“Mommy Makeover...feeling amazing”

Well, the reason I decided to get a mommy makeover is because pregnancy took a nasty toll on my body despite my best efforts. I only have one child, but I'm 4'11" with a small torso. Needless to say I stretched out and stayed that way. To be completely honest I got stretch marks on my left arm, breasts, tummy, butt, and both legs. It was extremely difficult for me emotionally because as stupid as it sounds now I did not believe I could get stretch marks all over the place.

My husband does not mind the stretch marks because he gained 20 pounds during my pregnancy and has matching stretch marks on his inner thighs. Despite all that I do not think my husband will ever understand that women's clothes is meant to show off skin and people can be cruel towards skin imperfections. The one time I tried to wear a bathing suit after having my baby was awful. It was just my family, but they were cruel. My sister still likes to make it know to everyone that I have stretch marks.

I am hoping that this whole surgery is worth it and that I can show off some skin on some part of my body. I am nervous and would really like advice. I will put pictures up when my husband finds where he put the camera.LOL might be a while.

Updated on 2 Jul 2011:
So I went in for my pre-op and I was nervous, but my mom was even more nervous. Dr. Williams went over the whole procedure with her and she seemed to be more relaxed after. Dr. Williams is very knowledgeable, patient, and reasonably priced. His staff consists of very patient and knowledgeable women. I am nervous about my mommy makeover because of the risks not because of the doctor. Trust me if you happen to live in California and you are thinking about having anything done just visit his office-HE IS WORTH IT. Ill update with before and after pictures when possible.

Updated on 2 Jul 2011:
So I went to pick up my prescriptions at 1pm and they did not have anything on record for me. I got so nervous since my surgery is in the morning on Tuesday and Monday is a holiday. I called the after hours hotline because I did not know what else to do and the nurse was very helpful. I felt bad bothering Dr. Williams, but he was amazing and he apologized. He goes above and beyond!

Updated on 6 Jul 2011:
Yesterday was my surgery day and I was so nervous that at one point I thought I would run away. The staff was amazing they made me feel comfortable by making jokes and providing anything I needed. When it was time for surgery I was ready and when I came to I did not believe it was already over. My husband brought me a cute plant and took me home.
The first night was rough just because I was getting used to my limitations. I also went pee every half hour, which made sleeping impossible for me and my husband. I am so thankful that he was so understanding and helpful.
The most unexpected part of the surgery so far has been the emotional roller coaster. I feel happy that I get my body back and then I get grumpy from not being able to get comfortable, and then I get kinda sad that I cannot do much for myself.
This morning I received a thoughtful surprise from Dr. Williams and his staff; it was a bouquet of beautiful flowers. He really is a surgeon that goes above and beyond.

Updated on 7 Jul 2011:
So yesterday was day two of recovery and it was worse than day one, but I made it! I experienced coughing-not fun. I also became itchy and really sore. All of which I expected but still painful.

Updated on 9 Jul 2011:
Today is Saturday or day 4 and I feel amazing. Yesterday I only took two pain pills and I finally took a number two. For everyone who has had a tummy tuck you know how difficult that is. Today I am not going to take any pain pills, so I will let you know how that goes.
Yesterday I went to the doctor's office and saw his assistant Jennifer. She removed the gauze, took pictures, and removed a drain. Out of everything the removal of the tape on the gauze hurt the most. The drain removal felt like someone trying to tickle my tummy, but my tummy was numb.
Today I can almost stand all the way up and my breasts look amazing I have pictures below. I can take a shower today and wash my garment-EXCITING!
A few things that I have learned so far is that trying to lay on your side is not a good idea even though your back is sore and have back up people to help you. What I mean is my husband has been helping me and I asked him if he wanted a break because I had plenty of other willing to help, but he did not want to admit it. Unfortunately it took him yelling at me for me to realize that he really did need a break. So now I have everyone on 8 hour shifts so that no one can really get run down. Remember everyone needs time for themselves to relax!

Updated on 10 Jul 2011:
Today is Sunday...my favorite day so far! Yesterday I went shopping for some lose fitting close with my sister and mother. It was hilarious and all the laughing hurt. I used a wheel chair because we were out for hours. I thought I would be exhausted today, but I feel even better. No pain pills for me today.
Sadly yesterday I had to make my husband leave the house to stay elsewhere. We were not getting along because he was lying about doing simple things like feeding our cat and he was not willing to help me move around anymore. Hopefully no one else has to go through this during this recovery. I am great though because I have a great family that do not put me down while I am trying to heal.
The only thing that hurts today is my butt from the sitting. I can stand up straight and laughing does not hurt, but coughing still does.

Updated on 11 Jul 2011:
I went to the mall yesterday in a wheel chair and the looks I got where awkward. People just do not know how to respond to people in wheel chairs. Some people stand in the way even after you say excuse me multiple times, some people turn and walk the other way, and some people are helpful.
Going to the mall yesterday was to make me feel better about everything going on and it did. I bought a small dress that I would never could fit before surgery, but I tried it on with all my swelling and it fit! I am loving the new me! From a large to a small :)! I am so glad there are plastic surgeons like Dr. Williams!
After the mall my mother brought my daughter over and she ran to me and started kissing me. I loved every second of it...it has been really hard not being able to lift her and run with her. My daughter is only 17 months old but she knows that I do not feel. I cannot wait to be able to be the best mother I can for her.

Updated on 11 Jul 2011:
So I am still at odds with my husband, but I let him back because my family needed to deal with another family matter. I found out when I kicked him out he went dancing and drinking...I do know if he is a keeper anymore. Anyone have suggestions.

Updated on 12 Jul 2011:
I was pleasantly surprised when I received a get well card from the surgery center that I had my procedure at. I really am enjoying everything about the mommy makeover, except the husband.

Updated on 12 Jul 2011:
So just got home from my second follow up appointment and it was kinda awful. Still have the drain in and did not see Dr. Williams. The wait was about an hour and I heard the staff talking about a prospective patient...I mean just about any body in the waiting room could have heard. I do not want to know what they say behind my back. I know that everyone has their days at work where they just cannot help make a rude comment, but when you choose to do it within ear shot of patients or customers its wrong.

Updated on 15 Jul 2011:
So today was my 3rd post-op appointment and I finally saw Dr. Williams. I got my second drain out finally! I also got my belly button stitches out and all the tape on the tt scar removed. The staff even gave me a gift card to apologize for the wait last time. I like the staff there for the most part and everyone has bad days. I am just gonna dismiss my last appointment as a bad day for some of the staff.
As for how I feel AMAZING! I have shopped everyday and I love my waist! I would do this all again in a heart beat!

Updated on 18 Jul 2011:
So I saw underneath my bandages and it looks really scary right now. Does anyone else know what I am talking about? Everything is swollen and a little bumpy and I am scared. It is odd to see myself like this.

Updated on 18 Jul 2011:
I love the PA at Dr. Williams' office. Her name is Jennifer and you feel comfortable with her immediately. Today she called me and answered the questions I had asked through an email. I believe that the staff here real does try to help you.

Updated on 21 Jul 2011:
So I haven't updated this in a few days because I got really sick. I could not hold any food down at all, but I am feeling better now! My tummy tuck is scaring me slightly because it looks uneven, but that is probably the swelling. I cannot wait until I can run around with my baby girl.

Updated on 6 Aug 2011:
I am almost at five weeks and I feel and look amazing. I have a little swelling, but for the most part my scars are thin red lines. I am really happy with the outcome.