Rose Slims Down With Tummy Tuck

Posted on February 29th, 2008 in Personal Interviews by MakeMeHeal.com

See Rose’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.

37 year-old Rose Sawyer (username: vansmudge ) struggled with the idea of having a full tummy tuck with muscle repair for one year before taking the plunge early in 2008. She was terrified of the possibility that something would happen to her during surgery but knew that she wanted to change her 85 year-old looking stomach to one that would better fit her slim body. With an umbilical hernia, torn stomach muscles and 8 inches of extra skin, Rose knew that she needed to get a full tummy tuck. After consulting with three plastic surgeons, she chose one who was recommended to her and today, she is completely happy with her results. While still in the recovery process, Rose has gone from a size 12/14 a size 10/12 and her stomach has never looked better. For anyone thinking about plastic surgery, Rose says, “Make the decision for yourself and don’t worry about what others think of the decision.”

Please join us below for the complete interview with Rose.

Make Me Heal:When did you first have the idea to have your procedure?

Rose:After the birth of my twins (who were my 3rd and 4th children)

Make Me Heal:What were your motivations (physical, emotional, social, etc.) behind your decision to have the procedure(s)?

Rose:I am relatively young and in good shape but my stomach looked like it belonged on an 85-year-old woman. I have never really struggled with my weight so it was discouraging to be at a good weight and look down at my sagging stomach. More importantly, I have 3 bulging disks in my back and in order for me to do core strengthening to alleviate my back pain, I needed to repair my stomach muscles.

Make Me Heal:How long did it take you to make a decision and was it an easy or difficult one to make?

Rose:It was a very difficult decision to make and it took me about a year to decide. I was really struggling with the idea of having elective surgery - I have 4 young children and was scared that something would happen to me. I finally decided that what had happened to my stomach was beyond normal and needed to be repaired.

Make Me Heal:Did your family, friends, and any other people in your close circle give you support, opposition, or did you make this decision without considering them?

Rose:My family and friends were 100% supportive and encouraged me to have the surgery but ultimately I made the decision completely on my own.

Make Me Heal:How did you research the procedure and come to decide on this particular procedure?

Rose:I consulted three plastic surgeons and got their names through word of mouth. I have a friend who is a doctor and she worked closely with the first surgeon I went to see. I used to work at a medical school so I got the second recommendation through people I used to work with. The third surgeon was referred to me by someone whose sister had had a TT and he was ultimately the one I went with. They all recommended the full TT with muscle repair because I had an umbilical hernia, torn stomach muscles and 8 inches of extra skin.

Make Me Heal:How did you come to choose your doctor?

Rose:I had 3 different consults and finally decided on my surgeon because he was the most experienced and the most confident. He used the latest pain management techniques and assured me I would not need a vertical incision. He made me feel very comfortable and he is also the recipient of several recognition awards.

Make Me Heal:Please discuss if you have any role in deciding the type of technique used for your surgery by the doctor, incision placements, implant brand, anesthesia type, etc.

Rose:I specifically asked for the pain pump and received it.

Make Me Heal:How did you prepare for the surgery?

Rose:I didn’t purchase any products but I did hire a full-time nanny for my children for the first 3 weeks. My kids are 6, 4, and 2.5 twins. My house is busy and physically demanding so I knew I needed the help.

Make Me Heal:How were you feeling the night before the surgery and on the moments before the surgery itself?

Rose:I was very nervous as the surgery date approached and just wanted to get it over with. I remember being very shaky on my ride to the hospital the morning of the surgery and the minute I had to see goodbye to my husband, I started to cry. I cried until the anesthesia kicked in! I was so scared of the pain I would feel afterwards and my lack of involvement with my kids when I came back home.

Make Me Heal:Please discuss the pain or discomfort you experienced during the recovery?

Rose:My recovery was physically as I expected but mentally I wasn’t prepared how down I would feel. For about 2 weeks I felt like I had postpartum blues and that was tough. Physically my body is healing very well. My most uncomfortable time was the first 3 days after surgery and I was in a ton of pain (and I have a high pain tolerance). I was crying and had to call my surgeon who determined that I wasn’t staying ahead of the pain meds.

Make Me Heal: What are your top recovery tips to other patients?

Rose:Stay ahead of the pain and be prepared to feel down even though you did an amazing thing

Make Me Heal:How long did you take off from work? What did you tell your co-workers about taking this time off? Did anyone notice your cosmetic procedures at work and what did you tell them if they asked about it?

Rose:I am a stay-at-home mom.

Make Me Heal:How happy are you with the results?

Rose:So far (4 weeks post-op) I am very happy.

Make Me Heal:How has your makeover impacted your life from personal, social, career, and other respects?

Rose:I feel more confident and more like my old self. I also have my confidence back.

Make Me Heal:Would you have done anything differently if you had the chance?

Rose:No

Make Me Heal:What is your final word of advice to other people considering the procedure you had?

Rose:Make the decision for yourself and don’t worry about what others think of the decision.

Make Me Heal:Was Make Me Heal beneficial to you along your journey?

Rose:Very! I wish I had known about the site before my surgery!

See Rose’s Before & After Plastic Surgery Pictures Album.