Happy 50th Birthday to Me . . . Charlotte, NC

After 49 years of weight fluctuations, one child and multiple medically necessary surgeries - I am choosing to go all in on a 'mommy makeover', 3/2/16. With a recent weight loss of 71 lbs, I am left with sag I have never seen in my 49 years of highs and lows. While I have always fantasized of having elective surgery - this was the straw that broke my bank, LOL!

I am scheduled for a circumferential tummy tuck; BL/BA and lipo. While I am totally scared, I am excited too. My journey to finalize my decision was much in part because of this wonderful Real Self community as well as supportive, honest and loving family and friends. I do not have pics yet because until now, I have been on the fence. In fact, my pre op is 1/25/16 - fingers crossed I get cleared. If so, I hope to be on the flat side with perky twins very soon so I am healed in my new body come my 50th birthday!! I will also try to post my experiences going forward to help others yet to embark on this journey. Finally, any tips to make this adventure easy would be much appreciated!

All clear for surgery and very nervous . . . I went for my pre-op Monday 1/25 and talked with the anesthesiologist yesterday - way was easier than I expected. I think that I have been waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop so I have been guarded with getting my hopes up. Now it is so real, I am incredibly nervous. My pre-op with my PS is 2/16 and now the question is twin size - who knew it would be such a difficult decision. I will say though that all you wonderful real self ladies have given me a lot of great information and insight as to what to expect. I don't think I would be this far into the process without you! I promise to post photos once I go for my last pre-op. Thank you all for sharing and caring. Happy healing!

Where to begin? We arrived knowing there would be lots to cover, but after 3 hours - I was on information overload. Let's start with the basics. The approach changed so now I am having two separate procedures. I was initially unhappy with this, but in retrospect - I am very glad for the change. 3/2 I am having mons work with the 360 body lift and muscle repair; Lipo to my abs, flanks and bra roll; then the breast augmentation. This is where it got confusing. Choosing size changed everything as I thought I would have the breast lift at the same time. As it turns out, 500 cc's silcone moderate plus (the size I chose and hope not too big) was too big to do both at the same time. The recommendation is to do the augmentation then come back for the lift later. The reason is - I only need an aerola mastopexy and the PS concern was that the size would put too much tension on the aerola sutures. While this adds another $974 (after much negotiation), the good news is that I am more confident that the results will be straight and even head lights given the twins should be settled giving him a better visual for placement. Bad news is - I am not sure how I feel about doing this under local anesthesia, oye! Why 500 cc's? I am tall with a moderate frame and my husband preferred that size. Also, when playing with rice sizers (on Valentine's day, LOL) we were at 475 so not a big leap. I trust it will all turn out well and should put me at a full D, possibly a DD.

The appointment - holy cow, I feel like I signed every page of a novel and given so much information my head is spinning. I will try to recap: I was given all my meds and pre-op instructions that included 6 pharmacy scripts and a dozen or more vitamins as well as other supplies needed. He is very funny about brand and prefers plant based/pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals - let's just say, not cheap! There were also others recommended so I need to call and inquire about those. In addition, I still have all the scar management supplies to buy, but that is a few weeks away. Did any of you buy silicone strips?

What I purchased so far - front closing sports bra's; probiotics; Bactitracin ointment; Miralax; stool softner; Multivitamin + Multiminerals no iron; they provided arnica; Vitamin C and Vitamin D3 pharmaceutical grade; and yes, maxipads for the wound healing (they said it works just as good and much cheaper than other wound dressings). I am not buying any close because I have plenty loose yoga pants and button up or zipper front tops. I am getting a walker from a friend as well as a shower chair. We also have a hand held shower head so that will work just fine. Other stuff we have on hand always is coco butter, baby wipes, alcohol prep pads, etc. So, I think we have everything we need once I pic up my prescriptions. I opted not to get the pain pump because personally I know me and if I don't feel the pain I will overdue it thinking I am ok. As for the pain meds - I am severely allergic to tylenol, codine and morphine so he had to order me special meds for that and for the life of me - I can't remember the name. I will share when I pick them up.

My surgery will be in his surgery center and I will stay overnight. Here is what has me really confused. I have to bring my own food for after surgery. Now how do I know what I want or even if I will want anything? Did any of you have this situation? If so, what are your recommendations?

We also covered post op, but I can only take this one step at a time. Drains, dressings, etc. - oh my! I just know I am very grateful for my husband as he will catch the brunt of that process. I do know that I will be in the recliner for at least a week and will need to start back on pharmaceutical grade Vitamin E and Fish Oil after surgery. Oh yeah, they also took me off HRT from now until 4 weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots. I can only imagine the impact this will have on my emotional madness.

Finally, they took photos and measurements. I did not get a copy of the pics, but I will and will share when I do. Right now my measurements are:
Chest: 38"
Waist above Belly Button: 33"
Abdomen under Belly Button: 36"
Hips: 40"

I think this about covers everything and if I missed something, please ask and I will be happy to share. I just know this journey is surreal and I never thought it would actually come to fruition, but two weeks from today - I will be in process of making it to the flat side! Yikes!

Again, thank you all for your support and input! I could not do this without you wonderful veterans and newbies of realself.com!