Mommy Makeover: Stories

March 4, 2012 I was 5' and 198 lbs. I knew something needed to change so I made many changes and by December 2012 I had reached my goal weight of 120. I am so happy with my body overall, but my stomach is not pretty. It really bothers me. Also I am not the happiest with my breasts. Both due to weight gain and loss. I had been around 130-135 before my weight went up to 198.

I phoned the landing on Jan. 28/13 and due to a cancellation I was able to meet with Dr. Samuel Bender on Thursday Jan. 31/13. We started with looking at my stomach for the tummy tuck. He was thrilled with what he had to work with. He was excited and telling me how much I am going to love it.

Then we talked about my breast, which I previously had reduced in 2003 in Ottawa by Dr. Micheal Bell. Due to the weight gain and loss they could use some help. He was very honest with me that he could not guarantee that he could make them look better, but that he thought there was a good chance he could. A lot of my breast tissue has fallen to the side so it needs to be redistributed and reanchored.

We talked about my concern with pain meds and how I use medicinal marijuana. He asked me to stop smoking the marijuana right away so I have been eating it since Friday instead of smoking it because my surgery has been booked for Feb. 6/13 (6 days after my consultation). He also offered me a pain pump for post surgical pain management for approx. an extra 600. It has an anesthetic in it. He has only used it once, but had really good success with it. I have previously used opiates and prefer not to engage with them unless absolutely necessary.

So I am now three days away from surgery. I live in Cape Breton and my cousin will be taking me up for the surgery because my husband has to take a sick dog of ours to the vet college in PEI and my mother will stay with our other dogs. I am heading up to Halifax Tuesday night. I get so excited when I think about the surgery and I honestly want to tell everyone and their dog about my surgery. I get a little bit nervous, but overall I'm just excited to be getting this done now before I go to Jamaica April 20/13. I will get my husband to take photos later and post.

So tomorrow is the big surgery! Taking my before photos tonight!!

So it is the morning of surgery and I am oddly calm. Had a quick chat with my hubs this morning. Getting some encouraging texts from friends and family. I am soo hungry and thirsty that I can't wait until it is time to go!

So I am out of surgery and feel quite good. Very tired, but pain isn't too bad. Back my room at the clinic now resting comfortably. Doctor even decided to do a bit of lipo for free. Off to Lala land. Thanks for all the support!

So I am now 3 days post op and only taking ib profin and the stool softener. I do however have a pain pump with marcaine that stays in until Monday morning. I have to say I personally experienced much more pain when I had a breast reduction 9 years ago. Still not doing much but I am up and walking around the house at least every hour when I am awake. My husband looked at my breasts today and that he thought there was a major improvement. They are smaller like I'm probably a b cup now, but I am really pleased with them. I haven't looked at my tummy yet will on Monday

So on day 4 finally had a bowel movement, first one was a little rough, but I got through it. Today my mother took out the pain pump, which I didn't mind at all. I took one photo of my scar lying down and one of my belly button. More photos to come Wednesday when the drain comes out. Will show boobs then too.

Just saw photos of my breasts for the first time and I am so happy with them!! Especially since he said he couldn't guarantee. If they stay like this or improve. This will be the best gift anyone ever gave me. Thanks Mom!!

The surgical center called on Tuesday to see how I was doing, which was nice. I was happy to report that I was doing great and confirmed my appointment for Feb. 20th.

On Wednesday Feb. 13th my mother removed the drain. I will honestly say I kind of minded this. In comparison to the pain pump coming out it was more uncomfortable for sure. I could feel the drain being pulled along my insides which really made me nauseous. I really struggle with the incisions because of my weak stomach. As of this date my incisions no longer need to be covered with dressings, but mine are due to my mental block when I know they are exposed.

I was able to get around a lot easier with the removal of the drain. I also had my first shower on Wednesday thanks to a good friend, because I because very light headed just knowing the incisions were exposed.

Today I feel so much better. I am starting to be able to get in and out of my bed without too much issue. With the drain out it is the first day I got dressed after waking up.

Sorry no new photos I wanted to get photos, but I just couldn't get there yet, without becoming very light headed. As for pain I am only taking the odd ibprofin. Bowel movements are not as regular as normal, but are happening. I do have horrendous gas though, I find it to be embarassingly bad. So excited to be in week two of my recovery now.

So I am now sleeping in bed and showering on my own. I find such a dramatic difference in how I feel after the drain came out.

So it has been 18 days and I feel great. Some tenderness in my stomach and I feel if I overdo it. Usually take 400mg of ib profin in the morning and evening.

On day 14 the tape came off and the next day I started doing red light therapy for 12 mins every other day at my local planet beach. I will add photos of my breast scars in the next day or two.

I am so happy with my results thus far. I love that my doctor has allowed my mother to do all my post op care as the weather has been terrible and trying to drive 5 hrs each way was not something I wanted to do.

I'm at a month post op and really feel great able to go walking now. Only pain is my pre existing back and hip pain.

To say I am happy would be the worlds largest understatement.

The lines on my stomach are from the stomach wrap which I still wear off and on.

I have a large rib cage always have always will that isn't going to change but I feel amazing about myself now.