Hysterectomy (And Tummy Tuck????)

Updated on August 13, 2010
J.S. asks from Hudson, OH
5 answers

I will be getting a hysterectomy in the fall. Considering "throwing in" a tummy tuck along with the surgery. My gyn says they do that pretty regularly at the hospital I will be at, so I got the name of a surgeon who would do a tt, but have not gotten up the nerve to call. My stomach has always been my weak spot, and after 2 c-sections and a back injury that makes crunches hard, my stomach looks like I am 8 months preggo! Would LOVE to hear about the recovery/success/problems if anyone has combined the two!

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Evansville on

My cousin did that and loved the results. However, she said she would NEVER do it again if she knew the recovery was going to be that bad. She couldn't take care of the kids, or move comfortably for weeks. But, she looks FAB now and the pain eventually went away and she recovered fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

Girl, DO IT!!!!!! My tummy is my weekest point as weel even before kids. I have always been a petite person. Im 4'11 and usually weigh 115. After my baby I have another 10 onto that and its ALL in my tummy. I still have great looking arms and legs, but that darn tummy. I even notice I have stretched 'skin' from the pregnancy and that was almost 2 years ago. I want to encourage you to get it done for a couple reasons.
1. obviously it bothers you. No one wants and no one should look 8 months prego
2. Self esteem. if you are happy and feeling good you will naturally teach that good esteem vibes to your kids
It is a normal routine. Dont think of it as a tummy tuck...think of it as a mommy tuck
All the best.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Cincinnati on

My cousin had a split abdomen, so she did both at the same time. Her recovery was brutal; however, that may have been due to the split abdomen. You may want to call and go in for a consult b/c it was my understanding that tummy tucks are good for those who have excess skin. Not sure though. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Hickory on

Hi. I haven't had the two surgeries, but I recently had a TT. Actually, I'm 2 1/2 weeks post. I was very scared, but living with a huge tummy after kids was not something I wanted to do. My youngest is 10 years old. I did not tell my family about it nor my kids. I knew they would not understand and be scared for me. I researched for a long time (1+ years) and found a great female PA in the next city. She was great. She held my hand as I lay on the operating table while they were adminstering the anesthsia- assuring me they would take great care of me. She even agreed to take a photo for me of my tummy before she bandaged me all up. I was very pleased with her staff, they actually hugged me after the ops and thanked me for being a great patient - imagine that!

The first week was difficult, but if you have kids (via c-section or naturally) you can do this. Day 1-3 post, my husband had to help me to and from the bathroom, help me on/off the toilet seat, cook and sponge bathe me as well as change the drainage tubes. He was great. After 3 days, I had my first post-ops. They changed bandages and made sure my drainage tubes were working. I also had a pain pump ( I highly reccommend this!). Drainage tubes were a pain because they were inserted below my incision close to where the pain pump was, so I had four tubes to take care of. I was frightend that when the tubes and pain pump were removed it would hurt, but it didn't. What I wasnt prepared for was the result of sneezing/coughing. The first time this happened, I was 3 days post. Because my muscles were repaired, it felt like my insides were being ripped apart each time I sneezed or coughed. All you can do is hold a pillow tight on your stomach as you sneeze, it will buffer the pain, but not much. The first week, I was creeping to the bathroom with the help of my husband because I was so hunched over it wasn't funny. I was not going to invest in a walker, so instead I used a folding chair to push along our hard wood floors. I don't know if this helps if you have carpet. Day 3 and 4 were easier, I could creep to the bathroom and sit on the toilet by myself (hey, every small step I celebrated). I slept on a recliner for 2 weeks using lots of pillows. I've only started sleeping in my bed for the past 3 days. The reason being, if you laid down on your bed, you would need someone to help raise you up to get up. Imagine your body, from below your breast to your hips stuck in a log - can't move it at all. Take all pain meds as directed, this will help alot.

Day 8, I had my drains and pain pump removed. Didnt take less than 30 minutes at the doctors office. I was in alot of back pain (kind of like back labor pains) so the dr. refilled my meds. I took them for about 3 more days, then I didnt need them anymore. I still can't stand up completely straight, am walking alittle slower than usual, but am extermely happy with the results even if I am still swollen. I also had breast augmentation done at the same time. My kids spent 2 weeks at my mother's, kind of like a "summer vacation" for them. They notice I'm a little slower at things, but they don't question it. I'm back to cooking. I havent done dishes, laundry or made any beds yet. I dont sweep or take out trash either. I do as little bending as possible for the time being. I did start driving before my drainage tubes were removed, but please only do this as a last resort. Have someone drive you around if possible.

Here's what I did, just because I needed pictures to see the proof. The night before my ops, I took a few pics of me in a nightie and a few in my favorite panties and swimsuits. Two weeks post, I put on the same clothes and took another pic - then I compared the two. You can see the difference even of I'm still puffy here and there. For me, surgery helped me see instantly where else I had been exercising for years with no results. I'm still in my binder, and very lucky to be hobbling here and there with no real complications. Dr says everything is looking good, so I'm headed back to work (meetings) next week. I'm so proud of my PA, she was great. My breast don't look "overly done" and you can't really notice them unless I am in my bra. They look and feel very natural, even my husband was suprised. But we're both pleased with the results. Hope this rambling helps. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions. Best of Luck to you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.R.

answers from Chicago on

My mother had the tummy tuck FIRST, then had a hysterectomy a few years later. The only negative issue she had was that they cut through the scar in the same place for the hysterectomy. Later, as it healed, it created some extra-thick scar tissue that would not 'stretch' and made it much more uncomfortable for my mom to exercise in the way she had gotten used to doing. If you have the two procedures at the same time I don't know if you would have that issue. But my mom said later, if she had known, she would rather have had TWO scars and no problems- in her 60s, she is not planning to wear a bikini anytime soon! You might feel differently, though.

but other than that, she was VERY happy with the tummy tuck and had no other ill effects. Best of luck!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions