My Tummy Tuck Diairies
I’ll admit that I’ve written some rather glamorous blog posts. From fancy table settings to dreamy kid’s rooms to amazing trips. I certainly do not qualify as “the most glamorous” blogger in the world but as of today, I just might qualify as the least. I can’t imagine writing about anything much more unattractive than having your husband lower you onto the toilet. More about that later. If you follow me often, you know that I am not afraid to be honest and raw and real. Although I have never been “afraid” to share details of my mommy makeover, I can’t say that I ever thought I actually would. Detailing half of my stomach getting cut off and my belly button re-cored didn’t seem like the most awesome thing ever to share. But that’s how much I love you guys.
Several months ago I shared “My Weight Loss Story” and you guys kind of loved it. So thank you! You also blew me up with e-mails asking about the tummy tuck procedure I mentioned in the post. There isn’t exactly a one sentence re-cap nor does everyone have a friend that will get down and dirty with you if you’re thinking about having one so I decided that today, I will be that friend! Oh and if happen to be a guy reading my blog, please click HERE to read about more manly projects. There is absolutely NOTHING sexy about this post!
Let’s start with some disclaimers… First, as usual this post is not for haters of any kind. Second, this post will be very detailed and verbally graphic. If you aren’t interested in learning more about this procedure, I would not read this post. Next, I am not any type of professional in any type of field related to anything medical. Whatsoever. I am just a girl who got a tummy tuck and will tell you all the things the doctor and maybe some friends will not. And lastly, I am not in any way, shape or form promoting my surgeon. I will tell you who I used just because you asked but it is YOUR responsibility to do your research and learn more.
I would like to start by saying that I absolutely wish more than anything that I was one of those girls who popped out a few little ones and bounced right back to a six pack. And to be completely honest, I’ve probably waisted some time in my life wishing that I were. What I have realized in my journey over the last couple of years is that I am me and my story and my life and my journey are all unique to me. I have done and accomplished and been through an array of wonderful and horrible life situations that have all led to today. And for that I am grateful. I could not be happier with where I am today. I am grateful to the body that lived through some crazy stress in building our company. I am grateful to the body that birthed two healthy baby girls and even grateful in some crazy way for the experience of losing twins. And I am grateful to the imperfect body that is healthy and is mine. I have learned that it’s okay to be imperfect but that it’s also okay to want to do something about it. I absolutely did not have this procedure for anyone but myself. I decided one day three years ago that I was going to start caring more about me. That I was going to start going for my dreams even if it meant doing something completely unnecessary. I had busted my butt to lose 100 lbs and I wanted the outside of me to reflect how I felt on the inside. So that is exactly what I did.
So now that all of that fun stuff is over, let’s get real. In August 2013, I received a full abdominoplasty. Otherwise known as a tummy tuck. What I did not mention in my previous post is that I also got a breast lift and augmentation during that same procedure. As you know, I gained and then lost 100 lbs over the course of several years. With that type of weight gain and weight loss, it can do a number on your skin! And once I got down to 120 lbs, I had a LOT of extra skin. And it was awful. My doctor informed me that the measure of determining if you “need” a tummy tuck is if you lean forward and the skin at and above your belly button hangs down, you would need a full abdominoplasty. Next, let’s chat boobs. So I was blessed with a large chest. My friends in college used to make fun of me because I was tall and thin wearing a DD bra. My gift from God. However that gift was apparently not too fond of my weight loss and then breast feeding adventures because by the time I finished nursing baby #2, they were deflated DD balloons. And that was also incredibly unattractive. My doctor also informed me that the measure of determining if you “need” a breast lift is if you place your finger underneath the fold of your breast and your nipple falls below your finger, you would need a lift and not just an augmentation.
So you’ve done those “tests” and determined you could use one or both procedures and now you’re wondering exactly how God awful it actually was. So before I get graphic, let me start by saying that I am 1,000% happy with everything I had done and I would absolutely do it all again tomorrow. If I ABSOLUTELY had to. I am so glad that I had it all done and I am also even glad that I chose to do it all at once. But to be honest, it was not easy, not a breeze, not glamorous and absolutely not a walk in the park.
I remember most of it like it was yesterday. What I probably remember more than anything was the weeks and days leading up to the procedure. I was a freaking nervous wreck. I had my consultation and asked every question under the sun but still wanted to know the nitty gritty. The “real life” details. Not just the “this is what we will do and this is what you will look like 12 weeks later…” I wanted to know the truth. Thank heavens I knew someone who had an abdominoplasty done several years prior so I blew up her phone for weeks asking questions. I am confident that I had myself talked out of doing it a hundred times and made her talk me back into doing it every single time. I also had myself convinced about one week before the operation that I would be okay with a “mini tummy tuck”. Because I stupidly looked up “full abdominoplasty” on Google and that is basically the worst mistake ever. Google will convince you that you are dying or are already dead. Every single time.
The day came and I had it all done. All three procedures. The entire operation took approximately 4.5 hours. Although I mentioned splitting up the procedures, my plastic surgeon convinced me that the tummy tuck would be “so painful” that I would not even “notice” the breast work. And he was correct. A full abdominoplasty is no joke. Let’s just say that a c-section is a runny nose and a tummy tuck is pneumonia. And I would know because I had two of them. HOWEVER, the pain is manageable and it is completely doable even with young kids if you do exactly what I say 😉 Okay do not necessarily do exactly what I say but I will tell you what made it manageable for me.
At the time of my surgery, I had a 6 year old and a one year old at home. I worked at our company then so we had a “nanny” that came most days to watch Winter during the day, pick Addie up from school, etc. I also had Mark or one of our moms there for me every single day for ten days. So first things first, find someone to help you and someone to watch the kids. Yes, you will need both especially with little ones. I would suggest having both people secured for at least the first 10 days. I will not get all technical on you detailing the differences in a tummy tuck and c-section but I will share my own personal cross referencing. With both of my c-sections, I was taking care of kids, walking up and down the stairs, making dinner… all within the first 1-2 days of being home. With my tummy tuck, Mark was lifting me out of bed lowering me onto the toilet seat for at least 6-8 days. Yes, they are THAT different. ANYTHING you do that uses your stomach muscles WHATSOEVER is literally impossible. Sitting up, squatting down, laughing… and the list goes on. It doesn’t just hurt like a c-section. It is impossible. Remember we are talking runny nose vs. pneumonia here.
So that leads me into suggestion number two… have a low bed or mattress set-up where you can roll yourself out and onto the floor in a standing position. With assistance. We set up a daybed in our master bedroom and I slept there for WEEKS.
Next, the pain. I would say that now, three years later, I do not so much remember the pain. I know it was incredibly painful but I also remember it being manageable. If you remember from My Weight Loss Story, I do not take medication. Like ever. I avoid it at all costs. However, a tummy tuck is not the time and place for that. It is a serious procedure with serious pain. My suggestion is to take round-the-clock medication for at least the first week. Yes, we set alarms during the night for Mark to give me meds every 4-6 hours. Even if I was asleep and “not hurting”, we did not miss a dose. Because the pain will catch up with you. Believe me!
The reality… Okay so you know what help you’ll need, how to sleep, how to medicate… Now let’s talk details. Here’s where it gets really icky. These procedures are not pretty. Let’s just say that they cut across my entire stomach, deeper than a c-section, pulled the skin down and cut off enough skin that my belly button was cut off as well. They then reattached all of then muscles and did some other crazy stuff, re-cored my belly button and then sewed it all back together. It is mega. This procedure places you at a high risk for blood clotting so Mark gave me shots in the thigh every day for ten days to prevent this from happening. I also had drains placed under the skin that had to be emptied for the first ten days as well. You will need someone who loves you A LOT to do all of this for you. It is disgusting.
And lastly, let’s talk scarring. I have a lot of scars. I have a scar from hip to hip from my tummy tuck as well as one around my belly button. I also have one around my nipple, down the center and then around the bottom of my breast. However, they have faded drastically in the last three years! From a distance you honestly can barely even tell. Instead of the typical high hip scar, I asked my surgeon to do it straight across. In doing so, he had to “fold over” and then sew across the folded skin. I am so medically accurate it’s insane ;-). SO, I have a straight across scar allowing me to still wear bikini bottoms but the downside to that is that I have a tiny ripple of skin on the far sides of my hips. It has flattened and corrected itself a lot over the last three years though. I would suggest wearing the “belt” as much as possible. I honestly liked wearing it because it felt good to have it all tight and protected. I remember wearing it for MONTHS! You really couldn’t even tell it was under my clothing. That is one reason I think doing this during the Fall or Winter months is best. Also, my surgeon suggested taping a marble over my belly button which is quiet possibly the weirdest thing I’ve ever done but I swear it works! The constant pressure is supposed to lighten the color of the scarring more rapidly.
As far as the breast work, I haven’t mentioned it much because I honestly don’t even remember feeling much pain from it all! I have always heard a breast lift is very painful so that must speak volumes to the severity of a tummy tuck procedure! I liberally applied scar cream for months and months and the scarring is super light now. To be honest though, I think it took at least 18 months for it to all really fade and not be red or pink.
SO, I hope I have not majorly freaked you out and that you actually made it to the end of my “novel”. As scary as it all may sound, it was all worth it in the end. With ample help and a good plan, it is very manageable. I do not regret one single decision and I am also VERY happy with the work completed by Dr. Whiteman with Southern Plastic Surgery. If you decide to get a consultation with this office, please tell them I sent you! Like I said at the beginning, this post is NOT sponsored in any way. I am sharing my raw and real journey and all of the details that you guys have asked for. Thank you for reading!
On a side note, I scoured my phone for pictures and I really only have two decent ones where you can really see my stomach. Seeing as though I did not have all of this done to become a bikini model, this is about all I can share! The first was around 9 months after the surgery and you can see that my belly button scar is still rather red/pink. The second was one year after surgery and my scarring was already MUCH better by that point!
Nine Months Post-Op…
One Year Post-Op…
WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW ALONG ON MY JOURNEY?
Laura Cote says
It is so fitting that you posted this now. I am researching plastic surgeons now. I am going to have the full mommy makeover as well. 4 pregnancies(which I actually lost my 4th childs twin)and weight fluctuations I am ready to get my body back to some form a normal. Thanks for being so transparent. You look fantastic.
Brittany Hayes says
Awe so glad girl! Yes, I hear ya! Seriously let me know if you have any other questions and I wish you the BEST of luck deciding!!! XOXO
Laura Cote says
Thanks girl! I may have a million questions. 😉 Thinking I’m going to do it next fall when all the kids are in full day school.
Sarah says
This reply is so delayed but I just ran across your blog and I am one week and one day postop and so glad I got it done! Thank you for your straightforwardness and transparency through healing that is very encouraging and inspiring!
I am 44 years old and wish I would have done it a decade ago!
Karen says
I am 44 and scheduled to have mine June. I am more concerned of complications because of my age. How did your surgery go and most of all how did your recovery go? I hear it’s more about your general health rather than age, but I am still worried. I am a long distance runner and workout 4-6 days a week, so I am hoping that will help me in my recovery.
Dorina Prendi says
Thank you for your story
It has helped me a lot ❤
Debbie says
You are one brave soul Brittany! Thank you for sharing yet another one of your most difficult moments and being so transparent. Mark is a wonderful husband and brave too for having the ability to do some of the things you described. You look great!
Brittany Hayes says
You’re such a doll Debbie! I love being the real in someone’s day and sharing things other women are afraid to inquire about. And yes, my hubby is a ROCK STAR!! Thank you!!!!! XOXO
kai says
Hi Brittany, you look awesome awesome 🙂 🙂 🙂 beautiful too. Thank you for be you 🙂
Brittany Hayes says
You’re so sweet thank you!
Michelle says
Thanks for sharing, Funny I had a mommy makeover, too, with the exact same procedures you 1 1/2 yrs ago. My experience sounds similar to how yours was. I don’t regret mine either. I had 3 kids in a very short amount of time and in my late 30’s my body just wasn’t bouncing back. I just was in shock how much my body changed from the pregnancies. I actually needed an umbilical hernia repair. So I had that done also.
Brittany Hayes says
Oh wow! It’s amazing how many people I hear having it done! So glad you’re happy with it!! Thanks for reading! XOXO
Robyn says
I really don’t understand why you would have this done. America has truely lost all sense of whats important.
Brittany Hayes says
Yes, I absolutely agree that America has lost touch of what’s important. And that’s embracing, loving and supporting one another. Especially women. I strongly feel that the hate, judgement and shaming women do to other women these days is truly what is holding us back. It makes women feel lonely, pressured and depressed that they’re judged for every single action. Having excess skin to the degree that I did is more than a vanity issue. It is uncomfortable and can cause an array of other problems. Thank you for your comment but as I said before, I don’t open up my life and my journey for hate. That isn’t welcome here. XOXO
Ange says
I think you look awesome Brittany. Ive had 5 kids, all c-sections and am currently doing the whole do it, don’t do it with regards to a mummy makeover. So glad you posted this and have been so honest about it all. I’ve decided to go ahead with the surgery at the end of this year. Cant wait to get my confidence back.
Rachel says
Agree! I simply don’t understand risking possible death in an elective surgery just to get a better body. How sad. Some families are left motherless because of dangerous choices like these. I hate what our culture has become. Beauty matters more than anything, and at all costs. I weep for the society that our daughters have to grow up in.
Brittany Hayes says
I honestly weep even more for my girls that they’ll be judged, ridiculed and criticized for every decision they make. My life was more at risk being 100lbs overweight than through an operation. I chose health FOR my daughters. The excess skin I had was way more than a vanity issue. Losing 100lbs is no joke. Thank you for your opinion but I truly believe hate is what is ruining our country. Not making a personal decisions that increased my quality of life. XOXO
Rachel says
Absolutely! Losing 100lbs is very praiseworthy indeed! That is so fantastic! What a wonderful gift to give to yourself and to your beautiful daughters. And what an excellent way to show God that you treasure the gift of the body that you were given, and that you intend to treat that gift well. But if you’re trying to make the argument that a tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation were NECESSARY?! You’re kidding yourself. I’m in no way ridiculing you, and I contend that my comment is not hateful in any way. Disagreement is not hate. Judgement is not even hate. Hate is hate, and I’ve done none of that. However, when we complain incessantly about why women are only valued if they have beauty and youth, we need to reevaluate our choices and the examples that we are setting for them. Putting our very lives at risk in order to fulfill that harmful idea of the importance of beauty put forth by our culture is detrimental to ourselves and to our daughters. It is encouraging women to see themselves as only worthy of value and love if they are physically beautiful. Again, it is emphasizing the idea that beauty matters more than ANYTHING. Certainly you can see the problem with the fact that more and more women are risking death to become more attractive, (either to themselves or to others)?
Brittany Hayes says
We shall agree to disagree. Try going from a size HH bra to nothing and then we shall chat about what is “necessary”. Although maybe not life threatening, incredibly uncomfortable indeed. I was a size DD at 130 lbs. Imagine 100 lbs on top of that! Once again, I appreciate your comment but also believe that judging someone is completely unnecessary. Whether I “needed” breast surgery or not is a mute point. Supporting women is of the upmost importance in my opinion. What encouraged me to write this post was the sheer number of women who emailed me saying they wanted more information because they were embarrassed to ask their friends. That’s so sad to me. I want to be that woman to other women who will not decide what is best for someone else. I’m not trying be ugly, just sharing my opinion as did you. Hinting that I didn’t make the best decision as a mother is fighting words. You have to understand that. And one day if your daughter goes through hard times and doesn’t feel comfortable in her own skin (literally and figuratively) you just may see things differently. XOXOX
Brandie says
Are you kidding? Did you re-read what you wrote? You absolutely DID ridicule her decisions…and you absolutely DID cast judgement (sugarcoating hate doesn’t make it sweet)…and you even insinuated that she has sent her daughters a “detrimental” message. That’s DISGUSTING. I had half of my right breast removed due to a cancerous lump back in February. As a result, my breasts are two different sizes. I will be getting a breast augmentation in December to correct to damage that was done and make my breasts look as normal as possible. Will I die if I DON’T have the surgery? No. Is it necessary? No. But…it will make me feel better about myself (just as Brittany’s surgeries did for her)….and THAT is NONE of your business. Not only have you taken the liberty to insult Brittany…but you’ve insulted me…and if I had to guess, many others. How dare you dedicate your time to spew hateful words on an inspirational post like this one. Shame on you.
Cara Crawford says
I think what you’re failing to understand is that this isn’t just about vanity. Tummy tucks are done to also repair the damaged muscles underneath that never fuse back together. This is called recti diastasis. It’s a condition that effects core stability. It can cause hip pain. It can put you at risk for further injuries because you have a weak core. It can cause major back pain. This is so much more than vanity. Anyone who speaks in disagreement or judgement has never had this condition. So before you speak publicly about something, know all the facts. Ignorance is bliss.
Susan Ashe says
Then you do you ok?
How dare you bash or even question motives?
I had the gastric sleeve and lost 90 pounds (had been higher in weight in years prior) then a tummy tuck and after a mastectomy 15 years prior I did the breast recon. I took the implants out (MY CHOICE!!!!!!) and now will opt for fat transfers at the 1 year mark (again MY CHOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I can assure you 1,000,000,0000 percent that I don’t give one HOOT what someone else thinks of the way I look – I was self confident and outgoing at 250 pounds and I still am at 105 pounds …. but I CARE and last I knew I was the ONLY one that mattered.
And FYI I was 52 when I had the weight loss surgery and am 61 now. I’m going in for a mini face lift – and once again MY CHOICE because I don’t like the wrinkles and lines. I scar horribly (keloid) and have NEVER had a treatment n those because THEY don’t bother me.
Tiffany says
I love that you shared your story with such humor and brutal honesty. I am impressed by your weight loss journey and you have every right to do what makes you happy on the inside and out. Haters gonna hate, but the world needs more women who share and embrace each other rather than judge them. Xoxo, Tiffany
Brittany Hayes says
You’re so wonderful Tiffany thank you!!! That honestly means so much and I couldn’t agree with you more!!! XOXO
Samantha Haringa says
I am so happy you posted this!! Thank you! I’ve already had my consultation (last year) but need to pull the trigger and book the actual procedure. I’m such a wimp and so don’t want to but I want the end result haha. As my doctor said pregnancy didn’t agree with my body. I’m so looking forward to having no more extra skin making me think I need to loose weight when I really don’t. And have my belly button back in. (I got an umbilical hernia with my last pregnancy)Thanks again for sharing it’s so nice to have someone who will be open about these things.
Brittany Hayes says
Awe yay so glad it will maybe help!!! I wish you all the best in making the best decision for you! Don’t be afraid to email me if you have any additional questions! And thanks for reading! XOXO
Tania says
Can you tell me why you needed those blood thinning shots… I went for a consult and no one mentioned that..
Delia Gibbs says
Thanks for sharing your story Brittany. You look fab! It really affects your self esteem when your body drastically changes and you do not feel comfortable in your own skin. I am happy you are a walking testator of how much things can be turned around. We all lean on each other for support. I hope to look like you one day = )
Brittany Hayes says
Delia you are such a doll! Always! Thank you again for your kind words. They mean so so much! XOXO
Jessica says
I read the entire post! But you didn’t share how much these surgeries cost through your Dr?
Brittany Hayes says
Mine was a little over $14k. Thanks for reading!
Candace says
It’s great to see you use your platform as a place to be raw, and honest with your readers. To share the details of how you got your body to where it is now, post-babies… Good for you for taking care of yourself, so you can be the best mommy, and wife you can be! Do you mind sharing what scar cream you used?
Brittany Hayes says
Awe thank you Candance. I couldn’t appreciate that more! I remember using some kind of “sheets” for a little while and then maybe something my doctor gave me. After that I swear by Mederma! XOXO
Ellie says
I love reading your weight lose stories. You are so honest and I love that. I like a straight forward woman. No smoke & mirrors. You are helping so many woman by sharing your story. Stay beautiful inside & out.
Brittany Hayes says
Thank you Ellie! What sweet words! XOXO
Andrea says
I started reading your blog because I fell in love with your design/decor taste, but have continued reading because of your openness and truthfulness. I have so much respect for you for putting yourself out there and sharing your story. You are making a positive impact on women’s lives, more so than you will ever know!!! Thank you for using your corner of the internet to encourage and build up other women – that is especially important in light of all the judgment that women, especially mothers, face nowadays. You are a gem!!!
Brittany Hayes says
YOU are a gem Andrea!!! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to have readers like you! Keeps me going for sure! XOXO
Stephanie says
Bravo! Your honesty is so refreshing! I’d love to have the procedures done that you have, but can’t afford to at this point.
I’m sorry that people would rather judge/condemn than just just keep on walking. And to speak so cruelly?! Unnecessary!
You keep on doing what you do!
Cindy says
Wow! Beautiful Post. Thanks for being so honest. Started reading your blog for décor inspiration(awesome by the way!) But now I’ve been totally encouraged and blessed to “see your life”. From your struggles to joys, from your baptism to your weight loss journey and to the tummy tuck thanks for sharing and being so open. Blessings to you and your family.
Karis White says
You are such an awesome person for sharing your raw experience that others are scared to talk about! I loved reading your story! Thanks for sharing it you look awesome by the way!!!! On a side note where is your swimsuit top from??? Love it!☺️
kalina says
Thanks for sharing! I just love your posts! Your beautiful new house to love for your daughters to real body healing posts! I wore a belly button ring too far into my pregnancy and the skin around it tore :O I have always been so embarrassed about the way my stomach looks. Hoping the high waisted swim suits stick around 🙂
Kalina
Katherine B says
Thanks for your brutal honesty on so many topics! You are a brave soul indeed, but you look fabulous! I am always inspired by your blogs… whether decorating or eating or surgery. It takes guts to be honest, to share so much of your life, and I so applaud you for doing it! Best of luck on your big move! I so wish I lived closer! I would definitely be at your furnishing sale!
Brandie says
I absolutely cannot believe anyone would ridicule your decision to be healthy and feel beautiful (which you are.) Thank you for posting this. You look amazing!
Melanie says
I’ve given birth to 5 babies in 10 years, and I’m ready to get my body back. I have gained and lost 50+ lbs with each pregnancy, and I just really don’t want to go the rest of my life dressing around my belly or wearing spanx. I hope I can get a mommy makeover, and I appreciate you writing about your experience!
Stephanie says
Thanks for such an open, honest blog post on your weigh loss and Mommy makeover. I commend the fact that you covered so much about your procedures so other women considering having them done know the truth of what to expect. Although I’m not considering any of the above surgeries, I found the information interesting. You don’t hear a lot about the post operative time from anyone who has gone through them, only about the final outcome. I read a lot of blogs and it’s so refreshing to find a blogger who admits they had some work done on themselves. Kudos to you for posting the comments of those who disapprove too! Most bloggers don’t!!!
Jennifer Prock says
Wow, Brittany! I am so impressed with your ability to share. Great info and I laughed so hard over the Google comments! I learned that lesson the hard way too! By the way, you look absolutely amazing!!!
Brittany Hayes says
You’re such a sweet sweet friend Jen! I love to share in hope it helps even one person get through a hard time or feel like someone else is or has been in their boat. And you are a doll!!! Thank you!!
Chelsea Ellis says
I’m so happy to have stumbled upon this blogpost! I had no idea a) that you lost twins- I’m so very sorry…and b) that you had a tummy tuck, you look fantastic! I have two sets of twins, that later being born 3months prematurely, but are tomorrow 5 months! Needless to say our body does incredible things during pregnancy, but mine has taken quite a beating…I’ve been researching tummy tucks and always appreciate this raw insight! Hopefully I will work up the courage to do it in the future, for myself! 🙂
Blair says
You look great! I’m actually about to have the same exact procedures. I’m excited, but a ball of nerves.
Not about the surgery, but I can’t help but notice how great your arms look compared to your before pic. Any secrets on getting rid of the big arms?
Jeanine says
You look absolutely amazing! I came across your IG account and decided to check out your blog. I’m glad I did. People have so many preconceived notions about others when all they see is a pretty photo. They assume that you’re perfect and that your life is too. They have no idea who you are and what you’re about! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and being so transparent! If we can’t be honest and real about who we are and what we need and want…then what’s the point? We have to love ourselves first and care for ourselves first in order to love and care for anyone else! I’ve been there too. I’m a mother of two, I had two c-sections as well. I lost 80 lbs and gained some back and lost it again….it’s a journey! I’m thinking about getting a tummy tuck and breast lift as well. Thanks for being real! God Bless!
Carine says
Thank you for sharing your story. Can I ask if you were at your “ideal weight” at the time of surgery and what your stomach looked like? I have a severe diastasis and will definitely be getting abdomioplasty for muscle repair when my youngest is a little older. I’m always looking for another mom whose stomach looked like mine so I can see what a realistic outcome will look like. Thanks again and congratulations!
Cristy says
Thanks for sharing! I just scheduled my surgery date for this upcoming sep. I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one panicking lol. I also have moments of not doing it thinking that I’m okay with my wrinkly skin. I’m an active 32 year old mom of 4 and this year I decided that if I was going to do it, it would be this year. So I did!
Darci W says
Great read! I’m addicted to reading these raw diaries, as I’ve just scheduled my TT for late September. You look beautiful! Can you tell me when you started to exercise, and the types of things you did early on? TIA
Jamie says
Hi there!! I don’t always follow you but occasionally your post pop up on my news feed and I admire your work. I just read your story and I want to say thank you! It was word for word to what I would have said, if I had the courage to say it. It’s a shame that we don’t “talk” about these type of “things” amongst us women. To tell each other that it is acceptable to have a surgery to help make OURSELVES feel and look the way we feel inside! Instead we tend to look down and whisper about each other if we dare choose to have a TUMMY TUCK! How dare us! Such a sham on us but it’s the truth! I wish I was as strong as you are to be open and share my story like you! I hope it encourages other women to feel ok about taking care of themselves and it ok to choose surgery to help enhance yourself!
Jordan says
Hey I know this is an older post but could you please tell me what scar cream you used? I’m about to have breast lift done myself!
Allie says
Hello! Thanks for sharing your story. I am getting a tummy tuck in November. I am having a lot of anxiety over it but I feel much better after reading your story. I’ve debated about having a breast lift done as well. How long before you were able to return to work and at what point did you initially start to feel better after surgery?
Thanks,
Allie
Janet I. says
Thank you for sharing your experience, it gives me a lot of insight on what to expect! By the way you look amazing!!!
Cassie says
Wow you look great. It was really nice to read your story – i enjoyed it a lot. I had similar experience with my tummy tuck. Underwent it few months ago at Forme clinic, what is in Prague and however i live in Uk at seemed like it was much cheaper there. I was worried that maybe the result will not be the best. But now when i see how my tummy looks i am the happiest person in the world. Nice an stretched skin looks amazing. Can not believe that there i no excess skin visible under my tide t shirt.
Angela says
https://www.gofundme.com/tummy-tuck-fund-please-help
I’m hoping someday I will have a normal stomach again! A pic of my wrinkly postpartum stomach is on my GoFundMe link. Please consider donating a few dollars to help make a normal stomach a reality for me!
Tummy Tuck Los Angeles says
That is awesome you are willing to share your experience with your tummy tuck surgery. Sometimes cosmetic procedures like these are shed in a negative light. Very informative and detailed write up. It sounds and looks like your results went very well! I’m glad that you had your positive journey :]
Kelley Rubio says
Great blog you have here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Kristina says
Hi Brittany! I’m so glad I stumbled across your page! I have a consultation for a tummy tuck on Jan. 11th and I’m sooo excited to feel normal again after 10 years!! But I’m also so scared about the recovery! I know it won’t be easy, but I know it’ll be worth it. We have a 9 year old daughter and 4 year old son, and I was wondering how taking care of the kids/ house situation was after 3 weeks? My husband will be taking off the 1st full week after and then my surgery will run into the 2 weeks my daughter has off for spring break, which gives me even more down time. But, I’m just worried about being suuuuper down and our week 2 and 3 still?
Jennifer says
All I will say is I dreaded that first sneeze! It was horrendous. I too had a mommy makeover about 2 years ago and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m still the same weight I was before but everything is where it’s supposed to be. Good for you doing what made you feel the best in your own body.
People can say “you shouldn’t care what society things of your scars” well that all well and good but society is t the one that has to look in the mirror every morning. I did it for myself, not society or societal standards!
June says
My wife has a large scar on her stomach from previous back surgery. Now that we are pregnant that scar tissue is really causing her pain. I started applying scar serum of dermalmd nightly to her scar and it has dramatically improved her comfortability.
Valerie Johnson says
I’ve been researching and considering a tummy tuck for about 5 years now. I have 2 step-daughters I raise with my husband and my own little boy who did a number on his Mama’s stomach! I gained 49 pounds and he came out being quite small-I was just sure he was going to be 10 pounds ! LOL. Thank you for your insight, I plan to have this done for my 34th Birthday I have coming up in a few months. You look fabulous.
simone mary says
Nice post you have shared with us! Very informative and detailed write-up.
You can also check tummy tuck glasgow
Kelly says
Hi, thanks for the details. I’m scheduled for a full abdominoplasty in less than 3 weeks so I’ve been making a list of questions lol. My Dr said that he’ll do the low scar too but does that pull all the skin even from the vagina area. My kids did a number on me too and I’ve fought hard for the weight loss. Hoping this will give me great results too.
Maddie says
I know this is an old post, but I stumbled on it in my crazy search of the internet as I’m having all of the exact same surgery in 4 days. My kids are also the exact age as yours were when you had your procedures. I was really trying to find someone who talked about when they were able to carry around their 1 year old or pick them up out of their crib after having a full tummy tuck, breast lift + augmentation. Do you remember when that was? The typical surgeon answer is 6 weeks, but there’s no way my 1 year old will let me go 6 weeks without picking him up so I’m starting to feel like I’ve made a bad decision in scheduling this surgery!
Gorgeous Getaways says
Thanks for sharing the details on the tummy tuck.
Tamira says
In-depth, concise and extremely well written account. Congratulations on your post-op results, you look fabulous indeed!
Kindall Fredricks says
How long did it take for your swelling to resolve? I just had a muscle repair laparascopically, (which is the biggest part of a tummy tuck for most people) because I had a big baby and I’m very small. I’m 10 weeks out and look HUGE! Very discouraged.
Catherine says
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been thinking about having a tummy tuck for a while now and this blog really helped me. I’ve had 3 kids and my body has went through so many changes not just with pregnancy but I had cancer at the age of 21. Now I’m 29 and I’m just so insecure about my body. I’ve had several talks with my husband about having this procedure done and he’s been so supportive of my ups and downs about it. But your words have given me the encouragement that I really needed! Because really I didn’t know who to really go to get advice on it. Plus I felt like anyone I possibly talked to about it would think I was absolutely crazy. Because yes I have lost a lot of weight since cancer but I still have a lot of skin. So people may see a thin girl but they don’t see the skin that I always keep covered up. So thank you so much you have really encourage me to go forward with it! Thank you and God bless!
Charlee says
I recently had a tummy tuck. Day 8 post op. I like you lost a significant amount of weight and I had 5 beautiful babies. I went from 157 pounds to about 95 pounds. I’m petite and only 4’9.5. I’m past the hard part I think… I’m starting to feel better but I’m so swollen. My whole body is poofy. I miss my tiny little body and miss exercise. Did it take you a long time to recover and go back to working out? I’m terrified of weight gave abs loosing all my muscle progress. Right now I’m regretting surgery because I feel so defeated and see absolutely no results. Do you have any advice or help you can give me? Thank you so much. I have read your story multiple times before and after surgery and I think you look amazing!!!
Charlee says
I should have proof read that!! ♀️
Molly says
Thank you so much for your honesty regarding the procedures you had done. I am a month away from my scheduled tummy tuck and breast lift with implants. I have been looking all over for a real life blog to give a realistic view of their experience/recovery and you definitely provided that. Do you know of any other blogs that give honest experiences? This is all so helpful for me to know what to expect for the next few months.
Brigid says
I couldn’t be happier to read such an honest and open telling on a procedure that is truly major, ridiculously expensive, and unbelievably amazing all at the same time. After 3 boys (csections for each one) and a miscarriage in under 4 years, I thought getting a tummy tuck was just a pipe dream. My awesome husband fully understands what the stubborn fat pockets, csection shelf, and worst of all, the pouch from severe diastasis recti has done to me, and so I’m scheduled for abdominoplasty and lipo in a month. I’m terrified, I’m back and forth on it every day, but I know just how awful and depressing it is to live every day in a body that doesn’t reflect me. After my youngest, born at the height of covid, I lost 50lbs and kept it off! I worked my ass off and I’m incredibly proud, but no amount of diet and exercise can fix these issues. Brittany, thank you for being that woman, I so appreciate how bravely real you are. And I’m so glad you shut down that woman who not only questioned the necessity but even went so far to say you’re not appreciating your body as a gift from God! I believe you did exactly that, and I fully feel the same way for myself. This isn’t mutilation; this is doing what’s best for the quality of the life God gave you. Never change! Xo