44 Yr Old, TT. Bad Belly Days BEGONE! - Altamonte Springs, FL

Hello!! I am a 44 year old mom of 3 boys ages 19, 17, and 14. I am 5'3" and 152lbs. When I had my first son I went from about 125lbs to over 190lbs. I believe that a big chunk of that was water weight gain as I was borderline pre-eclamptic. For the next many years I gained weight, I lost weight, and gained it back again. When I reached 180+ 2 years ago I joined Weight Watchers (for the third time), lost nearly 40lbs and made Life-Time. Problem was, I really think that my motivation to maintain my loss took a severe nosedive when I reached 139lbs and my stomach still looked terrible. I still looked like I had a pregnant pooch whenever I would wear anything snug. Why was I doing all this work when I still hated how I looked in the mirror. Now, I hate to say that I did put back on some weight and I think it was because I was thinking that I would never have the results that I was looking for. One of the "after" pics I saw at the PS office was so nice and he mentioned to me, that after that patient had the procedure she was motivated to work more on her figure afterwards. That really hit a note with me!!

Hubby and I had been joking about me getting a tummy tuck and possible breast lift for years. Once we made the decision to consider it seriously, it took him a bit to get over the sticker shock of how much one procedure was going to cost let alone 2. I decided to put off any breast work at the moment because my feeling is, I hate this stomach and I don't think you can do much to make it look any worse, however, I like my breasts, even if they do droop a bit, and I am not ready to run the risk that I won't like the results of a BL. Perhaps I will in a few years but for now this TT is totally for me!

My surgery date is August 1 (yeah... 2 days from now.. eeeek!) We chose this PS about 3 months ago. My husband and I both went to the consultation. The PS was direct, informative, not pushy, answered all of our questions. I was immediately comfortable with him. Bonus is that I continue to run across people who know his name and have glowing reports about him and his work.

A very big Pro to this doctor is that on top of his being a board certified plastic surgeon, he is also a wound care specialist. I feel extremely confident that I am in very capable hands. Now if I can get over the nervousness of the upcoming procedure! I have to be at the hospital on Monday at 5:30.

Wish me luck!! :)

Tomorrow is the day!! I am packing up my overnight bag for the hospital. Excited, nervous, feel like I need to get more things done around the house. A little worried about things. Wish me luck!!

Surgery was monday, this is Thursday so I am looking at Day 3 post-op. I am feeling so much better. Surgery day I did feel like I was hit by a truck. I was beating myself up for having done this to myself. Anesthesia left me queasy and very jittery for the first day. Next day felt a little better, could eat a bit.

**Want to suggest Nivea, a Kiss of Moisture hydrating lip care.**

My lips were so dry from everything and this was one thing that didnt have to bother me. It's unscented so it didnt affect my queasiness.

Day 1 I really couldnt eat. Had no appetite. Everything was either too dry or too sickly sweet. Drinking a lot of water!!

Day 2: Applesauce is my friend! Its not too sweet, doesnt dry my mouth out. Finally I can eat. I had to go back to the PS office.. I have formed a small hematoma on my vulva (of all places). He says this is pretty normal and tells me to watch for redness or hotness coming from it. Hubby says he really see's the difference.

Day 3: I have my sense of humor back but I am careful not to laugh too much. Moving around is much easier. Tried to sit up at my desk but that was too much. back to recliner and playing around on hubby's laptop for the time being. At the moment I am really enjoying being pampered :)