Post Operation Day 1
Hey All! I just wanted to pop on and check in. On Wednesday I had surgery, you can read more about that here. Things could not have gone better! If you get queasy easily you may not want to read this post.
GRAPHIC IMAGE WARNING!!!
(The above video was taken the morning of surgery.)
I did a lot of research and decided to go with one of the best plastic surgeons in his field, Dr. Grant Stevens. He’s known for his laser bra and drainless skin removal surgery technique. The drainless technique is a newer method but surgeons are finding that it lowers your risk of infection, your risk of seromas, and has a quicker recovery process. This method is typically a bit more pricy because there is so much extra stitching involved.
Surgery lasted about three hours. After spending about an hour in the recovery room, I was escorted to an aftercare facility for overnight monitoring. Everyone was incredibly hospitable. They even had a gluten and dairy free menu for their allergy sensitive guests. It was more like an overnight stay at a spa than a hospital!
I was up and walking a couple hours after surgery. I haven’t experienced any real pain yet, just a little bit of discomfort here and there. Recovery from my abdominoplasty has been much easier than my cesarean recoveries so far.
At my post operation visit, I was able to see my tummy for the first time and am so pleased with the way everything turned out. The best part is that I haven’t had a single ounce of back pain since the surgery. This could be because of the meds I’m on but I’d like to think that it’s due in part to the muscle repair and skin removal surgeries.
Dr. Stevens removed 4 pounds worth of excess skin as well as an old botched tattoo, during my surgery.
My incision will eventually fade into a thin white line, like my cesarean scar, and I’ll be back to running and strenuous forms of exercise in 6-8 weeks.
In the mean time I’m taking it easy, recovering, and enjoying not having to do the dishes!
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I’ve read every single message and I’m very grateful for ya’ll. I will update again soon. If you’d like to follow along with my recovery process click here to subscribe. I also post daily updates on Instagram Stories.
Speedy recovery and thank you for sharing this!
Thank you Marian!
GIRL, this couldn’t load fast enough!! I can’t wait to watch you blossom 🙂
Congratulations.
Aw, thank you so much!
Wow, look at your tiny waist! Those scars will heal beautifully. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂
Your Belly looks so nice. Congrats to you and your amazing team of doctors and nurses!
Thank you so much! I’m very pleased!
Hi Brittany…I am stunned you have no drainage tubes! I had two and they were a lot of work, emptying them and measuring the fluid and recording. I had them for weeks! Good for you. Take it easy, let everyone wait on you. Best wishes!
The tubes were one of my biggest concerns. I was so happy to find a physician who was very experienced in the drainless technique. Thank you Deb!
It looks great so far! Congrats
Thank you Jenny!
Wow1 Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing. You are so brave and authentic! Wishing you an easy & swift recovery.
Thank you so much Donna. <3
I hope you recover quickly with minimal pain and discomfort. Thank you for being so transparent about this journey. I have been wondering about how some of the skin issues are dealt with.
It stinks to put in so much effort and then have to deal with the pitfalls of excess skin. I’m glad that there are procedures like this one that can help. 🙂 Thank you for your kindness Kathyl!
So very happy for you, Brittany! After losing more than 100 pounds, I have also thought about doing the same thing. I am sure you will feel so much better without that excess skin and with having your abdominal wall repaired. God bless you for sharing the details for those of us who are interested and praying for you that your recovery continues to go smoothly for you.
Karen, Its always so good to hear from you. 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement.
Congratulations!! I had a breast reduction about 4 years ago and it was the best thing for me!! No more being self conscious and refusing to exercise for me. I finally feel normal. I like that feeling. I have thought about a tummy tuck/ skin removal but not sure yet so keep us posted with your progress.
I will definitely keep you all posted. 🙂
WOW! I’m so glad you are posting all this. It definitely will help others understand the process and what’s involved. You go girl!
Thank you Diane!
Any time I see your site, I can’t help but smile. You’re a bright light and a true gift. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us…being bold, brave and vulnerable is a beautiful thing! Bless you!!!!
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words Amanda. That means a lot to me!
Thanks for sharing your journey, you have people from near and far thinking of/appreciating you. Were you given a new bellybutton? Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
He just cleaned up my old one. 🙂 I’ll share pictures of it later.
Speedy recovery to you! I also had 4 csections and four years ago I had an abdominoplasty and breast reduction at the same time. Best decision. I made myself walk a good bit. One thing I remember is the soreness I felt when I laughed or sneezed. Nothing horrible, just muscle soreness. I had one drainage tube that was more of a pest to me so you are definitely lucky to not have that. You look great! I was at Target in a week post op because I was tired of being cooped up:)
Congratulations! Sending prayers and hugs for a speedy recovery. I follow you on FB and check your website often for recipes in my own weight loss journey. You are truly an inspiration – best wishes!
Brittany,
So glad it all went so smoothly for you. The results are amazing. I can’t even fathom how they cut out that much extra skin…crazy.
And if your results are that good at one day post op, I can’t wait to see what they are in a few months!!!!! So happy for you. Your blog truly makes us feel like we’re part of your journey and it’s very inspiring.
I follow along to get healthy meal ideas. I have a son who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 14 years old and I keep trying to get him on a healthier diet. Now he’s 17 and refuses to give sugar and processed snacks. I wish I had been able to do what you are doing – getting your family all on a real food diet.
Thanks for sharing and being so transparent. It’s rare in the world we live in.
Fantastic! You just keep getting better!!
I’m so happy that your surgery went well. You’re looking great, but most importantly, you’re going to feel great! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Congratulations Brittany! Continued prayers for a great recovery. You deserve this & your back will be better! Thank you for being such a super inspiration for all ages!
Thank you so much Tess. <3
I had abdominoplasty 2 weeks and 5 days ago. Recovery hasn’t been horrific but definitely has been worse than my cesareans. I can’t stand up straight yet and that is really driving me crazy, but I’m not in any pain at all any more. I hope you have a speedy uncomplicated recovery and wonderful results! Welcome to the flat side. It is truly amazing to look down and not see all that loose saggy skin for the first time in 18 years for me!
I’m sorry to hear that Kim! I thought I wouldn’t be able to stand up straight either but I’m not experiencing some of the typical symptoms that others complain about. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear that you don’t have pain anymore! Crossing my fingers that my recovery goes just as smoothly as yours!
Thanks for sharing; that is so very brave of you! I really had no idea what was involved with this procedure. Have a speedy recovery and thanks for all you are doing (and sharing) for all of us.
Honesty that’s not graphic at all! You look fabulous! How exciting for you. Will keep praying that you get rid of your bad back pain. So neat you have such a huge support system! YAY YOU! Thanks for sharing too!!!! Btw, I made my first chicken soup following your recipe and others last night. I added quinoa left over from the night before and veggies galore! Turned out fabulous. I’m sure you’ll be on a strict diet. Don’t over do it please. The meds your getting will make you feel like a queen, but when they wear off you’ll feel it. Go lay back down on that couch or sit in that chair etc.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Brittany, thank you so much for posting about your adventure. I wish you a Speedy Recovery. About 5 years ago I lost 50 lbs and have wanted to have this type of surgery but I would like to lose more weight so I don’t know if I should wait. I have been having back issues for 2 years and I think it is from the extra skin so I don’t know what to do. You are in my Thoughts and Prayers.
Sue
I’m so happy to hear it went so well. Thanks for sharing the photos. Your belly looks fantastic! I hope you continue to feel okay and have a smooth, speedy recovery.
I’ve been thinking about you this week. So glad everything went well. ☺️
Happy to hear that you are doing well! Glad you are spreading the good word about Drainless Tummytucks. They are a much better option for all concerned. How does your tummy look today?
Dr Grant Stevens
Marina Plastic Surgery Associates
Hi Dr.
Things are looking great! Thank you for checking in. <3
Encouraging! I was wondering if Insurance covers this procedure! If not, can you give an approximate cost for this?
It 100% depends on the surgeon and the procedure. It can range from $6,000-$16,000
I believe you are an incredible inspiration to so many. You are (and always have been) beautiful and that beauty while quite obvious on the outside, begins and shines from inside. You are extremely brave to share your journey so honestly. Your family is blessed to have you as the heart of the family and your fans are blessed to “know” you. You keep it real and that is quite an accomplishment in this Day and age. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Patty, You are so incredibly kind. Your words have blessed me greatly. Thank you.
I’m always amazed how much you’re willing to share with us. Most people would say “After research, I’m having an abdominoplasty performed.” We’d have so many questions but most likely wouldn’t feel like we had the chance to ask.
You are always very open and I really appreciate it.
Speedy recovery & Healing prayers uplifted!
Wow, thank you so much Kathryn. <3