Mommy Makeover on May 24 2011! - Elyria, OH

I am 42 years old and a mother of 3 daughters. I am tired of wearing padded bras and "old lady swimsuits." My surgery is May 24. I am having a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Last month I had my thighs and flanks liposuctioned and have enjoyed the results so far.

I have been looking at some of the posts here and if I am as lucky to get the results of the ladies here I will be jumping for joy once I am able to!

I am a little worried about some things though. They are:

1. I have a 3 year old and I wanted to know how some of you are avoiding lifting and/or carrying your little ones. When I had my liposcution last month I broke the rules and carried her a few times but I know this surgery will be a little more intense so any suggestions will help.

2. I also have a wonderful husband who, even though he is wonderful, cannot cook with a darn. I have made up some dishes that I froze but I am wondering if I should make more than what I have (a week's worth).

3. It seems like everyone had a recliner to sleep on after the surgery and I don't have one. Does anyone have any suggestions on sleeping arrangements after the surgery?

I am so excited and nervous about this. I am having a full tummy tuck and breast augmentation through the areola. My doctor and I discussed sizes last week and we are going with Natrelle silicone moderate plus profile (302cc). My doctor said I should be around a C or D cup (since all bra makers vary). I keep going back and forth wondering if this is too small or too large. While I don't want to look disportionately large I don't want to wear any more padded bras! I would appreciate any comments on this too. I think I am just getting a case of the jitters.

I am 4 days from my surgery date and I am excited and scared. From what I read, it seems like it will take a couple of weeks just to get on my feet. This worries me because I have a huge wedding cake due 3 weeks after my surgery - ill-timing I know but I had to work it in.

There is also the possibility that my husband will have to travel two weeks after my surgery for work. He is staying home with me for one week so I am grateful for that. My mother lives 2 hours away and is 85 years old so I really cannot ask her for help. And, my in-laws have no idea I am having this surgery and I would prefer that way. I am really pretty independent so asking anyone for help is very hard.

The thing I am most concerned about is the effectiveness of the surgery. My workouts have been sporadic since December 10, 2010. At that time, my oldest sister went into the hospital and after that time, I spent most of my time with her as her brain tumor recurred and it was untreatable this time. She lived in Columbus so I would drive down every other day (2 hours) to take my turn in caring for her. On the days I did not go to Columbus I home-schooled our daughters. My sister passed away on February 21, 2011 very peacefully. We were blessed to have her for 7 years almost to the day of her original diagnosis when the doctors originally gave her 6 months. My sister was the best. She would fully support me in this and make a joke somewhere along the lines of getting her some surgery too. She had the greatest legs and her hands were so beautiful.

After my sister passed, I eventually resumed working out and then had smart lipo surgery on my thighs and flanks and have not been given the go ahead to workout but I have been walking 3 miles each day. Needless to say, I am concerned about the effectiveness of this surgery.

I am a runner and in my little town we host the Mohican 100 which is a 100 mile run in 24 hours. It literally makes me ache to out there when I see the runners preparing for this. I so want to be out there. There is nothing like running in our town. You run through town and in 20 minutes you are in woods and then later cornfields and passing cows. It is the most incredible feeling.

I am obviously rambling so I will sign off. I am grateful for this site that I can write these things and share them with others who are on a similar journey.

One day post op:

I did it! Aside from the nausea I had yesterday and inability to fully urinate I feel fine.

I saw my doctor today and he believes I will be able to get my drains out on Friday - just in time for the 3 day weekend!

I am not really swollen or bruised and I am happy about that.