“31 Year Old Mommy of 4, Just Wanted to Lose the Pouch! - Norfolk, VA”

I've wanted a tummy tuck for years now. In fact after our third I had a consultation and received a quote for nearly $10,000 in Michigan. Everything happens for a reason because I didn't have the procedure done now 3 years later we have 4 boys, their ages are 8, 6, 3 and 1.

We hadn't planned on a fourth but I guess it was meant to be. I'd been feeling really down about my body since having our fourth and my workouts at the gym just weren't helping. I was going to the gym almost 5 days a week and though the rest of my body was responding my abdomen just sagged lower and lower. The fold of flabby skin hanging added even more inches to my waistline. I'd gone from a size 16 to a 14 but had it now been for my stomach a size 12 would slip right on. I was left wearing my shirts and blouses untucked and still shopping in the maternity for tops that wouldn't reveal the large bulge at my mid-section. I also grew tired of wearing body slimmers and shapers under every outfit. It was the beginning of summer and I wanted to show off some of my hard work but I'd have to find slimmers or Spanx to hide under shorts and tank tops.

The worst of all was the toll it was taking on my dear husband who has always been so supportive. He tells me every day about how beautiful I am but I still couldn't believe him. It’s hard to believe someone else finds you attractive when you don't believe it for yourself.

Our love life was suffering as well as I'd make him turn out all of the bedroom lights before intimacy, most of our encounters would happen in pitch darkness. Even still I wouldn't want him to touch my mid-section because doing so would make me uneasy during our love-making.

So, finally I decided to go for it. I researched the plastic surgeons in my area using the service review sites, physician grade services and referral pages. I also asked around and received a name that I'd come across in my research. After a little more digging I decided on a doctor.

My first consultation was wonderful. There was very little waiting and the staff was very friendly and understanding. The doctor was very patient, answered all of my questions and was careful to make sure I understood all of my options. He explained the chances of post op complications and wanted to ensure that I had realistic expectations. (I'm not a small figured woman but I wanted the surgery anyway). Most importantly the good doctor didn't make me feel rushed as though he had other more important patients and matters to tend to.

The consultation ended with my scheduling and payment arrangements. Once again the staff was thorough, kind and understanding. I was walked through the entire schedule and payment timeline and was thrilled that I could pay for my procedure using Care Credit. The big day took forever to come but I prepared for it by watching my diet and supplement intake. I maintained a positive attitude and gathered support from my family and friends who were as excited as I was about my new body.

I must admit the day before surgery was not so glamorous, Miralax and Dulcolax are a powerful combination but I was surprised to have absolutely no cramping or pain associated with my bowel prep. The morning of pre op the surgical met me and made me feel very comfortable. Once again they explained everything to me all the way down to how I would feel when I woke up a few hours later.

The last thing I remember was speaking to the anesthesiologist about the boys and what seemed like minutes later I was waking up with a nurse at my bedside. By the time my husband arrived I was feeling pretty good. My throat was a bit sore but the nurse gave me sips of water to help out. I was home about an hour later and on the road to recovery and my new body image.

The first two days were interesting. I had to find the right dosage of pain meds for my pain level. Too much made me goofy and too little made moving about such a bother. But I was able to walk around beginning the day after surgery and every day following my range of motion improved. I was sure to stay away from lifting heavy items, especially our 1 year old (not picking him up for the month before surgery helped him to get use to the new idea).

I learned very quickly that it would be unwise to watch comedy while recovering the first week. Laughing, coughing and sneezing were extremely painful endeavors so I learned to laugh from the throat, sneeze with my mouth open and cough shallowly while holding my abdomen tightly with a pillow if possible.

It is now day 6 post op and I have been to the gym twice. First on day 4 when I walked slowly (2.0) on the treadmill for 30 min. and the second time yesterday when I went for 25 min on the elliptical cycle. I’ve moved from taking two pain killers every 4 to 6 hours down to 1 pill every 5 to 6 hours. I hope to move onto over-the-counter pain medication by next week. I will provide photos shortly to show my progress.

Updated on Aug 17, 2010:

August 16, 2010 I woke up this morning and for the first time since my procedure I was able to get up out of my chair without waiting for my pain to subside. I’ve been sleeping in our family room since last Monday. Sleeping in a recliner made it easy to sleep comfortably and still allowed me to get up on my own in the middle of the night without waking my husband for help. The arrangement has really made the nights a lot easier on everyone. Anyway… today marks a week since my procedure and I can’t believe how far I’ve come in such little time. I plan to go to the gym again today for another 30 min. workout. I’m not sure which workout I’ll feel up to but I know that with each full day of activity my recovery status improves dramatically.

Yesterday, my husband and I took the boys to a Sunday morning matinee movie at the mall. I felt as though we needed to reward them for being so understanding and helpful this past week. Our oldest is only 8 and next in line is our 6 year old, the two helped out with the laundry, meal preps, house cleaning and chasing down their two younger brothers when it was difficult for me to get around quickly. I don’t always give them credit but they are very well disciplined and follow my instruction very well (most of the time). I believe that this week will flow a lot more smoothly than last week with me ending my prescription pain medications.

Yesterday I decided to take 2 Aleve (approved by my Dr) and I was able to make it through the entire day without taking anything else until bedtime (I’m still taking them for bed because I move a lot when I sleep). I’ve been needing naps for the last week so we’ll see what this week brings. I’m not use to napping but if that’s what my body’s telling me I put on a good movie, position the child gates and the boys and I settle in the family room for an hour or two.

I’ll try to get my husband to take some photos before work this morning. And if not tomorrow I’ll get before shots from my Dr during my next visit.

Updated on Sep 1, 2010:
Three weeks post op and I feel like a new woman.

Updated on 11 Feb 2011:
It's been six months and I am still getting use to this new body. I am steadily losing weight (the best way to go) and I love the results. I am still regaining the feeling in my abdominal region and I have just begun a more engaging abdominal exercise routine. I still have to take it easy in that area but the rest of my exercise process is more intense than ever. I can’t wait for the warmer weather and swimsuit season this year.

Here are two new update photos.