42 Year Old Yoga Instructor Getting a MM (Hernia Repair, TT, BA & Nipple Correction) - Belgium

I wanted to share my story because I have benefitted so much from reading other stories. I had 2 huge babies, both over 10 lbs, which left me with an umbilical hernia. I thought/hoped that over time and with enough exercise I could get my belly back. But, exercise can't fix a hernia. I also lost 2 cup sizes from breast feeding. I am now a 36AA with long nipples.

I finally went to see a PS this past summer in Brussels, Belgium. It was such a relief to have my hernia properly diagnosed. I decided during this appointment that I wanted a BA. I never allowed myself to consider it before. I tried to practice "self love" and told myself to be happy with what I have. But to be honest, I really want to have breasts again. I hate wearing super padded bras and stuffing my yoga tops with mastectomy prostheses just to look normal. Once my mom commented to me that I had lost so much on top after the babies, and why didn't I consider wearing padded bras. I had to point out to her that I WAS wearing a padded bra. I am really looking forward to being proportional again.

I am very active so I am nervous about my recovery. I am an avid runner and run marathons from time to time. I also teach yoga part-time. The studio where I teach knows about my hernia surgery. I will be back home and teaching again just 4 weeks after my surgery. I will have a teacher trainee assisting me with my classes so I don't have to do any demonstration. I am telling myself now that I will take a long time off of any physical activities, even though my doctor already told me that I will be fine to start up again after 6 weeks. I want to honor my recovery and not injure myself.

We are currently living in Africa for my husband's work. I will be having my surgery in Brussels, Belgium where my husband is from and where we used to live. I would have preferred to have my surgery back home in the U.S. but our insurance doesn't cover us in the U.S. Some of my medical costs will be covered in Belgium, so that made the decision of where to have the surgery easier.

Just a little over 6 weeks to go! I am so nervous, and excited. I appreciate all the support I have received from everyone on this site. Thank you!

I have been having doubts recently about whether or not I want, or need a MM. I found this picture and reminded myself of how BIG I got during my pregnancies. Here I am at 200 lbs getting ready to drop my 10 lbs 9 oz baby boy. There is no way my tummy could have bounced back after that! I have resisted the idea of surgery for 5 years now. I am glad that I now have the chance to do this for myself.

I have 23 days before my surgery and 2 weeks before I fly up to Brussels for my pre op. There is so much to do before I leave! I am starting to pack my bag today and I will be skyping with my doctor later this week. I am feeling confident about my decision to have the surgery. However I am not feeling comfortable about telling people about it. Since I am a yoga teacher I needed to tell the studio owner that I will be out for a few weeks. She is fine with that, but she does want me to tell all my students that I will be gone. When you teach yoga you get students who come specifically for you, and you create a community in your classes. My students will be expecting me, and I do have to tell them what will be happening to me. I have already told some of my "regulars." A few of them have had hernia operations themselves. But, I am not telling anyone about the full TT or BA. I am hoping no one will notice. I am not planning on going too big, so I don't think it will be obvious. I just feel very weird talking openly to people about a decision which is so personal and intimate. I am focusing on the hernia repair and the medical aspect. It is better to get the repair done now while I am healthy and in good shape, than let the hernia become a medical problem down the road.