I've had 4 kids in the last 6 years. They are such a blessing! My body after the pregnancies could be better. I gained between 50 and 82 pounds with each pregnancy and my kiddos were up to 9.5 pounds. I'm 5' 7" and about 125lbs. I've lost all of my weight and am ready for a change. I am so self-conscious about wearing anything fitted through my belly area and going in public in a bathing suit is not happening...at all. After breastfeeding 4 kids, my already small breasts (A/B cup) have lost their volume and fullness. I'm hoping to get rid of this excess belly skin and enhance my breast size. My doctor has recommended 350 to 400 CC moderate or moderate plus silicone gel implants. He said that a lift is not necessary (my nipple placement is still good). I will also be getting a full tummy tuck.
I met with my PS for a consultation back in mid-June about a TT. He said that I should have great results since most of what he's removing is just excess skin (not much fat). He will also have to repair the muscle Separation (diastis). I'm hoping that I will finally feel comfortable in my own skin again. My main objective is to be able to wear a two piece bathing suit without being self-conscious.
My pre-op appointment is scheduled for 8 July. I'm so excited, but so very nervous. Mostly I'm nervous about the recovery. My kids range in age from 7 years to 8 months...my husband works a lot. I will have some help from my mother, but I'm still worried about not being able to lift my children for 6 weeks. I'm also worried about my results not being what I want them to be. Anyone else feel the same way??
Updated on 7 Jul 2013:
Here are some pics of my belly. Please note all the lovely, hanging skin. ;)
Updated on 10 Jul 2013:
My pre-op on Monday went really well. I paid my surgeon's fee and for the scar treatment cream. I'll have blood work done next Monday at the hospital where the procedures will be performed. I'll also have to finish paying; this time it's for my OR time, anesthesia, and implants. I'll be glad when the paying part is over. :) less than 2 weeks out now. I'll be heading to my hometown this weekend for some time with friends and family (since I'll be unable to travel for a while). Right now packing for the trip is keeping my brain busy...after that though I know my mind will be completely consumed by surgery. Getting closer everyday!!!
Updated on 18 Jul 2013:
I only have a few days left before surgery. I'm beginning to worry quite a bit. I'm becoming anxious about the procedures. Today is my last day of work before surgery so I'm tying up loose ends on my desk. I think it's setting in as I see the date coming closer and closer that this is going to happen...and soon. On a completely different note, I'm going to start my colace and miralax routine tonight. I do not want to have any issues in that department after surgery. I have the day off tomorrow to finish doing some things around the house (light cleaning, organizing, etc). I hope I'm not forgetting anything!!??
Updated on 23 Jul 2013:
So yesterday was my surgery. I had a BA and full TT. I arrived at the surgery center at 6am. Once there, I waited until 6:45 when they called me back. When they called me back, they verified my info and got my IV started. My doctor came in and marked me up. I received my Valium with a tiny sip of water (to help with my nerves). Then my OR nurse came and got me, put me in a wheelchair, and we set out for the OR. On the way to the OR, the anesthesiologist gave me some verset. On the way to the OR I was nervous and one of the nurses kindly said, "most women would give anything to be in that chair." That reminder put it all in perspective and I was no longer fearful. The last thing I remember was getting on the OR table; fast forward to 3.5 hours later when I woke up in recovery. The anesthesia had knocked me on my butt! I could hardly open my eyes; they were so heavy. I wasn't there in recovery for more than 45 minutes when they got me dressed and wheeled me out to go home. The ride home was kinda rough. I felt like we were flying and everytime my mom braked it felt like we were stopping hard...I was eager to get home. I got home and shuffled out of the car with my hubby's help who affectionately said upon seeing me, "what's up boobs!" LOL I got into our guest bed downstairs, took some pain and pit on the nausea patch and was out again. By this time it was about 12:30 or so. The general anesthesia finally wore off around 2:30/3:00. After that I felt pretty good. Since then I've taking my pain meds (hydro condone) every 4-6 hours and so far the pain is manageable and there's a small amount of discomfort. I think the compression garment is hugely helpful. Most of my pain comes from shifting around in the bed. I'm thinking that days 2 & 3 will be tougher. I intend to continue being proactive about taking my pain meds before the onset of a lot of pain (no hero here! LOL). So far I haven't been able to see any results (due to be wrapped and bound up), but my post op appointment is today (23 July) @ 1:30.
I found out from my mom that the doctor went with the Mentor Moderate Plus 400cc implants. We'd discussed the 350 to 400 range so I am very pleased with the 400s. Now I just need to focus on my recovery. I guess my next milestone will be getting the drain out from my tummy. So far it's not bothering me (keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't).
I'm so glad the surgery is done and everything went smoothly. It really helped that I had the support of my family and friends and, of course, the man upstairs. :) I knew I'd be taken care of.
I'll post more after my post op visit later on today. Good luck to all you ladies scheduled for tomorrow!!!
Updated on 23 Jul 2013:
I had my post op appointment earlier. I did fine when he in bandaged my boobs...the stomach however was a different story. I guess I wasn't ready to see the long angry incision and my new belly button. I almost passed out. I can't really tell just yet how good it looks. I guess I'll wait a few days and take a peek then.
Updated on 4 Aug 2013:
So my mini "vacation" is up! Back to work tomorrow for this girl. Physically I'm ready; mentally, I wish I could stay home a little longer. :)