48 Yrs. Old, Adult Kids, Trying to Beat the Hands of Time – Buffalo, NY

I had my first child when I was 18. That didn't leave me much time to fully enjoy having a young woman's body, but it left me with the energy and patience it takes to raise high-energy kids. LOL My big concern for years was my tummy pouch (which even at 117 lbs. made me look like I was five months pregnant) and saggy breasts (36C). Neither of these were getting any better with the passing of time. I did Weight Watcher's and a full gym routine for years with good results overall, but no positive results in either of the aforementioned body areas. The mid-section was becoming a real issue probably due to my age and nasty Mr. Menopause coming to get me. I'm 5'2" and weight anywhere from 129-138 depending on my food choices/exercise.

I had a breast lift only since I still had fullness, but a lot of sagging. I also had a tummy tuck, but did not need any muscle repair. Dr. Koch also did some lipo of my flanks which has given me back a more youthful shape and definition. The lipo also got rid of the back rolls. I'm three months post-op and I still have some swelling, but the results of the surgery are amazing. The few stretch marks that remain (and there was A LOT before) are below the belly button and very contained. I can turn sideways and no longer see a "beer gut" sticking out. There's no better feeling than waking up and remembering that you finally did it, that you don't have a pouch anymore!!

Two months post-op we went on our usual vacation to the Dom Rep. I did as Dr. Koch said and stayed out of any form of water (ocean, pool, Jacuzzi). I was also careful about food/drink choices. Unfortunately, my immune system must not have been ready because I became very ill the last day there. The vomiting and intestinal distress was pure torture on my still-healing insides. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I'd had muscle repair. After a stay in a Dom Rep hospital and follow-up medical care with my GP, I'm almost back to normal. On a much brighter note: I looked and felt wonderful in all my vacation clothes. It was like a dream to put on my bathing suits and actually have them fit properly---no bulging anywhere, no tummy control needed, no underwire necessary. I can't wait to shop for new bathing suits that are not black, not full of control features, and not all one piece. Next year's vacation will be in Florida. lol