30s, 3 Kids, Severe Diastasis and Ready to Fit into Clothes Again - Chicago, IL

I'm scheduled for my TT on March 18 with Dr Thomas Mustoe. After interviewing many doctors, I felt like he understood the medical need I have for this procedure.

I had three children within 5 years. They were between 8-9 pounds. I started off at 110 pounds and gained roughly 50-55 pounds.

I'm currently suffering from a sore back and bowel issues due to my hernia and lack of core muscles. I'm very, very down about this.

All of my children were born naturally and two were home births. I'm quite fearful of the concept if surgery, but I refuse to live life like this. I can't wear dresses and I can't fit into clothing properly. Though I'm only 5'6 and 130 pounds I'm having to buy size 12-14 pants. Everyone said give it time... I knew my third birth changed my body forever. After my second kid I did Zumba and boot camp. Within 6 months I was 120 with a flat stomach.

I tried physical therapy. I'm now ready for this to happen. I want to tuck in a shirt again. I'm tired of (and pissed off at) people lecturing me about getting pregnant AGAIN. I tell them I'm not and that this is just "how I look".

I'm sad and overwhelmed. I can't believe the journey I'm about to take.

Having been anemic most of my life, I was very worried about meeting the surgeon's requirements for hemoglobin and platelet numbers. My surgery is scheduled for March 18 so it was critical for me to get the right numbers.

Thankfully the hemoglobin was 13.1 (I've always been about 10) so over the requirement and my platelet was 250 (150-400 average).

To be honest, starting a month ago I started taking the slow-fe slow release iron supplements at night with a huge glass of water mixed with an emergency vit C packet (to aid in absorption). I also avoided dairy at this time since it can negatively impact absorption of iron.

So I have passed a major hurdle. Thank goodness. Now today I have my pre OP appointment. I'm officially two weeks out from my surgery date. And because I'm two weeks out, I'm starting my vitamedica recovery supplements.

I had a wonderful pre-op visit this morning with Dr. Mustoe and his nurses.

The office was running a tad behind, but I received a courtesy call an hour before my appointment. It was really thoughtful of them to call. It allowed me to slow down and browse the shoes at Neiman Marcus.

His nurse went over my payment schedule as well as reviewed the dos and do nots before and after surgery. Pretty much common sense stuff.

The doctor examined me carefully for a second time. We spoke about the surgery and recover a bit. I had thought about adding lipo to my thighs, but he expressed that my hips are a bit on the wide side and I have little fat....while I would see a result, it might accentuate my upper thighs more (not my best feature). I absolutely love when doctors/professions are honest.

(Side note, I once was desperate for a short hair cut. My stylist said "no!!!" you have a big nose and recessed chin! Baaaaad idea" did it hurt my feelings? Eh, a little bit, but she was right! I love honesty)

This bring me to my next topic: adding to the TT surgery. I've always been extremely self conscious of my recessed chin. We recently watched family videos from 30 years ago and in that video I actually say I have no chin.

So despite being fully booked, he spoke very clearly and earnestly to me about this concern and the options I may want to explore. He did not pressure me or start this conversation with me. I absolutely drove the conversation and he was an excellent listener. He did discuss how altering the nose a bit (in my case) along with chin enhancment would balance the face and alter the profile. I appreciated his honest judgement. Exceptional clarity and eye contact when speaking. No flashy talk or glazing over anything.

Now will I add this to my TT? Not sure. It adds a significant cost and my surgery would go from a short 2 hour to a 4 hour procedure.

So far his office has been fabulous. I met with many other surgeons, but I have zero regrets about selecting the surgeon in the city.

I'm so nervous and excited to recover. I know that my life and feelings about myself will be greatly improved. Just tucking in a shirt will bring me happiness.

So far I highly recommend. My surgery is March 18. I will post honest feedback for anyone interested in TT in the Chicago area.