Overcoming the Guilt and Going for It! - Folsom, CA

I'm a 39 year old mother of 5- yep- you heard me right. Im 5'7 and my normal weight usually was around 135-140. With my first child I gained like 85 lbs- can you say "hello stretch marks?" But luckily I was young and my body bounced back weight wise- but naturally I was stuck with the good ol' stretch marks. I never did get any more with any of my other pregnancies, but I would gain and lose 50 pounds with each- except the "loosing" part with the last two-. I am 150 right now- (on a good day I can see 148 on the scale). I am active, I run, work out, and eat healthy. (Though I do like my wine which if I'm being honest I could probably cut out and drop some more pounds- but with 5 kids- forget it. Lol) So now here I am, 39 years young, and left with a flubby, stretch marked tummy, and at a point where you will NOT see me in a swim suit. I have daydreamed about getting my belly back (I swear there are muscles under there) and with the support of my husband have finally decided to do it. I struggled with MASSIVE guilt- as in "get over yourself, vanity is over rated" "can't you just learn to accept yourself as is" "what message are you sending your daughters by doing this" "think of all the other things that money could be going to" etc etc etc. Much like I have read many of you ladies have put yourselves through. But in the end, I just want to put on some pants with no belly hanging over, I just want to put on a swim suit and go to the beach with my kids, and I just want to feel like a Woman again, and not such a (well earned) battle scarred mother. So here I am.

I did have the bonus of my sister and friend having had mommy makeovers done, so the procedure itself wasn't as "unknown" to me. I did look into several doctors, but ultimately I knew I would be going to Krista Clark at Kaufman and Clark in Folsom. (Same place as my sis and friend went.) I was well aware that they are a bit more pricey than some of the other places in the area, but they also have a significant reputation for being damn good at what they do, so its hard to put a price on that. I had had a consult with her and as we sat talking babies and motherhood, I just felt like this was not only a qualified and respected Doctor, but also a MOM, and a woman who understood and empathized with other mothers who just wanted to look like "women" again.

We talked a lot about the belly button- I have seen her work and she feels, like I do, that the belly button is a place to take your time and make it look natural and small. We also talked about scar placement, LOW PLEASE. Lastly, lipo- which I will also be having in my flanks, (muffin top area) and outer thighs. (please get rid of these dang saddlebags!)

I have had my Pre-op, got all my med scripts filled and am scheduled for August 15th. Less than a week away.

I haven't told many people. I have seen what my sister and friend went thru and it pisses me of that people feel like they have to interject negative comments. If you are a friend, you SUPPORT, you don't judge. So I have told the people I want to know and as for the rest of them- it's no ones business- its my body, and until you walk in my shoes, zip it. Lol. Anyway- felt like I should share since I have stalked this site for well over a year and have really found it to be so inspiring and helpful- so I'm going to do my best to give back. Feel free to message me or ask anything- I will do my best to answer as honestly and clearly as possible. Here's to community support huh? ;)