On June 27, Mob Wives diva Renee Graziano underwent a massive surgical overhaul — a $30,000 “full body lift,” including a tummy tuck and a buttocks lift — because, as Renee put it, she has always wanted more “junk in my trunk.” What she got was a near death experience: Coming out of anesthesia after the five-hour procedure, Renee moved the wrong way and burst open her stitches, unleashing a geyser of blood — and requiring emergency surgery at a Staten Island hospital. Renee spoke to OK! magazine from her hospital bed about the ordeal.
How did you tear the stitches in your back?
Basically, they cut me all the way around the middle, and after the surgery, I don’t know if I sat up, rolled over or whatever, but I tore the stitches open. They realized, after maybe 15 minutes, that I was in a pool of blood.
Did it hurt?
Honestly, I don’t remember because I was still under anesthesia. But I had to undergo a blood transfusion; I received three pints. Then I went back under for 40 more minutes of surgery. This has not been pleasurable — not that I expected it to be a walk in the park, but I didn’t expect the complications, and I don’t think the doctor expected the complications. But I always say, “You never know what to expect with Renee!”
How are you feeling now?
I’m having a lot of pain now, to be honest. I did as much walking as I could this morning. I was great, and then after a few hours, the doctor had to change my bandages. I’m leaking or whatever.
Did VH1 film the ordeal for the show?
No, no, no. We filmed the surgery day and me in recovery — but the rest was just a little too personal. This show isn’t about blood and guts.
Did you have any second thoughts before the surgery?
The guy I’m now dating, we’ll call him Mystery Man, when I discussed it with him, he was like, “Don’t do it; you don’t need it.” But I don’t listen to anyone.
Tell us more about Mystery Man.
I’m going to try to keep this as private as possible. There’s really nothing physical between us. We’re friendly, and we’ve gone on a few dates. I’ve had dinner at his mother’s house.
Do you regret the surgery?
It looks like a horror story, but I don’t want it to. S*** happens. I don’t want people to be afraid. I mean, would I do it again? Yeah, I would, you know what I mean? Everything is a learning experience.
Does the close call make you think about mortality?
I’m on the mend now! I’m not dying anytime soon. I’ve got about another five seasons for you!
THE SLIMMER BODY SHE WANTS BACK
Before she became a reality TV sensation, Renee worked behind the scenes as a stylist for entertainers, among them rapper 50 Cent, who remains a pal. In those days, the sassy Staten Islander boasted a far svelter physique. After her surgical ordeal, is Renee hoping for a return to her former shape? While in the hospital she told OK!, “We just don’t know what the results will be yet. But I’m not thinking about a bikini; right now, the only thing I’m looking forward to is recovering.”
before and after photos: WENN