“Changing my Life for the Better I Hope - San Antonio, TX”

I'm a mother of 2 gorgeous girls (ages 2 and 4) and, like most people on here, pregnancy really changed my body. Prior to my first pregnancy, I'll admit, I was on the heavier side. I was active duty Air Force working 12-14 hour shifts 5 days a week (night shifts, which is horrible on maintaining a diet). The only exercise I got was the mandatory Physical Training (PT) at my unit. I was heavy set, and could do only the minimums to get me a 75% on my PT test.

My first pregnancy was a surprise (a pleasant one, but a surprise none the least...I was on birth control). At the time I was 158 lbs (I'm 5' tall). With it being my first pregnancy I really took the whole "eating for two" thing to heart. I ate like there was no tomorrow, and I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted (inluding at midnight after my 12 hour shift). By the time 9 months rolled around, I was 204 lbs (the heaviest I'd ever been). After my first daughter was born, I would lose weight and then gain it back and then lose it again, and that cycle continued for about a year and a half.

When we found out we were pregnant again (again, another surprise...I had the Mirena), I was weighing in at 175 lbs (apparently I'm SUPER fertile). I was still active duty and still barely passing my PT test. I really tried to watch what I was eating, but in the end I still ended up gaining a ton of weight. At 9 months I weighed 217 lbs.

After the birth of my second daughter, I experienced Post Partum Depression. I initially lost the 20-25 lbs you lose after birth, but I gained it all back very quickly. When my youngest daughter was 9 months old (walking, and darn near running) is when I realized that I needed to change things in my life. I was at the park with both my kids and I couldn't play with them for too long before I was exhausted and sweating like a pig.

I changed my diet, began a very intense workout regiment, and today I am proud to say that I am down to 136 lbs. I have worked really hard to be where I am, but of course no amount of working out can ever tighten the loose flabby skin on my tummy or get rid of all the stretch marks. I went to see a doctor in San Antonio about 2 months ago, and my surgery (tummy tuck with lipo to the hips/flanks) is scheduled for December 13th). I cannot believe it's only 11 days away.

I am a nervous wreck. I have mixed feelings about whether it will all be worth it. I want to feel good about myself, but I'm so scared of complications (mainly death). I'm so scared of something happening to me, my daughters without a mother. It terrifies me. I try to remain positive, and I have a very supportive, wonderful husband who is helping me get through this. 11 more days, 11 more days. Hopefully, this changes my life for the better. I'll keep you updated.

I will try and update tonight with pictures.Updated on 4 Dec 2011:Updated with some pics. These pics were taken in July of this year, so they're not very recent(My camera just broke on me so I couldn't take new ones). Since July I have lost around 18 lbs, so there is more flabby skin. I am soooooo nervous. I am now onl 9 days away from my surgery date.Updated on 7 Dec 2011:6 days until my surgery!!! OMG, I can't believe it. I have been waiting a year for this date to come and now it's only 6 days away. I am freaking out!! I'm excited but so unbelievably nervous. I'm trying to imagine myself with a flat stomach, hoping that it will ease my anxiety. It's helping a little bit, lol.

So I'm starting to get my post surgery supplies. What supplies do you recommend??Updated on 12 Dec 2011:OMG OMG OMG!!!!! In just 12 hours I will have a flat tummy!!! I'm so excited and nervous, it's starting to make me a little nauseous :) hopefully everything goes ok and I heal fast!!! Thanks for the support ladies, it means a lot!!Updated on 13 Dec 2011:Well I made it!!! I'm finally on the other side. My surgery was a little over 3 hours...the doctor said It went perfect and I have a brand new flat tummy!!! I'm not going to lie, when I first came out of surgery, I was in quite a bit of pain and I really couldn't open my eyes or speak to tell the nurse. My PS doesn't do pain pumps so maybe that has something to do with it. The car ride home wasnt too bad, I was a little nauseous but I didn't throw up (which my mom was ecstatic about, lol). I've been at home now for 3 hours, I already took my first dose of pain meds which have helped a little. Going to the bathroom (number 1) wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. It took me a couple of minutes to relax enough to go, but I finally did. The worst part so far is getting into bed. Getting out isn't that difficult for me, but getting back in hurts really bad. It hurts when I try and lift my legs onto the bed, it SUCKS!!!!! I will try and post pictures on my review later tonight.Updated on 21 Dec 2011:Well I'm 8 days PO. Yesterday I went to see my PS and they removed both drains!!! Thank GOD!!! Those drains were by far the most painful thing of the whole recovery!!! Removal kinda stung a bit, but a few deep breaths later it was all gone. Today, I went shopping for some last minute Xmas gifts. I was gone and walking for about 4 hours, and I did great. A little back pain, but that's to be expected. My number one advice to anyone getting a tummy tuck is to get a walker!!! I know it may seem silly, but it is SOOOOOOOO worth it. I got mine at a local flea market for $8 and it has been worth every penny. I haven't been taking pain killers since about 3 days PO and I've been doing fine. My swelling is obviously still there but not as bad as I was expecting. My bruises are almost all gone. I attribute this to the herbal medication I've been taking. I take Bromelain for swelling (prob 3 or 4 times a day), Arnica Montana (five pellets 3 times a day), and I rub Arnica gel on my bruises and tummy 3 or 4 times a day. These things really work. I picked up all this stuff at Whole Foods and it't not very expensive. I definitely recommend all of these products.