38yo, 5'8, and over It. Body Needs Photoshopping (Tummy Tuck, Breast Aug, Lipo) after 3 Kiddos. - Newport Beach, CA

The time has come. The time is now.
I have made the decision to book a "mommy makeover" (I hate that it's called that).
I didn't know where to begin for information until I found this website. I honestly thought I was the only girl in the world that had a stomach like this. Stalking this website has really opened my eyes and made me realize that I'm not alone, many girls don't have a toned belly after kids, and I can do something about it. For the Girls, Fran and Betty, they are not bad. They are a small C. Well, Fran is a C and Betty is a small C. They could be happier. I don't want them to walk into a room before me, but I would like to look down and see them smiling at me.
This website has also terrified me with the pictures, the scary stories of pain and the "what if's". So much so that I'm getting ready for my first consultation and I'm about to have a heart attach. But because so many of you have let me into your bedroom and shared your very personal stories, I am going to do the same.
So as I prepare for the consult by shaving, tanning, bringing along 2 pairs of undies (granny and regular), and clothing that won't leave a crease along my belly (in case they take pictures), I will keep all of you and your strange questions in mind.

Just got back from my first consultation. I met Dr. N and his staff. Walking in the door I'm surprised they didn't offer me Valium I was shaking from nerves.
I met with the nurse and we went over what I was looking for and she explained what the actual surgery meant. She was a southern woman, sweet enough to give you a toothache. She put me at ease so quickly. She asked me questions about my weight. I'm 195 pounds, which even at 5'8 puts me in the overweight category. I have lost about 25 pounds gradually over the last year and am working very hard to loose another 25 pounds. She told me lots of girls try to loose weight before the surgery and having a date in mind really jump starts the process. I agreed. I'm don't want to spend my life savings on a surgery only to still feel fat afterward.
Anyway, she asked me to put on these paper underwear (so much for my pretty granny panties), and a robe before the doctor came in. I checked the mirror before he came in and felt like a horrible before picture. The tears were welling up in the eyes. I'm not a cryer, at all, so I took a deep breath, fluffed my hair, and sat as pretty as possible waiting to see the doc.
Doc came in and he meant business. He is a pro, done this many times. He asked questions about my health, my weight, and my goals. Then he started the exam. He said he wanted to check the belly while I was in the sitting position. He explained that women hate that part but its part of the deal.
He then had me stand, in front of the full length mirror and show me my boob potential.
Then came the photos. I wasn't prepared for that. Drop the robe and stand against the wall. I took about 6 humiliating photos before doc said "oops, sorry, the flash wasn't on, lest start over."
So, it wasn't my finest moment. Pretty sure I didn't breath the entire time. But I learned a few things. 1. This is a common surgery, and has so much potential.
2. Dr. N is a pro. Probably one of the best. I would be lucky to have my surgery with him.
3. Did you know they Lipo vajaja's? For real! The top of the whoo hah bump can get lipo too, so you don't wind up with a flat tummy and then a bump! I found that incredible. I've had that bump since I hit puberty.
4. This ish is expensive! My quote was $23K. Yup. I tried to act like that was no big deal. But um.... Well. I explained to my hubby, I thought we were buying a Kia, but it looks more like a Toyota. But hey, at least its not a Lexus.

I have 3 more consults scheduled. At least next time I'll be more prepared.