Get Ready - Date Set - Go! - Bellevue, WA

Today I attended my pre-op so I'm 2 weeks out from my procedures; Tummy Tuck, MR & lypo to the flanks. I'm 32, a mom of 2 children, age 12 & 5. At 4' 11" and both kids being 9lbs & 8.4lbs at birth, they did a number to my size 2 figure. Hovering now at a sz 8 to 10 (not attractive for a shortie!) because of my mid-section, it's been one major downer to shopping, getting dressed everyday & just overall feeling good....forget even thinking about a swimsuit. The skin on my stomach made that all but impossible, with the exception of while I was pregnant with my daughter. After years of researching, taking care of the family, & prepping (financially & professionally) the time is finally here. I started out with a list of 10 doctors and easily eliminated all but 3, (Gottlieb, Salemy, Wortham). I wasn't comfortable with Wortham's board certifications, even though he came recommended by a friend. Dr. Salemy & Gottlieb were equals but it was came down to Dr. Gottlieb's experience that sealed the decision for me. Today I met with my nurses & Dr. Gottlieb and we walked through all the details for day of. Lindsey was very thorough and she & Dr. Gottlieb discussed in depth what to expect during recovery. We took another set of before photos and walked through the surgical center and recovery rooms again. Going into the appointment I was a nervous bundle of knots. But now I'm more nervous excited if that makes any sense. I've been poking around this site for about 2 weeks now. I can't tell you how helpful and amazing it is to see all the support on here. The tips and advice here has been invaluable thus far and have made it super easy to prepare my recovery area.

I'm 6 days away from my big day and we're spending it on the beautiful WA coast! I'm trying my best to relax but it's not always easy. We left home last night and should be back Sunday for last minute prep. I have all my bedside supplies that you lovely ladies have recommended. We've arranged for the kids to stay here at the beach house with the grandparents until 3 days post op. Its hard knowing I won't see them 2 day prior to the surgery but I know it's in the best interest for all of us. My husband and I will be able to do a final prep of the house and arrange my bedside without little hands moving things! Sunday I pick up my prescriptions and a couple extra maxi dresses to round out my post-op wardrobe. My friend calls them 'fancy sweatpants' because they're super easy & comfortable to wear. I love 'em. I'll post a photo a list later of everything we got when we return. For now, I'll just post a few rolls that I've smuggled into my patriot inspired out fit! Blech! ;)

I don't even know where to begin this update. 36 hours (maybe less by the time I finish my thoughts) and counting down to a flatter me! Yesterday we came back from WA coast which was a fabulous distraction from prepping and everything from work to home..............ready or not this chic is tossing in the work towel at 3pm tomorrow. The only downside to the end of the weekend was having to say goodbye to my son (12) and daughter (5). It was a hard decision to admit to myself that it would be best to have the kids stay with the grandparents at the beach house than to be here around all the activity that's coming. The mommy in me was torn between sneaking in those last hugs and kisses in the early morning before we head out for checking in but thanks to a super supportive family to talk me through it all, it didn't take long for common sense to sink in. It will be the longest stint of time that I've been away from my babies. I tear up thinking about it.

With that out of the way it really cleared up today to organize my team at work for my 3 week departure at the office - nothing like a little last minute office drama, ugh - done someone else please, deal with it! ;o) I made a quick stop at the mall to pick up some maxis I round out my after procedure/swell hell camouflage - mission accomplished. I picked my prescriptions today. It was quite amusing to talk over the side effects with the pharmacist - drowsy, drowsy, drowsy oh & drowsy. We need to bring them with us the day of surgery so I'll have to tuck those in my day of bag. I'm glad to have a patch for nausea, the suppositories for additional nausea relief not so much. While I'm planning on staying ahead of the pain for the first few days, I'm hoping to be able to reduce my doses as soon as possible. But I know, one day at a time.

I just got off the phone with my RN anesthetist and we had a great 20 min chat about the day of surgery. She's very experienced and knowledgeable and I was grateful to have her talk in depth about each step. She's worked with my Dr.'s practice for years and is from one of the most reputable hospitals here in Seattle. She mentioned I'd be given dialaudid instead of morphine. She likes to use it because she felt it was less harsh but lasted longer than morphine. I'm assuming she was talking about how your body metabolizes it. I feel so much calmer and at ease having talked with her.

The rest of tonight is organizing my nightstand, doing a double check of my day of bag and laying out clothes I'll need the first few days. Don't want my husband succumbing to any cranky, drug induced whining. He's been so sweet and attentive - he even set up my raised toilet seat. I'm super blessed. I had someone ask about my prep list so here's the link: http://tummytuckinfocentral.com/preparation.htm Between this site and using the info from y fellow July TT's I'm feeling great about what I have to start with.