“34 Yr Old Mom of 4, Married 13 Yrs - TT Scheduled for FEB 9th - Iowa”

I have always hated my tummy. Especially after my first daughter was born, I gained 60 lbs, saggy, stretch marks, yuck! Then I had another daughter 13 months later. Went back up to the same weight with my first daughter. I then lost all that weight, was down around 145-150. Then, I had my first son, and gained all that pregnancy weight back. Had second son 14 months later. Lost it all again. Now, I fluctuate between 152 and 157. I'm trying to get as close to 150 as I can before my surgery on Jan 26th.

My ps is in a town, 1 1/2 hours from my hometown. He comes to my city about once a month for consults and post surgery checks, also does a lot of reconstructions here. He comes highly qualified to me from several people I have talked to. I had my initial consult with him on December 7! I was so excited! I had a list of questions for him (in my head). Once I got there, I forgot them all! So, no matter what, write down your questions!!! He was great anyway, sat and talked with me about everything, good, bad and the ugly. Gave me a packet and told me to call to set it up when I am ready. At that consult, he couldn't tell if I would need rectus plication (sewing the abs together). He would not know that until he gets in there. If he does have to do that, it would mean a longer recovery. 3 weeks vs 3 months. I was on the fence...what a long recovery! But, then I talked with some people (mainly my nurse practicioner, who is also a friend of mine). If Dr. thinks it needs to be done, then why not do it! What's 3 months vs a lifetime of wishing I would have just done it! :-)

So, I called to set up my surgery date on my Birthday!! What a great gift! I lined up my mom to help me out with the kids. My husband is MORE than supportive (he knows how self conscious I am about it, and how much I have wanted this for so long!)! I have two sisters, who live in town, and they are great helpers and very supportive! And, anyone I have told along the way have also been supportive and offer any help! My greatest anxiety was the $$. I talked this over with my husband. He reassured me that I should not be concerned about that. Even if I should have some complications and it ends up costing more $, he is okay with it. Again, he knows how much I want this!

The other anxiety is leaving my kids. I will travel 1 1/2 hours to the surgery center the night before. Stay overnight, be there at 6:00, surgery time 7:30. Then stay overnight at a hotel again that night. I just want to get through the surgery and get home to my kids. I have never had major surgery before and am a little anxious about this. But, so many people have this procedure done and all come out fine. I am a healthy, fit, person and have no reason to believe anything bad should happen. I am looking forward to the next three weeks and preparing for this, physically, mentally and emotionally! I have a list going on my computer that many awesome people from this site have recommended. I can't wait to start purchasing things and getting my house ready; food, cleaning, preparing my recovery area, etc!! I will post more next week!

Updated on 21 Jan 2012:
My date has moved up!!! I am now scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th!! I'm so excited, but extremely nervous. I often wonder if this is the right decision. But, know I will regret it if I don't go through with it. So, I am focusing on all the things I would like to get done before Monday night. Clean the house, catch up on laundry, set up my recovery area, finish a work project. And, all this in between appointments and meetings I already had over the next two day! YIKES!! I make sure to take before photos and try to get them posted before Tuesday.

Updated on 24 Jan 2012:
On my way to the surgery center. VERY NERVOUS! just want it to be over. I took before pics. Will try to post them now. Wish me luck & a speedy, painless recovery! Ok, not sure how to post pics from phone. Will have to figure out later.

Updated on 24 Jan 2012:
Surgery cancelled got today :( I have an ingrown hair near the incision site. Dr. Grado is erring on side of caution. If a tiny drop of puss would get in the incision, it would not be good. I will be rescheduling. Excellent dr call! So glad he is my ps.