Junebug2662

15 months later, still happy, but yucky scar

I had some stretch marks, but all were removed and my new belly button is nice to boot. If your doctor says some may remain, then believe him. Remember, you're also going to have a massive scar across your lower abdomen/hips. A few stretch marks will be a lot more attractive than that. Remember... lingerie, lingerie, lingerie will cover any stretch marks and fit great!

I had the same surgery (replacement implants, too) about 15 months ago. I just posted my recent thoughts on planning for the terrible first week. If you can access my posts, please take a peek. I'm glad for you and know that it won't be long before you feel and look great. If you need a cyber-friend to help you get through it. I am here.

Congrats on being so close to a new body. Don't be afraid, because you can handle it, but the first few days are horrible. You need someone to help you, not just help with your kids. The pain can be horrendous. Make plans with your husband for getting back in touch with the doctor if your pain is too high. My biggest mistake was not being able to communicate to my husband that the pain was so bad that he needed to call the doctor and change the pain meds. He thought I was in a reasonable amount of pain and tolerating it well. My true opinion was that the pain was too great to be out of the hospital. This feeling can be avoided. It's simple. Plan ahead with your husband. Decide on a phrase (kind of a safe word) that means this pain is really over the top and too much. I was too painful and doped up to simply tell my husband to call the doctor, because I couldn't handle any more. I later discovered that many patients had much more powerful pain meds available than I did and that all I had to do was make the call. I don't know if my old posts are still available, but I know I addressed the pain from the movement of the drain tube and might be able to help you with those. Plan on this being much like a c-section without the demerol and a bundle of joy. There is a great prize. It's just not immediate. If you focus your thoughts on a long journey, you won't mislead yourself and be unnecessarily uncomfortable. The summer after I had my TT and BA, I loved the way my bathing suit fit over my tummy. The nasty c-section rolls were gone and it felt good to be me again. Don't be afraid of the first week after surgery. Just be prepared for it and focused on the good to come.

It sounds like your story is similar to mine. I am 15 months post surgery and very happy. You'll be fine after the first week. It will be hard until then. You'll need good help with your kids, because you'll hardly be able to take care of yourself, but after the first few horrible days it will be great. You're in my prayers.

I'm glad you have everything you need and are ready. I am sure it will all go well for you. I had Mommy Makeover 15 months ago and can tell you that once you get through the first week it's all okay from there. I'm in B'ham and praying for you to relax and be healthy.