It's Alright to Get Your Life! Arlington, TX

I have been anticipating this time in my life for over 20 years now. I had my first child 23 years ago and my 5th is 11. I haven't seen what I call my "default body" since I was 17. You know the great body that you develop as your body starts to mature after a few years of puberty...I'm now 41 and the time has finally arrived.

I have so many apprehensions, so much anxiety, but so much anticipation for what's to come on July 12th. I will be having a full abdomnioplasty, panniculectomy, breast reduction and lift. My surgeon performed my sleeve revision from a lapband last May (2015) and I've successfully had to work hard to lose over 70 pounds.

*My Apprehensions and Anxiety*
I visited my surgeon today for my pre-op, I got the all clear from my first mammogram yesterday. This was great! I started feeling a little apprehensive because I felt that my surgeon was a little "rushed" with me today. I want to go in feeling like we (my surgeon and I) are on the same page regarding expectations, and I fully understand the realistic results. I don't expect perfection or my "default body" but I do want him to do his best work and patiently answer my concerns. I felt like he was just trying to get on to the next patient. Don't get me wrong, I have had several conversations with him as I was transitioning to the point of being able to get the surgery and the last time I saw him I felt really great about the work that he was going to do. I felt assured and that I was making the best decision because he had been a part of my journey. However I believe that I got a clearer picture of the possibilities from reading all of the success stories here, YouTube and the fact that I saw another surgeon for a consult and he (Dr. Hubbard) was absolutely amazing. He was thorough, patient, listened to all of my concerns, talked about back up plans, scar therapy, and he made me feel confident that he was going to get me as close to my "default body" as possible. The only caveat with Dr. Wonderful is that he is way above my pay scale right now. My surgeon, Dr. Frenzel and his team have worked hard to basically get everything covered by insurance with very little out of pocket.

*My Anticipation*
The light at the end of the tunnel to a flat tummy and perky [RS bleep] is that I am one step closer (11 days to be exact) to feeling more confident in the fact that this loose skin will be history and my boobs have served their purpose to my kids and I get to have them back to myself. It will be wonderful not to have to spend over $50 on DDD or F bras, being able to actually shop in Victoria's Secret or even buy a bra and panty set from Marshall's or TJ Maxx or wherever. I haven't had a bra and panty set in forever! The possibilities of being able to wear a bikini for the first time in my life, or not have to walk around with a FUPA. I won't have to put my big purse in front my of belly when I sit down with friends and I will actually be able to go to the gym and run, jump, lift, swing, yoga or do whatever and not have to wear 2 sports bras and worry about the girls wanting to show themselves!

So many things to look forward to, maybe I'm just in a funk because I'm PMSing. Better now than while I'm recovering from surgery. I've dropped a few before photos to share with you, I'll keep posting as I go through this journey. This site has been a great tool and resource for information, encouragement and expectations. I appreciate every who shares their story and journey, you have been a God-send.

So I'm in full nesting mode, counting down until Tuesday! I've gotten all of my recovery meds that my surgeon ordered for me through the mail order pharmacy. I saw my PCP today to get real pain meds (my surgeon in Dallas can't prescribe class II drugs). I braided my hair so that I don't have to worry about it for the next six weeks. And thanks to the Real Self Community, I think that I'm all set with everything I need to heal! The only thing that I haven't gotten is the Arnica gel. I would like to know from you all if it really works? Is it necessary? Do you feel like it was crucial to your recovery?

My nerves are lessening and my excitement is building, I can't wait to have a new body, i.e., a flat tummy and smaller, perkier boobies!

Oh yeah, I also got my Fascia Blaster in the mail today! Have any of you used it before? It's a great product, you should check it out!

Hi Ladies,

I have been out of surgery now for about 8 hours of so and I must say, I feel surprisingly great (great for all things considered). I'm so glad that they decided to keep me overnight in the hospital, this makes me feel more secure.

I did get up to walk a quarter of the way down the hall and that was really hard. It was intense (pain wise) and I wasn't sure if I was bending over enough, plus I felt a little light-headed. After that I went to pee and it took a while for my bladder to empty once I sat down.

What has also been hard is burping, I want to BELCH and I just keep releasing a little gas at a time, not so relieving. I haven't pooted at all yet, that would probably give me some relief also. I have been really itching so I had the nurse call the doc for a Benedryl request, it helped some, but not really.

I haven't had an appetite, but I've been really dry-mouthed and thirsty. Other than my few complaints, tonight, I feel like this has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Oh yeah and I don't feel any pain whatsoever in my breasts! I haven't felt this perky since I was 17!

I've completed a few pics of my vantage point so far. I'll upload more as I see more!