Emotional Roller Coaster Decision: No Support Outside of PS - Florida

I am 50 yr old in good health, recent breast augmentation that resulted in open wounds for 2months but all well now. I have gained and lost weight over the years and 2 kids ( age 22 & 24 now) and have the flab and roll that disgusts me every minute of every day. I lost my job last year, had a hysterectomy about the same time. I want my self back! My self esteem in in the trash with this god awful belly flab. The breast surgery gave me a great boost and some esteem back but still no liking myself enough yet. I am terrified and want some REAL TRUTH and answers before I do the TT scheduled for april 13. Had my pre op and all is well. it will be same day and wish I had the option of hospital. Just in case. No one but my boyfriend is with me on this. anyone I talk to tries to talk me out of it and says I'm nuts. The just dont get it! As a side note, I suffered a lot of abuse as a child and a crappy marriage. My current boyfriend is a saint! I just want to do this last thing to get a fresh start to a new stage in my life. My fantastic children are doing well and living on thier own and finally its my turn to be a little selfish. Dear ladies--please give my your most honest and truthful opinions and experiences -both good and bad to help me make my final decision. How bad is the pain after? will I be able to attend my sons college graduation 3 weeks post op? I am fortunate to have time to heal ( took 8 weeks for hysterectomy!) but dont want to make a big mistake. I Cant wait to hear from you all--I am counting on your honesty--I'm alone in this! THANKS in advance! I will be glad to share my experiences and photos when I make the FINAL decision.

Thanks to all of you for adding to this site! It is giving me some confidence in doing this for myself. Keep it coming!

1 week to go and today I am second guessing myself. It comes and goes from do it--dont do it. i think the nerves are getting the better of me. I had a hysterectomy last year and realize the recovery time for this will be about the same--I hope it will be less. i am reading all the posts and again i THANK YOU ALL. It helps to know others understand. Only 2 people know I am doing this as all others have freaked out at the mere mention of this surgery. I just wont tell them--dont want their negative remarks. I am hunting and gathering like a caveman getting things ready. LOL I am still really nervous but want my real self back and this is the time. I will try to post some pics later if I can figure it out. I have the option of some lipo with this. any thoughts? i want my girlish waist back but not sure if it will return by itself or should I have some help? I would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts about lipo or not to lipo. Heck, he's in there anyway right? I will have help the first 2 nights and I am coming home after the surgery--no hospital stay. That really worries me--this is a big deal after all. I live alone so I will be on my own to handle the recovery part. yikes!