33 Years Old, Two Children, Tummy Tuck

I feel bad for not keeping this up to date. I am on here quite a bit and the reviews from each and everyone helps me, so I will do a quick year in review.

I do not remember too much about the first week of recovery. That is a good thing, I'm sure. Just the typical not being able to stand straight for the first few days and I needed help using the restroom the first day.
The drains were a bit of a nuisance, but not painful. I followed my post op instructions. Although I need to mention that whenever they tell you to take it easy, they mean it!

I am always on the go and have a time sitting still. I tried to resume my normal activies, such a s cooking and cleaning, but I would get exhauhated really easy and then the pain from the liposuction that I had along with the surgury, would get pretty bad. I finally got it through my thick head that I truly need to rest, put my feet up, and take time for my body to heal.

The worst part of the entire process was the Lipo recovery. I barely bruised at all but it felt like Someone had taken a bat to my sides or that I had been in some sort of accident. My compression garment was a life saver. I found that I had to wear it even longer than the suggested minimum to give my 'insides' some stabilization. Other than that, I am so happy that I can finally see the results of the work that I've put in at the gym and my confidence. I was able to rock a two piece last summer, and this summer I felt even better wearing one!

My surgery is a month and a half away. I am getting a TT and I am curious as to how you guys prepared. As someone that likes to cover my basis and have a plan, I feel a bit lost. Here are just a few questions that I have. Please feel free to add any advice.

What compression garment was best for you? Fasten up, zip-up? Brand?

Things to have within your reach?

What sort of Clothing for the first days/weeks to come

Underwear?

Medications given?

Anyone who mainly took care of and done everything by themselves at home post op?

Foods within reach?

After a lot of research and much debating, I finally decided to get a tummy tuck. I am very active and love Fitness. My pregnancies have left me with loose skin and fat that I can not get rid of by diet and exercise. I am extremely self-conscious of my stomach. Every time I look at myself in the mirror without any clothing , it is all I see.

In September I went in for my Consult with Dr. Crispin here in Atlanta, GA. He was straight to the point about what the procedure involved. His laid-backed demeanor and the manner in which he spoke, almost as if it wasn't a huge ordeal, oddly made me feel more at ease. The atmosphere wasn't a cold and sterile feel, but warm and inviting. Absolutely no pressure to book. More like, 'here is what and how it's done. I'll leave the decision up to you.'

I decided to have the surgery while my daughter is out of school the next week for Spring Break. I plan to have my children sent out-of-town to stay with my parents for that week. I will have to be there at 5:45 that friday morning and surgery should begin at 7:30, taking 2 1/2 hours long. I thankfully do not need my Abs tightened, only the skin and fat removed. It is my understanding that healing can be a bit faster whenever this is the case.

I am so scared. REALLY nervous! I have never been put to sleep; both children were born vaginally. There isn't much that can shake me. I tend to have a "grin and bare it" attitude, but it makes my stomach feel like it is in knots each time I think of the reality of the situation. I am happy that this forum exist. Knowing that others have felt or are going through similar situations gives me the assured feeling that I am not alone. I appreciate that.

I will do my best to keep my journey updated. Hopefully it will help someone make what they feel is the best decision for his or her self.