fairly easily. I’m sure it will lighten with time. As for the swelling, it is pretty much a non issue. I’ll swell a little throughout the day and wear my binder at night but it’s not as bad as it was in previous weeks.
I’ll take pictures again on my 6 month anniversary. It is also when I’ll see my doctor again.




2 Months Post Op
Slightly swollen but not bad. I’m getting used to it. You can see I got a little sun showing my belly off on the beach. :)
The scar is still pretty dark but I was expecting that. I scar really easy and bad. I started massaging daily with cocoa butter and Vitamin E. Hopefully that will help. We’ll take another look at 3 months.

6 Weeks Post Op
Swelling went down a little, I think. I have a little upper ab pain this morning. Feel like I pulled something.
Is it just me or is my belly button getting smaller?

4 Weeks Post Op
I’m a little more swollen this week then last. I’ve heard that the 3-5 week zone is the worst for swelling so I hope that’s the case. It’s also that lovely time of the month when women normally swell, if you know what I mean. ;)
You will also notice a small band aide on the front shot. Last night there was a little bleeding there. Not too much but I may call the Plastic Surgeon to ask about it.
I have to admit this morning I’m in a little more pain then normal. My upper abs are quite swore and painful. I think I may be doing too much as the stage.

3 Weeks Post Op
Not much different then last week. I’ve been taking the photos in the morning by evening I’m much more swollen.


2 Weeks Post Op
2 weeks and still swollen but getting better. I know the pictures are small but if you can see my belly button is really irritated. It doesn’t hurt but it looks like it should.


6 Days Post Op
I got the drains out today! The swelling seems to have gone down only a bit but I don’t care I get to take a shower tomorrow! ;)


3 Days Post Op
I can’t believe I did it! I am already happy with the results but have a long way to go with recovery.


Before Shots
These were taken the day before surgery. Now keep in mind I lost 70lbs and had a a baby although I swear my belly was not that different pre-baby.




Labels: TummyTuck
Roni,
Have you sent your success story to Weight Watchers? You are such an inspiration to those of us who have found your site. It would be great to do that on a larger scale. Anyhow…you did a GREAT job, you deserve it. It would be like a reward to open the Weight Watchers and be able to read your own story! Better yet, maybe they’d pick you for the cover story!
[…] OH! And thanks to Jen who submitted my story to Weight Watchers! She finally heard back and I’m filling out the paperwork. Maybe I’ll finally be able to check off my final goal! […]
How exciting that your story is being submitted to WW! I found your site looking for the new points system, and I’ve very much enjoyed reading your story! GREAT job and good luck!
Hi,
What are you doing for exercise? Good job!
Hi Roni,
I just started W.W last wednesday. I had tryed it for like a week once before, but I really didn’t want to pay for it. Your tools have made this very easy for me. I eat in moderation and still can enjoy icecream. I have also tryed some of your recipes which are great. I started out on Wed at 293 and today I weigh 286.8. I dont really feel smaller or look smaller but the scale say I have lost. Also I think Im losing to much to soon, is this bad or good? I mean dont get me wrong I love that I have lost almost 7lbs, but still. Thank you soo much for your site. And congrats on your success. I hope I can do the same!
Realy great website. I think this site deserves a WW award because there is sooo much imformation that I can get and I already thought I knew alot buy you realy did well. Your also a daily inspiration for me to get to goal and stay there this time.