7 weeks post op, some pooching :-/ - Akron, OH

Hi I'm new to the forum! I've been lurking for a long time, but new to posting. I have wanted a TT for 7 years when my second child was born. My stomach remained very round and protruding after he was born. 7 years later I still look 4-5 mos. pregnant. I always thought if I lost weight it would flatten out. However, I recently lost 20 lbs. and I think it looks even worse! It's somewhat smaller, but still round and now even more mismatched with the rest of my body size. I do not have a loose skin problem, nor do I have a ton of abdominal fat. My #1 issue is that I have such a round appearance to my belly. Likely due to seperation/diastasis.

I just scheduled the surgery today, and it's only 1 month away!! I had to move quickly because I'm having a lull at work right now, so it's the perfect time to take a leave of absence. I'm not nervous about the surgery itself. I've had 6 knee surgeries and 2 c-sections and surgery doesn't "scare" me. I am nervous more about people's reactions to tell you the truth. I'm not overweight, and I think I hide the bulge well. Therefore I've had some negative responses when I tell others. If they don't think I need it, they immediately decide I don't and tell me so. It's been a little frustrating because I haven't had support from everyone. Hoping to find some here!

I'm 5'9" and 170 lbs right now. My BMI is 25 (high side of normal). I would like to lose another 5 lbs. before the surgery if I can. I will share the before photos I took the other day. Thanks for any support or advice as I prepare for this surgery!!! I'm so ecstatic and the reality hasn't totally set in yet.

My physician office called yesterday to schedule my surgery time and pre-op appointment. My surgery will be at 7:30am and I have to arrive at 6:00am. My pre-op testing is on Feb. 18th and they will draw blood. I am getting excited and can't believe how quickly the date is coming! Next Monday I have to pay my OR fee, anesthesia fee, and surgeon's fee. Everything is coming together nicely! Does anyone have a good list of things I need to buy to prepare for post-op? I already have a recliner but I wonder if there are some "must haves" I need.

This past week I've been telling some of my family members about my surgery, and preparing for arrangements for my kids. I work 32 hours a week (9:30-3:15 approximately, Mon-Fri) and I drive my kids to school and back. I don't have before and after care for them, due to this, and my husband works long hours. Making the arrangements has been the hardest part so far! My mom lives about 35-40 minutes away, but thank goodness for her. She will be helping for most of my recovery. At least for a few days after surgery. How has everyone else handled things with their children? Mine are 10 and 7, so luckily they are old enough to micorwave their own dinner, etc. I'll be buying them some frozen meals to make after school when I'm home with them and can't stand in the kitchen to cook. My husband is gone most days from about 7:30-6:30p. It'll be tough! But we'll make it work!