I'm 40 years old, 5'1", 121 lbs with four beautiful children. - 8 weeks post op - California, CA

I'm 40 years old, 5'1", 121 lbs with four beautiful children. I've wanted a lift and tummy tuck since my last pregnancy several years ago and finally, with the support of my husband, have the courage to go through with it.
I'm hopeful for a great outcome but I'm being realistic...I tend to expect the worst so I can be excited if it's great. I'm hoping that when all is said and done, I can look down while sitting and not see a huge mass of wrinkled skin lol.
I'm pretty excited but nervous too. It was a pretty quick decision to get the surgery and ended up deciding to do hip lipo along with the tummy tuck and silicone gel implants. I struggled with the decision to get implants but didn't want to go through all of that and be disappointed they were not full enough.

From what I can tell, silicone has some a long way, but you never know. I decided on silicone over saline because the saline don't feel as natural and with thin skin can ripple, plus they are more likely to leak. Obviously everyone needs to decide what's the best choice from them, do your research. They both have pros and cons. I'm not looking to have big breasts, just more full. I'm a 34B and going for a C cup and I'm getting 255cc implants.

So, this last week I've followed the doctors directions about stopping certain meds, herbs, etc. I started taking a daily vitamin, stool softeners, arnica 30c and bought bromelain today. I also, (after a failed attempt of getting a one piece brief/girdle at the local mall), purchased a medical compression garment online and it will arrive tomorrow. I've read a lot of opinions on these and my surgeon said not to spend a lot of money on one, I suppose since it's for a short time. But, I'm going for some sort of comfort if that's even possible. I know they will switch me to stage 2 garments fairly quickly. I've also stocked my cabinet with various other items found on the list in the forums. So the day after tomorrow is the big day. Tomorrow I pick up my pain meds (norco), muscle relaxers, and antibiotics. I was also concerned about nausea so the dr. prescribed an emend, which will cost me around $70 for one! I'll take it in the morning right before the surgery.

I told my children, including my youngest in elementary school, (other 3 have graduated h.s.) and they are all very supportive. I asked if they had a belly like that would they do it, they said yes lol. When I told my youngest I was getting extra skin removed she said, "so....you don't "have" to have the surgery". She was making sure it wasn't required due to illness and it made her feel better.
My mom is concerned of course, but she doesn't do well with surgery, etc. herself, so she's worried.
So, one more day to get everything wrapped up and ready. I printed a list of foods that promote healing and will do some shopping too. I will eat light tomorrow and try to remain calm... :o)

Tomorrow's the big day. I tried to eat light and finish up getting things done. I received my other garment, but the zipper on the side was uncomfortable, digging in to my side, so I guess I'm stuck with my original which is more comfortable. Since I've been taking the bromelain I've been feeling nauseous and getting headaches. I'll see how I feel the next few days.
I'll watch Modern Family and get a good nights sleep, hopefully.
I'm feeling pretty excited at this point. :)

yesterday we arrived at the office and checked in for surgery. my husband wasn't allowed to come back with me, so we said our goodbyes. they got me in my robe and took vitals and ran an ekg since i have a heart murmur. i got there at 9:30 and went in for surgery at 12. i woke up the first time and needed meds and muscle relaxer and fell back asleep. i woke up again at 5:30 to my husband to take me home. the car ride was fine, just 10 min away. the emend def helped my nausea which is what i was dreading the most. got home, used the restroom and got into bed. THE WORST PART EVER IS GETTING IN AND OUT OF BED! plus i have a bad back and have to lay on my back and so it feels like someone ran over me. anyway, i hear some people rent recliners...good idea! my husband's been great, writing down pill sched. and emptying drains. rearranging me in bed to find what's comfortable is beyond annoying and i feel bad for my husband. he's been making sure i drink gatorade and broth. i'm feeling a tiny bit better today than yesterday, aside from the back pain. when i wake up i'm wide awake, not tired at all. i don't feel like i've really slept a lot. all in all, so far so good. i have a good tolerance for pain, so that hasn't bothered me too much, pain pills are a must. i read a few stories here on real self of women who try not to take narcotics, which i understand why. but, man i there is no way i could go without them. they don't make me feel weird or nauseous, i eat a cracker before or after i take it. i feel some burning and occasional shooting pains but not too bad. i feel really tight and swollen. yesterday was worse, like a ballon ready to pop. waiting to pee is not a good idea either (painful), but i dread getting up and down, so i try to time with my pain meds and walking. my husband goes out of town mon-wed night, so hopefully i'll be okay by sunday. my older daughters will be around on monday to help if needed.
feeling pretty good at the moment. :)