StephanieJ

Hi! Im Stephanie. I have a blog called The Blue Zoo where I have and will continue to write about my experience getting a tummy tuck.

This is just my own personal story. Everyone's story is different. Please dont let my low pain tolerance scare you away from getting the procedure!

Here's the post I did with my before pics - The Blue Zoo: What A Real Mommy Tummy Looks Like

Here's the post I did about recovering with a few after pics - The Blue Zoo: So, I Got A Tummy Tuck......

Next week I will post some more about my recovery experience. Check back if youre interested in more after pics and tips on recovering.

StephanieJ

I am still not happy with the results from my surgery. But I am waiting to really complain until after my appointment on Aug 19th. I still have issues with random swelling. My scar is way too high on one side. And now above my belly button puffs out. I cant wear a bikini, and my stomach now looks worse in clothes than it did before the surgery. My tummy doesnt look anything like other peoples after pics. I am really unhappy. And if this is the way my tummy is going to look forever, then it was a complete waste of money and time.

Here is the latest post I did about my recovery. The Blue Zoo: Tips On Getting A Tummy Tuck My tummy now looks different from those pictures. I will do another blog post after the scar revision.

jaybre

Good Luck for your visit in two days. I will be two weeks post op tomorrow. I can already tell that I have dog ears. Doc said she won't redo them until six months. Thank goodness I don't want to wear a bikini right now. I love the Blue Zoo

SMM3

Hey Stephanie,
How was your appointment on the 19th? I was just thinking, I think that you and I both went to the same PS, and I was also there on the 19th for a check up. You and I could have been in the waiting room together and not have know it! So far I am pretty happy, but I am not even 4 weeks out yet, so I am really curious about your feeling, especially if we did in fact go to the same PS.

StephanieJ

Im really sorry I didnt respond sooner, I didnt know anyone had posted replies!

I went to Dr. McCormack in Reno, NV. I really like her. I think she's super sweet. But Im still not happy with my scar. Even after the revision. On my right side the scar is as high as my belly button. And my belly button is pretty darn huge in my opinion. Ive been checking out other belly buttons and scars and I havent seen any that look like mine. BUT - My belly button did look really awful before, being pregnant with twins completely ruined it! lol So its probably not her fault about the belly button.

Physically Im feeling fine, the pains are all gone. Healing from a scar revision was a cake walk. And I can workout like normal now.

Im praying and hoping that my scar is light enough for me to be able to wear a normal bikini next year. I know a good 2 or 3 inches of the scar will be showing.... (just on the one side) and Im hoping that it wont bother me next summer.

Here is the post on my blog that I did right before my scar revision -
The Blue Zoo: Tummy Tuck - Getting A Scar Revision Today!

And here is the post after - The Blue Zoo: Another Tummy Tuck Post Its kinda all whiny and complainy. I was really upset about how high my scar was. I expected to wake up with a perfect tummy. And that isnt what happened. Heck, I still hate that stupid scar on the right side!! If I think about it too much I'll get all sorts of mad again... lol

Also just if you want to know, cause Ive noticed a lot of other ladies posting their weight and height and stuff - I am about 5'5 - 5'6 and before the tummy tuck I weighed about 126 and now after I usually weigh 124. I also eat healthy about 80% of the time and try to exercise at least 5 days a week. Oh and I am 32.

la_angel

I love your blog Stephanie, that is a great guide, thanks for sharing I'm sure many will find it useful!

StephanieJ

Aw, thanks!

robyne00

Very informative blog posts, Stephanie!!!

Your firsthand account will definitely help many forum members!

Keep us posted regarding your progress! You're probably excited for next summer (even though this one just ended) ... bikini season!

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StephanieJ

I cant believe how long it's been since I went in for the surgery.

My tummy tuck has healed up pretty well. The scar is thinner than some Ive seen, and thicker than others. Its ok looking as far as scars go. I think in time it will lighten up a lot. It's still SUPER high on my right side, and I find that SUPER irritating. But what can you do? Not much. So for now I'm just trying to find a bikini that covers it up. (or at least most of it)

I dont have any pain anymore, so thats nice! Every once in awhile I will get a weird burning feeling above my belly button if I do too many ab exercises though. But it goes away. Maybe after more time has passed that will go away?

I'm curious - What is everyone using for scar treatment? My PS recommended these silicone strips ($100), and I used them until they just wouldnt stick anymore. But Im not sure if they even helped. I was thinking about using Mederma... had anyone else tried that?

Here are some pics of what my tummy looks like now - The Blue Zoo: Can You Believe It’s Been 7 Months Since My Tummy Tuck?

xpgmmsb1

I am also 7 months post-op from a TT. I am still numb around my bellybutton and all around the scar. Are you still numb?

I'm going back for more surgery on 2/1511 to get more lipo in the stomach and back areas. He didn't get enough the first time, nor was he able to tighten the skin as much as I wanted it. So, after the swelling from the lipo goes down, in a few months, he's going to redo the skin tightening. My scar is also a little higher on the right side, but not as high as yours. I'm going to have him bring it down a little when we redo the tightening in a few months.

I looked at your pictures on "The Blue Zoo" and you look great! I'd love to have a sixpack too! But, realistically it's not gonna happen. If they lipo too close to the skin layers, you may end up with dimpling. I'd rather give up the sixpack and not have dimpling! So, I guess we just have to exercise more!