Mine stands you up also, I only used that for the worst post surgery days becuase it is slow, but when you need it, that feature is stupendous. Also, I think that the strain on your inscions is reduced so that is good for long term appearance, as well as them not opening up. By the time you are done with it, you may know someone who is ready for it. Mine was easy to move-the back pull out and you put that in the backseat and the base fits in the trunk. I have a normal car and got it home with no trouble, and a neighbor helped me get it out bc the base was too heavy for me alone.

Good luck.

The additional consults seem like a good idea. I was lucky - Dr Michaels is 2 hours away from me and I stayed with family in the DC area for 2 days after surgery. One or two nights post surg is all you would need in a hotel, but location really is a consideration for routine followup and esp if you have any major complications.

a traditional tummy tuck has a horizontal cut that goes across the bikini line. An FDL (fleur de lis) tummy tuck also has that, but in addition, it has a vertical cut that goes from that line up the front of your torso (up to your ribs or so). So it looks like an upside down "T".

it's easier for them to get to the extra skin and fat above your navel (that is, if you have skin and fat up that high) if they do a fleur de lis. But some surgeons (and people) don't like them because it leaves a vertical scar up the center of your body.

I had an lbl. My waist before surgery was 27 and immediately after was 31. By the end of month one I had lost 3 of the 4 extra inches. It took another few months to lose the last inch. My breasts were not swollen much at all after my breast lift.

By the end of week 3 I looked pretty good.

thanks for the pics - you look great!!