Mini TT & BBL w/ Dr. Dass 7/27/18

So here I go, I'm all scheduled, pre-op is done and I'm just tying up loose ends before I have my procedure in 7 days. I'm nervous and excited all at once.
I wasn't looking into this until about 3 months ago, but once I started I quickly decided to go for it! I had 3 consults, Dr. Bruno, Dr. Hovsepian, and Dr. Dass. I REALLY liked Dr. Bruno, he spent the most time with me and made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Hovsepian was very clinical and intimidated me a little bit and he was very expensive. Dr. Dass was the last one I saw, and although he doesn't give the warm and fuzzies, I liked his gentle approach and he seemed to understand what I was trying to accomplish (I guess we'll see what the results are). I think what I liked most is that I didn't feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to talk to him about what I'm looking for. I'm pretty shy when it comes to my body so that carries a lot of weight for me. Also, Angela at his office made me feel so at ease, I think that had a lot to do with my final decision. I ultimately decided to go with him. I'm paying $15,300 for a mini TT, lipo, and fat transfer.
I'm 33, 5'3, 135 lbs, pretty much the heaviest I've been in my entire life, life has taken its toll on me! I had 3 pregnancies in 4 years, and once I stopped nursing my last child my body settled into something I'm not too happy with. I exercise regularly but regardless of weight loss or gain, it doesn't change the shape of my body. I've never had a butt, hips, or waist... a boyish figure I guess. Before kids I was just straight and skinny, and now I'm straight and not so skinny.
I think I'm so used to my body that I never thought I would actually go through with something like this, almost maybe a little too embarrassed to admit that I wanted a change, but here I am. I feel like I'm struggling with the fact that I should be happy with myself regardless of what my body looks like, and that going through this kind of procedure somehow makes me shallow? Did anyone else struggle with this at all? I'm not saying it's shallow at all, but there must be some reason that I'm apprehensive to talk openly about this with everyone in my life? My husband is supportive but nervous (probably more than I am), my family is ok with it, but I'm not telling my friends or my work. I'm worried about being judged. Why does this seem to not be widely accepted when a BA is totally fine?
I'm trying to work up the courage to actually post photos!!

So I had my procedure yesterday morning and I can't believe I actually did it. I'm proud of myself for doing it and kicking myself a little bc I'm in pain! Lol

The pain is manageable, but I'm barely like 20 hours post-op so from what I've read it gets worse before it gets better. 

So morning of I arrived at the clinic at 8am for my 9am procedure. They take me right back, my husband couldn't stay with me until the procedure which I was wast prepared for, but I did like how fast paced it was (less time to freak out or overthink). They gave me a cup to pee in and I wasn't paying attention and forgot to, so I had to try again after they gave me some fluids through my IV. The nurse was really nice but she couldn't get my IV in, I had to get poked 3 times and the anesthesiologist finally had to do it, but overall wasn't too bad. Before that Dr. Dass came in and marked me up, I reminded him I didn't want a big butt, mainly just wanted to improve my shape. He looked at me like "let me do what I do." I told him I trusted him and would let him do what he felt is best. I like that he's so calm, he seems confident and that was reassuring. 

I went into the OR and in less then 3 minutes I woke up from my surgery and it was all done! That's crazy how you knock out so fast, I've never had anesthesia before. I woke up to the nurse asking me how I felt. I was in some discomfort but I'd say like a 4 on the pain scale. I wasn't nauseous either, I still haven't had nausea but I'm not celebrating until I'm a few days post-op. 

My body... I haven't seen it! I'm nervous to look. I looked at myself in the reflection of my sliding glass door so I can see my shape but not details. I'm going to wait for my shower tomorrow. I'll take some pics and post those then. 

Worst part of it all?? I started my period on the op table :( but this morning I woke up to just some spotting so hopefully it stays that way. I have a drain in for my mini TT, so I'm oozing is limited, not a lot coming from my lipo incisions. The incision is the most painful part, it's hard to get on and off the couch (I'm sleeping on the couch bc my kids sleep with me, and on the couch I don't have to ability to easily roll over). I'm a stomach sleeper anyway so that hasn't been too bad although the reality of not relaxing in a chair or recliner seems a bit daunting. 

Sorry for the novel, but I wanted to share some realities in case it helps anyone. Oh and btw, I called Dr. Dass' office yesterday after hours, left a message for him and he called me back in like 10 minutes. My drain wasn't filling, when it's supposed to like 10 times a day, and I was worried I'd blow up with fluids. He told me it's probably just the tube being cinched or twisted and not to worry. I still was worried but later that evening it was full, and has been filling since, so he does know what he's talking about!! 

I'll post tomorrow about shower day! :)

Phew!! That sure was a task! My husband had to help me get in and out of my garments, I don't know how anyone can do this alone!? Shower felt good, didn't get very dizzy and didn't need assistance while showering, just dressing/undressing.

Rubbing the arnica gel on is painful, my body is sore to the touch so that was unpleasant. I took a nap after my shower and now I'm itchy, this will be torture bc I hate being itchy, a mosquito bite is literally the most annoying thing in the world for me.

I'm still taking pain meds around the clock, mainly bc I don't want to feel tons of pain. Depending on how I feel tomorrow I may start to scale back. My mom is on my ass about taking too many pain meds, i love her!

The hardest part has been not being able to pick up my kids, and limiting what I can do with them. I need these next few days to fly by so I can at least be a little more engaged with them.

So far, Day of SX: pain around a 4-6
Day after SX: pain around 5-7
Day 2: pain around 4-6

If it doesn't get any worse I will be a happy camper. I'm sort of worried that I put my garments back on wrong and that is going to mishape me somehow, but I think that's just paranoia.