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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

Finally Decided I Am Worth This! TT/BL/BA in Only 3 Weeks!! - Chicago, IL

ORIGINAL POST

I'm 47, 5' 1" and 150 pounds, 2 kids. I have lost...

pepper66April 10, 2014
WORTH IT$16,000
I'm 47, 5' 1" and 150 pounds, 2 kids. I have lost a little over 100 pounds in the last 2 years. I did it the hard way, eating right and lots and lots of exercise. However, as many know, there is not much that can be done to re-tighten the skin. I met with 4 different surgeons before making my final decision. I chose Dr. Steinwald. Today I had a second meeting with him, he answered last few questions I had and I booked my surgery date (4/30/14). I'm very excited. I will be getting an extended tummy tuck w/muscle repair and a breast lift with subglandular saline implants. I'm currently a 38C, I'll be getting my D's back :-) Only 3 weeks away, lots to get done before then. I look forward to sharing my experience, as I have gained so much from reading others' here on realself.

pepper66's provider

Paul M. Steinwald, MD

Paul M. Steinwald, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 169 Reviews
PROFILE

pepper66 rating for Dr. Steinwald:

Overall rating
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Answered my questions
After care follow-up
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Replies (19)

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NikkiL03
April 13, 2014
That's amazing! Congrats on taking the first step to the new you! I as well did everything prior to my decision to tighten and shred but my tummy and breasts would never follow suit! I am 7 weeks post of BA/ BL, TT w/ muscle repair and lipo so I understand the excitement you must be feeling!
pepper66
April 14, 2014
Congrats to you!! 7 weeks post - how are you feeling?? Has the swelling gone away yet? Are you happy with your results so far?
pepper66
April 14, 2014
how long did your surgery last? mine is scheduled for 5 hours, that's a little scary.
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NikkiL03
April 14, 2014
I had a setback at week 2 post but yes I am extremely happy! I just wish recovery was faster and I probably feel like that because I was so active prior to procedures. Swelling continues to go down every week. My PS said I may be swollen in some areas for up to 6 months, which was not something I wanted to hear but also realizing that I was pretty bruised from the lipo! I will say that I would do it all over again!!
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NikkiL03
April 14, 2014
BTW...I feel great! Walked a 5K this past Saturday! I believe I was under for 4 hours. I would rather my PS be meticulous and take longer than to hurry and speed through my procedures.
pepper66
April 15, 2014
I agree, I certainly don't want him rushing! lol. I know he wouldn't do it if he didn't think it was in my best interest, just a little scary, have never been under that long before. Congratulations on the 5K!! Way to go! I find that very inspiring and it's wonderful to hear how upbeat and positive you are, even after your setback. I've got 2 more weeks to go, its hard waiting. I had quit smoking for this and as it's getting closer the anxiety level is rising and boy oh boy! do I wish I could have one! I'm trying everything to keep my mind off it and just dealing with it day by day and sometimes minute by minute. Thanks for sharing!
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NikkiL03
April 16, 2014
It's like hurry up and wait! I am not a patient person either! I still think about smoking but but know I am much better off by not taking that habit back up again! Your big day will be here before you know it! Excited to hear about your journey!
CoffeeAddict
April 13, 2014
Great job on the weight loss! We all know that is NOT easy. I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
pepper66
April 14, 2014
You got that right, it wasn't easy but definitely worth it. I believe the same will be applied to the surgery...not easy, but worth it :-)
CoffeeAddict
April 14, 2014
:-)
Gorgeous_1
April 14, 2014
You've done an awesome job! Congratulations on a brand new YOU!
pepper66
April 14, 2014
Thank you so much! It was a very hard decision to make (as a mom it is very difficult to spend money on myself - let alone THIS much money). I'm looking at this more like 'investing' in myself :-)
Gorgeous_1
April 15, 2014
I think that's a big issue on my mind too, spending this much on me. There are a hundred other things I could think of spending money on, but you're right, this is a worthy investment.
pepper66
April 16, 2014
That's right, WE are a worthy investment....we just have to believe that (despite the 'financially cautious' voices we hear). :-)
UPDATED FROM pepper66
14 days pre

Cha-ching! and the Countdown Begins! *15 DAYS!*

pepper66April 15, 2014
Today I pre-paid the balances of my surgery (had to be done 2 weeks prior to surgery date). My surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and hospital is paid in full (Including my overnight stay in the hospital, that was an extra option, but recommended by my PS and in my opinion DEFINITELY worth the piece of mind.

*15 Days and counting.
I've been trying to plan/schedule ahead to be as prepared as I can be for my recovery. I looked into renting a lift chair and the cheapest I found was $185/mo, so I checked out craigslist and found one for sale for $200, borrowed a truck and picked it up (some upholstery cleaner and a good vacuum and I'm good to go!) Now I don't have to worry about delivery/pickup, if I spill something on it, etc. I'll only have someone with me for the first 3 nights, with the lift chair I won't have to worry so much about getting in and out of bed by myself.

Starting my lists of what to buy/what to do/freezer meals to make/etc. Have gotten so many wonderful ideas from this website!

P.S. I REALLY WANT A CIGARETTE!! :-(

Replies (1)

momof3tx
April 15, 2014
So exciting!! It's almost surgery time! Congrats on losing so much weight. That really is incredible. You are going to look so good!! I can't wait to see pics!
UPDATED FROM pepper66
6 days pre

1 Week To Go!

pepper66April 24, 2014
Hard to believe my surgery is only 1 week away. This time next week I'll be recovering. Tomorrow morning I go in to havemy blood work done.....yuck! Good news is I'm counting down the days now, not the weeks anymore. I'm very excited (and yes, a little nervous too). Have been picking up recovery supplies (shapewear, sports bras, prescriptions, meds, gauze, etc.) I've ordered a toilet seat lift because my toilet sits very low. Getting some freezer meals made for my kids. It sounds weird, but the time seems to be going sooooooo slow, yet it's gonna be here in a blink....lol I will be taking some of the dreaded 'before' pics this weekend and will post them. At least the cravings for a cigarette have subsided, rarely think about it anymore - probably cause I have nothing but the surgery on the brain!! Thanks for all the support, it's really appreciated.

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