POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Ready for Normal
ORIGINAL POST
I want to be Fabulous at 40! I turn 40 later this...
Path to FlatJanuary 30, 2013
WORTH IT$11,200
I want to be Fabulous at 40! I turn 40 later this year and I want the outside of me to feel as fabulous as the inside feels! I've wanted a tummy tuck every since I delivered my first son 10 years ago. Gaining 70 pounds with each of my three AWESOME kids and having two c-sections left my stomach in a state of disrepair. The sagging skin doesn't bother me nearly as much as the lax upper abdominal muscles that protrude so much that I still get asked if I'm pregnant. I had consults scheduled with three different PSs. I went off of referrals from my OBGYN and this site (so helpful!). The hubs and I went for the second consult yesterday and liked the doctor so much that we booked on the spot...little did I know I'd be walking out of the appointment with a Tummy Tuck / Lipo surgery scheduled less than 2 weeks away!!!! Having less time may be a blessing since I won't have time to obsess, but I still feel like there is SO MUCH I need to know / do / prepare! I'm so excited (and nervous) that I'm officially on my Path to Flat!
Replies (1)
UPDATED FROM Path to Flat
6 days pre
Today is my son's 10th birthday...also the 10th...
Path to FlatFebruary 5, 2013
Today is my son's 10th birthday...also the 10th anniversary of my stomach being stretched beyond belief! :) I met with my PS for my pre-op visit. Surgery is scheduled six days from now. Hard to believe that this time next week, I'll be on the FLAT SIDE!! Whoo Hoo!!! I can't wait to finally get rid of this stomach, and to stop wearing my Spanx tank that has become part of my daily uniform for the last 10 years.
I threw myself a little pity party today. Although very excited, I am also getting extremely anxious. I've never had a panic attack in my life, but I swear I've either been having them...or mini heart attacks...every time I think about it. The worst part is...I don't know why. I've had surgeries before (2 c-sections and multiple knee surgeries), but never an elective surgery like this. I shouldn't worry...I'm healthy, I eat right, exercise, don't smoke and am at a healthy weight (5/6, 133 lbs). I'm a perfect candidate!! My nerves were so bad today that my husband even suggested I cancel the surgery if I'm getting this worked up about it...which of course, sent me into even MORE tears!!! Luckily that little episode was a few hours ago and I've since worked out, said my prayers and just put it in God's hands, which is where it should have been to begin with! All better now and whew, what a relief!! I'm not sure I can take many of these little outbursts!!!
I threw myself a little pity party today. Although very excited, I am also getting extremely anxious. I've never had a panic attack in my life, but I swear I've either been having them...or mini heart attacks...every time I think about it. The worst part is...I don't know why. I've had surgeries before (2 c-sections and multiple knee surgeries), but never an elective surgery like this. I shouldn't worry...I'm healthy, I eat right, exercise, don't smoke and am at a healthy weight (5/6, 133 lbs). I'm a perfect candidate!! My nerves were so bad today that my husband even suggested I cancel the surgery if I'm getting this worked up about it...which of course, sent me into even MORE tears!!! Luckily that little episode was a few hours ago and I've since worked out, said my prayers and just put it in God's hands, which is where it should have been to begin with! All better now and whew, what a relief!! I'm not sure I can take many of these little outbursts!!!
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Path to Flat
4 days pre
Only four days to go until surgery. :) Couldn't...
Path to FlatFebruary 7, 2013
Only four days to go until surgery. :) Couldn't come at a better time. Picked up a baby gift today at a local monogram shop. Woman behind the counter asked me when MY baby was due. Argh! I am not pregnant, I just look that way! LOL! So, I went from feelings of anxiety earlier this week to a feeling of thankfulness today. Thankful for my support network and so thankful for the opportunity to actually do something for ME. And, it's something I've wanted and talked about for so long. I am full time working mom to three kids under the age of 10 and I have a husband that travels for work every week (he will stay home the week of my surgery, though). I HAVE WANTED THIS FOR SO LONG. And, now, in four days it it happening! I am so blessed!!! Hopefully, I'll never have to answer the "how far along?" question any longer! I'm posting my pre-op pics today. I understand why people ask. I really do.
This site has also been such blessing and offered such a sense of community. I am so comforted hearing the stories of those who have gone before me. If you are new to this site, I highly suggest joining the forum and bouncing ideas off the other women (and men!) in the group. Talk about a great sense of camaraderie! My family and friends are supportive, but they are not going through exactly what I'm going through at the moment so it's just really refreshing to hear from someone who is.
Also, just to clarify. The > 11K number I'm expecting to spend includes: surgeon's fees for TT and 2 areas of lipo ($8160); Hospital operating room time, anastesia and overnight stay ($3100).
Flat side, here I come!
This site has also been such blessing and offered such a sense of community. I am so comforted hearing the stories of those who have gone before me. If you are new to this site, I highly suggest joining the forum and bouncing ideas off the other women (and men!) in the group. Talk about a great sense of camaraderie! My family and friends are supportive, but they are not going through exactly what I'm going through at the moment so it's just really refreshing to hear from someone who is.
Also, just to clarify. The > 11K number I'm expecting to spend includes: surgeon's fees for TT and 2 areas of lipo ($8160); Hospital operating room time, anastesia and overnight stay ($3100).
Flat side, here I come!
Replies (11)
February 7, 2013
You'll be ok! I'm 2 days post op today and trust me - I felt the same way about it in the days leading up that you're feeling now! I was so busy with my son, with school, with trying to get my house ready and meals made, that I didn't have a chance to process anything until last weekend. I cried and couldn't sleep, I was angry at myself for taking risks and being selfish, I worried and stressed and considered cancelling, too. BUT - here I am, 2 days out, and I feel so much better than I thought I would. You'll be ok! Remember, you have a surgeon who has done this for years, and who has had many different cases and types, you'll have an anesthetist (or anesthesiologist) watching over you and taking good care of you, you'll have nurses helping you figure out how to get around. It's normal to worry - this is so out of the ordinary for any of us! But you're going to be ok - deep breaths :)
February 7, 2013
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I am so glad it went better than expected for you! I had less than two weeks between the time I scheduled my TT to the actual surgery date. I think that short time frame has been a blessing...but I also am experiencing the full range of pre-op emotions on speed! Oh, my poor husband! :)
February 7, 2013
They can handle it - that's why we keep them around :)
My poor boyfriend that weekend kept asking me what he was doing wrong for two days straight. I was so unlike myself, just super sensitive, super touchy, wanted space, wanted hugs, telling him "You're not hugging me right! Hug me like you mean it!" hah, poor guy. But, they know we are freaking out inside whether we put on a brave face or not. I really believe you will be ok. The scariest part for me was the moment of going into the OR room, but they are so good about being kind and caring with you, and once you have that oxygen mask on, pop! You wake up in recovery doing just fine, someone is bringing you water and asking you how you feel, and you're like "what? really? this is over already?" Hang in there! When I was scared like that I came back on here and just looked at the sheer multitude of people who do this - major surgery! - and who come out of it completely ok and loving their new bodies. We'll all get there and back to normal :)
February 7, 2013
Awesome - so excited for you! I am 2 weeks PO and had the same, TT w/ muscle repair and lipo (flanks and inner and outer thighs) and am 42 and exercise regularly as well and I want you to know that you will have EXCELLENT results. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am with the way my body has changed ALREADY, I can't even imagine how great it will be by month 3 or 6. Do NOT worry about anything, let your wonderful family take care of you. The best way to heal quickly is to do NOTHING and I mean NOTHING for the first 7 days. I did that and was back to work by this week. I will be saying a prayer for you the day of your surgery. Best of luck to you!
February 7, 2013
Thanks ginajp! Prayers always welcomed. Isn't it sad that I actually look forward to the down time??? A week of doing nothing (except healing) ...pure bliss!Haha.
February 7, 2013
I'm so happy for you. I think you are going to have great results. Sometimes I wish I didnt have to wait so long for mine. I scheduled mine in Ocober and I still have to wait till next month. The wait is awful. So you moving forward as fast as you did doesnt give you the time to go nuts like me! LOL I wish you all the best on your journey. :)
February 7, 2013
I think you will be ok now you've had your melt down and got everything straight in your mind...looking forward to seeing your results and hearing how you are doing
February 11, 2013
I hope to post on Tuesday. Will be sleeping all day tomorrow. Good luck and we'll be on the flat side on Tuesday.
Woot woot! Less than two week away is great. You will be 40 and fabulous so enjoy the ride.
Keep us up to date on everything and make sure to take the before and after pictures.