30 Yrs Old, 4 Kids, Tummy Tuck + MR, Lipo, Breast Implants 500cc (Gummy Bear), 5'8", 170-175 Lbs. - La Jolla, CA

So here it goes...I've been following this site for well over a year now and finally found a doctor and set the date. :) I will be taking at least 6 weeks off of work. My procedures: a tummy tuck + muscle repair, lipo on sides, lower back and upper back by bra area, 500cc gummy bear implants, scar in crease & under muscle. I originally wanted scar to be by nipple but the implants are to large, so next best way. Growing up I was always in shape but I have struggled with my weight ever since having my first child. I seem to stay around 170-175 lbs. I wear anywhere from a size 11 - 13 depending on the brand of course. I would like to be some where in the 160's before my surgery and I'm pretty sure with some running I can get there. I am probably a size 38 b. I'm tired of having to wear my super padded underwire bra from V.Secrets so that no one can tell. I would like to take measurements before my surgery and I'll post them here. After surgery I would like to be at least a size D and wear a size 9 or under.

During this process I have seen three doctors. I happen to go with the last Dr. I met. My husband and I loved him from the very beginning. Dr. Robert Pollack in La Jolla. It was like night and day meeting him and his staff compared to the other doctors. I told them how I was doing my research on them and that I was on RealSelf. I shared with them that I felt like I already knew them because I had seen there pictures. They were wonderful and we even shared a good laugh. They were super friendly and very informative. It took about 15 minutes to be seen for my first appt. My mom and some of her friends had gone to him for some work and she had been raving to me about him, but I wanted to be stubborn and find my own doctor. LOL Well in this case, mom knew best.

My husband will be taking care of me at a hotel near the doctors office and my parents and siblings are going to help out with the kids for a couple of days so my husband can focus on me. I plan on making a schedule for everyone regarding kids needs when the date gets closer. I even spoke to one of my kids teachers and told her what was going on so I could get his work assignments a head of time.

My fear is that I wont get the scar as low as I want it to be. I'm also a little worried that I might need to get a small vertical scar where my belly button was once located, due to this thick long stretch mark I have near my belly button and because my skin wont pull as low as I want it. One of the doctors I saw said that because of my stretch mark, I was going to need it. However, this doctor said that was not needed. So I guess I'll just have to wait and see. But honestly, I'll take the vertical scar if I could just get rid of this belly. A couple other things I'm worried about is the constipation LOL (yes after reading all the stories I do not want to deal with that as well as the normal pains), and swelling. I'm also contemplating on getting the pain pump.. My doctor offers it extra for a small fee but not sure if it really helps. Advise from others who had the pain pump would be so great.

My family and close friends that I have told have been pretty supportive. However I have chosen not to tell my husbands side of the family. I've heard more than one of them insulting others behind there back who have had worked done, which it seems out of jealousy. I don't feel like dealing with it while I'm healing. A couple years ago my mother in law had me in tears when she found out that my husband took me to see a plastic surgeon. Calling me selfish and a bunch of other things. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be able to keep it from them. They are very close with my kids so its a matter of time before my kids spill the beans. But I'm hoping its after I feel better where I can deal with it.

Well that's all I can think of for now... :) I hope to fill you in after