“Scheduled for January 5th - Mt. Pleasant, SC”

So I am now scheduled for a mini tummy tuck with lower ab muscle repair. I've had four consultations and have decided on a doctor. I've been advised by one doctor to have a full tummy tuck but have decided on a mini because I think (hope) I will be able to get the benefits that I desire. I've also opted against lipo... seems everything I've read about it is negative. I'm not expecting to be a super model just a loss of the excess skin. I excercise often but like most can't lose the weight around my belly. I have two children 3 and 7...both c sections and now have the sagging skin and the "shelf".

I have ITP (low platelets) so I have been working with my hemotologist also to manage any blood treatments prior to my date. I have an appointment with them on December 23 to obtain my clearance.

I'm feeling a whole range of emotions... scared about the surgery, guilty for time away from my family, and anticipation of feeling better about myself.

I will be 40 in April and hope to have a better body than when I was 20! :)

I'm so thankful for this site. I've learned so much on here. I will post some pictures soon.

Updated on 3 Jan 2012:
Two days pre-op. Really nervous. Just posted some pics. During my pre-op visit with the PS, he highly recommended that I have a small amount of lipo around my hips and upper abs. He said I would have "bat wings" otherwise where the incision meets the hips. He told me he would be very conservative so I've agreed to that. Wish me luck!

Updated on 10 Jan 2012:
So it really is true when they say it gets better each day. Yesterday I got my drain out and feel like a new woman. I was really nervous about getting it out but was so ready. The drain was one of the most stressful things for me. Anyway, I felt like such a baby when she took it out because I held onto her arm but it was a whole lot of anxiousness for nothing. There was just a little pinching and it was over. Mind you, I could not watch though! I also am out of the binder and into the girdle which feels SO much better. I was also able to drive yesterday since I am no longer taking pain meds. I ran a few errands and then came home and walked up to pick up my son from school. They said walking and water really is the best way to keep the swelling down. Last night I took a shower and got the girdle on all by myself. I'll be honest, I wasn't a 100% comfortable with the shower because I was tentative about the water hitting the incision and reluctant to bend over because I didn't have any protection on (ie girdle) so anything that fell stayed there. But I got (mostly) clean, got out and even blew my hair dry after! Last night I was able to sleep on my side which felt so good. My back has been hurting from laying on it so long at night. Anyway, that's the latest. I hope you are all healing well out there!

Updated on 18 Jan 2012:
Day 12: feeling really well. Still have soreness where they did lipo but overall feel semi back to normal. Have a lot of energy and trying to walk at least 30 mins every day. I'm now in hurry up and wait mode. I've switched over to the spanx type binder which is smoother and more comfortable but getting it on and off is a pain. I'm still very swollen too. Anxious for the swelling to go down. Also taking showers now is a breeze. I'm getting more and more comfortable when I don't have the binder on.
I went out and got several new pairs of leggings because that seems to be the most comfortable thing to wear. I did managed to squeeze into a pair of jeans one day but took them off as soon as I got home!

I got my stitches out at my one week appointment. I wish I had known because I would have taken some advil beforehand. That hurt! But it was quick.

Updated on 23 Jan 2012:
2+ weeks out:
So I have been feeling pretty well overall although I've had a cold for about 5 days now that is driving me crazy! I talk to the nurse today and she said that I don't need to put antibiotic ointment on my incision anymore but can put any lotion with vitamin e. I asked her about scar cream and she said that the doctor doesn't advise it and says that she will show me how to "massage" the scar next time I am there and that proves to be more effectively. I go back in two weeks so I'll keep you posted more on that. I'm going to post some more pics today. A lot of the bruising is gone but I'm still pretty swollen. I had read someone else's post that said that they saw a significant decrease in swelling at two weeks and I have seen the same. It seemed around the two week mark there was a big difference. I just started my period so I suspect some of the swelling is associated with that too. Good news.... in the past weekend I've worn jeans twice and it wasn't too bad! Of course I didn't wear any shirts that were too tight but they fit! I'm still wearing the binder religiously every day and will continue to... even though it is not comfortable... blah!

Updated on 16 Feb 2012:
Week 5: Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've been so busy. Things are going very well. I'm still a bit sore in spots from the lipo but overall feel great. I saw the doc this week and he told me I could resume all normal activities, exercise etc. He said I am limited to no more than 5 sit ups until I see him next. He said planks and any yoga was fine. He also advised that I continue to wear the binder (spanx) for one more week and when I exercise until I feel comfortable without it. I asked him about the swelling and he assured me that it will continue to decrease. He also told me not to waste my money on all the expensive scar creams. He showed me how to massage it with a bit of pressure. He said to do that twice a day and use any kind of lotion or even Palmers if I wanted to. He asked me about my feelings on the results. I told him that we had pretty much met my expectations. I knew I wouldn't come out looking like a supermodel but it looks SO much better than it did. Now I can focus on the things that I can change! Like toning up my legs and arms! Hope you are all well out in RealSelf land!