“Mommy Makeover 4 Weeks Post-Op! - Orlando”

I have recently looked into having a mommy makeover on myself. I have two boys and have tried to lose weight, get back into shape, etc... but I still have the saggy skin, stretch marks and floppy breast.

I am 30 yrs old, 5'10, usually weigh around 170lbs but trying to get to 160lbs. My weight prior to children was 155lbs. I gained about 60 lbs with my first born and 50lbs with my second born. After my first born, I was able to lose the weight and get back into my clothes within a year of his birth (literally- his 1st birthday). However, my second son I still have about 10lbs to get back to pre-preg. weight and their is the issue of stretch marks, sagginess, love handles, etc.. all that won't go away.

I have 4 consultations with highly rated plastic surgeons in a few weeks, and plan to actually have my surgery next summer (June 2011). I am researching everything from breast lifts/ augmentation, tummy tucks, etc...

I am also working out at the gym to get my muscles in shape for the recovery.

I am looking for advice regarding Drs, Questions, Procedures, Pre-Op To Do, Post-OP To Do, expectations, etc...

I hope to update as I progress to my date.

Updated on Nov 1, 2010:
Since I have joined RealSelf.com, I have been thinking more and more about my upcoming consultations in the next 3 weeks. Looking at the success stories is truly inspiring. I just pray it will be for me as well. One thing my husband asked me- was if I would be excited about shopping for clothes. Since I hate how certain tight shirts/blouses look on me (stomach and sides). Thinking about it is so exciting yet, nerve wrecking too. I can't wait for the next three weeks to pass for my consult. We decided to cancel one consult. The Dr. we are canceling is primarily a breast doctor and only does mini-tummy tucks (which I am not a candidate for). I'd like to find a 4th Dr. to replace that consult. However, it is so hard to pick a Dr. with a good reputation. I don't know anyone who has had PS. I wish there was an easier way to pick a DR.

Updated on 13 Nov 2010:
I have a dilemma and I am not sure if it is worth the worry. My husband and I had decided no more kids. He got snipped because it was cheaper and less evasive for him. My dilemma is what if the vas tubes reconnect and I get pregnant. I know it stupid-but I am not fixed so I can still get pregnant. That is something we don't want- we are happy with our two boys. I hate to put so much time and money into a surgery and have that happen. Has anyone else thought of this? Anyone else who isn't fixed but has had a tummy tuck?

Updated on 24 Nov 2010:
So yesterday and today were my consult days. I met with three PS yesterday and today was supposed to meet with the "one" that I was truly excited about meeting. I meet with the first, really enjoyed him, felt comfortable and confident in his recommendations. He recommended an extended tummy tuck, a breast lift with lollipop incision, and 325cc low profile implants under the muscle. I actually tried on a sports bra and the implants to see what I would look like.

The second PS within the first few minutes was wrong. I knew immediately that he was not the one and his recommendations were completely off. He recommended a mini tummy tuck, and breast lift with lollipop incision, and then waiting to get implants later. The entire examination was completely awkward.

My third consult was as nice as the first, he recommended a full tummy tuck, a breast lift with lollipop incision, and 275cc high profile implants under the muscle.

Both my husband and I were confused by the contradicting recommendations on the implant size and style. The first PS explained why low profile vs. the high profile would be better. I told both of the PS (first and third) that I wanted to be round, full, but not porn “style” The third PS I don’t think listened to my wants. After thinking about both PS (first and third appt), I felt that the first PS would give me what I truly desired and I felt confident that he would give me the right look, without having lumpiness, or other issues.

Another confusing factor was the major price difference. Our first PS quoted us $22,000. The second quoted $14,000. And the third quoted $16,000. It’s amazing the difference in price. My consult for today was canceled for an emergency (on the Doctor’s part). I was very disappointed in the cancelation. I have rescheduled for next Tuesday, but have to take some time off for work for the consult. I am frustrated about having to reschedule (third time this PS has rescheduled my consult). However, this is one of the PS that I have been interested in seeing. I want to hear what he has to say and what he recommends. I have seen so many positive comments about this PS and the before and after pictures are amazing.

So needless to say no decision to be made yet.

Updated on 6 Dec 2010:
Picked my PS out of 4 consults and decided to go with Dr. Soto. I scheduled my Pre-Op for may 24th as well as my Surgery for June 13th and my Post-Op for June 17th.

Updated on 9 Dec 2010:
I still have 6 months until my surgery. however, my husband and I are planners. I wanted to know the ins and outs of the mommy makeover and have plenty of time to determine my PS. While I wait out these next few months I am lifting weights at the gym, watching what I eat and making healthy decisions for me. I want to work for this makeover and I am determined to keep it looking good. I Don't want all that money to go to waste.

Updated on 19 Jan 2011:
Still working on losing weight. I've lost 10 pounds. Eating better and healthier foods. I honestly feel better now that I have eliminated junk foods. Working out with weights and doing zumba twice a week. Looking forward to my second appt with my PS. Feel like time is ticking slowly by.

Updated on 24 Mar 2011:
So the other day I was diagnosed with PCOS. Not surprised, I've always had very heavy periods. However, lately my periods (still heavy) have been very irregular. Also I have had horrible adult acne. The crazy thing is that if you watch your diet and exercise your hormones could re-balance. I have been doing that, watching my diet and exercising. I’ve improved my Triglycerides over 105 points, my bad cholesterol has improved several points too (wasn’t high to begin with). Since the weight loss has been difficult and my skin horrendous, I am contemplating taking BC again to help regulate the hormones. The side affects of PCOS are very unfeminine anyways. I rather not grow facial hair, nipple hair, belly and back hair, male pattern baldness... all that sounds horrible. None of this should have any affect on my upcoming mommy makeover, the only positive outcome, is the birth control is extra protection from getting pregnant.

Updated on 31 May 2011:
SO the last 6 months did fly by, faster than expected. I went for my pre-op appt today. MY hubby was with me so he could listen and learn all he has to do to help me. I filled out all the paper work. I am so ready for this and I can't wait. Dr. S. and I talked about my "breast" desires. I was still unsure until I realized that I honestly want to look similar to Scarlett Johansson. He agree that on my body frame, it would look natural and I agree. I am not sure how I am going to focus for the next 13 days. I also took my pre-op pics in office. I think I held a bit of it in :( it is hard to relax and let it all out. I've been holding that fat in for too long.

Updated on 18 Jun 2011:
5 days post-op, feeling great. Just tender in some areas. I'm itching quite a bit under the garments. ready for my right drain to come out in a few days.

Updated on 21 Jun 2011:
I am on Tylenol only now and just uncomfortable. Getting harder to sleep. I pray these drains come out so I can get into bed and sleep! A week in the recliner has done me in.
Last night during our evening binder check (put antibiotic ointment on blisters, etc..) We noticed a few stretch marks remain below my new belly button. A little disappointed. figured they would be so low that a bikini would hide them. :(

Updated on 21 Jun 2011:
8-Days Post-op.
Had my first Post-Op appt today. I met with Cassie (Dr.Soto's Nurse). She said I look great, but very swollen.
She took out my right drain only. Oh goodness that felt weird. Its one of those things you can describe except weird and yes it felt like a snake squirming around in my belly, running over my ribs!
Basically my blisters are from the tubs and compression binder. I just hope no more form. The office was soooo cold, I was shaking, she had to get me a warm blanket. She showed my husband and I how to do breast massages. WEIRD and a bit painful, but I don't want to ruin my new breast.
Also got to see my belly button for the first time. It looks pretty, actually I am lying, it has stiches. But I think it has the potential to be pretty.
I thought that my husband was putting on my binder tight, obvisouly it wasn't tight enough. Man, Cassie wrapped that binder so tight, I feel like barbie! The tighter is is the more the fluid will drain and I can get my left drain out a week from today. Oh I can't wait.

Updated on 25 Jun 2011:
Day 12 Post-op I know that I am going to have numbness. I definitely can't feel the section below my belly button, and I can't feel my right nipple and the area surrounding the right nipple. My left breast is fine (thank god). I just hope that sensation will come back to my right breast. I am happy to have great looking breast, but no sensation will suck.

Updated on 28 Jun 2011:
2 Week Post Op pictures

Updated on 7 Jul 2011:
24 Days Post-OP
I am going into Dr. Soto's office today for a quick check up. Last night when I was changing my incision tapes, my right breast was very red from where the tape was applied. I also had bleeding from my skin, not the incision. My left drain is not healing, or closing. There is yellow pus oozing from it and its swollen and red :(. Hoping they can figure it out.

Updated on 13 Jul 2011:
4 Weeks Post-Op Pictures and upclose of incisions. I sewed my binder another inch (maybe inch and half) closed again. It was getting too lose and felt it wasn't helping my swelling. I hope that was OK, it seems that my swelling isn't improving. I am feeling very lazy with not working out and sitting on my butt all day!

Updated on 13 Jul 2011:
Sorry the pictures are blurry. My husband didn't realize and didn't want to re-shoot them. :(

Updated on 15 Jul 2011:
Posting a Breast pic- get a good look. I will be taking it down in a few days.

Updated on 26 Jul 2011:

6 Weeks Post-Op. Went in for my 6 week check up. Cassie removed my sutures from my belly button and one more from my breast that she had missed. I don't have to wear the binder anymore! YEA, Thank goodness. I can start working out, slowly, but I can! I have to use silicon (Kelo-cote) on my incisions to help them heal. I feel like a new woman. I am going back on Thursday for cool-sculpting on my back (bra-fat).