15 replies to this topic

[kidrock]

Hi

I am T5. I was 27 when I went into the chair which was 4 1/2 years ago. I gained 4 stones. I was always slim before and being short the photos from a friends birthday party forced me to lose weight. It's taken me two years but, i've managed to lose 3 1/2 stone. But, i look like i've melted I think the only option for me is to have a tummy tuck and lipo suction. I don't want to be stick thin. I just would love to feel normal when i look in the mirror rather than being repulsed. I also have a parastomal hernia which is making my stomach 10x worse. (I think I over did it in the gym) My doctor has said that it's best to do both surgeries at the same time.

Anybody gone down this route?

[pinkcloud]

quote name='pinkcloud' timestamp='1309689858' post='238892']
yeah i did....the3res a reason slimming mags dont do nude shots...we have to find that joy out ourself i'm glad you posted this, lots dont know this

at the time because i had two caesarian sections me tummy muscles got cut away and no matter what i did, hundred plus sit ups a day, horse rode..everything it was never flat again.

Me ex who was king of all ba**** told me that me stomach was like a drained tea bag with maggots growing underneath. Me head got messed up and I nearly had the major surgery done.I developed some phobia and obsession about it, looking at celebrity agazines comparing mine.

Until a friend said 'its not the tummy you need to get rid of, thats your baby wounds of love for your children...hes the ugly-ness you need to get rid off. I got rid of him when i broke thorough the fear grip. I never had it done and i'm glad.i never thought i'd share this story in public

Me nice boyfriend after told me 'he said this so you would hate yourself so you wouldnt let no bloke see you'. He was right.

Now with weight gain sci, i am proud of me body - i am not dead. Thats enough to appreciate. Plus I aint in me 20s now, I'm mid 30s, sci and loads of me age group are in worst shape than me, and they do have the opportunity to get rid of the excess weight.

Yes go ahead, loads of people are happy having it done, be prepared for pain and the possibility of the weight coming back on at some time and enjoy all, do ask about the tummy button, will it look nice? Will you get nerve damage from the cut into muscles and nerves (i cant feel mine its numb after caesarian) Your used to sci pain, nothings as bad as that.Make sure you got some excellent aftercare sorted as it takes a while to recover. T-spine injury meself, no good for me, what muscle i have struggles to cope with me even sitting up.

Keep us posted and at pain times, just think of all that fun buying new clothes, good self esteem never hurts anyone (except people jelous of us having it) As long as you enjoy your body on ya on or with another - all that matters.

Edited by pinkcloud, 03 July 2011 - 10:52 AM.

[Cathelena]

I am t4 complete and had been wondering if a tummy tuck was possible. I went to see a plastic surgeon, who had previously done breast augementtion for me, to get his advice on this. He told me it would not really be possible because of the lack of muscle and possible nerve damage. He said that any improvement would be minimal and would not last so he would not take my money for this. He also said it may cause respiratpry problems. I would be interested to hear frrom anyone who has had one done and
what the result was as my stomach really gets me down.

[Cathelena]

Cathelena, on 03 July 2011 - 11:56 AM, said:

I am t4 complete and had been wondering if a tummy tuck was possible. I went to see a plastic surgeon, who had previously done breast augementtion for me, to get his advice on this. He told me it would not really be possible because of the lack of muscle and possible nerve damage. He said that any improvement would be minimal and would not last so he would not take my money for this. He also said it may cause respiratpry problems. I would be interested to hear frrom anyone who has had one done and
what the result was as my stomach really gets me down.

Just noticed that you are incomplete whereas i am complete, so i expect that has alot to do with if the procedure would be beneficial

[kidrock]

Thanks Pinkcloud and Cathelena for replying.

The 1st doctor i discussed it with said "you need to accept it, you've been through so much, wear a corset" I came out the waiting room feeling deflated. The 2nd doctor was brilliant and referred me to a general surgeon who agreed that i could have the surgery. She said that i could apply to the PCT to have the surgery on the NHS but it could take years or pay for it. I have decided to pay. I am scared and i have spend a long time thinking about it. It would be nice to speak to people that have been through it.

When i gave birth to my son it was a normal delivery but, i've since had shunt surgery and a ileostomy. I think my muscles have been damaged.

My husband understands and thankfully is very supportive.

I'm completely numb and i had a very quick recovery when i had the surgeries so I'm really hoping (or wishful thinking) that the same will happen with a tummy tuck.

[kidrock]

Hi Pinkcloud

I'm glad you kicked your ex into touch. I've been lucky that my husband tells me i look fine. But, i do hate that everything i wear needs to be elasticated. I really wish there was an easy option for us all.

[Apparelyzed]

The reason most SCI's get the "Belly" is due to lack of muscle tone, not excess weight.

Weight loss will reduce the "Belly", but will not rid you of it completely.

For cosmetic reasons, you could try wearing an abdominal binder, and try the electrical toning belts, but it will only be a short term fix, and once the belt and binder are removed, the muscles will stretch again to return the "Belly".

The surgery for excess skin will reduce the "Belly" a bit, but the stretched muscles will still be there.

Surgery to tighten the muscles also has risks. There could be a risk of autonomic dysreflexia post surgery, herniations, and unless there is residual muscle tone, the remaining muscles will eventually stretch as before.

Simon.

[kidrock]

Thanks Simon

You have just highlighted what i'm worried about. I don't want to pay out all this money if it's just going to come back. Is it just a try and see? Do you know If it comes back is it straight away?

I was hoping that i would come to accept what's happened to my body but, after 4 years I'm still hating looking in the mirror.

I'll look into the adominal binder it would be lovely to have something more permanent rather than a short time fix.

[Cathelena]

Cheers Simon. You more or less confirmed what my surgeon told me. Its alot of money to pay out for little results. Has anyone tried the electrical pads on a fes bike on the stomach, as i was told this would have some beneficial effects

[kidrock]

Hi
I'm actually really gutted. I'm going to call the doctor in the morning and discuss further. I've been led to believe that i would be OK for surgery.

I'll let you know how i get on.

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

If you really want to pursue this, talk to a spinal cord injury specialist first. Most non SCI surgeons haven't a clue about possible SCI related complications.

Simon.

[kidrock]

Finally after being sent around to everybody for advice i've got somewhere and have had it agreed to have tummy tuck surgery but, the deal is that i also have a bowel surgeon to move my stoma to the opposite side and sort the hernia out. Also, i need to pay privately for the surgery and they will only do it if i'm in the nhs ward so they can keep and eye on me.

The surgeons are both very confident. They did not make me feel foolish or vain for wanting this surgery. I was also told they would not pull me tight so because of that i shouldn't expect a wash board stomach. But, i could wear pull tight underwear something that is impossible now. So now waiting for the full price and a date when they can do the surgery.

I need to add that my stomach problem is alot more than tetra belly and it is something that is ruining my life, that may seem ridiculous but, it really is.

[Califanna]

kidrock, on 03 July 2011 - 02:19 PM, said:

Thanks Pinkcloud and Cathelena for replying.

The 1st doctor i discussed it with said "you need to accept it, you've been through so much, wear a corset" I came out the waiting room feeling deflated. The 2nd doctor was brilliant and referred me to a general surgeon who agreed that i could have the surgery. She said that i could apply to the PCT to have the surgery on the NHS but it could take years or pay for it. I have decided to pay. I am scared and i have spend a long time thinking about it. It would be nice to speak to people that have been through it.

When i gave birth to my son it was a normal delivery but, i've since had shunt surgery and a ileostomy. I think my muscles have been damaged.

My husband understands and thankfully is very supportive.

I'm completely numb and i had a very quick recovery when i had the surgeries so I'm really hoping (or wishful thinking) that the same will happen with a tummy tuck.

Be very careful afterwards. If you transfer a great deal or lift your chair into your car, you can easily get a hernia after the surgery. So make sure the doctor explains the complications associated with the tuck afterwards to you personally. I realize each person is different but their is risk of hernia due to the tuck.

[kidrock]

Thanks for the advice

I had a very indepth conversation with the bowel surgeon.

I was told i need to take it easy and they explained to my husband that he would need to really look after me. No gym or doing any lifting for a couple of months. The choice to resite my stoma is to give me a better outcome so not to develope another hernia.

[hannahmontana]

kidrock, on 03 July 2011 - 03:49 PM, said:

Thanks Simon

You have just highlighted what i'm worried about. I don't want to pay out all this money if it's just going to come back. Is it just a try and see? Do you know If it comes back is it straight away?

I was hoping that i would come to accept what's happened to my body but, after 4 years I'm still hating looking in the mirror.

I'll look into the adominal binder it would be lovely to have something more permanent rather than a short time fix.

spanx.

[mamabas]

Where can I find an abdominal binder,any certain ones more comfortable under clothing,meaning not show as much? Or are they the same as the pregnancy belts?