39. My Time to Shine! - Austin, TX

A mother of 4 by age 22, I yearned for this procedure for many years. I simply couldn't afford it. My first pregnancy (twins) I gained nearly 100 lbs being just 18 on a 90lb frame. It destroyed my abdomen and navel. I lost all the weight and remained at about 115lbs after my children were born. I began a health journey about 3 years ago, working out regularly...lean and toned. But nothing made a difference in my mid-section. I researched the procedure time and time again and found Dr Maggi via the internet. After my consultation with him, I canceled the other two consults and scheduled my procedure. Since he doesn't provide before and after photos online, I only saw them in his office and the results were remarkable, just as all the reviews had said. For me, this procedure was about saving my own life. Restoring something in me. Making the wrong choice, ending up with bad results, was not an option. I remember falling apart and sobbing during my pre-op, disgusted at the sight of myself, as they took photos. This is a body altering and life changing procedure you must be prepared for. The recovery is tough and lengthy so having a good relationship and level of comfort with your surgeon and their staff is vital. I had no complications and was off pain meds on Day 3. Regaining strength and full use of my body is what really took the longest. My scar is flat and even, fading more and more with time, although I'm actually not ashamed of it at all because this time the scar gave birth to me.
At 14 weeks post-op I'm still experiencing some numbness. My left implant has also not settled yet, healing slightly higher than the right. The navel moved out of alignment at one point due to the tension in that area but has since moved back into the right place.