Hi there! I am a 31 year old Mom to two boys--13 months and 3, both born natural. I have been overweight since I was a little girl. I am 5'0" and currently at 133 lbs. Up until 2005, I weight anywhere from 150- 180 lbs. I lost a ton of weight for my wedding and then gained about 50 lbs with each pregnancy. I am now back to that wedding weight and probably the lowest weight since I was about 10 or 11. I exercised regularly and eat much better than I ever have. However, I can't wear pants with having an intertube around my waist. I am literally all gut, no butt and my weight is carried above my belly button, not necessarily below. I am nervous all how a TT will get rid of all that, but I have confidence that it will. I have wanted this surgery for so so long and never realized that it was a possibility--I told my husband that I would rather have this than a new car so I started saving and was shocked to find out the price was less than I expected. So, it is now going to happen--nervous and excited about it at the same time!! I am looking forward to the 4 month mark after surgery :)
Updated on 6 Mar 2012:
Went to see my PS yesterday to discuss the possibility of lipo on my flanks...and he said that I could greatly benefit.   I had lost 10 lbs and stopped breastfeeding since I had seen him last and my love handles hadn't changed.  So...looks like I am going to be spending an additional $3K, but I feel that I would regret it if I don't.  I don' t know where my natural waist is because the widest part of my body is around my belly button and love handles, so I want both gone.  He also said that I could get lipo around my bra line (I am a 38), but it would put me over the $10K mark and I just don't really think it is necessary. The crazy thing is that I am a size 6 or 8 right now, but I have this intertube around my waist.  I don't care to go down a pant size, I just want to be able to wear them without a fat roll hanging over!  I also asked my PS about the use of a walker--I thought about renting one.  He said that no, he didn't suggest it because he wouldn't want me to rely on it.
Updated on 22 Mar 2012:
Today was my pre-op appt. I was given my prescriptions, given all post op instructions, and took pictures (the worst part) of me naked!  I can't wait to see the afters because they before pics were bad.  The things I found most interesting:
1.  Can resume aerobic exercise after 14 days, providing all is well.  The first 14 days are where the bleeding risk is the highest.
2.  Can resume lifting weights after 3 weeks.
3.  Suggested I get a shower curtain and line my recliner--the lipo sites will leak in the first 48 hours.
4.  The surgical tape can stay on my scar for up to my one month post op.  I told the nurse that I had  purchased the silicone strip and she said that after a month, I should use it.  It was the only thing that was clinically proven to treat scars (not sure about that...just adding it).
5.  I asked her about the Bromelin--which I already bought.  She said that they do give it to patients who have lipo around their face, but not necessary.  However, taking it will help with the healing.
6.  I asked her about the diet--she said that a whole foods diet is the absolute best thing you can do for the swelling.  She suggested that I drink a ton of water this week and limit sodas...going to *try* to do that.
I weighed in at 135.  They didn't do measurements, but am going to do all my measurements this week at home.  After I saw all of the hideous naked pictures, I have been contemplating doing lipo on the bra line....it is about an additional $1500 that I wasn't expecting.
Updated on 26 Mar 2012:
I just updated pictures with better before pics.  I also took measurements...not scientific, but works for me.  Smallest:  34 inches -- At Belly Button:  37.75 inches --At pubic line:  37.  Only a few days left....I am so excited.
Updated on 28 Mar 2012:
Got the call about my surgery time--I have to be there at 11.45.  In my head I was thinking I could be first, but oh well.  Now I get to see my kids in the morning at least. I am scheduled to be in surgery 3.5 hours and recovery after that.  Looks like it is real now!!
Updated on 3 Apr 2012:
Found out today that I have been wearing the compression garment in the wrong place.  The nurse who discharged us told us on thing, the Dr on call said another.  But, I know that it wasn't right.-so we called yet again and the nurse who just had the surgery in February talked to me and told us exactly where to position.  I was wearing it above my scar, so all of the fuild was pushing down to my scar and giving me a pooch.  I about had an anxiety attack because I am hoping it won't make a different in the way I heal.
Has anyone else been wearing their CG the wrong way?
Updated on 5 Apr 2012:
Yesterday, 6 days PO was my turning point!  I am alive! For a while I was doubting the decision I made, feeling like I was "that" statistic to have a botched surgery, not being able to look past the swelling, etc.  Well, I went to the dr today to have the drains out....Praise the Lord!!  And I was given a Stage 2 garment.  I feel like a different person.  Now I just need to take another shower, fix my hair, and put on makeup and it be so much better.  I have a lot of swelling, but am so exteremely happy with me scar, as it is right about the pubic line.  I'll post pics later.
Updated on 7 Apr 2012:
10 days PO:  Swelling is not a joke!  I thought about posting pics,however because my swelling is so incredibly horrible, I decided to wait.  I went to a baby shower today and several of my close friend commentted about how thin I looked....none of them knew about my surgery.  So, that make me happy,but the swelling is off.the.chain!
Updated on 8 Apr 2012:
Just posted a picture of me 10 days PO.  I am so swollen that I can't see my BB opening...however, very very happy with placement of my incision.
Updated on 10 Apr 2012:
12 Days PO--Back to work today.  I have been wearing skirts/dresses because my incision is tender, so I wore a dress with a cardigan.  Everyone asked how my vacation went...and somehow they didn't notice I was slow, slumped over, and in pain :)  The first 7 days of this process was absolutely brutal....but it was so sorth it.  I went to Kohl's yesterday and for the first time in a long time was excited about buying new clothes.  I didn't try anything on, but it was just a good feeling!
Updated on 10 Apr 2012:
12 Days PO--after work:  Going back to work was easy!!  I sit at a desk all day and was able put my legs up on my exercise ball, so I actually had an easy day!  I work 3 days a week, so the days I am off are going to be rough--2 boys under 3, which means an on-the-go Mama.  And, I wrote earlier that I went to Kohl's...but I forgot to say that I didn't buy anything.  My swelling is still really bad and I have a horrible pooch where my lipo was done as well as above my incision.  Though, I can't wait to shop!!
Updated on 25 May 2012:
8 WEEKS POST OP--AND THIS IS THE BEST THING THAT I HAVE EVER DONE!!
I was really hesitant about doing this surgery--mainly because of the guilt of spending money.  However, I have had self esteem issues my entire life and although those will never really go away, I have never ever felt better about myself.  I posted my before and after at 8 weeks and I couldn't believe it.  I measured and there wasn't only but about 3 inches in each spot that I measured--I still have a lot swelling.  But then, I took pictures and couldn't believe it.  I still wear my compression garment and have started the silicone strip for my scar-but honestly, i don't care if my scar looks horrible.  The recovery was rough....and I mean rough...but it was worth it.  I LOVE MY DECICISION!!