37 YOA, 4 Kids, Fit, Strong, Saggy Skin with Separated Muscle - Destin, FL

I have gotten so much information from the stories of everyone on RS and cannot express how grateful I've been for this. So, I thought I would return the favor and, hopefully, get some much needed encouragement when the time comes... and I feel certain the time will come.

The excitement is just now beginning to share space with nervousness. I am not too dissatisfied with how my tummy looks while standing, in the morning. I wonder if the scar is worth it??? Then I remind myself that there are many more hours in the day and many of them spent not standing straight up that I just refuse to spend any more time looking at it.

I work out 5 days a week, doing pilates on a reformer at home. Have done this since my youngest was 1. (now 6) I am 5'3", 108-111lb, depending on day of week. I just feel like I work too hard to still have this. I finally decided: this is reconstructive surgery- I can look at my saggy skin as a badge of motherhood or a scar as a badge of motherhood. I choose scar.

I had a consult with PS in July. Scheduled TT for Nov. 3. My husband says he's actually excited to take care of me. (Going to force me to give up salt!) My mom will be here to take care of me and kids school schedule, as well. I feel really lucky and know I would be so disappointed by Valentine's day if I don't go through with it.

Worries:
. SCAR WILL BE TOO HIGH
. SCAR WILL BE TOO UGLY
. MAJOR COMPLICATION
. DEATH
. THE JUDGMENTAL PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WILL FIND OUT I HAD MORE THAN "HERNIA REPAIR SURGERY"
(I don't actually have a hernia!!!)

HOPES
. NO MORE POOCH THAT DOESN'T MATCH THE REST OF ME (I feel like my pooch is bigger than my nearly non existent toosh!)
. WEAR SPORTS BRAS TO WORK OUT
. NOT BE SELF CONSCIOUS WHEN INTIMATE
. SIT IN BIKINI AT BEACH WITHOUT EMBARRASSMENT
. IMPROVEMENT IN OCCASIONAL BACK TIGHTNESS

Feeling really excited. Dr. Ennis is a Godsend for anyone like me- (over researches EVERYTHING, plans for EVERY possible scenario, questions until COMPLETE understanding is gained.)

Several weeks ago, I got cold feet and sent Doc a lengthy email with many questions. He called me the next day and let me go through my list of questions, answering them one by one until I felt like I had a decent understanding. I hung up feeling very confident and excited about my upcoming tummy tuck.

I went it for pre-op 2 weeks ago. Staff is extremely friendly. PreOp couldn't gone a bit slower, though. This was not done by Doc, but by staff (nurse, assistant???) She moved really quickly. I realize they do this a million and one times and it's got to me mind numbingly boring for them, but for us??? You get it. I was taken aback by the fact that I or husband will be giving me a daily shot. WHAT?!?!?! I'm not afraid of needles or anything, but come on, that was a surprise. Luckily, husband was with me to listen to her go into detail about everything to do, not to do and what to expect while I overcame sweaty palms, heart palpitations and a slight cold sweat. TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO PRE-OP APPOINTMENT. I had to to read through all of the material once I was back home while husband explained everything and I swear VERY little of it sounded familiar. She did, however, answer every single one of the questions I went in with.

One thing that I could not find online anywhere that seems rare, so I will share:
I am not a good candidate for the quilted suture technique. I read nothing but great things about this technique and Dr. Ennis DOES perform this masterfully, from what I understand. However, if a person has little fat on the abdominal wall, those sutures would be seen. THAT is not good. I will have two drains. (I'm ignoring this fact for the time being.)

I was advised to go in with my teeny bikini to mark the scar line prior to surgery. He plans to anchor that incision so it will not elevate. Due to the fact that I have a higher than average belly button, and relatively little excess skin, I MAY get an umbilical float. He said he will not know that until I am in surgery. This really makes me feel better... that he will make the best decision once he has all of the facts. I would hate to have been promised one thing, then he realizes he could take more skin than originally thought, but he won't because he cannot ask me to deviate from what we agreed to. So, will I have my same belly button, in a slightly lower location or will I have a new one and a small vertical scar????

PS.
I bought myself an xbox to learn while recovering. I plan to beat the crap out of my boys at HALO and BATTLEFIELD within a year. They won't know what hit them!!!