NHS Tummy Tuck Diary (Pics Included)

[Kezzak]

Hi Poppy,
Im new to this site and came across your thread, hope everything went well with your op and your on the road to recovery now. I was just wondering which consultant you saw in cambridge? I have been referred to Addenbrookes and have a consultant appointment beginning of january with a plastic surgeon to see about a tummy tuck due to terrible muscles and hanging skin. How long was it until they told you that you could go ahead with the op, was it agreed there and then or did you have to wait. Many thanks x x

 

[PoppyPoo]

OMG poppy check out your tiny waist - am gobsmacked. You're doing so well.

Went to GP myself at beginning of month and was told flatly that my PCT would not approve TT. I did ask GP to contact PCT for me just to get a list of their criteria but she refused! - can I be nosy and ask which PCT area you live in? I'm pretty sure my surgery comes under Cambs. Anyways if I dont catch up with you before have a fab chrimbo - gosh you'll be exactly one month post op then!!! take care xxx

Thanks hun! I'm feeling great! So good in fact that I've decided I will go to a gig and after party of some friends of mine on Monday night that are coming home after a european tour. Went out and bought myself some sexy pencil skirts from River Island yesterday that I've been drooling over for a couple of months. I couldn't have worn them before because my tummy would hang over the top but now I have the perfect fit. Its like a dream come true!!! :crytears of joy).

I also tried on some glitzy knitwear tops that I would never dare before because slightly sheer. And guess what... they looked fab so I bought one! I can't believe what I'm able to consider now compared to before. All my Christmases have come early!

As for your GP, if they are refusing to contact your PCT and saying they would not fund it, they need to back that up by telling you exactly what the critria are. Has your GP actually asked you any questions about your BMI, how much you've lowered it by, how long for, how your tummy affects your life? If not, they have not done their job properly.

Sound like you have a very unsupportive GP. Is there any way you could see another GP that may be more understanding.

My GP is in West Norfolk and our nearest plastics team is in Cambridge so that's how I ended up at Addenbrookes.

What area do you live in? Maybe we can find out who your PCT is and look for their criteria on the web.

Don't give up.
xx

 

[PoppyPoo]

hey pop would love to see the pics but cant find them

You need to be in my friend list hun. Will add you shortly.
xx

 

[PoppyPoo]

Hi Poppy,
Im new to this site and came across your thread, hope everything went well with your op and your on the road to recovery now. I was just wondering which consultant you saw in cambridge? I have been referred to Addenbrookes and have a consultant appointment beginning of january with a plastic surgeon to see about a tummy tuck due to terrible muscles and hanging skin. How long was it until they told you that you could go ahead with the op, was it agreed there and then or did you have to wait. Many thanks x x

Hi hun! It'll be a relief for you to know that when I got my PS appointment at Addenbrookes, I was given the go-ahead there and then. I think they had already decided yes based on me fitting the criteria but the consultant had to see me in person to get a clear medical history and to examine my tummy to see if he could definitely improve it before offering me a date.

At the first appointment I was informed that they have to get you in within 16 weeks from the date of the first letter. The following week I received a letter asking me to phone them to arrange an appointment and I was in before the 16 week deadline. If I remember rightly I think it was 12 weeks.

Addenbrookes is fantastic. Ultra-clean and comfortable and very friendly and professional staff. You couldn't want for more from a hospital. In fact, it's the only positive hospital experience I've ever had so you're in very good hands. Well done you!

Let us know how it goes.
xx

 

[Kezzak]

Hi hun! It'll be a relief for you to know that when I got my PS appointment at Addenbrookes, I was given the go-ahead there and then. I think they had already decided yes based on me fitting the criteria but the consultant had to see me in person to get a clear medical history and to examine my tummy to see if he could definitely improve it before offering me a date.

At the first appointment I was informed that they have to get you in within 16 weeks from the date of the first letter. The following week I received a letter asking me to phone them to arrange an appointment and I was in before the 16 week deadline. If I remember rightly I think it was 12 weeks.

Addenbrookes is fantastic. Ultra-clean and comfortable and very friendly and professional staff. You couldn't want for more from a hospital. In fact, it's the only positive hospital experience I've ever had so you're in very good hands. Well done you!

Let us know how it goes.
xx

Ah thanks for your reply and that is good to hear how quick you get to find out, wow that is speedy work! I know they have an 18 week turn around from first gp appointment as i had my hernia done with them a few months ago. Im keeping everything crossed that they give it the go ahead but at the same time i dont want to build my hopes up as i will be gutted if it doesnt happen. Im going on the basis that my gp thinks i have a strong case and referred me without me having to say too much and just show her the state of my tummy area!

I have started a thread so you can follow my progress and no doubt will have many questions to come.
Thanks for the reply
Kezza x

 

[XlosingitX]

You need to be in my friend list hun. Will add you shortly.
xx

wow pop they are amazing pictures your so brave to have done it and LOOK AT The RESULTS !!!! you must be so happy ... thanks for sharing with us all xxx

 

[Jax123]

Thanks hun! I'm feeling great! So good in fact that I've decided I will go to a gig and after party of some friends of mine on Monday night that are coming home after a european tour. Went out and bought myself some sexy pencil skirts from River Island yesterday that I've been drooling over for a couple of months. I couldn't have worn them before because my tummy would hang over the top but now I have the perfect fit. Its like a dream come true!!! :crytears of joy).

I also tried on some glitzy knitwear tops that I would never dare before because slightly sheer. And guess what... they looked fab so I bought one! I can't believe what I'm able to consider now compared to before. All my Christmases have come early!

As for your GP, if they are refusing to contact your PCT and saying they would not fund it, they need to back that up by telling you exactly what the critria are. Has your GP actually asked you any questions about your BMI, how much you've lowered it by, how long for, how your tummy affects your life? If not, they have not done their job properly.

Sound like you have a very unsupportive GP. Is there any way you could see another GP that may be more understanding.

My GP is in West Norfolk and our nearest plastics team is in Cambridge so that's how I ended up at Addenbrookes.

What area do you live in? Maybe we can find out who your PCT is and look for their criteria on the web.

Don't give up.
xx

Wow, Monday night sounds fab - lurve the sound of your new outfit Have a great time!

Thanx for your advice - I went to my gp as I'd already lost the first 2 stone and wanted to get my BMI officially logged as above 35 as so many PCT's want it reduced from above 35 to below 25. I also told her that I had chosen to stay big since have my twins 10 years ago as I found my overhang following the pregnancy extremely depressing. I explained that before having the twins I was a size 12 and that the overhang was pregnancy related. She told me none of what I was telling her would make any difference that my PCT did not fund TT under any circumstances. I asked if I could have a copy of their criteria and she told me there really wasnt any point - I know she's leaving after christmas and my regular GP is back off Mat leave so will go see her in the new year and try again. I will not and cannot give in without a fight!

Had assumed (well hoping really) that you were Cambridge PCT as well as you had TT at Addenbrookes LOL - guess it was wishful thinking. Anyways take care and will pop back in to check up on you I really am amazed by your progress xxx

 

[PoppyPoo]

Wow, Monday night sounds fab - lurve the sound of your new outfit Have a great time!

Thanx for your advice - I went to my gp as I'd already lost the first 2 stone and wanted to get my BMI officially logged as above 35 as so many PCT's want it reduced from above 35 to below 25. I also told her that I had chosen to stay big since have my twins 10 years ago as I found my overhang following the pregnancy extremely depressing. I explained that before having the twins I was a size 12 and that the overhang was pregnancy related. She told me none of what I was telling her would make any difference that my PCT did not fund TT under any circumstances. I asked if I could have a copy of their criteria and she told me there really wasnt any point - I know she's leaving after christmas and my regular GP is back off Mat leave so will go see her in the new year and try again. I will not and cannot give in without a fight!

Had assumed (well hoping really) that you were Cambridge PCT as well as you had TT at Addenbrookes LOL - guess it was wishful thinking. Anyways take care and will pop back in to check up on you I really am amazed by your progress xxx

Don't despair hun. If you come under Cambridge you have been wrongfully informed by that GP you saw. The criteria is: it will be considered in patients who have lost at least 10 points on BMI and whose current BMI is less than 27. The patient should have maintained this weight loss for at least 6 months.

You are right to start getting your weight logged hun. Just don't give up. I hope that Cambridgeshire PCT criteria gives you some hope. Also, I think it was Cambridge PCT that agreed to and funded my op anyway even though my GP is in West Norfolk.

Look at the follwing:
COSMETIC SURGERY

and http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache...exy&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=uk&client=firefox-a

 

[PoppyPoo]

Ah thanks for your reply and that is good to hear how quick you get to find out, wow that is speedy work! I know they have an 18 week turn around from first gp appointment as i had my hernia done with them a few months ago. Im keeping everything crossed that they give it the go ahead but at the same time i dont want to build my hopes up as i will be gutted if it doesnt happen. Im going on the basis that my gp thinks i have a strong case and referred me without me having to say too much and just show her the state of my tummy area!

I have started a thread so you can follow my progress and no doubt will have many questions to come.
Thanks for the reply
Kezza x

Well done Kezza, and wise to not get your hopes up until you know for sure. Will check your thread out. Good luck hun.
xx

 

[PoppyPoo]

wow pop they are amazing pictures your so brave to have done it and LOOK AT The RESULTS !!!! you must be so happy ... thanks for sharing with us all xxx

Thanks hun. I can't even begin to tell you how happy and thankful I am.
xx

 

[xluckyloox]

Hi all i got back home yesterday, feel like i've been hit by a bus lol. Will be worth it tho, the care at the Golden jubilee was exceptional. I'm all bandaged up so can't see a thing till i get them off or changed on 29th. Very bruised and swollen but think that is more to do with lipo done. Had 7lbs of skin and fat removed but the hospital food was lovely so prob put some back on with the amount they fed me lol. Will oost my pics as soon as bandages come off. Glad to hear your doin so well PP hope you have a great time at the party and bet u'll knock them dead with your new sexy look

xx

 

[PoppyPoo]

Hi all i got back home yesterday, feel like i've been hit by a bus lol. Will be worth it tho, the care at the Golden jubilee was exceptional. I'm all bandaged up so can't see a thing till i get them off or changed on 29th. Very bruised and swollen but think that is more to do with lipo done. Had 7lbs of skin and fat removed but the hospital food was lovely so prob put some back on with the amount they fed me lol. Will oost my pics as soon as bandages come off. Glad to hear your doin so well PP hope you have a great time at the party and bet u'll knock them dead with your new sexy look

xx

That's brilliant news Linda. Have been thinking about you.

Wow! 7lbs is great! And don't worry about gaining a bit post op, it will soon come back off again. I know what you mean though because I was fretting a bit about that, but I only lost 1.5lbs. :/

Anyway, put your feet up hun and think along the lines of... the worst is over and it can only get easier from here. I can't wait to see your pics.
xx

 

[Jax123]

Don't despair hun. If you come under Cambridge you have been wrongfully informed by that GP you saw. The criteria is: it will be considered in patients who have lost at least 10 points on BMI and whose current BMI is less than 27. The patient should have maintained this weight loss for at least 6 months.

You are right to start getting your weight logged hun. Just don't give up. I hope that Cambridgeshire PCT criteria gives you some hope. Also, I think it was Cambridge PCT that agreed to and funded my op anyway even though my GP is in West Norfolk.

Look at the follwing:
COSMETIC SURGERY

and http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache...exy&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=uk&client=firefox-a

OMG Poppy, thankyou so much - am sat here tears streaming down my face! Thank you for giving me hope just in time for christmas!

Hope you have a lovely christmas yourself xxx

 

[BornSlim]

Hello, I am also very new on here, so am going to post like mad, so I can get to look at your albums, my main interest is to wish you well, and see how you get on, my GP has said he will put me forward for a tummy tuck if I can get down to 11 stone, I am 14 stone now. I have an hernia near my belly button and the Doctor said it would be best done at the same time as the tummy tuck. Hoping to get lots of advice on these forums and start a dairy of my own soon as I get over this horrible flu. Good Luck and hope to catch up with you soon.
Val

 

[dietingqueen]

Your doing great PP.... I just had a quick look at your last pics.... the scar is coming along nicely now!!!!!

Nasx

 

[PoppyPoo]

Thanks Jax and Nas. Hope you both had a lovely Christmas.

Welcome Val and hope you're over your flu. Oh and good luck with your TT/Hernia journey. Keep us posted.

I've had an awful Christmas myself. A death in the family the day before Christmas eve which was a big shock. Then the kids full of flu all through Christmas followed by me and OH. Probably the worst Christmas ever tbh.

That's why I haven't uploaded my weekly pic yet. Have taken one though and just uploading it now.

Hope everyone hasn't put too much weight on over the festive season. I dropped a pound before Christmas and have gained 3 since. I've decided to start my new year health binge early otherwise I'll probably end up comfort eating myself into oblivion in the run up to the funeral and put on a stone. :S

Anyway girls, sorry for the depressing post. I'm looking towards 2009 with my chin up and just wanted to thank everyone that's supported me through my TT journey this year and wish everyone else the best of luck in the coming year with their own weight loss and surgery journeys.

Lots of Love
PP
xx

 

[JustJo]

I've only just seen this thread, as i've barely been on minis over the past couple of months.

It sounds as though your recovery's going swimmingly, Poppy. Don't worry too much about small weight fluctuations, as the post-op swelling will make your weight vary.

I had a private tt and thigh lift on August 1st. I did try for an NHS tt, but my PCT wouldn't fund it, despite my GP and surgeon recommending me.

It's funny how there are so many variations with the same surgery. For instance, my drains were taken out the next morning following my op. Also, my 'new' belly button looked perfect (not even scarred!) from day one!

I'd love to be added to your friends, Poppy, so I can see your pics. If you (or anyone else) wants to see my before and after pics, then just PM me and i'll give you the photobucket links. I haven't actually gotten around to updating my pics since five weeks post-op, which considering i'm now almost five months post-op, is rather slack of me! Being that much further on from surgery though, i'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Sorry to hear of your bereavement, Poppy. I hope you're okay.

Jo x

 

[PoppyPoo]

Hi Jo. Thanks so much. I've added you so you can see my pics.

Would love to see yours too. How does your scar look 5 months on? I've been using bio oil and those silicone sheet things and my OH reckons the scar is really flattening a lot quicker than my c-section scars did.

I am also starting to note a visible improvement in the stretch marks since using the Bio-Oil. I'm so happy because my upper abs and the skin there feel like pre-pregnancy in my 20s - no stretch marks there at all. The stretch marks that were there have been pulled down to my lower tum but they are nowhere near as bad as the ones that were cut away.

My tummy button is fab now but the first couple of days it looked like something out of a horror movie!

And what was the thigh lift like? I can imagine that being more painful because of having to sit and lie on the wounds.

Sorry to hear your PCT wouldn't help you. It really is a postcode lottery isn't it.

Anyway hun, let me know what you think of my pics.
xx

 

[Jax123]

So sorry to hear your sad news and that you were all poorly over chrimbo :hug99: Good on you starting your new year regime now - very wise under the circumstances. Hope all goes as well as it can over the next few weeks. Take care, will be thinking of you xxxx

 

[PoppyPoo]

Thanks Jax honey. Did you have a nice Christmas? My mum tells me WW introduced an updated system just before Christmas. Have you been doing it? Might have to sneak a peak at some of her books. I did a bit of WW years ago and always think in terms of WW points about my food which definitely helps with maintaining.