Love My Result, My PS, and Progressive Tension TT- Salt Lake City

First I want to say what a great forum Real Self has been. I first came here a few months ago and though I have been considering this surgery for 5 years I finally found the courage to schedule for April 8th. I paid the PS two days ago, solidifying my choice and just typing this gives me butterflies to the reality of it all.

I am a 41 yr old mother of 3 fantastic boys 8,7, & 3. I feel younger than the number of my age. I work out regularly though admit I should do more if the time ever permits itself. I usually run a few half marathons each year and last year ran my first full marathon. I practice Bikram and Vinyasa yoga 1-2 times a week and usually add in at least one day of skiing (skate or alpine), biking or something else to keep me moving. I am 5'5 and for the last 3 years have been at my pre-pregnancies weight of 110-115 and recent body fat % is between 14 &17%. All should be good except my belly protrudes out significantly. I have been asked how far along I am. Ouch. My friends who I love and adore have told me with encouragement that I look good but my abdomen is disproportionate to the rest of me. Which I already know but a second (or third) trusted opinion is validating. My husband agrees, but says I still look hot to him and is willing to prove it anytime I want LOL.

I have had 4 PS consults to see what could be done. I researched mini TTs, lipo, exercise programs etc. All PSs, my primary care physician and a physical therapist have told me that I have diastasis (abdominal muscle separation) and a laxed abdominal wall or stretched fascia from large babies and 3 c-sections that only surgery can fix. This created my big dilemma as the cost, recovery time and risk of the surgery would be a burden on my family. For these reasons, I hesitated for soooo long. Yet after reading many reviews and posts on Real Self, I kept thinking "Good for you" in regard the women who had chosen to have the surgery. I then decided I have a long life to live (God willing) and I want to be that Granny in a bikini at the retirement home someday lol. A situation presented itself where my husband is taking the kids out of town for 8 days and a good friend happened to be on hand during this time to be my recovery "nurse". I you to ever read this "M", I love you girl. And my PS had an opening.

The surgeon I chose has thus far been fantastic. During two different consults with her I practically moved in. We hugged the last time I left. She's become a friend. I do want her to "know" me personally since the procedure is so personal. Dr K is also very sharp (no pun intended). I had read about the progressive tension aka quilted TT or no-drain TT and was excited to find out she performs this on her patients who qualified physically. No-drain TT's are supposed to have easier recovery, less chance for infection and less swelling....And of course no lovely drains to contend with. I do know the down side of this method is longer OR time and increased cost. I havent seen a lot of conversation on here about it so will post my experience as it happens. Or if anyone has an experience to share, I would appreciate the insight. Dr K also said she keeps her OR at about 75deg. She said this has proven to drop the rate of blood clots down dramatically. Maybe all PSs do this but I thought it interesting. I also opted to have implants....just a little fill me up of about 280cc's. May even go smaller. After breastfeeding 3 babies I found out that even A's can sag. Its a cruel irony. Now with an option I wouldnt mind a perky small C. I havent decided on saline or silicone. Will talk with my PS one more time before surgery. Still have some aesthetic questions and health concerns I need to address.

I upped the surgery date by one day for personal convenience. Oh goodness. I have a mixed bag of emotions. The big day is coming so quickly. Im trying to be prepared. I know some people recommended Arnica and something else for the swelling and bruising. Not sure how much and when to take it. Spoke with my PS RN and she wasnt sure. Please let me know what has worked, and whats recommended and how to use it. If you have experience here would love your input.