35 Years Old, 5'3, 2 Kids Via C-sctn at 7.8 and 10 Lbs - Ready to Stop Looking Pregnant!!! - Atlanta, GA

I am 5'3'' and have always struggled with weight, but was able to get down to 133 before becoming pregnant with my first child. I gained 58lbs during that pregnancy! I was able to take it all off except for the last 10lbs with diet and exercise within 7 months and THEN got pregnant with my 2nd baby!!! I didn't really gain much weight with my 2nd, except I delivered a 10lb baby girl and carried really high. I have been able to manage a weight of 155-160 for the last 3 years, but cannot get the scale to budge or go down in pant sizes. I haven't worn a skirt in forever. After a couple of consultations, I realized what I was suffering from a massive Diastis Recti and hernia. A really bad one because all those years of exercising, cross fit, strength training, weights, sit-ups only made my upper abdomen worse :(

I have been thinking about this procedure for over 18 months now and I am finally doing it. I researched doctors, read this site for months, and finally found a doctor who has credentials that are superbly impressive along with the courage to jump in for my Tummy Tuck. By the time my surgery takes place, I will have worked out consistently for 6 months and hope to be down to 150 lbs (9lbs to go!). I will be strong and mentally prepared for the recovery. I know its not going to be easy, BUT after 2 c-sections, I know I can handle it. You also learn after having kids that what seems to be a traumatic timeframe is really just a drop in the bucket when you look back.

My goals for this experience are to set me up for the rest of my life for a healthy body. I just want a refresh on my tummy. I don't want to constantly be asked if i'm expecting, even when wearing Spanx. I will use this as a new beginning to keep up the hard work and hopefully find peace in my appearance.

I received a beautiful package in the mail today from Dr. Connor's office again thanking me for my decision to trust them, confirms my date for the procedure and provides me the directions of what to do starting 2 weeks out from my procedure. It was good timing, as I still have 3 months to go till my surgery date and everyday I anticipate the surgery and more importantly the recovery. For those of you who have had Tummy Tucks, how long did it really take you to get back into life? For instance, when were you able to stop wearing that garmet/binder/spanx? When did the swelling go away completely? When did you get to go shopping for new clothes? :)

Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom!

I am so excited for my upcoming TT procedure. 29 days to go till I'm flat and get a new start in life! I have been researching, planning, buying, dreaming, thinking and can't stop! I am so grateful for the honest and forthcoming posts from the RS community. I've researched so much as part of the prep phase, that I wanted to get it down in one place for others.

I have the following in-place and planned and wanted to see if anyone had any additional suggestions?!

As of 1 month out, I started a daily Probiotic, 1 Multivitamin, 1 Vitamin C (500 mg). I'm also doing my best to eat more protein, and keep my immune system up. Got a flu shot yesterday! Also, trying to get in 30-45 min walks 5x a week. All in the name of staying calm and healthy.

Things I've bought include:

Medications: Vitamin C, Multivitamin, Probiotics, Milk of Magnesia, Stool Softener, Correctol (women's laxative), Ibuprofen, Arnica Gel, Cortizone (in case scar or belly button ooze)

Entertainment: Months of unread magazines, iPad, a bunch of movies and TVs I can't wait to catch up on.

For Comfort: I bought a firm/ low recliner (from walmart for a steal), extra pillows, a fuzzy blanket, Lap desk (soft), Elevated Lap tray (for eating), walker, Go Girl (for peeing without having to sit down.

Extra: Marbles (for my belly button), vitamin e oil, Dial body soap (for prep and after), cold packs, sanitary pads and pantyliners (for lining my incision if oozes and barrier between binder and scar)

Attire: A hospital gown to wear when I get home, front button down nightgown, no-slip socks, a fuzzy robe, a super long black skirt (extra large) and button down shirt for my surgery day, 1 size bigger cotton granny panties

Edibles: Protein shakes, Protein bars, fruit, massive water jug

I plan to switch to an induction phase/phase 2 (+ fruit) of Dukan next week and do that for 3 weeks. I'm not perfect and will give myself 2 meals a week to "be bad" - not go crazy, but eat things I enjoy like sushi and indian food which does have carbs. I don't think i'll be able to lose any more weight or get any more toned from now till surgery day. I can hope that extra change in eating will help get my belly calm and body into repair-mode with the proteins.

Also, I'm really considering adding inner and outer lipo to my TT. I am not sure if it will complicate things from a recovery standpoint, but its worth exploring since i'm sure the extra costs are incremental and i'm already there and have taken the time off work.

Thanks pals!! Good luck to all!