Beauty Tips

Here's What Really Happens When You Have a Tummy Tuck

Considering abdominoplasty? One woman shares the nitty-gritty details of her journey from pre-surgery to recovery

by as told to Emily Woodruff | 13 COMMENTS

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I'm 45 years old, 5'9" and 250 pounds. The last time I was truly happy with my figure was about 20 years ago. After having my two children, the weight crept on and never really left. I've also had back problems for several years, and a few surgeries. My back problems made it difficult to be active, and the number on the scale always seemed to go up.

I decided to seriously pursue plastic surgery when I realized the extent the extra weight was affecting my life. I'm a bubbly, outgoing person, but my sagging "apron" of a stomach made me extremely self-conscious. I planned my life around hiding my body. Reaching for my baggiest clothing, always looking for a desk or chair to hide behind and finding ways to avoid standing in front of people were second nature to me. I knew it was time to change when I had to ask for an extension belt on a flight -- one of my most mortifying experiences to date.

I lost 40 pounds just by counting calories and getting more active. I walked three miles a day and tried to swim as often as possible, because my back wasn't up for any extreme physical activity. But then I plateaued. I decided (after much research) that I wanted to change my life with an abdominoplasty procedure -- or, as they're commonly known, a tummy tuck.

Cover image via Imaxtree

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