Mother of 2 , Harrison, AR

I am a 42 year-old mother of two. Thankful for my two healthy pregnancies and my beautiful children. I had two very normal pregnancies and normal deliveries (no C-section) but both babies were very large, over 9 lbs. The second weighed in at 9 lbs. 11 oz. As I am not quite 5'5" tall, I was enormously pregnant both times. My abdominal muscles were stretched as was my skin. Truthfully, I had always considered myself fairly lucky for my body to have come through pregnancy as well as it did, but well is by no means perfect. There are definitely reminders.

As I entered my 40's, and as my children became more independent, I began to finally have time to devote to getting myself into better physical shape. Even with weight loss however, I began to realize that there were parts of me that would never return to pre-baby form no matter what I did.

At this point I consulted a doctor. I would like to say that I shopped around and got many second opinions, but the truth is I didn't. I liked the first doctor. I did my due diligence and felt that he was a good choice. He was very straight forward and told me very plainly that without surgery my abdominal area would never be completely flat or have the look I wanted. I knew this going in, I was just at that point where you want a doctor to verify it. I have decided to have a Tummy Tuck with Lipo.

So now, I'm 12 days out and terrified. I even called the doctor's office and talked with the nurse. She was wonderful and talked with me about all of my concerns. I'm ready. I so want to be able to wear a cute bathing suit, but I am really nervous. I even looked up the mortality rate of tummy tuck procedures. As ridiculous as it seems, it made me feel better. It's almost non-existent. I'm going to do this. Wow, I'm really going to do this.

I am writing this post because reading what others have posted has been such a help to me. I want to know that I am normal and that others had the same fears. I'm just hoping I can be a help to another mom along the way.

It's hard to look at these pictures when nothing is hidden beneath underwear or panties. I need to do this. Can't wait to see the results.

Another day closer. I want to remember the before. Hoping the difference will be amazing.