52 Years Old, 2 Great Kids, Need a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift and a Bit of Lipo to Get "Me" Back - Folsom, CA

Hello all you wonderful Real Self folks (and lurkers)!

I am a 52 year old mother of 2 great kids (son, now 22, dtr, now 18). I'm 5'2" and recently lost 40lbs (on a Ketogenic diet, like the first part of Atkins...). I tried for years to lose "the pooch" after the birth of my dtr and was miserable because of my failure at diet and exercise.

Within the last year I somehow stumbled across the news that there was such a thing as "Diastasis rectii" - Ab muscles that get stretched and separated during pregnancy and that no matter how much you diet and exercise there is no way those muscles are going to go back and that that can cause "the pooch".

Also, at my age and after having breastfed both kids, I have some pretty good droopiness in the breasts which I just hate.

So after researching a bit, I got a consultation with Dr. Christa Clark (PS in Folsom, CA) and she confirmed that a tummy tuck (with muscle repair) and breast lift would turn out wonderfully on me. I also have just a small bit of extra baggage in the saddlebag/flank area, and a touch on the inside of my things so she's going to do just a tiny bit of lipo there to smooth out the contours.

From previous reviews here on Real Self, internet searches and a glowing referral from Dr. Clark, I have also hired a nurse technician to pick me up after surgery, drive me home and stay with me 24/7 to care for me for the first 3 days. I feel so much more comfortable knowing that she will be there to manage my pain meds, drains, dressings - whatever I need.

I just booked my surgery today, its set for July 10, 2014 - just about 3 months from now.

I'm so excited, and also a bit nervous - but mostly excited to be on my way.

Exactly 4 weeks to go!

I've maintained my goal weight, but haven't been quite as good at my goal of getting physically into better shape. I will buckle down on the exercise (light workout at the gym and riding my exercise bike at home) to get strong for the surgery. I think getting stronger will help in my recovery.

Also my best friend has totally supported me in my decision and is going to drive me to surgery.

Work was awesome about my time off request. I didn't want anyone there to know what I was having done, so I only told my supervisor that I was having surgery and that I would need one month off. He was supportive, gave me the time off with no questions, and told me to let him know if there was anything I needed.

It's getting more and more real, soon I'll be buying my supplies.

Hi all!

Doing great here! Had my mommy makeover on 7/10 with Dr. Christa Clark, she and her staff are wonderful. Dr. Anderson, my anesthesiologist (sp?) was awesome. Radora Goold, the nurse technician that took care of me at home for the first 3 days was incredible.

Would have love to have posted here earlier, but honestly have just been too tired and am listening to my body and resting. But to recap....

Dr. Clark was so incredible and caring. She made sure that I got exactly what I wanted with my breast lift - I didn't want to be too big. My tummy tuck looks great - I'm astounded at how flat I am. And the scar is so low I don't know if I'd dare wear a bikini low enough to come close to showing it, lol. I have a bit of swelling, but am limiting salt intake to help with it. Dr. Clark said she tightened me up tighter than normal, so instead of being able to stand up straight after about a week she said it will take about two. The lipo areas are so flat too, a bit of bruising but nothing bad.

Day after checkup went great - Dr. Clark's staff said everything looked wonderful.

Pain is not there - at all. The first couple of days Radora gave me the Percoset that was prescribed but it pretty much knocked me out. Then we switched to 1/2 a pill, still knocked me out, so we switched to 1 motrin. Pretty soon I realized that I really didn't need anything - I just didn't hurt - yay!!!

The first couple of days were a blur - Radora would wake me up for medications and short walks around the house for circulation. I slept (I think?) through most of it, lol. She was with me for 3 days, what a blessing, everything was taken care of for my family and I, no worries, just peace of mind to rest. Omigosh on day 3 when I got to take a shower it was pure heaven!!!

Had my one week checkup on Friday - I can't believe how fast it's gone by. Dr. Clark's staff took off the steristrips and checked everything over. Dr. Clark came in, checked me over, snipped a few sutures, answered all my questions and was an absolute joy to be around. She is so knowledgeable and caring, I'm so glad I found her.

Still trying to walk straighter, today my daughter and I went to Sam's club and did the grocery shopping - I was so slow, lol. But it was good for me to get out and move. I'm very tired, but it's a good tired.

Hope you all are doing well and many internet hugs to you!
:^)