(FTT & Lipo Stomach,Love Handles,Thighs,Arms & Chin)

I'm Candi. I'm 5'1 & 24 years old. I'm a wife and a stay at home Mom of one beautiful 2 year old little boy, named Christian. Whom we call Roo. We live in Hickory, NC. I've struggled on and off with my weight at different times in my life. I've torn my ACL in my right knee 3 times. Each time I became inactive I gained weight, but I've always lost it, until recently. I now have PCOS, Sinus Tachycardia (Heart beats fast), IBS, Neuro Cardiogenic Syncope (Meaning I pass out often with no cause or reason this happens mostly when I'm active or attempting working out).

My normal weight is 115-125 lbs size 6. My back ground is in nutritional counseling. I've previously managed several weight loss centers in NC, well prior to them closing in 2008. So, I know what to do and I do it,but my body just isn't responding without exercise. Remember I'm not able to exercise due to passing out which is a huge health hazard to myself and my 2 year old I'm home alone with. In 2009 My husband and I found out we were pregnant. I was 13 weeks along, before we found out we were expecting. All blood work and urine test gave off negatives until that point! Finally at 13 weeks I demanded an ultrasound. Sure enough we were pregnant & Super excited! We had been trying for a while with no luck.

The first 3 months of my pregnancy went great, as I didn't even know I was pregnant. The 4th month hit and I was miserable and soon had many complications. I was 140 lbs when I got pregnant with my son. I was put on bed rest the last 6 months. I weighed 204 lbs size 20 at delivery. My son was healthy and that's all that mattered he was my focus and I would work on my body later. Finally, I got down to 160 lbs and then started having a ton of health issues. After seeing 7 specialists and going into medical debt we now figured out most of my issues. We also had 1 miscarriage and 1 chemical pregnancy during that time. Since then we have been told we can not have more children. If it's God's plan later it will be done.

During the past year I've ended up gaining all the weight back. I now weigh 194 lbs. and I'm back in a size 18. Due to my Syncope issues and not being able to work out, my physician has sent me to a PS, to remove body fat and to improve my overall health and well being. This transformation for me is more about my health than my overall image. I have to admit I'm super nervous and just pray with my heath issues everything goes as planned. At this point I am miserable. Just sitting here looking down at my fat rolls in my stomach that I didn't have 4 years ago, and hardly being able to breathe makes me even more exited about my upcoming procedures. The extra body fat I'm carrying around affects everything I do. It affects my relationships, my activity level, my overall life. Let's face it...It's super hard to keep up with a 2 year old with this much weight.

I'm well aware that these procedures will not decrease my weight by much and that most PS's will not operate on someone my size. To me though that number on the scale isn't the issue. It's the fat in my body that could be the cause of some of my current health issues and will lead to more health issues if something isn't done now. I will continue on my weight loss journey well after these procedures are over. Getting a more toned, more healthy body back is a DREAM, a dream that my Husband is making come true. I'm well aware that I might not ever be a size 6 again however I will be more than happy to rock a size 12 :) At this point I just HAVE to do something. I have to live longer more fulfilling life for my family and myself. After meeting with my PS twice. He has decided that I would be a great candidate for a Mommy Makeover.

This will be done in 3 steps. My first procedure is scheduled for next Friday March 2nd at 11 am. I will be having a Full Tummy Tuck, Liposuction of my upper and lower stomach, upper and middle back, and flanks. (I will be awake during all my procedures and will be fully numb with lido cane. This works best for my health concerns and it also will allow my PS to remove more fat by being able to stand me up) My Second procedure will not be scheduled until a week after my first procedure. I will then have Liposuction of my inner and out thighs, my arms, and my chin. My Third procedure will be Breast Augmentation with a Breast Lift. This site has been a God send. Thank you each for all the wonderful information and for posting your journey and pictures. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on my journey. I will go ahead and post some pictures now.

So THIS FRIDAY is my big day. I'm sooo exited, super anxious, and ready to recover. I've made a list of items I need to get before the surgery. Please let me know if there is anything else I should add to make life a little more easier.

My Husband is wonderful. He will be taking off for 5 days to help me after my first procedure and then 2 days each after the 2nd and 3rd procedures. My 2 year son whom I typically stay home with will be going to day care for the next several weeks. It will be great for him as well as me. :) I know he will be in good hands and will have so much fun playing with others. He thrives on attention and wont fully understand why Mommy can't get in the floor and play with his Choo Choo's, wrestle, and tickle him.

..Here is my list of to gets...
-Bromelain
-Dulcolax
-Iron
-Vitamin E pills
-Milk of Magisum
-G2 Gatorade
-Protein Shakes
-Bottle Water
-Potty Riser
-Lift Chair/Recliner
-Walker just in case I need it
-Nexcare surgical/medical tape waterproof
-Body Pillow & Pillows
-New Blankets
-Plastic Table Cloth or Shower Curtain to lay down on the sofa/recliner/bed to in case of any leakage)
-Several new sweat pants/pj's with button front.
-Surgical Gloves
-Gauze
-Band aids
-Antibacterial wipes
-Trash can with lid
-Maxi Pads
-Purel
-Antibacterial Cleansing Soap- Hibiclens

****After Surgery****

-Scar Sicolne sheets Oleeva's Scar
Shapes www.silon.com (for scar management to help heal the scars. I hear these are GREAT)
-Dermablend Medium Makeup, Brush and Transparent setting powder (to cover scar this summer)

My Tummy Tuck and Liposuction of my stomach and hips are TOMORROW! Yay..I can't believe the big day is here! The nerves are gone and I'm just ready to get this first procedure, the hardest, one out of the way. I have to be at the surgical center at 10:30 in the morning. My Mom will be watching my 2 year old during the surgery while my Husband stands bedside with me of course with cap, gown, gloves, mask etc. It's going to be great having him by my side. I will be awake during the entire procedure. This is possible with the Avelar Method. I will be completely numb, but aware of what's going on the entire time. At some point my ps will stand me up to make sure everything is even and looks great! After meeting with him again yesterday for my pre-op we decided to push back the Liposuction of my Chin, Arms, Back and Thighs until 2/16. Which means I will not be able to get my Breast Argumentation for several months. Originally that was going to be in about a month, however with scheduling conflicts that will be pushed out. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I know recovery is going to be long and hard, but soooo worth it!

I'm going to keep it short and sweet tonight, as I'm getting things together and spending time with my family. I can't wait to add post op pictures! To all the others going in tomorrow, you are in my thoughts and prayers...Can't wait to see your results!