Full Tummy Tuck with MR and Lipo - Boca Raton, FL

So my surgery is scheduled! August 7 at 7:30 am. Post op is coming up soon on 7/22. Wanted to give a little background. I am 5'6 currently 203 pounds and 29 years old. I have 3 children. 6, almost 3, and 13 months. The last two pregnancies I was gestational diabetic and gained over 100 pounds. Both babies were over 10 pounds and were delivered via c section. That's where my problem started (the flap). I delivered my youngest at 270 and quickly dropped to 229 within weeks. I began to notice the more I lost the lower my apron hung. Very depressing. I chose to stay at that weight as it seemed the more I lost the worse I looked. Then came a turning point. I went to an ob check up and my dr told me the only way to remove my flap was with a tummy tuck. She recommended me to lose weight first but that the flap wouldn't go away on its own.
So then came my consultations. First started at the "cheap" place. I say that because it was advertised for $4500. The office seemed rushed. The dr wasn't all that impressive. In fact, he didnt even touch me. He looked at me and started telling me what he thought should be done. Didn't hava a nice bedside manner to say the least. The office staff was pressy. It was all about the money. And my quote ended up being $7400.. and didnt include my garments,pain pump, or lab work. I told the patient coordinator I would discuss it with my husband. I never called her back and 2 days later she called me. Ironically the price dropped to $6900 if I planned on paying cash..
Now on to the 2nd-3rd consultations they were both done online. Kind of an awkward way to do it but I submitted my photos and the surgeons reviewed them then had the nurses call with results and quotes. I really liked the information I received from one Dr in particular Dr Anire Okpaku. But his location was just to far for comfort, and his price was pretty good but I just couldnt get the WOW factor without meeting in person.
Then one of my old high school friends had lost a lost of weight and went to a surgeon in Boca Raton. Dr. Korpeck. He had already completed her arm lift and she was thrilled. She highly recommended him.
On June 24, just 5 days before my 29th birthday. I went in for my consult with Dr. Korpeck. I was immediately greeted as I walked through the door. Filled out my paperwork and met the patient coordinator Jessica. She was pleasant and reviewed my information and talked to me a little about the procedure. After she put me in the exam room 2 lovely nurses came in. We talked about my weight (down to 212 at the time) and my expectations. Both were very pleasant and informative. The one nurse gave me a gown and had me put it on when they left the room. They returned a short time later with the surgeon. Very nice man. Immediately made me feel comfortable. Talked to me about the procedure, what happens during it and such, then got a hold of me. lol he made me feel confident in the fact he could "fix me". He drew on a paper what I could expect. He then talked to me about his surgery center and the way he preforms the surgery. He requires me to stay overnight (which I liked the most, and wasnt offered at any other location I consulted) he uses the pain pump, and sends a nurse to my house post op. I literally felt he was the one! I sat back in with the patient coordinator and went over price and surgery dates. I had a specific date in mind! Dr. Korpeck only performs 1 surgery per day (which I love) and my day was available! It was meant to be. The price was high. But adding the nurse, overnight stay, garments, lab work, and pain pump adds up. Plus he is doing full trunk lipo verse just flank as the other surgeons quoted. My final price was $10000! I wanted time to think about it, and Jessica was great about understanding that. I went home spoke with my husband and called her and paid my deposit to reserve my date.

Now the crazy girl has begun.. I am a research junkie! I want to make sure I have everything I need for a perfect recovery. I have my mother in law taking the kids for a complete 2 weeks and will be bringing them home to visit often. I also have taken 2 complete weeks off work and I work a desk job. I have a recliner at home but also plan on getting a "dorm pillow" to help me sleep (I hope).
So many questions for those already been here, done this:
1.) Although my surgeon has said 10 days. How long before you could pick up your baby? She weighs 25 pounds and still sleeps in a crib. How long before I can put her in and out of it?
2.) Will I lose pants sizes considering my apron is so large? How many did you lose? Should I plan on recovering in my standard clothes or should I have bigger or smaller?
3.) When did you drive again? Trying to plan all my post op appts and wonder when I can begin to take myself.
4.) Did your surgeon prescribe antibiotics?
5.) How soon before you felt like your results showed?

Ill be posting regularly. Only 28 days til surgery!

Had pre-op on Monday 7/22. Went well. He went over all of my questions. Very thoroughly measured my body. Did my before photos (my least favorite part). Received all my post op care instructions and prescriptions to fill before the surgery. I really liked his nurse Melissa who is quite a character and makes one feel very comfortable. The past few days I have been so anxious. Doesn't help I hate having blood drawn and was not looking forward to my blood work at my pre-op appointment. It wasn't that bad though. Now I am starting to worry about these drains. Nervous about having them in the first place and more nervous about having them removed. My dr prescribed me percocet (pain reliever) and keflex (antibiotics). I'm hoping neither makes me sick to my stomach. My post op instructions seem quite clear. Take it easy. No lifting. Walk immediately. Don't over do it. Take medicine accordingly. Make it to all post op appointments. Measure fluid while drains are in. Pretty basic instructions. I have about 5 tube top style beach cover dresses I plan on wearing. The nurse said it was much easier to step into them and pull them up rather than strapping pants on. Still wondering exactly how I will be pinning these drains up.
On the up side.. my surgery cost included an overnight stay in the surgery center and a nurse who comes to my house post op (I think 3 days in a row for 3 hours each day) She is supposed to change my dressings and wash my hair etc.
I have gone over the final details with my driver (my sister) and with my MIL for the kids. I have the house in order and plan on spending this weekend just enjoying my last little free time and my family, leaving next weekend for a final clean.

Oh yea. I was 199 at pre-op and I was hoping to be under 200 for the surgery! YAY New goal is now 195. Feeling motivated!

So a few things happening. First off I was referred to this dr by my good friend who has had multiple procedures done by him after gastric bypass. She looks great. She told me the dr prescribed her a medication to relax her to take the night before. Well I didn't get prescribed that. Wondering if I am going to be able to sleep. Next, originally I was supposed to have surgery at 7am and now it's 12. It's supposed to be 5-6 hours and hope I'm not rushed so everyone clocks out in time. Ugh I know I'm just panicking but I was told he did 1 procedure a day now he's fitting in a quick "breast refill" or something. Slightly annoyed but staying positive. Btw did I mention its our 7 year wedding anniversary today?! Had a very nice lunch date with my husband and cooked his fav meal for the family for dinner. He has been such an awesome support for me. Well Friday is my last day of work until August 20. Still feel slightly awkward my coworkers know (super small office), but most of them are very supportive. I dropped off my prescriptions today will pick them up tomorrow. I need to purchase hibicleanse to wash with 3 days prior to and until surgery. Care product wise I have basic large bandages, lots of large 4x4 gauze pads, bandage tape, bacitracin, dial antibacterial soap, stayfree pads (these absorb the most during my c section drainage problem I have had in the past), Tylenol, arnica, gas reliever, stool softener and make you goer lol, and cotton swabs. Hope I'm not missing anything important. I have set out a few dresses for early post op and I need to purchase a few pillows. If I'm missing anything please please remind me lol
Sorry I'm all so over the place. It's coming so fast I'm turning into nervous Nelly.. Going to go spend time with my hunny and try to relax on this beautiful anniversary night!