Updated photos - Kansas City

I am a 45 year old woman who is 5'5" and I weigh 150 pounds. I am within my weight range but at the top of it so I would like to lose around 10 to 15 pounds still.

I had 3 children all c-section, an appendectomy, my gall bladder removed (from my navel) and some cysts off my ovaries also taken out through my belly button. One of my babies was over 10 pounds and to me that is like carrying 2 babies because he really did a number on my tummy.

I decided I should do this many years ago but because of expense and time to recoup I couldn't do it. I decided this summer it was now or never and so I started interviewing plastic surgeons. I had to plan ahead for my business and having it done after Thanksgiving seemed like a good time.

I recommend if you want to do it in the late fall or winter that you book ahead because I found out that it is a very popular time of year to do it. I am now 3 days post op.

I am now 6 days post op. I got the staples taken out yesterday and the heavy bandages removed. It looks marvelous! Even with the swelling I have much more of an hour glass figure and all the nasty stretch marks and scars from my other surgeries as well as my apron hang are gone! I got a new binder that wraps just under my chest and down to my hips. Suddenly I feel much more secure and my back has stopped having spasms. Today I got to take my first shower. Hopefully my drains will come out on Friday at 8 days post op. That will make me feel much more human. I think the drains are some of the worst part of this surgery.

I had a muscle repair, lipo and an extended tummy tuck.Today I am exactly 2 weeks Post Op. I got my drains out at 8 days post op. I am still VERY swollen. In fact, the doctor drained off some fluid yesterday in the front just above my incision with a syringe and needle. I feel like the sides, front, pubic area and upper thighs are all swollen. However, my plastic surgeon feels this will all go away on it's own. Most of my bruising from the lipo has faded and I just have a few small bruises. All my stitches, staples and bandages have been removed. I am still pretty tired and although I can stand up straight it is not possible without my compression garment. It's been a much harder surgery than I thought it would be. I have had a couple of set backs. I choked on lunch one day and that upset my belly button. It started to ooze. I also have had a minor case of the flu so I haven't been able to heal as quickly and this has made me more tired. I am completely off all pain meds though including Tylenol. I may have to take something in the future but as for today I feel great. Just trying not to over due it and rest so I can keep the swelling down. My doctor said I can go back to work at the beginning of next week or at 18 day post op. So far I feel the surgery was a huge success. Just looking at my before and after pictures I can see a big improvement. I also feel my doctor lifted my upper thigh and pubic area. I am very excited to see how it all looks once all the swelling goes down, the scale shows my real weight and the incision heals. My doctor says this can take 4-6 months for the final results.