It's Really Happening! – Duluth, GA

I have been reading reviews on this site daily for the past three months. I decided to tell my experience because I've been encouraged and helped by the information I've read and hope to do the same for others. A little about me...I am a 37 year old mother of two and have been married for almost 14 years. My children are 21 and almost 15. I did not begin battling weight gain until about 6 years ago when I went back to school. I've tried many diets and have successfully lost weight with exercise but I always gained it back when stress and other responsibilities got me off track. I'm currently 175lb. I'm 5 feet 5 inches tall. I'm down from 195lb a couple of months ago. I had wanted a breast augmentation for the last 7 years or so. I finally consulted with a few doctors earlier this year. I told them all, three of them, that I wanted a breast lift/augmentation and liposuction of the abdomen. Two of the surgeons recommended a breast lift without the augmentation and a tummy tuck with liposuction to get my desired results. On 8/21/13 I will have a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back. At times, I get extremely nervous, scared, and anxious but for the most part I'm just happy that I'm finally doing it! I'm all paid up, have picked up all my prescriptions, and gotten all the needed supplies. Now, I'm just waiting and counting down the days.

Yesterday I was feeling really nervous and kept thinking "what in the world have I gotten myself into?" Today, I was so happy and excited. I have to keep telling myself that I've wanted this for a long time and I deserve it. Tomorrow is my last day at work and the following day I will buy some last minute supplies, clean up my home, run errands, etc. Then the day after, it's game time! I anticipate being uncomfortable and being in pain. I've done enough research to know it won't be easy. All in all, I'm happy with my decision and anxious to get through those first few days.

Day of surgery went by quickly. I got to the hospital, had my IV placed, got marked up, etc. The nurse gave me medicine to help relax as I was being wheeled into the OR. I remember getting to the room, the nurse telling me to scoot down some, and the next thing I know, I'm in recovery room. I kept falling back asleep every time someone made me wake up. I don't remember feeling much pain but my husband said that as soon as he walked into the recovery room, I said "This sh!t hurts, I want my belly monster back". WOW

That first night at home was really rough. Lots of pain and nausea. I had a Foley catheter in and I hated it. I didn't sleep well. Took meds for pain and nausea around the clock. At 5am the day after surgery, we took the Foley out. I felt better and had no problems urinating on my own.

As of now, I don't have a lot of pain in my tummy, only when I cough or laugh. The most discomfort is in my back from having to walk hunched over and in the areas that were lipo'd. No more nausea meds, I took the patch off today. I've been eating and drinking small amounts at a time. I was taking two doses of Dilaudid every six hours and now down to 1 pill every eight hours. I'm hoping to be off of the pain meds by the time I go to postop appt on Tuesday. Will update later with pics.