Mommy makeover

What's the old saying? Oh yeah, long time lurker, first time reviewer! I love the community here. The support is great, and I appreciate all the reviews and how candid everyone is with the good AND the bad!

My husband and I have been married 14 years, and we have 3 beautiful girlies, the youngest is 7. My oldest was 3.5 when the youngest was born, and I breastfed all 3. It took me a while to realize that pregnancy permanently effected my body in a way that diet and exercise simply would not undo.

My boobs are completely deflated, and my stomach looks like a wrinkly old man with a front butt. Oh yeah, and the saddlebags! Wow, didn't even realize they had showed up to the party until they were changing my pants size!

I've been checking out this idea of a multiple procedures (mommy makeover) to "fix" areas of the body that pregnancy effected for several years, but never went for a consult....we simply couldn't afford it. But now, for the first time in our marriage, we have 2 full time incomes! Honestly, it's always gonna be hard to justify $20k in selfish expenses. But about 2 months ago, hubs and I were laying in bed, his head on my chest, and I was (silently) crying b/c my boobs were completely in my armpits. He was clueless (love him!) that I was having such a hard time with it. At that point, we both decided to get more info.

I went to see a few different docs. I chose Dr. Steely b/c he paid attention to the details. Ok, this may sound stupid...but down to the paper quality of the forms I had to fill out, every detail was considered. His attitude was amazing. He was sympathetic, understanding, excited, and answered most of my questions without me asking! When I did have a few questions, he eagerly answered, and again went above and beyond the simple answer. I've only visited a few times, but I already know the office staff, and the've all been very eager to chat with me, answer my questions, reassure me, and they seriously take pride in working for him! Oh yeah, and (details again), parking at his office is super easy! lol!

My MM is March 30...just over a week away. As far as timing, it fits perfectly in my schedule. We have to travel to Dallas for Easter, then I have to fly to Orlando for work in early May. So, right between both trips, with plenty of time to heal for any summer events.

I'm taking Wed, Thu, and Fri off from work, then working from home for a week. I'll probably ride in with someone for a few days after that, then back to a normal schedule. I work in a very diverse, supportive, and understanding office, so I'm not too worried about their reactions when I return all improved. Outside of a few people at work, and of course hubs, I've only told my mom. I need to talk to my daughters, and I'm anxious about that. But, I'm not going to tell anyone else before it's done.

Alrighty…and now for the fun part. The before pics. Hopefully I’ll look back on these one day and be proud of how much things have changed!

Thanks again for all of your reviews and posts…they have been VERY helpful!!

My husband is laughing at how much I'm nesting. I'm excited b/c this nesting is much easier than the last time when I had a 9 mo prego belly in the way and I got winded every few minutes. I've got a spot organized for me to sit, rest, watch tv, work from home, etc. It's a La-Z-Boy rocking recliner, so I think I'll be very comfortable living there for a while. I've made several meals for my family to eat. I've cleaned...a lot. I've picked up my prescriptions. I've picked out clothes to wear home and for several days afterward.

We told our daughters earlier tonight. They were slightly concerned for me, but my 8 year old was all but hysterical that her schedule would be altered. She is her daddy's daughter. lol!

I'm going to work like normal tomorrow, but then Wednesday everything changes! I'm hoping to focus and get stuff done tomorrow...but who knows. I keep finding myself thinking, "this is the last time I'll ______ with a wrinkly belly and saggy, deflated boobs, yay!"

More before pics. Seriously difficult to share these.

1 week ago today, I had my surgery. The day after (day 1) was rough, and day 2 was awful. But day 3 was manageable, and improved abilities and feelings every day.

I couldn’t urinate when I left the hospital, so they sent me home with a catheter. That was really awful…so they let me take it out the next day. That was probably the first huge hurdle to get over. I took my first shower on day 2. I sat in the shower while my husband and I rinsed all over and soaped the scars. It felt good. Getting out of the compression garment felt good, but getting back in felt great!

Day 3: I was getting up and down and walking some. Couldn’t walk a lot, was easily exhausted.
Day 4: was improved. A lot of napping. I cried during my shower. It felt so so good, and I finally got to wash my hair. New woman!
Day 5: was my first day back to work, but I worked from home. I felt good. I went in for a post op. They said I was doing great and looking great, but they wouldn’t take out the drains. :-( She also gave me Magnesium Citrate to get my bowels going. That kicked in at 1 am. fun. By 8 am on day 6, I was all cleaned out and feeling better.
Day 6: I was still slow, but not in a lot of pain. Getting up and down out of a chair is easier and easier. Still sleeping in my LaZBoy so I don't hurt myself by stretching out too much. Ate normal meal, but I have to eat less…I feel it in my stomach / intestines so much faster. Very uncomfortable.

Day 7 (Today): The only real pain I have is 1) when I cough YIKES! and 2) from one of my drains. I’ve only taken Tylenol this morning, and it helps take the edge off of waking up really stiff. I’m not feeling 100%, but I feel good. My torso is completely numb, it feels like a slab of rubber attached to my midsection. I move very slowly, but I can do whatever I need to (stairs, bend over, sit, change clothes, etc). I get tired within about 10 minutes of walking and doing stuff around the house. I’m so swollen, and my feet look like sausages. I’m down about 3 lbs from the day of surgery. Can’t wait until the swelling goes down and I see better results. Can’t really see or feel a difference in size, but skin quality is much improved. Very tight, not at all flabby or wrinkly old man.

I’m going for a follow-up appt tomorrow. Really want these drains out. The color is still bright red, but it’s thin and not draining a lot, so I hope he can take them out.