Going in for the Mini TT - Illinois

Well, I am finally taking the plunge. I am scheduled for a mini TT on Jan 7 and I also having extra loose skin and fat in my underarms removed. While I am excited, I am nervous, scared, and just on pins & needles. It took me a long to make this decision, and I weighed every pro and con I could think of, but I am finally doing something for myself! I am 5'1" and 130 lbs and I need this, both mentally and physically. I love to ride my bike and walk, but 3 active kids does not leave much time to do heavy exercise. I just want to look good again and feel good about myself. I have researched and watched every video, review that I can find to prepare myself. About a year ago, I had 2 Coolsculpting sessions and 3 Ultra Shape sessions, all of which did absolutely nothing for me. Didn't lose an inch or a pound. The doctor's office took many pictures, before, after, a few weeks after, a few months after and my tummy looked exactly the same, time after time. Apparently, my fat just really likes me and does not want to leave. After discussions with the doctor, he said the only option left is a mini TT with liposuction. He actually said I was right in between a mini and a full TT, but I would prefer the mini so my belly button doesn't move. Liposuction alone would remove the fat, but I would be left with a bit of loose skin, and probably not the appearance that I am looking for. Regarding my underarms, I had liposuction done a few years ago, prior to my last baby. But when I got pregnant, the lymph nodes in my underarms swelled up so much and stretched the skin out terribly, more than it was before and I think the previous lipo I had, had left the skin there loose anyways. Its been 2 1/2 years and they are still stretched out and it makes me incredibly sad and self conscious. I know that I will have a scar in my underarms and the doctor has said he will try to minimize the cut, but I want this done even more than the TT. So, I will live with the scar and hope it heals/ fades like my c section scar. I am also hopeful that it fades into looking like a crease in my underarm. Well, I can hope anyways.

Anyhow, I have followed/ read multiple stories on this site so I can prepare myself for what is in store. I am not telling anyone, except for my hubby. He is supportive and a good husband/ father, but I am fully expecting his patience to wear thin bc my 3 boys can be a handful sometimes. They are good boys, but very active, so please pray for a quick recovery for me. I had a c section with my last 2 boys and have heard that the TT is not as bad a recovery as the C section bc they are not cutting into muscle with the TT. Well, let's hope so.

I would appreciate any and all tips from your personal experiences, especially how to make my recovery good. I know that I will need to take the time and patience to allow myself to heal, but willing to learn from anyone else on what to do or not do.

Ok, I have less than a day to go. Tomorrow at this time, I will be just coming out of surgery, or close to it. The nerves are really setting in. I keep sucking in my tummy to see what it will look like and how my pants will fit. And I'm not gonna lie, I've snuck a cookie or two because, well, why not?? I've reread all the pre and post op instructions and I feel prepared! See you guys on the flat side! Whoop!

Well I arrived at 10am yesterday and everything went well. I given some post op instructions that they would give me again, but wanted to talk while I was still lucid. Then I got my IV and was led into the surgery room. The anesthetist gave me some meds that she said would feel like I had a few cocktails. And that was all I remembered until I woke up around 2:30pm. Things looked good, they helped me go to the restroom, got me dressed, pulled out the IV, and then the nurse said, Uh, she't got a huge blood clot. Not good at all. They had to get me undressed, put the IV back in and open me up again. My husband was a little upset to say the least. They had told him I popped a stitch, but I saw the huge blood clot in one of my drains.

The next thing I know, its around 6:30pm and I am waking up, and they are telling me they fixed me up and I am ready to go again. I think they waited a lot longer to monitor me and make sure that I was OK and no more clots came through. Thank goodness this happened before we left, otherwise I think it might have been a trip to the ER and lot scarier. As it was, I barely knew what was going on. My doctor followed us to my home and helped me get settled and checked my drains, which I thought showed great concern and compassion. And possibly a little bit on how bad the situation might have been? I don't know, but I do know that I am thankful that I chose a caring doctor, who was so concerned about my well being. He also called me this morning to check in on me and answer any questions that I might have. I have emptied the drains quite a few times, gotten some rest and am off to lay down some more. I've been taking the pain pills consistently, but trying not to overdo it. I just can't believe I did it. I am anxious to look at my new body. The doctor also texted me pics of what he removed and it was A LOT of FAT! I love looking at this kind of stuff, so happy to say good riddance to that nasty stuff.