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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

2/11/11 Mommy Makeover - Orange County, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I am scheduled for my Mommy Makeover surgery on...

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beachgalDecember 31, 2010
WORTH IT$19,475

I am scheduled for my Mommy Makeover surgery on Friday, February 11th, 2011. I will have an extended tummy tuck, lipo of abdomen, Breast Lift with Lollipop/Inverted T-with Augmentation of Saline implants. I look forward to learning all that I can from the women on this forum/site who have already gone through this surgery. In turn, I plan to document everything so I can help others who are thinking about or are already scheduled for a Mommy Makeover. I really hope to form a good support system!

About me: I am 47 years old and have 2 sons, ages 21 and 24, and I am divorced. I am 5'3 and wear a size 12. I lost 30 pounds over the past year and dropped 2 pant sizes. I am working on firming up my legs and arms.

My pre-op appointment is February 1st. I will have my before surgery pictures taken. Yikes. I will put a positive spin on this though... I hope to have a nice tan in the pictures since I am going on a Carribean cruise in January. In reality, I know the post-op pictures will have a smaller belly and the "girls" will be pointing east/west not south! :)

If anyone has any questions for me, please know that I am an open book, very honest and will answer anything you ask!

Happy New Year everyone!

beachgal's provider

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD

Joseph Thomas Cruise, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

beachgal

beachgal rating for Dr. Cruise:

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Replies (2)

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Angie_M
January 1, 2011

Thanks so much for posting here on RealSelf! We love honesty and open books like you! It helps so much with other's journeys.

I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts. Have fun on your cruise!

(Oh, and if you get a chance, check out JenBob's 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My Mommy Makeover)

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daffy173
January 1, 2011
Hi Beachgal
This is a great site to support you through this journey. I'm 4-1/2 weeks post op from TT and Lipo of hips, thighs, flanks. No boobs though so can't help with that topic.

I'm in san clemente. It's nice to have some California girls on the site...all my other cyber friends are in the Midwest, buried in snow!
UPDATED FROM beachgal
1 month pre

I am curious about the 2nd stage binder. Which...

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beachgalJanuary 2, 2011
I am curious about the 2nd stage binder. Which brand of abdominal binder did you get? I want to buy 2 so I can have a spare when I need to wash the other! I am also curious about the support bra. Did you just wear a sport bra? I would think it would be hard to buy this pre-op since I truly don't know what size my girls will really be with all the swelling.

Thank you all for your advise.

Replies (7)

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JenBob
January 2, 2011
Hi Beachgal...I know you are excited!!! This was the best thing I have ever done for myself!!! Keep us posted!!
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JenBob
January 3, 2011
Beachgal, check out design by veronique. My PS recommended it for the 2nd stage. I got the one that you pull on..no zippers...and it goes all the way down to my calf. I really really liked it for my 2-5 week mark. You will be in what your PS puts you in for the first 2 weeks. I just wore the bra they sent me home in and then just a sports bra. They sell these bras called "barely there" that look like panty hose sports bras. I wear those everyday!!
I now wear a Flexee garment instead of my 2nd stage. If you are not having Lipo, then you wont need anything for the leg area. The Flexee may be great for a stage 2.
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beachgal
January 4, 2011
Thank you JenBob! I have enjoyed reading about your mommy makeover experience and have learned so much from you.

Beachgal
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daffy173
January 14, 2011
Hi Beachgal
I'll be in Newport tomorrow for my PS appointment so I'm planning on stopping by to see you at your work.....probably about 1-ish. Hope to see you!
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beachgal
January 15, 2011
It was great meeting you! You look awesome!
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daffy173
January 15, 2011
Great meeting you too! Can't wait to see you post-op!

My doc said I'm more swollen than I should be. He stuck a needle in me, but no fluid so I have to wear a binder again. Yuck. I go back in 2 weeks to see if it's gone down more.
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beachgal
January 19, 2011
Having a needle stuck in your belly must have hurt! yuck!
UPDATED FROM beachgal
24 days pre

Hi Everyone! Everything is going well. BF and I...

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beachgalJanuary 18, 2011
Hi Everyone! Everything is going well. BF and I went to see PS yesterday, to ensure we are all on the same page as far as my new breasts-to-be are concerned! I have been eating very well and drinking tons of water! I will be on vacation for a week and hope to maintain this healthy eating, although cruise ships are known to have an abundance of food! They even have a Chocolate Buffet for dessert and a Pasta bar during the day! UGH! My pre-op appt. is scheduled for February 1st. I will post my pre-op pictures soon after the appt. Take care everyone!

Replies (13)

nervous1
January 19, 2011
how you doing beachgal?? When is your pre op appt?
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beachgal
January 19, 2011
Hi Nervous1 and everyone else out there! Thanks for thinking of me. I am doing well. I'm getting ready to leave on vacation so things are a bit hectic. I think I have purchased the majority of my supplies for post-op. My pre-op appt. is Feb. 1st. I will post the pre-op pictures then. YIKES!I am everyone is doing well!
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daffy173
January 21, 2011
Have a great time on your cruise!
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beachgal
January 21, 2011
Thank you! I'm all packed! Have a great week Daffy! I hope you are doing well!
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Mommy of 4
January 30, 2011
Hey beach gal, are u getting excited?
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beachgal
January 31, 2011
Hello Mommy of 4. Thanks for asking how I am. I just returned from the cruise to the Caribbean and now am in full worry mode! I am prepared with all the supplies but am just scared. My pre-op is tomorrow morning so hopefully I will feel better after the appointment. I am meeting another patient of my surgeon's who has had the surgery so I am excited to meet her. She has been a life saver for me. It's nice to have other people rooting for you and thinking of you. How are you doing? You have just a few days left!! How exciting!!I will be following your posts closely :)
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daffy173
January 31, 2011
Welcome home beachgal! Hope you had a great cruise.
It's natural to be scared, but remember to be excited when you see all the AFTER photos!
I was at Newport FI on Friday but I knew you were gone...I wandered by and you weren't there. My next appointment isn't u till March 18 so you'll be 5 weeks post op by then!
Keep us posted....
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Mommy of 4
January 31, 2011
Tomorrow is the big day for me.... Worry mode, is at it's highest for me ,lol... I will update my review as soon as I can.
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beachgal
January 31, 2011
Hi Daffy! Being 5 weeks post-op sounds like a great thing!! I hope to look as good as you! I thought about you when I was on vacation. How are you feeling? What's new? What time is your appt. on 3/18?
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beachgal
January 31, 2011
I will be thinking of you tomorrow!! Good Luck!! xxooo
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daffy173
January 31, 2011
Good luck!
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daffy173
January 31, 2011
My appointment is at 9:30 am on March 18. I assume you'll be back to work by then. Can't wait to see you!
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beachgal
February 2, 2011
Me too! Yes, I will be back to work March 1st.
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