Mommy Makeover completed 5/16/14 | Revision scheduled 2/13/2015

Hello Real Self! I've been reading (obsessing) over everybody's posts for over a year now. I conducted my research online and had my first consultation in July 2013 with Dr. Sandeep Jejurikar (Downers Grove, IL). I felt very confident that he was the one that I wanted to perform my mommy makeover. I allowed some time to pass to think about the gravity of the surgeries and get my finances situated. Fast forward and I'm ready mentally, physically and financially. I had a second consult with Dr. J in early 2014 and I'm scheduled for Friday, May 16th, which is in 30 days exactly!

I'm in a long-term relationship with no biological children, 34 years of age. I'm 5'6 and currently 165 pounds. I fluctuate between a size 10-12 depending on the store. At my heaviest weight I was 200 pounds, size 16 and at my lowest I was 137, size 6. I'm at a comfortable weight that I can maintain with regular exercise and a moderately healthy diet.

I have wanted this surgery for the better part of 15 years. I never had perky breasts as a teenager and with my weight fluctuation they are now deflated and saggy. Much like most the gals here, I'm comfortable in clothing, but in my own skin I am not confident. My significant other loves me just the way I am, but I am doing this for ME. I want to wear a bikini with confidence, rock a tank-top sans bra, and feel good in my birthday suit. Thankfully my old stretch-marks have faded to nothing, so I have hope that my scars will do the same.

I've started nesting and I've got most of my supplies either on hand or ordered. I look forward to joining the group here and I hope I can be of assistance the same way so many other gals have been for me.

My last amazon shipment arrived yesterday leaving me with only a few items left to purchase. We have a lazy-boy recliner that I will set-up with pillows and old bed sheets. The bedrooms are upstairs so I plan on staying on the main level. Thankfully there is a powder room near the living room for bathroom purposes.

I will be having a tummy-tuck, breast lift with augmentation and I have chosen silicone implants that will be placed under the muscle. I currently wear a 38 D, however there is a large gap in the cup. I am not sure what size I will be (cc-wise) but I have asked for just enough volume to fill the gaps and look appropriate. I choose Dr. J because he is conservative and won't perform augmentations that aren't suitable for the body. My only concern is that the implants will be heavy and cause back/neck/shoulder pain.

My surgery is in 24 days. I've only shared the news with my significant other, my parents, and 3 very close friends. I timed the procedure with two weekends and the Memorial Day holiday, as well as 7 vacation days. I have the option to work from home should I not be ready by the 27th of May.

I spoke with the surgical nurse this past week and they requested that I come in for bloodwork yesterday. They are interested in my clotting abilities and platelets. My surgery is at 7:00am and I have to arrive at 6:05am for prep. I'm happy that I'm scheduled so early because I'm a grouch when I cannot eat. I've stopped taking advil and I'm avoiding garlic. This weekend I'm going to start some meal prepping for the freezer and I'll get the recliner set-up in the living room.

My pre-op consult with Dr. J is on Tuesday. I have a few questions to ask such as the brand of my implants, approximate CC size, drain sites, etc. The nurse who drew my blood yesterday said that she referred her neice to Dr. J for a tummy-tuck and that in her opinion he does the most beautiful work. That made me feel happy with my decision. It's the little things. :)

I also keep forgetting to mention that I'm also having lipo performed on my hip region. I didn't want to have this brand new flat tummy and fat on my sides. Might as well go for the gold, this isn't the time or place to get cheap. I also asked about lipo on my flanks but he said he wouldn't do that because it would require that he use three total sources of blood flow and I was already using two with the breasts / tummy / hip lipo. I will say I was surprised considering I see gals on here all the time who have that combo, but in the end I appreciate his concerns. He could easily take my money and do it, but he chooses not to for my safety.

I need to go buy my surgical bras today and I've seen them at Walmart, but I don't know what size to buy. Should I buy two and keep the tags on and let them decide in surgery?