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Tuck It In: Q & A

Posted on Mar 20th 2008 9:00AM by Jacki Donaldson

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition & Supplements

Join me as I search my soul for direction regarding my latest pursuit: A tummy tuck. Will I go through with it? Will I "Tuck It In?" Keep reading. Keep coming back. And you'll find out.

March 20, 2008

I have a lot of doctors. I have a family doctor, an OB/GYN, a dermatologist, an opthamologist, a dentist, a breast surgeon, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a physical therapist, and now a plastic surgeon -- well, almost. If I decide to make good on my tummy tuck plans, I'll have a plastic surgeon. Which means I'll have one more list of questions to carry around.

I ask a lot of questions of my lot of doctors. When an appointment with any one of them approaches, I start jotting down everything I need to know. When I'm in front of my medical guru, then, I fire away. This method works well for me as I aim to keep myself medically informed.

I'm five weeks from my potential tuck-in date and I've already started the list of questions I plan to ask during my April 1 pre-op visit. My list -- which is already pretty long -- may grow over the next two weeks. For now, though, here's what's on my mind.

What pre-op tests will I need? Insurance won't cover cosmetic procedures like this one so I'm concerned about how much this venture will ultimately cost me.

Should my heart be tested prior to surgery due to two chemotherapy drugs I've received that can compromise heart function?

If complications arise and I need hospitalization -- this procedure is outpatient -- will insurance kick in?

What are my chances of developing infections or blood clots? These are two of the major risks with tummy tuck surgery.

What are my chances of waking during surgery?

What is the chance that this surgery will need a re-do? I'm reading on the Make Me Heal message boards about women who go back into surgery for tummy tuck fixes.

What type of numbness or nerve issues might I experience?

Should I use the inflammation supplement Bromelain for swelling?

What kind of compression garment will I need for recovery?

NOTE: Abdominoplasty is recommended for those whose skin and muscle cannot recover on their own as a result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prior surgery. It is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. For more information about this surgery, click here.

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Tags: abdominoplasty, doctors, In, It, Jacki Donaldson, JackiDonaldson, questions, surgery, tuck, tummy

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Diane 3-20-2008 @ 12:51PM

You should use the money you have set aside for this SELFISH surgical procedure and donate it to a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen. I know it's asking a lot Jacki, but for once, try and think about someone other than yourself for once.

Leigh 4-02-2008 @ 9:56PM

I have never visited this blog before, and I don't know the person posting, but to call her surgery selfish seems rather short-sighted and narrow-minded.

From the sounds of it, Jacki has struggled with many health issues, which have no doubt had a tremendous impact on her self-image. There is nothing wrong with having abdominoplasty if it is safe and the right choice for her own situation, especially since in her first post about the topic, she mentions that she does have an umbillical hernia that would also be repaired.

It's one thing to constantly think about yourself to the detriment of others and spend all of your time and money on tanning, Botox, liposuction, and other efforts aimed at physical perfection. It's totally different to want to do one thing for yourself that would boost your self-esteem and help you feel good about yourself, and I think Jacki deserves that.

Jacki 4-02-2008 @ 9:57PM

Leigh,

Thank you so much for your support. It really means a lot to me.

Jacki

Cindy 6-05-2008 @ 9:34PM

Jacki...

I am so glad I found this site... I am scheduled to have my tummy tuck on July 16th 2008...... and I am sooooo excited... but also very nervous.... I think of how much better I will look and feel...and to finally get rid of all the "yuccckkkk that hangs.. due to- 2, 10pnd babies..... but then I think about my 2 boys (ages 8 and 16) ...and if something happens to me..how selfish of me .. to think about myself and not them... but I want this soooooooo bad.... it's weird lately I even dream of it... and have this remarkable flat belly.... (THEN I WAKE UP!!...LOL)

But seriously... I have found a very good surgeon here in Orlando, Fl where I live...he is highly recommended and has excellent credentials (he is also the chief of Plastic Surgery... at the hospital where I will be having my surgery) I decided to have it done at a hospital... vs his surgical center.. for health reasons... I have controlled... high blood pressure... and my dad had heart issues (quadrupel bypass at age 52) so.... until the surgery... I find myself..reading every horror story on the internet.... and drive myself crazy.....

I truly believe ... I will be fine... and try to think positive... but it is sooooo hard.... reading everything you wrote ... really helped.. Thank You!