After 2 Big Ol' Babies, It's Time for a Mommy Makeover - Dublin, CA

After carrying a 9lb and then an 11lb baby, my body was definitely not the same as it once was. It's been 12 years since baby #1 and ever since he was born, I've been dreaming of getting a mommy makeover. Now that the kids are older and with an impending trip to Mexico planned for later this year, I finally decided it was time. Had my consultation on 2/8/16 and it just so happened that they had an opening for 2/25/16. I met with Dr. Namkung and she made me feel very comfortable and was able to give me the information I needed. After taking a few days to discuss it with close friends and hubby I decided to take the plunge and go for it. At my pre-op appointment last week, Dr. Namkung was able to answer all my questions and get rid of whatever doubt and anxiety I was holding onto. Now with my surgery in just 2 days, I am so excited - I cannot wait!! Will follow up later!

Well, I did it! I went to bed pretty excited and woke up this morning wondering what I was getting myself into. Not really too nervous, more anxious than anything. I got to the hospital to check in at 6. The pre-op nurse was absolutely wonderful. I figured the nerves would set in once I was called back but she was just so sweet and funny (and organized which I totally appreciated) that I never had time to really get too nervous. I had been VERY concerned with where the scar placement was going to be so I was very eager for the doctor to come in to mark me up. If it was going to be too high, I was going to tell her to skip the TT and only do the BA. However, she put the line right where I was hoping she would so I was ready to go. They started my IV and that sucker had me on cloud nine in like 60 seconds. Once they got me back to the surgical room the anesthesiologist gave me the happy gas and I was out like a light.

Waking up was not my favorite. I wanted to keep sleeping. I believe it took about 2-3 hours once I was done to get me up and back home. Initially I woke up and the pain was pretty intense but they pushed more pain meds through the IV until it was tolerable. At this point I'm not sure the Exparel had kicked in so I wasn't feeling too amazing. Getting into the car (a high SUV) was not the funnest thing I've ever had to do but I managed it and was on my way home - yay!

Once I got home I took one look at my bed and realized that there was no way I was going to be climbing into that thing. I love my bed but it is about twice as high as a couch or recliner. Sooo, my bestie who was helping me for the day moved my bed over and brought a love seat into the bedroom for me. I was pretty nauseous from all the moving around but once I got settled it was gone in like 10-15 minutes.

After that, I ate, went pee and pretty much slept most of the day/evening away. I was pretty surprised at how hungry I was and how much I managed to actually eat and drink throughout the day. I stuck to gently foods (yogurt, pineapple, apples, rice, fish) and plain old water.

The first couple of times I went to the bathroom I had my friend help me but once I got the hang of it, I was able to get up and to the bathroom and then back to my chair on my own. It was glorious knowing I could handle peeing on my own. So far my #1 suggestion to anyone getting a tummy tuck would be to buy a female portable urinal (allows you to stand up to pee!!). I got mine for like $6.30 on Amazon. With it I was able to stand up and pee instead of trying to sit down and then get back up (which I am dreading for when it's time to go #2). I had bought it kind of as a joke but after the first time I used it, I was totally sold.

A few other first day tips, icing your breasts feels amazing. Stay on top of pain meds - I have a timer going off every 4hrs. Eat enough to help settle your tummy from all the meds you are taking. Drink as much water as you can. Make sure you have a comfy spot to sleep - you're going to be doing a lot of that. I bought a neck wrap thing so I could sit up to sleep and it's worked perfect. I got it on amazon for maybe $20 and it has saved my neck from the pain of sitting up and sleeping (Trtl pillow).

Day 1 night.... Sucks, suck, sucks. I couldn't get comfy, have a pain in my right side that the meds don't even touch, and everything else feels like I worked out for a straight 24 hours. Had to get up to pee twice which was somehow harder than any of the many times I went during the day - I'm starting to think this TT shrank my already ridiculously tiny bladder. I finally couldn't take the pain anymore around 4am and woke up the poor hubby (for the 4th time) to help me adjust and was finally able to get comfortable enough to sleep.

Everyone had to work today so I was on my own. I had the hubby put everything I would need in arms reach and open all my pill bottles and a half dozen bottles of water - I learned the hard way the day before that I can't open anything. I was able to make it to the kitchen to grab some yogurt and pre-cut fruit for breakfast and my mother in law brought me lunch. Most of the day was spent in and out of sleep. It's actually been kind of nice to have all this time to myself and being able to nap all day - I haven't got to do this since I had kids, haha! I was still pretty sleepy and had a hard time getting comfy but pain wise not as bad as I thought it would be. As far as moving around, I can really only go short distances and am winded by the time I sit back down. The worst of the pain is my back. Boobs still feel engorged but not horrendous. My tummy feels tight but doesn't really hurt. Thank you Exparel - I would highly recommend getting that shot. I have one spot on my lower left tummy that burns when I move but other than that, still not feeling too much in the belly area. The second night went way better than the first. I slept pretty good and really only woke up to take meds and use the bathroom. Yay!