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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

40+ and Fabulous (I Hope) - La Mesa, CA

ORIGINAL POST

Well, like a lot of you, I've battled my weight...

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chefamy99
WORTH IT$19,000
Well, like a lot of you, I've battled my weight most of my life. Now that I'm older, and so are my kids, I seem to have more time and energy to take care of myself. I've been at 50 lbs. weight loss, give or take, for over a year now and so I guess I feel like I can take care of the new body I'm about to spend so much money on. I'd like to be 5-8 pounds lighter, but am having a hard time finishing off the weight loss. I'm currently 5'1" and 153, I exercise 4-5 days a week including jogging and circuit training.

I'm really looking forward to getting rid of the "apron" thing I've got going on right now. I feel like I'm a size 6/8 masquerading as a size 10/12 and I'm ready to get out of this costume!! My boobs are okay, but I'm very close to the "rocks in socks" phenomenon and based on recommendations from friends and family, I'm getting the girls re-inflated and put back where they belong.

I'm very, very excited and very, very nervous and going to be busy the next couple of weeks gathering things together and getting my house in order before I take a 3 week break.

chefamy99's provider

Tom J. Pousti, MD

Tom J. Pousti, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

chefamy99

chefamy99 rating for Dr. Pousti:

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Answered my questions
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Replies (7)

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November 12, 2013

Hooray for you! I love that you're jumping on this now that you can take good care of yourself. That's the beauty of the kids getting older. :D I'm looking forward to following your journey! Have you seen this list of supplies for recovery?

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November 13, 2013
Angie, I had seen the list but lost track of it, so thanks for making it so accessible to me. Lots of great info, but it just seems to remind me how totally unprepared I am for surgery that is coming in two weeks! Agh. Taking deep breaths and starting my shopping list.....
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November 13, 2013

Yes, deep breaths. Maybe you can order some of it online as well.

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November 14, 2013
Going to order my bras tonight actually. Any advice on where to get the cheapest medical supplies? I'm thinking gauze, Chucks, etc.
November 13, 2013
I LOVE that you said you feel like you are a 6/8 in a 10/12 body!!! Although my surgery was not with Dr. Posit I have read lots of reviews by ladies, and he is highly recommended. He gets great results... I think you will be very happy with him. I am 50yrs old in a few weeks....and I totally sailed through the surgery with great results.... :0)
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November 13, 2013
Hi there 50! I loved reading your profile. What a tremendous journey you are on. Love the pic of your TT, amazing! Yeah, do you like how I hedged my bets throwing the size 8 in there? I really want a 6, but my doctor won't make any promises, (which is totally the right thing for him to do) but I keep having this fear I'll come out of this whole thing still a size 10, just with less flab. No bueno. I threw that last part in since you are hanging in TJ right now. :)
November 14, 2013
This is such a great journey..."who knew you could fat from where you didn't want it, and move it to where you do want it!!!!" -Simply Amazing! Living la Vida Loca!!
UPDATED FROM chefamy99
13 days pre

Thank Goodness for Calendars on Cell Phones

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chefamy99
So, luckily I looked at my paperwork last week and put in reminders about when to stop taking certain medications. Got the reminder this morning for no more multi-vitamins and my daily dose of Aleve. I would have completely blown past the fact that my surgery is only two weeks away!!! Total denial.

Replies (15)

November 13, 2013
U go girl ..Excited for u
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November 13, 2013
Thanks NJ!
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November 13, 2013
I'm super excited for you!! God Bless you every step of your journey. My tummy tuck, lipo and breast implant with breast lift surgery is on 12-6-13. I'm really nervous but happy more than anything.
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November 13, 2013
Thanks NewMe! Nervous but happy is totally the feeling du jour. :-)
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November 13, 2013
I lived in denial! Good luck to you and I'm sure you will feel and look amazing!
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November 13, 2013
Solesister, thanks so much for your comments. I loved reading about your journey. You struck a chord with me about losing track of what your were doing as surgery got closer. I seriously need to sit down and do a timeline. Plus, trying to get everything tied up at work and all the proper people trained to take over my duties is giving me an upset stomach. Guess I should get off this blog and get to work!
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November 13, 2013
The operations you have planned involve a significant physical and EMOTIONAL recovery ( often underestimated by surgeons and patients alike); a few words of advice may be helpful ( to you and other patients considering these operations): 1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
 2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation. 
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful. 
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary. 5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
 7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
 8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
 11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. Best wishes.
November 13, 2013
what a wonderful review from a doc, seems like some don't understand what all we go thru emotionally and physically, very nice and imformative
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November 13, 2013
Kathy, the above post is very indicative of Dr. Pousti and his philosophy and a big part of the reason I chose him to do my surgery. I learned more in our first office visit, then in all visits with other doctors combined. He is genuinely invested in my happiness and success and that peace of mind is priceless for me.
November 13, 2013
I am 11 weeks out of post op.. Good luck to you don't be nerves you are on Great hands! I had a tummy tuck and breast lift by Dr. Pousti and I can't say enough wonderful things.. I am very happy with my body and the beautiful change that is a result of having this surgery.. Just be prepared to take everything slow.. The healing is pretty much all up to you . Listen to everything they tall you to do and not to do. And just remember the outcome! It's all worth it :-) Good luck to you
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November 14, 2013
Cindy, sounds like you had an amazing experience and I'm so glad to hear you are so pleased with Dr. Pousti's work. Reminding myself not to overdue it during recovery is a mantra I need to keep in my head. If you decide to post pics of your before and after, I would love to take a look. I am most concerned about the scars from the breast lift and am hoping that my excellent C-section scars are indicative of what I'm in store for.
UPDATED FROM chefamy99
10 days pre

Pining Away For Aleve

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chefamy99
Oh, do I wish I wasn't less then two weeks out from surgery right now. Saw the chiropractor this morning, so would normally be just a touch achy. Then, I spent a few hours shopping, cleaning and cooking for a dinner party I had tonight. Laying in bed now with an ice pack for my aching knee and a heating pad on my aching back. Ugh. I miss my drugs. My knee is also preventing me from exercising as much as normal as well. Having a very hard time losing those 5 lbs. Trying to let it go and realize that 5 lbs. isn't going to make our break me.

Replies (7)

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November 16, 2013
Wishing you all the best
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November 16, 2013
Thank you! I hope your recovery is going well. Can't wait to see the after pictures.
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November 16, 2013
So sorry about you knee...but congrats on your upcoming sx, good luck!
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November 17, 2013
Thanks Mama, I just got done looking at your profile. You look amazing! Congrats!
November 16, 2013
best of luck on the surgery, hope your knee feels better and don't totally stress yourself out over the 5 lbs. just stay healthy, also if you have back problems(I know this sounds crazy)but you may want to use/borrow a walker for a few days as normally they have you walk bent over, I had to and killed my back, wish I would have thought of getting one as some of the other gals did.....
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November 17, 2013
Hi Kathy! I'm very fortunate, my ps office had an extra walker, it's waiting patiently in my garage as we speak. :-) I loved testing you story and congratulations on you journey.
November 22, 2013
thank you