“Anxious, Excited, Nervous...aaahhhh! - Philadelphia, PA”

I am 45 this year! Happy birthday to me! I have been married to the same lovely, thoughtful man for 21 years. We have known each other since we were 9...Soulmates in every sense... We have three great kids (16, 13, 9). I breast fed all three for a total of about 5 years. So needless to say, my girls looked like utters. They hung down to what used to be my waist...... We went toVegas for vacay a couple years ago and bought a dress in a shop. They designer took a liking to me, and asked me to do a billboard shoot. ME! Just a plain old mom! Anyway I dieted and worked out, and looked to be what I thought was great for me. No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of the wrinkly skin in my belly or the saggy baggy girls(rocks in socks). The photos looked great ( photoshop is a wonderful thing)! Anyway, started thinking about what I used to look like, and what I could look like... I went on a dr hunt... Met a couple, and didn't really think it would actually happen. A friend who is a nurse told me about this doc. We went to see him, and it all fell into place. I poured over tons of pics. Hubby said he never looked at so many boobs before. I didn't want to be any bigger, just have them up to where they were before I had kids. I was always about 34-36b/c. I had a meltdown while the doc wasmarking me up, but went through with it. It turned out great! The pain was much less than I anticipated! I had a lift and aug, with silicone under the muscle. Everything dropped into place and was moving along... Fast forward 6 months, and doc wasn't totally happy withhowmuch they dropped in only 6 months. He saidheunderestimatedhow elastic,y skin was and wanted to go back in and redo the lift. Since HE wasnt happy, he would not chargemeforhis time, anesthesia and OR time. They are still so much better than what they used to be, but hubby suggested that if he wants to go back in, let's do it now while he is willing. If we wait longer, then he might not be willing, and in a couple years it might be worse and I will REALLY want it done... Ok, so while I am in there, maybe now is the time to do the TT that I have been talking about for years.... I am all set for 2/15. Surgery is at 1:00. He does facelifts in the morning. Since I am staying over the first night, they tend to do those surgeries later, grrrrr! So no eating after midnight the night before, valentines day... And no coffee in the morning!Aaahhhhh! I get up at 6 with the kids... No food or drink until surgey at 1! Ok so stressing about that.... The pain was so manageable (I think I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, had all thre kids natural and no drugs, not by choice, just worked out that way....) that I a worried that I am underestimating it.... Hubby is looking forward to takingcareof me. He likes when Im on valium, says Im much calmer and sweeter, haha! I have some before and after pics of the first time, will try to figure out how to upload, so NOT techy... Also, will do beforesof the tummy...

Updated on 15 Feb 2012:
Up an showered. Surprisingly good night of sleep. Went to church. Just got home and nurse from ps office called. They started his OR late this morning. I think I was 2nd. Was supposed to be there at 11:30 for 1:00 surgery. Now it's pushed back.... Just another piece to make me cry. I can't believe I am doing this! I hope it's worth it...

Updated on 15 Feb 2012:
Hi ladies! I am done! Wow so much marker for doc to follow... I feel great! Thanks for thoughts and prayers ! Can't kept my eyes open. Will post tomorrow

Updated on 16 Feb 2012:
Day 1 post op. didn't get into room until about 6:30 pm. It was a long day! Didn't sleepwell last nigh, not from pain, just wide awake, go figure... Catheter was kinked during the night, so really had to go. Once the nurse drained it all, I was able to fall asleep. Doc's resident came to see me. Checked me out, and drained my drains. Only giving off a little in each one. I went to the bathroom by myself. I can't believe how good I feel! Sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop...can't see my tummy yet, can't wait! Will update soon!

Updated on 16 Feb 2012:
Soo.... The other shoe has dropped so to speak...lots of pain where he did lipo. Drains not putting much out. Can't wait to see what's going on under all of these layers... Just feels like I worked out hard with my abs!

Updated on 17 Feb 2012:
Ok sitting here bored out of my mind. Can shower today! Really excited! Not in Amy pain. Hope that doesn't mean that he didn't pull me tight enough... Gong want to have to do it again!

Updated on 17 Feb 2012:
2nd day po..... Got in the shower! Felt so good, but took forever! Everything, so far so good!

Updated on 19 Feb 2012:
Day 4 post op......
Didn't sleep as well last night. Didn't take pain medial lady, but by evening, not so good. Took them beforebed. Still have not had BM and taking colace 2 to 3 times per day since surgery. Started with miralax this afternoon. There is one spot on my incision that is really sore, but it doesn't look any different that any other spots on the incision. I am so itchy! That is driving me crazy! Not much output on the drains, I don't know if it's a. Possibility for them to come out on Wed ant my first post op appt. I also have a lymphatic massage scheduled for that time too. Had one before with last lift/aug. didn't think it really did anything, but that's what the doc ordered...starting to get nervous about the BM. That was probably the most unpleasant thing about the lift/aug before!

Updated on 20 Feb 2012:
5 days post op....

There is one spot on my incision that is so so sore! Doesn't look any different, but OWWW! My husband made me take all pain medicine last night, and it knocked me out! When I got up I was determined to go to the bathroom. I have been taking stool softeners since surgery day, miralax, and MOM! Sat in there for 45 min and finally went. Wiped out and sore, but feel better! My drains are not putting out too much fluid. Only emptying 2x a day. Would be really nice if they came out on Wednesday. Not getting my hopes up yet.

Updated on 22 Feb 2012:
2/22, 7 days post op.....
Had first post op appt this morning. Drains removed as long as I promised to do nothing for another week. Absolutely! Doc scheduled a lymphatic massage to get things moving. OMG I can't get over my new flat tummy and belly button! I lost more weight which is just icing on the cake!

Updated on 23 Feb 2012:
2/23, day 8 post op......

The family all left this morning for school and work. Sitting here by myself, bored! Not allowed to do anything since the drains are out for the next week. Don't want to have any fluid build up, and compromise my results! Before this whole process I lost 12 lbs. just got on the scale and I'm down 5 more! Am so excited and no one to share it with this morning except the cat!... Yeah she really doesn't care! This was definitely worth it!

Updated on 25 Feb 2012:
2/25, 10 days post op........

Ventured out today. Went to my sons basketball game, daughter is dancing then another bball game. Tired but feel good. A little swollen. Can't get my jeans buttoned, but didn't really expect to, so I won't fuss....YET! Kids are being very helpful, and poor hubby is doing everything! Shopping, cooking, wash, taking care of kids, and running his company! What a guy!

Updated on 26 Feb 2012:
11 days post op.....
So last night was super swollen, when I touched my tummy it was like loose jello.... Went to bed, back in the recliner. Woke up this morning with no swelling, but got my period and had terrible cramps through the night, grrr. Kept trying to mentally summon my Tylenol to come to me, but that didn't work, crazy dreams last night too... So at 4:00 am got up, fixed all my issues and took Tylenol, went back to bed. 8:30 woke up and felt so sleepy, couldn't move. Started to feel nauseas so hubby made me 1/2 bagel and felt better. Another bball game today, laying low until have to go... Feeling pretty good right now....

Updated on 26 Feb 2012:
11 days post op.....

Still swollen, blub, blub, but feel really good! OMG sick of frumpy clothes! Can't wait to get back into my jeans and heels!

Updated on 27 Feb 2012:
12 days post op...

Everyone left me today, work and school.... They made me promise to sit on my perch all day! I followed orders. MIL here making dinner, emptying DW and taking girls to dance. She's awesome, very lucky to have her! Feel good, haven't checked what's going on under the layers today... Will shower tonight. Hopefully the bowl of jello has dissipated.

Updated on 29 Feb 2012:
2 weeks post op today!

Went to drs appt this am. Yep, fluid buildup, Seroma. Nurse drained me, only 75cc. She was pleased. A little weird, but not bad. It was easier for her to do while I was standing. Started tows eat a bit and she made me sit. Should have just sucked it up, needed to stand again for her to get in the pocket..

Not really supposed to do anything that has a "squatting motion". Can drive, but not a lot of in and out of the car. Another appt on Mon. This time with doc. Hopefully fluid will dissipate on its own and won't collect again, but if needed, will be there to be drained.

Home now, and that spot where she drained hurts a bit... A little crampy....

Updated on 1 Mar 2012:
15 days post op

Drove my daughter to CCD, not really liking driving... Even though i had no muscle work done, i could still feel it in my muscles in my tummy while driving.

So last night was sore on my incision at hip bones. The spot that she entered to drain me is also sore. Not too bad though. Took my shower last night, and tummy is flat! Even able to get the jeans on and buttoned! So excited, didn't even bother to put a top on, just ran through the house screaming into each room to see each kid and hubby to show! Kids not too happy with the eyeful of boobies, but they are used to me! Lol!

Woke up this am with headache and a bit nauseas, but after the coffee, feeling better. May disobey orders and head to the grocery store...

Updated on 2 Mar 2012:
16 days post op.....

Well, it's definitely like a switch flipped! Woke up this morning feeling SOOOOO much more like me! Have been up and about! Must be the fact that it's Jon BonJovi's 50th bday! Anyway, had a major pre menopausal drenching sweat this morning. So much so that I had to strip down and get my foam and girdle and binder off. My tummy was even sweating! Ugh, hate this, but haven't had one since the surgery, so ok, maybe it's a sign.... Anyway, won't overdo it. Driving to pick up the kids today at school. Hope this all stays this way! Yay!

Updated on 4 Mar 2012:
18 days PO....
Last night had my date night with my son. We went to sushi and then to a game. so much fun spending with my boy! i could feel my stomach swelling as we sat there... drank 3 bottles of water there... so of course had to keep running to the bathroom. Terrible night of sleeping! all done meds except for evening vitamins. will nap today, and spend the day rehydrating to counter the soy sauce.... Drs appt tomorrow to see te doc! havent seen him since day 2. Anxious to start exercising, and sex... usually not that interested, but for some reason, its all I can think about... I must be getting better! LOL...of course, hubby is leaving for travel on Monday night and wont be back till Friday night!

Updated on 5 Mar 2012:
Day 19 post op....
Got up this morning and felt great! Kids were off so made breakfast. Took cat to the vet. Went to Target with my daughter. Tired when we got home, took a nap. Drs appt at 5:00. Doc was running an hour behind! That has never happened... Anyway, stuck it out... Nurse took off all dressings today! No scabbing, and really healing well, doc was pleased! He drained me again! Only got 25cc of fluid this time! Only have to wear binder or girdle, not both. Not allowed to exercise, but can walk, and can walk on treadmill. Must wear sunscreen on scar when on vacay. Put neosporin on incision tomorrow, the move to coco butter or Shea butter... It's all goob!

Updated on 6 Mar 2012:
Meant its all good! Stupid word corrector!

Updated on 12 Mar 2012:
26 days post op......
So the weekend was as crazy as the week before. Did a lot of driving for the kids. Went to a friends house on Saturday night. Since I haven't told anyone, had to keepmy uncomforts to myself... Feeling good this am, took my shower, and got dressed. Today wearing the binder and not the girdle, but noticed I am swollen. Thought I might have been last week. MIL is a nurse. She looked at me and thought I looked swollen. Today I think confirms it, couldn't get my jeans buttoned, haven't gained weight enough not to button the jeans... Disappointing, but oh well....

Updated on 12 Mar 2012:
Just went to the bathroom...grrrr, think that dang fluid is back!

Updated on 12 Mar 2012:
Omg, my crotch is so swollen, and all around my incision! Is this what they call swell hell?

Updated on 15 Mar 2012:
29 days PO.....
So today is my bday! Happy bday to me! The good thing is I am wearing my Flexees leggens without binder or girdle today and feel pretty good! Bad news is my youngest daughter has strep and I am chained to the house...lunch plans w hubby are off... Oh well... Monday back to the drs and hopefully get the ok to workout! My son (13) told me my stomach looks great, but my buttlooks a little wrinkly... NICE! So much for the backhanded compliment. LOL

Updated on 20 Mar 2012:
34 days post op....
Got drained yesterday again. Doc said I'm going to be very happy with results, but also reminded me that it could take up to 3 months for swelling to dissipate.

Updated on 24 Mar 2012:
38 days post op....
Yesterday we flew to Jamaica. Spring break for the kids. Thought before the TT that this would be great, 6 weeks out, no prob showing off the new tummy... Ha! Drank almost 3 liters of water because I was so worried that I would swell. Not too bad... Tummy is still numb, doc said to be careful in the sun if I'm numb, and to cover BB. Its weird without all of my layers of compression and girdles... Hope the swelling stays to a minimum... Will keep you posted!

Updated on 4 Apr 2012:
7weeks post op
Drs appt yesterday, drained again! This time he took 45ccs. He kept saying it wasn't much, but 4 fat vials full, and only took 15 last time. Tummy is flat again...He assures me this will be the last time to be drained. Cleared to start Pilates again. Doesn't want to see me again for a month unless fluid builds up again. Hope we are in the clear now!

Updated on 9 Apr 2012:
Almost 8 weeks PO
Able to start exercising today. Starting w Pilates... Doing more research on Internet about my bulge above incision. Anyone know anything about pseudo bursa? I don't think my Seroma is back, no waterbed sloshing... Incision is hard, and there is a bulging above it... It's swollen, but just in that spot, not my whole tummy... I don't know if I'm just being picky, but now going through this, I want perfection... It was flat right after surgery, doc says should be flat again, but now I have started reading again, and pseudo bursa doesn't seem to go away on its own... Grrrr!

Updated on 25 Apr 2012:
10 weeks post op...
Ladies, so sorry I haven't updated... Hubby spent a week in the hospital, never had anything done or ever been in before...he was numb on both hands and feet and mouth. Very scary! He is adopted so no medical history. They did every test on him, and couldn't find anything except low white blood count, but couldn't explain why...he is home and back to normal routine, except no drinking for now... Seeing a hematologist to see if they can shed some light... Also 2lyme tests and both neg...


Anyway, Seroma is gone. Swelling is down for the most part, and I am out of the habit of the girdle and binder... The scar in the area where I was drained is thicker under the skin, hopefully that will break down over time. There are still spots on my tummy that are numb, and it seems to be moving around... Feeling SO much more normal!