“12 Days post-op and loving it!!!! - Wildwood, FL”

I am a 34 year old mother of a five year old boy 9lbs 4oz at birth and a six month old girl 8lbs. 6oz at birth. I gained 60 or so pounds each pregnancy, putting me close to 200lbs before each delivery. I am scheduled for a tummy tuck and a breast lift on Sept. 7th. I can't wait for the results, but deathly afraid of the possibility of pain. I have lost 50lbs with diet and exercise and now want the pouch of skin gone and the abs i have worked so hard on to shine through. Both of my children breast fed, so enough said there!

Updated on 30 Aug 2011:
I had my post-op on the 23rd. Got all of my prescriptions and instructions. Did my blood work and EKG. I am paid and set to go. I have 8 days before surgery and I am of course having mixed emotions, the fear of being in surgery so long and how will my family get by without me?????? I hope that I can get past these soon, cause I know that there is no turning back now. And honestly I would be mad at myself if I did try to weasel out of it. I deserve this and want it for me. I will upload some pictures when I can(camera is at cannon being repaired).I will try to post as soon as possible after the surgery. Please keep me and my family in your prayers.

Updated on 6 Sep 2011:
Ok ladies, sorry it took so long for me to get these God aweful photos, but here they are in all their glory. I go in tomorrow at 0730 for my surgery. My fear have again subsided for now. I did cry yesterday when holding my 8 month old daughter. I will so miss being able to hold her and snuggle her close to my body. Since she was born we have been inseperable. My son will understand that mommy has a boo boo.
I know that in the side view I look pregnant, but I promise I am not, had the tubal ligation in Feb. Just bloated a little (very little) from female stuff. Well in less than 24 hours I will join the elite league of beautiful boobies and tummies. I will try to post as soon as I can function. I promise I will be as true in my post as possible about my discomfort or sheer pain. Wish me luck!!!!!

Updated on 7 Sep 2011:
Went into surgery today at 0800 and was back out at 230. My pain in recovery was only in my breast. I do have the pain pumps in my tummy region. But of course did manage to cause myself some pain there when I choked on a sip of water and coughed. Coughing is not recommended!!!! Other than being groggy from the Percocet I feel like I am sore and bruised. Of course it hasnt been a full 24 hours yet. I will try to post my pain levels daily and my progress, so that those considering these procedures can see what a coward has gone through. I of course have no idea how I look, but more than thankful that I did it. Again thank you all so much for the love, support, and encouragement.

Updated on 8 Sep 2011:
I am 24 hours post-op as of now. I have taken one percocet last night and one this morning. My tummy area has the pain pump in it and just feels slightly sore. My breast area is more tender. The only real pain I had was when I first woke up in the recovery room and it was in my breast. I have been able to get up and go to the potty by myself and have been up walking around since last night. My back is a little stiff from being on it for so long, I am a tummy sleeper so this stinks. Waiting on my recliner to be delivered, think I will be much more comfortable in it. I believe I am well on my way to a great recovery. My surgeon and his staff have been in constant contact and are wonderful. I will use them again to do the implants when it is time.

Updated on 12 Sep 2011:
Yesterday was my 4th day post-op and I spent the day at the dirt bike track (my five year old son races). It was very tiring and I napped for about two hours after that. But felt fine once I recovered some energy.

Today was my first post-op appointment. My surgeon removed the drain tubes and the pain pump. The pain pump tubes I did not feel, but geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz louise, I tell you what the drain tubes were painful. It was quick and only hurt for several seconds after, but it did hurt. I had three tubes in, not sure if that is common or not. I had them removed at around noon and now at 500, I can't tell it even happened. I did get photographs while I was in the office. Things look rough, but wanted to post them anyways, so that the ladies could see the progress. I feel great went out to lunch and have completed some of my school work for class on Wed. I will keep my progress updated and post the pics after each appointment.

Updated on 15 Sep 2011:
I am 8 whole days post-op. I had a very busy day today. I went to the dentist, Wal-mart, grabbed a bite to eat and played for a bit with both of my babies. I have had some unexpected stinging sensations under my breat. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this, not unberable by any means. I bought some new sports bras, two different kinds to try out. Wish I could at least sleep without the bra, the binder has not been bad. Have my 2nd post-op on Monday.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stand up straight. I have been walking daily, but still can not stand up straight. There is pulling in my thighs when I try to force myself up. Feel great otherwise. This has been one of the best decision I have made, regarding doing something that solely benefits me.

Updated on 19 Sep 2011:
I went today for my 12 day post-op visit and was give a thumbs up. I do have a little swelling above my belly button, but it is normal and will go away. My breast are also a little swollen. I feel so much better with out any bandages or sutures. I have been up going shopping and carrying on with normal daily life with the exception of lifting my daughter. My surgeon told me that on a scale of 10 my healing progress was a 10!!!!! I could not be happier with my results and can't wait for them to only get better.

Updated on 28 Sep 2011:
Sorry I have been MIA for a little bit. I had my 3 week check up today, exactly 21 days post-op!!!!!!!! I am still so impressed with my results. Dr. Marzek said that he was also very pleased with my results and my healing. I do not have to return to the doctor for another 3 weeks and he told me that when I return if I am still on track he will release me. I will stay faithful to you ladies. I plan on getting my breast implants done as soon as possible. Take care and I pray that everyone is healing beautifully.