“34 Year Old Mom About to Have a Full Tummy Tuck - Toronto, ON”

I have 22 month old twin boys and a 5 year old daughter and between the two pregnancies I separated my abs, got a herniated belly button, lots of strechmarks and loose skin. I am getting the tummy tuck done to repair the separation because my boys would bruise my intestines since their feet could go right through my abdominal wall. Plus, the hernia needs to be repaired. I also am concerned about the long term affects of the separated abs on my back. I also look forward to not being embarrassed for anyone to see my stomach.

Updated on 10 Jul 2011:
My surgery date is quickly approaching and I am getting so nervous for my recovery. I hate the unknown! What if I get an infection? What if my kids need me and I can't help? What if I am not able to tend to my kids after 3 weeks? I do feel better after reading other posts and hearing from the kind ladies who have taken the time to address my questions. I will try to post some before photos of my tummy. Check out what my daughter refers to as my pigs nose otherwise know as my herniated belly button. Oh, I noticed that most people give their height and weight and I don't think I mentioned that before. So I am 5'4" and weigh 123. Thanks again for all the support!

Updated on 13 Jul 2011:
Tomorrow's the big day! I am at piece now, no longer worried. I am putting my faith in my god and trusting it will all be fine. It does feel surreal that the day has finally come. I have been showering the last 4 days with antibacterial soap. For the last month I have been on a ton of vitamins known to improve your immune, speed up recovery and reduce swelling. I made a ton of soup for me and frozen meals for my family. All the laundry is in order. Put a fresh set of sheets on our bed. Oh, and I stopped eating potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant a week before since I read a medical paper that believed something in these items made it more difficult for the body to metabolize the Anastasia. Therefore, slowing down my recovery. I'll let you know if all these steps helped. I have had 6 other surgeries to compare to so it will be interesting. Good luck to all the others having this surgery, if you pray please pray for me!

Updated on 17 Jul 2011:
I am 3 days post op and feeling pretty good. Day 2 was the worst cause I through up. That hurt! My kids r taking it so well. My 2 year old twins who r usually all over me have stayed away, it's like they know I'm off limits. I have been taking a slew of vitamins and I think it has helped. I also avoided potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant for 4 days before surgery. I read that something in these items makes it harder for the body to metabolize the Anastasia. I thought it was worth the try. I have been able to get up out of bed and downstairs on my own from day one. It has been better then I expected! I am happy with the results so far. Although I have no clue what my belly button will look like. I looked my Dr and his staff and the clinic was like staying at a 6 star resort. At this point I would say this was totally worth it.

Updated on 26 Jul 2011:
I am a 34, 5'4", 123 pounds and work out for two hours at least 5 days. I was very nervous prior to the surgery for the recovery. I was very concerned as to how I could possibly take care of my kids shortly after surgery. I had 1 and 1/2 weeks of help lined up and after that I would be on my own. To help speed up my recovery I did as much research on vitamins that are known to help. I take close to 30 vitamin pills a day but I think it has helped. Here is a list of what I am taking for those interested: bromelain, vitamin d, vitamin k, garlic, zinc, vitamin a, vitamin e (only after surgery), l-cysteine, selenium, CoQ10, a good multi- vitamin, essential 3-6-9 omega fatty acid, and a ton of vitamin c. Plus, I found out that it is best to avoid potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant a week before surgery because they slow down the bodies ability to metabolize the Anastasia. When I first woke up from the surgery I was pretty out of it and wanted to sleep non-stop. But I was able use the bathroom unassisted 5 hours out of surgery. I stayed the night at the clinic (I recommend opting for the overnight stay if possible) and by the next day I had no trouble getting to the car and the hour drive was painless. Going up and down stairs was no problem too. By day two I got off the pain meds and switched to Extra Strength Tylenol. I want off Tylenol by day 4 and took Arnica instead. My drains were removed on day 4. And that helped me feel much better. The worst day so far has been day 2. I am 12 days post op and I am pleased to say I feel great and every day gets better. I am able to take care of my twins and minimal house work. I just rest when my body says so. I would recommend this surgery to those who really hate their bellies. The recovery is not a breeze but it is manageable. I recommend getting yourself in the best shape possible, avoid smoking and drinking at least a month before, eat a clean diet for at least a month before, and load up on the vitamins. It may also help mentally to prepare for a hard recovery, don't have high expectations for a perfect recovery. There will be bad days so expect it so you don't get defeated when it happens. I love my results although the swelling has yet to go down completely. Just remind yourself everyday will get better! Good luck lovely ladies!