44 Year Old Mother of 2 - Long-Awaited Tummy Tuck! - Greer, SC

I have 2 children, ages 19 and 14. When I was pregnant with my son, my stomach errupted in stretch marks at about 7 months. I was very careful to apply cocoa butter and massage my skin to avoid this, but genetics and a large baby nixed all of my efforts. The stretch skin has always bothered me and made me feel fat, even though I am relatively fit and well within the ideal weight range for my height. I have learned to dress to hide my "pudge" (as I call my lower belly), but I am always very conscious that it's there.

For some reason, a tummy tuck really didn't seem like an option for me or something I would even consider.... until a few years ago. I finally decided about a month ago to take the plunge. I have had consultations with 2 different surgeons, and I decided to go with #2. I am so excited now that I have actually scheduled my surgery! I know it's not going to be a walk-in the park, but it's going to be SO worth it in the long-run.

124 days to go! Wish me luck! :)

Hi, Fellow RealSelf-mates! Happy Monday to everyone! :D

It’s exactly 16 weeks until my surgery, so it’s just a waiting game at this point. I’ve been reading a ton of reviews and doing a lot of research… probably too much if that’s possible. I must say that the RS reviews and comments have been incredibly helpful and enlightening. I understand that everyone’s journey/experience is different, but I feel much better prepared already. It has also helped me to understand what to expect…somewhat. For instance, I know that I will probably grow to hate the dreaded drains. :( That seems like a pretty common theme throughout… And let’s not forget “swell hell”.

Since I’m several months out, I have no real updates at this point, so I’m just going to log a few thoughts and decisions.
• I’ve decided to invest in a recliner and a rolling walker (sounds like an oxymoron, huh?). I’ll probably purchase the walker (possibly a Rollator) on craigslist and resell it when I no longer need it. Hopefully, I’ll never need it again!
• I’m opting for the pain pump that the hospital offers… and all of the anti-nausea meds and patches my surgeon recommends. I’m sure I won’t be pain free or nausea free, but it won’t be from lack of trying/preparation. LOL. I’m a real wimp when it comes to pain.
• I’m planning to take 2 weeks off work and possibly work from home the 3rd week. I may be a little unrealistic/aggressive with this goal, but we shall see. My job requires very little movement, except typing, talking, and shuffling papers… so hopefully, I’ll be ok. My only concern is that the restroom is on the other side of the building, so I may have to temporarily move to a different location in the office for a week or so after I return. Time will tell.
• I’ve decided to stay at my sister’s house during my first 2 post-op days. She’s going to be taking care of me, so that will make it much easier for her. My daughter will be on Christmas break, so she’ll be staying with a friend for a few days. My son is 19, so he will be at home taking care of our vast array of pets… and partying like it’s 1999. :)
• I’ve emailed a few questions to my surgeon’s assistant, and she has been incredibly helpful. I’m not sure if I’ll schedule a follow-up consultation prior to my pre-op visit, but I’m keeping that option open… maybe as time starts winding down. I’d like to get a few more specifics (e.g., the estimated location of my scar and how many of stretch marks will be removed), but most of my questions can really wait until my pre-op. I’m just thinking out loud and rambling at this point, so I guess I’ll wrap it up.

Until next time!

I've been so busy, I haven't posted an update in quite a while. My surgery is at 7:30 a.m. I can't believe my big day is already here! When I scheduled my TT 4+ months ago, it seemed so far away...

I have to wake up in about 4 hours to arrive at the hospital at 6:00 a.m., but I wanted to post a few pictures of my nastiness (tummy) before I catch a few winks.

Good luck to all of my Tummy-day buddies who are scheduled for 12/29.