48 Year Old Mom of 2 Teenage Boys...time to Get the Body I Have Always Wanted - Calgary, AB

It has been 15 months since my mommy makeover and I am a brand new mom. I have never once regretted the decision to do this. Did it feel frivolous? Selfish? Irresponsible at times? Damn straight it did. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Over the past year I have continued on my journey of self discovery and reflection. In this process I have read a few books about appreciating yourself for who you are. One book in particular made me feel like I am less of a woman because I surgically changed my body rather than reveling in all its glory. I started to internalize the message as I was reading the book and feeling horrible about myself. Then I stopped, put the book down and never finished it. I realized the message in that book was another version of body shaming under the guise of "self love'. This author was judging women for getting breast implants, tummy tuck, nose jobs, liposuction etc, but when I looked at her airbrushed book cover all I could see was hipocracy.
This decision was for me and I feel fantastic. Not just because I look better in a bikini but because I feel strong and empowered by this experience. And sexier ..let's be honest . I go to the gym every day just as I did before the surgery but now I don't have an infected overhang of skin that has to be carefully placed and tucked in my pants and then carefully covered by a shirt that hangs just so. And God forbid that shirt rides up. Mortified.
If you are still deciding whether to do this, do it if it feels right for you. Not your hubby. Not your family that always said "such a pretty face, if only you would lose the weight". Not the dream partner that you hope you can attract if you were thin enough. Do it for you. Only you.
Here I am a year later and I still marvel at my body. Screw how strong it is; my vanity loves looking at my flat abs and perky boobs! Sometimes I touch them just because I can. When my kids aren't home I will walk around with no top on just because I love showing them off to my hubby. Hubby said a few weeks ago when we were in the kitchen in our pj's that he forgets I'm not wearing a bra since they are in the same place with or without one. ????Improved sex life? You bet! I could never have imagined in the past how feeling truly sexy in your own head space could feel.
I turn 50 this year. When I embarked on this journey I thought to myself " why would you do this? You are almost 50 and have nothing to prove. " THAT is exactly why I did it. Nothing to prove to anyone; just self appreciation and self love.
Good luck with your decision.

I have been busy just as you all have getting through Christmas and new years eve. I went back to work 2 weeks ago. I have bed feeling great. I'm not wearing my garments as of this week. I have only been wearing a Spanx for the past 3 weeks and unless I am wearing jeans I don't even wear that. My implants have not even started to move it seems but I know it just takes time. Patience is not a virtue I have ever had but this process has helped with that. I am so happy with my scars. My doc is not a proponent of doing anything to scars. Your body knows what to do. Silicone treatments etc are, in his opinion, not beneficial and a waste of money. I have to agree. I have not done anything to my scars and they look amazing and flat. The swelling is a regular thing but otherwise I am feeling great. I have bed healing very quickly and I believe it is due to having a drainless procedure and all bandages and tapes were removed on day 4. My skin started drying and healing very well from that point. Happy healing ladies. Patience and a positive attitude. Enjoy your new you in the new year!

I saw this today and had to share it with all you Realself folks who are struggling with the recovery process.