Almost 40 and Have Accepted My Curves...just Want Them a Bit Smoother!!!

I am almost 41. I feel really good about myself and frequently receive compliments that I look much younger than 40. Growing up I was a gymnast and owned and showed horses. I was in incredible shape in my youth but have always hated excercising. I do better with excercise through daily and fun activities vs a gym. As time has gone by I have noticed my "family blessed" saddle bags have gotten more pronounced. In the past few years I have even noticed the right leg of my pants feel tighter no matter what pants I wear.
Around age 35 I started gaining weight slowly no matter how much working out I did. I fell into what I thought was depression. I went to therapists and even a psychiatrist. Around age 38 my hair started falling out and I started showing signs of hypothyroidism. This runs in my family. To make a long story short I ended up being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and since being medicated my world has turned around. No more being exhausted, depressed and no more weight gain. Unfortunately losing the weight is more difficult. I am OK with my weight but just want my curves smoothed out, especially on my thighs and knees. I have even surrendered to the cellulite!!!
I also have two beautiful girls ages 14 and 11 that left me with loose skin. Luckily my muscles stayed in tact so no need for a full tummy tuck.
I went to see Dr Vogel a year ago regarding a tummy tuck and lipo in my thighs and knees. I visited another PS but just felt so comfortable with Dr Vogel, his staff and office. Danielle, his patient coordinator, has especially made this an easy process. I feel like she's a friend even though I've only met with her a few times. Dr Vogel recommended a mini tuck without muscle tightening. He said if they tried to move the belly button I would be left with an inverted T scar and belly button scar where the old belly button was. I don't have enough loose skin to cut out the old skin around the belly button. I don't want any scars you can see over a bathing suit. So basically I am having loose skin removed with some lipo underneath. When he took photos of my thighs he asked if my right thigh was larger than my left. He said he could see it in the photos. I guess that's why my pants legs always feel so tight on the right. I've asked him to pay close attention to evening the size of my thighs.
It's been a year since I first met with Dr Vogel and a few more visits later I will be having my surgery tomorrow and I am really excited. I am not expecting perfect, just better. I went to tuck that tummy and got some great advice for how to prepare for surgery. I will add some before pics as soon as I figure out how to load them.

I am 5'4" and approximately 138 lbs.

Love my doctor. He called me last night to touch base before my surgery day. Also got a call from the anethesiologist the night before. Great way to calm my nerves.
Had my dad take me in this AM at 8:30 and the whole arrival process was calming and easy. Nurse was amazing and Dr Vogel came in and went over my plan and marked me up really good. Had me bring my favorite bikini swimsuit so he could make sure the scar stayed below that line. I sure hope it did. My wait time was minimal and before I knew it I was out cold. Woke up and felt good. I actually was chatty. Great conversation with the nurses. At least it seemed so on my part. They probably had so idea what the hell I was talking about. I had no pain but was shaky. Not felling cold but just shaky.
Dr said my surgery went so well. He pulled down and removed approx 3 inch width of skin. Don't know what the scar looks like. Will see it in 2 days at the dressing change. Was surprised to find out I was going to have a drain. So far emptied it twice in a 6 hour time period. Once to the 20 mark line and the second time to the 25 line in the drain. Does that sound about normal??
Lipo went well according to Dr. He said my right side was more bruised. Probably because they worked harder to reduce the size since I've had trouble with that thigh being larger. Legs look swollen tonight. I'm not getting myself down though. Thanks to all the reviews on here I learned to give it time. It's a marathon not a sprint to looking better.
Only problem is that I get incredibly nauseous when I stand to go to the bathroom. Lying down is fine. Dr said to drink a lot to hydrate and take nausea pill. Going to try that. Only problem is the more water the more trips to bathroom. Sitting isn't so bad on toilet but getting up isn't pretty. Leaned back too far and felt the pain in belly. Won't do that again. I know the reviews with pictures on Realself helped me the most so I will post pics as soon as I get the binder open. Too scared to do that now. I will keep you posted.