Mommy Makeover, 37 Years-old

I have never had decent sized boobs or a six pack. After having kids, I loved the fullness of my breasts while nursing. I also hated the bulge on my tummy that would lay there when I was on my side in bed. Granted, it wasn't huge, but I weighed 128 before having kids (was always a twig) but now I sit at a solid 142-155 give or take the month. I don't have any desire to be that skinny again, but I HATED the bulge on my belly. I was always shopping for shirts that were looser in that region. The boobs were an easier fix - thank you padded bras.

It was a long evolution process to decided that I really wanted to go through with it, and to be in a financial position to do so (we paid cash). I am now 1 day post-op and so far so good!

I had a tummy tuck with lipo and muscle repair and a breast augmentation. So many decisions to make along the way, but I finally settled on Mentor silicone implants, moderate profile. I did 375 cc's in my smaller breast and 350 cc's in my larger breast. (The first doc I had a consult with thought I would need 75 cc's more in the smaller breast, and the doc I went with thought I should do the same sized implants in each breast. I decided to go 25 cc's difference because why not try to balance the asymmetry?!) Both docs suggested over the muscle and I was worried because it seems like 90% of girls on here and in the FB groups get sub-muscular, but ultimately I went with over. My doc does sub-fascial and that's what he did on me.

I haven't seen my belly yet - that will happen on my 3 day post-op appointment when they remove the weird foam tape stuff they have covering me. I was also very surprised that my doctor doesn't use a binder for these first few days. When I go in on Friday I get the compression garment. I was also very pleased to find only one drain coming out from my tummy - it seems like everyone has to deal with 2 of them.

I've been staying on top of my meds. Woke up in recovery about 24 hours ago and they had me take 2 Percocet every 4 hours. Now they want me taking 2 every 6 hours or 1 every 3 hours. I think I'll definitely take 2 tonight for bed.

I've been living in our electric recliner love seat. Love having the foot rest go up and down with the touch of a button. My husband has been an amazing help and support.

One other thing. With all of the research I did I came into this knowing that I could possibly be in excruciating pain. But then yesterday before surgery I remembered how powerful our brains are and decided to start some serious self-pep-talks. "You are an awesome healthy body, body! You are strong and can heal wonderfully. We got this!" I remember how well those positive thoughts helped while giving natural birth and while there isn't much natural about a tummy tuck, my body is awesome and get back to full health before long! (I am taking it very easy in the mean time though so it can properly heal!)

I spent quite a bit of time making and wearing rice sizers to help me decide on the implant size. On my way out the door I quickly snapped these pics of one of the smaller sets of rice sizers I made. The real deal (thankfully) looks bigger I think!

I tried to take tons of before pics. I gained most of my belly/extra fat from poor nutrition choices and my five pregnancies. Hoping for a boost from the muscle repair even though I only had a rather small diastisis.