“Postphoned Till Further Notice”

I'm 44 years old, 155-160lbs,5'6", mother of 3 (21,20,18) and I'm married to a wonderful man for 23 years. I've wanted TT for about 20 years, after I had my second son, my belly was not cooperating, it would just lay there all flabby and ugly. My sister-in-law had a TT 20 years ago and at that time I told her she didn't need it and thought she was crazy. But let me tell you, she looked and still looks great. That planted a seed, and finally it beared fruit and now I can't wait to take a bite of it. After I had my last child, a girl, not only did I have a flabby belly but also the stretch marks go above my BB. Through the years, I have gained weight (heaviest 197lbs after I quit smoking) and lost weight (my lightest after working out like a fiend after 3rd kid 135lbs) but my body always goes back to 155-160lbs and that belly never goes away. So it's time, it's my time.

Through out our marriage, my husband is usually the one that buys big ticket items, like TVs and of course when they went flat he had to get one of those too. He's has bought at least 3 jetskis, aways getting rid of the old so he can buy the new and improved models. Doesn't send much of a message, but rest assured, he is only like that with gagets. I was ready to argue that it was my turn to spend money and get TT. He said, you dont need that and when I told him that I dont like this thing hanging and would one day love to be happy with my body he said, "okay." He kinds took the steam out of me. I know he loves me and my belly they way it is.

I had my initial consult, 12/8/11, and I liked the MD and his staff. They made me feel comfortable (I was a nervous wreck), They answered all the questions I could remember and then some. They even answered my emails promptly. I like them. He is board certified, has been doing this for >20 years, I saw pictures of previous work (they looked good) and the surgery will take place at a surgical center right out side the hospital.

My questions is: Should I go get a second consult from someone else so I can compare?

Updated on 10 Dec 2011:
I have read other reviews about being obsessed and always thinking about the TT, I thought yeah, I think about mine all the time, so. But now that I scheduled my TT, I have TT on the brain. I mean, when I wake up, when I brush my teeth, when I'm taking a shower, when I'm eating breafast, when I'm driving to work, when I'm with a client,...well, you get the idea. I even dreamt about it last night.

I bought a bikini on-line yesterday. I told my self in the past that I would wait untill I can actually wear it. But I'm soooo excited and couldn't wait!

Updated on 11 Dec 2011:
37 days to go. I couldn't help but counting the days to my TT, and now I wished I didn't. It feel like it's a long time away. In the meantime, I'm getting prepared. However, I have to wait till after the holidays to really get my house ready. I have a list going and it's getting longer every day.Updated on 15 Dec 2011:33 days to go. I feel myself freaking out sometimes. I don't know why. I've wanted this for so long.
My bikini came in and I tried it on and took it off just as quickly. I hate my belly. I'm scared that I won't look good in it after the TT.Updated on 19 Dec 2011:29 days to go and I'm starting to get scared. I had my chest X-ray done today and I guess this started to make it real. I even thought about postphoning it for a couple of months. Now thats CRAZY! I've waited for so long that I know I would kick myself later for changing the date.Updated on 22 Dec 2011:26 days to go and this time next month I'll be 5 days po. I can't wait, I'm so excited. I sound like that song, you know: I'm so exited, and just can't hide, oh oh oh ow...LOL

Updated on 28 Dec 2011:
20 days to go. Had blood work done early since my own doctor also wanted it. Got the results today. My doc stated I have an over active thyroid. He's scheduled more tests and for right now the TT will go as scheduled. Now I'm really second guessing myself. What the hell am I doing?!

Updated on 30 Dec 2011:
Had more blood work done and a sonogram of the thyroid. Now, I'm waiting for the results. I did some research of what an overactive thyroid may mean and it doesn't seem too bad and I don't think it will interfere with the TT. So, I'm still excited but a little hesitant.

Updated on 2 Jan 2012:
15 days to go, wow, how time flies. Haven't heard anything back from my doc so I guess he is waiting till the medical clearance appt (1/11/12) to tell me more.
I've been eating like crazy. I was hoping to lose about 10 lbs since this whole thing started but I guess thats not going to happen.
Oh, well...

Updated on 5 Jan 2012:
12 days to go! Had my pre-op today. PS explained since there is some separation of the abdominal muscle he will be tightening those from the Xyphoid (where the ribs meet in the front) all the way down to the pubis. I will have 2 drains along the incision which will be pinned to the garment. My post-op visit will be 1/19/12 and the follow-up visit is on 1/26/12 where the first drain will be removed. The 2nd drain should be removed on the second week depending on the output. I got my scripts needed post-op, antibiotic, pain med and antinausea. The before pictures were also taken today and at the 8 week post-op visit another set will be taken.
I still have my medical clearance to be done on 1/11/12 and he will perform the EKG at that time. Still haven't heard back about the testing I had done. I guess no news is good news.
I'm super excited but when I was at my PS i was very nervous. This is another step toward realizing my long awaited dream.

Updated on 5 Jan 2012:
I forgot to mention that my surgery is paid in full. No turning back without getting charged 10% of the total cost. Don't worry, I'm not backing up.

Updated on 6 Jan 2012:
11 days to go. All that money, I'm feeling guilty. I keep thinking that money can go to pay taxes or for my daughter's college fund or toward the principle on the mortgage or just for a rainy day. I have never spent this kind of money on myself. My honey says that I deserve it and not to worry about it. I will try.

Updated on 7 Jan 2012:
10 days to go! Now that its all paid off, I'm not looking back. I want this! I keep going through other reviews and see all those flat bellies and think "THATS GONNA BE ME!".

Updated on 13 Jan 2012:
4 days to go and I don't think its going to happen. At my medical clearance, my doctor stated that I definately have an overactive thyroid and he can not clear me for surgery unless a specialist can. Now mind you, my clearance was 2 days ago, I thought there was no way an Endocrinologist was going to get me on time. Well, surprise, surprise... The office of one did call me yesterday and squeezed me in. The Dr was very nice and she is trying to work with me. I had to get more blood work done yesterday then she will decide today.
This all sucks! I had my time arranged off work. My TT is paid in full. And I was really looking forward to a flat belly.

Updated on 13 Jan 2012:
Well, its official - its postphoned indefinately! I was trying to stay positivie all day yesterday. Was expecting the call this am, when I didn't hear from them by 10am I called them and they stated they will call me back. Then I didn't hear from them at 1:30pm, I called them and they stated they will call me back. I reminded them that I needed to call my PS to notify him in time to cancel. They stated they will call me back. All the wait was driving me crazy!
I finally got a call at 3:45pm and it was recommended to postphone till my thyroid levels are stable. I will be started on medication and will go back to see my endocrinologist in 5 weeks.
I'm so upset. I've been waiting almost half my life for this and now that I can afford it its further away from my my dream becoming a reality.
I guess I'm feeling sorry for myself...sorry.
I'll be on here when its scheduled...Again.
I love this site. There are some really amazing women on here. I never felt any question was dumb and I gained much knowledge. This site is on my favorites, and I will check in from time to time.
Thank You