Well where to start! I'm now 38 yo and in January will have another birthday so almost reaching the big 4 0!! I have 3 beautiful children, 12 yo, 10 yo and 19 months, that I adore but I have been left with a body that feels alien to me. Most of the damage to my stomach was done during my first pregnancy as I was HUGE and thought I must of been having a baby elephant but no just a modest 8lb 8ozs.
During my 2nd pregnancy all was well until the birth and had an emergency c section. Obviously I was so happy and relieved to have my little one safe and well but this made my stomach even worse and I've been wanting a TT ever since.
First starting researching TT about 6 years ago and met with a surgeon but life circumstances changed as I met my new partner who wasn't supportive of the procedure and as it happens went on to have my little angel no 3. Due to the previous problem this was a planned c section.
I've been trying really hard to get in shape and lost the weight but can't do anything about my stomach. I am currently the lightest I've been in my adult life at 9st 3 and aiming for 9st but my stomach bothers me day and night.
My partner and I separated at the start of this year, my choice as he was a waste of space and thought I'm better off on my own, so now feels the right time for the procedure. Ive been doing lots of research and met with mr federico mayo from the hospital group. He was really lovely and put me at ease straight away. He was calm and explained clearly what he could do and what to expect. I came away thinking he was the right PS but did some more research before making the decision. The internet is an amazing thing and I could read lots about his work in Spain as he has his own practise there for over 15 years and is regarded as one of the top PS there. Also thank you to real self and the people I've spoken to here.
So procedure is booked for 23rd of jan, all paid for, time off work booked, child care arranged, and support for me sorted (love you mum). I've added some before pics but I hate looking at them :-((( it's so strange how you can feel confident dressed then the complete opposite with them off. Wish the TT was sooner but know that I need this time to properly get my head around what's going to happen and prepare myself physically and mentally.
I'll check in again soon as my prep continues!! X
Updated on 23 Jan 2015:
Well I am on the flat side, having had op yesterday morning. All went well and not had too much pain would, describe it as strong discomfort around a 4 to 5 out of 10. In hospital for 2 nights so being very well looked after.
Mr mayo has been lovely, lovely manner and makes you really at ease. From what I've seen he has done a fantastic job too!!!
Had a problem with the drains not working which meant they had to be replaced, so I had a sneaky peak of my tummy which looked AMAZING!!! Can't wait to see it properly. Didn't get time to take a pic tho :-(
Feeling quite human and really positive for happy healing. Plan for today is sitting in chair and walking down the ward, and hopefully have a bm.
Hope everyone else is going well. And I'll post pics as soon as I can [RS bleep]
Updated on 25 Jan 2015:
Well I'm home and feeling okay. The drains were removed first thing ths morning, and won't lie that did hurt, had oxygen to help get through it. Mainly stinging burning pain but didn't last long. Managed to get a quick pic tho!!! Had a 2 hour drive home that wasn't too bad.
Just trying to keep on top if my pain meds and make sure a walk about every couple of hours. Being well looked after by my mum.
The hard bit will be not peaking again until my follow up apptment on Friday. Need to rest and take small steps on my road to recovery!
Hope everyone else is doing okay xx
Updated on 26 Jan 2015:
Feeling really good today. Had my first night at home and very pleased to say that I slept in my bed and had a really good sleep. Woke up this morning and was able to go for bm!! Bonus.
Really not in much pain but keeping on top of pain meds so it doesn't build up. Moving around regularly to keep everything mobile. The nurse called to see how I was doing and to warn about pain meds causing constipation, so lots of fluids which I'm doing plus continuing to take stool softeners and lots of fruit and veg.
Really happy with progress so far, and I'm a firm believer in positive thoughts so happy healing everyone! Xx