“TT, 2" muscle repair and umbilical hernia - new pics!!!”

I have an umbilical hernia, and lots of loose skin after back to back pregnancies. I feel very guilty about spending all this money on myself. However, my husband is very supportive and understands how self-conscious I am about my "pooch."

Updated on 21 Sep 2011:
Well, here I am 5 days away from surgery and getting really nervous!! If I didn't have a friend flying in from out of town to take care of my kids I think I may have cancelled surgery by now. However, I know if I don't do this now I will never do it. My husband took some "before" pictures to help me keep my resolve, he knows how much I really want this. Sleeping is becoming more and more difficult - I had to take a valium at 3am so I could catch at least a few hours sleep this morning.

Updated on 21 Sep 2011:
I am currently 45 years old 5'4" and 142lbs. I workout 3-4 times a week and eat low-carb but, since having children I can't seem to get my weight to stay below 140. I'm really hoping that this flat tummy (to be) and it's maintenance will give me the boost I need to lose those last 10 lbs!

Updated on 27 Sep 2011:
My surgery was yesterday morning. It went very well. I'm resting comfortably at home and feeling much better than I ever expected! Getting in and out of bed can be a little painful but it's temporary and a small price to pay for a flat tummy!

Updated on 1 Oct 2011:
Today is day 6. Feeling so good it's hard to not start cleaning and tidying up today! However, I have learned from all those wonderful ladies who have gone before me that I will regret it if i overdo. Went for Post Op appointment yesterday and PS is very happy that my dressings are staying dry and that my drain output is so low (25CC per day). He moved my Thursday appointment to Tuesday next week so I could have the drain removed YAY!! I'm a little nervous because both my kids have developed a barking cough this week - I'm terrified that I'll catch it! I've only coughed twice so far but still remember the pain! Unfortunatly this means that I really have to isolate myself from the rest of the family for now ):

Updated on 7 Oct 2011:
Today I am 11 days post-op. All is well except I'm feeling very sore and tired. Getting sick of being sick. I can't wait until I have energy again and can play with my kids. We played monopoly today and every two hours I had to go lie down because I was exhausted!! Who in the heck gets tired from monopoly?!!

Updated on 13 Oct 2011:
17 days post op and I'm feeling great! I went back to work for a few hours yesterday and carried on with my normal daily routine. No lifting or exercise, but made dinner for the family, did laundry and picked up around the house etc. By around 8pm I was exhausted but so happy to be back to my old self again yay!! Mondays PS appointment went well, belly button stitches removed, wound cleaned and re-dressed with paper tape. Dr. emphasised not doing too much and keeping wound dry. Next appointment in two weeks!