Mommy Makeover: Stories

OK, first I have to say that I have been on this website reading all of your wonderful stories for months now trying to gain the courage to "go through with my procedure"--so Thank you for the courage you have displayed! Thank you for the tips, as i am starting the purchases. I lost a significant amount of weight 4 yrs ago naturally; however, my body has extra's everywhere. As I approach 40 (6mos to go), I find it difficult to keep the weight off and keep my body in shape. I have contemplated this surgery for years and hadn't gotten the courage until recently.

I am a single mother of 2 beautiful daughters and I want to feel good about myself again. I am having a Tummy Tuck, breast lift, and lipo of the thighs all at once. My doctor said its better to get it all over with as opposed to 3 surgeries.....is that true? Most of the women I have read on here are amazing pillars of strength and I hope I can be as well. My mom is able to help me for the 1st 6 days-so grateful. Am I crazy for doing all of this at once? I haven't even asked for a last appt before my surgery on Tues-should I? Is it going to be worth all of this $$$?? I have a toilet seat riser, cane, shower chair, scripts, cough drops, antibacterial wipes, antacides, Vitamins C/D/&E, Dulcolax, Tylenol, ice pads, and extra pillows--am I missing something? I'm sorry, but getting scared and I don't know anyone who has had any of these surgeries much less all at once....

OK....3 days out and I have been to the store at least 5x, but it is all well worth it! The nerves have definately set in, but called my PS and his office said if I want to see him one ore time before the surgery--come in! Such kind people who seem very understanding to my wants. I will be staying overnight Tues night (which my PS recommends and includes in his fee), with his staff and then home if all goes well on Wed! I will post pics as soon as I can afterwards.
Just some other suggestions that I thought of to help minimize the stress and keep the home environment as calm as possible before you return--Stop your mail for the 1st week. If you are like me, you can't stand to see it pile up on the kitchen desk--let it pile up at the Post Office. Pets--I have someone keeping my dog for the 1st week as well. This way my mom just has to focus her attention on me and my girls. It makes it one less mouth to feed/walk/clean/etc. Call a Merry Maid service for 2 wks in and schedule them to come and clean the house at least once before you feel up to it. I am a neat freak and I know I am liable to pick up a dust mop or rag and say to myself-just a little bit--and then push myself too far. This way I don't have to and while they may not clean to my standards it will be somewhat done and a minimal cost and help me rest more. ALL of the purchases and suggestions, I feel, are WELL WORTH IT so you are ready afterwards! Grocery shop for at least 2 wks worth of food/detergent/WATER/Jello/soup/etc. Based on most stories I have read, 2 wks is a good timeframe in which to prepare yourself before you really feel like getting around.

Here we go.....good luck to any others out there! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the support!

Ok ladies....can you say sore!! 1 day PO. Surgery lasted 12 hrs. Body feels like awar zone, but I think getting T they the next 36 hrs will b crucial!

Good luck to all of those about to embark and stay ahead on pain meds....sorry for typos....meds

Ok PO day 2 and tons of pain! I was mentally prepared for today & tomorrow to be the worst. I am getting up every few hours to keep movement but oh jow it hurts!! Love the hourglass shape though that he did!! PS did my TT both laterally & top to bottom to get everything tight and smooth! Make sit more painful but in long run I will be happy (I hope). Thanks for all the thoughts & prayers!

Ok PO Day 4. Drains are still in but I'm moving around better. Almost no bruising. I'm still very swollen so I kno the pics don't look like that great but my stomach is flat as a board laying down or standing up. So far Dr Wassermann and his team are EXCELLENT!

Early good morning! A suggestion: if you have to cough up congestion or in general, PS taught me to put a pillow on stomach and lightly squeeze as you do so....takes away most of the pain & pressure from coughing....who knew!? It will also help keep strain off your stitches & improves results. I woke up to having started my menstrual cycle! WAY early in the process but not uncommon so just realize it can happen and be prepared. I had bought bed protectors thinking I would need for drainage--I haven't but now need for this so glad I had on hand.

BEWARE! First time you take off your CG you will feel faint and as if you are going to pass out. Make sure you are well secured and prepared. Take deep breaths and move slowly. Also when you go to put it back on....it wil not hurt if you lay your lines down on your body so they don't pinch and then place the garment on top. It was not painful at all and the PS warned me it would be....

Magnesium citrate is my friend!! I feel sooo much better! Got rid of swelling and I had no pain. Before....oh the constipation and swelling (didnt help that I started my period on Day 4 either!?!?). I've posted some new pics. I think I'm advancing ok. Nurse told me they were going to trade in my XL CG for 2 Mediums Monday. I wanted to stay a "C" cup just a younger higher "C" and I feel he accomplished it....I still don't see the changes in my hips that I would have hoped!?...but not getting down yet! Thanks for all the encouragement.....there are so many of you looking great that I hope I get the same results!!

I was so exhausted from Sunday & Monday--way pushed myself. But....I got 1 drain removed! Yay! Didn't hurt a bit, so thanks to all of you for letting me know that--I so was expecting the worse! I got to take my first shower today and feel better! Take your time everyday. I must say I am happy with my results so far....it is because of the great advise from many of you, encouragement, and my mom's TLC!

Well I'm back into full swing work, kids life.....I got my 2nd drain removed and no stitches just the sutures left around my areola's.....This is exhausting but making it through....still hard to stand up straight by the end of the day and sharp pains but they say that is where the nerve endings are rejuvenating themselves. I don't see a change in my body in the past week....no swelling-Thank Goodness-but no change. I hope once I can start exercising again I will notice more and just stay where I am.....