3 Months Later - Does anyone know the recommended time frame for scar supervision??

Greetings! Fellow Tummy Tuckers

I'm addicted to RealSelf! I've been reading all these wonderful blogs for 2 months now. Some of the stories are so relate-able to my own experience. I cried, I laughed along. I haven't gone through the surgery yet but, when I do I know I am going to love it!
Let's see where to begin...I am 39 yrs old, 5'3 and currently weigh 155lb, my stable weight is 130lb. (desperately trying to lose the pregnancy weight)! Also, I am mother of 2 boys ( 9 yrs old and a baby 6 months); I know we're crazy to start the whole baby thing again. But, better late than never! Actually, I've always wanted 2 and every time we tried the pregnancy was never viable. At one time, we almost came to accept that we will only be blessed with one. Until last year, I told my hubs "let's try one more time". And tadaaah we have a healthy bouncing baby boy!

Going by prev. experience, I tried to watch what I ate and was very careful with my caloric intake with this pregnancy. But, no matter how much I watched my food intake I had gained exactly the same amount of weight as I did with my first one! I mean to the T! Every milestone, it was the same amount of weight. I ended up going into labor at 38 weeks and weighed 185lbs. Oh boy! I had breast fed still only lost 15lbs. what the heck is going on?! I understand that age does slow your metabolism down. I started to get irritated and annoyed but, I still kept going with my daily workouts. My motivating factor was my TT!

This is my last pregnancy and I've always known a TT was the next step. Most definitely before I turn 40! I am bound and determined to lose this weight. I have been wanting a TT since I was a teenager. You see, I was always slim every where except in my stomach. I've always had a protruding belly. Very disproportionate body in my opinion. When you're a kid you aren't really bothered by it. But, once I became a teenager I was embarrassed by it. I dreaded swim class because, I didn't want to be seen in a one piece bathing suit.

Moving into adulthood, I love fashion and shopping! It always upsets me that I couldn't wear the cute blouses, dresses/skirts or t-shirts without looking like I was with child. It seems like all that's out there are stretchy body forming t-shirts. Fudge that! I will spare people's eyes and stay clear away from that style. All the shirts I own are 1 size too big in the shoulders, and the chest area but, I gotta have it big to conceal my Buddha belly. What a shameful thing to have to endure for soooo many years! My lovely friends have no idea because, they are slim and can wear just about anything they want. I secretly, wish that for me too!

However on a personal level, it's more than wanting to look attractive in a cute outfit. It's a body image issue that I've learned to live with for so many years. Noticed, I said learned to live with and not come to accept? I feel I've perfected the art of concealing this beast under my clothes. Others don't notice it but, I will always know that it's there. Recalling back when I was pregnant standing at the cash register. A guy asked if I was having twins? I was shocked! and really didn't know how to respond to his question. Instead, I politely smiled and turned away. I mean really, I can't blame the guy - I don't think he had any ill intentions. Sadly, it was just an honest question. What's a girl to do now?

Have the baby, lose the weight/get to my pre-pregnancy weight or darn close to it OR die trying! I know, talking about weight loss is easier said than done. But, I have to continue my quest in weight loss. I keep motivated by reminding myself that I am gifting myself "a new body". Meaning, it's a chance to start all over by adopting a healthier active lifestyle. It's a second chance for new beginnings! If Kate Plus 8 can do it so can I!

At first, sadly my hubs wasn't on board with me. I had to finally explain to him that it was more than wanting to "look cute" in an outfit. I really had to dig down and share with my spouse my personal pain that I've suppressed for many years! I've never made love to my husband with the lights on! I didn't want him to see me in my glory. Married for 12 years and still don't feel comfortable being naked with the lights on?! I mean who does that? This is suppose to be my life partner, my best friend! I told him that, I am tired of being ashamed and embarrassed. I want to feel sexy and comfortable when I am with him. Believe me, when I say this was the hardest thing for me to do! But, I had to release the pain and let him know, how I truly felt about myself. I am so glad that I did! It was so therapeutic for me.
As my husband and my BFF he is now supportive in my decision to have a TT.

I've been researching information on TT for years! Bonus, I have cash on hand. I feel that I am knowledgeable in what a PS looks for in a candidate, what the procedure entails and what to expect post op. I've gone to 2 consults this month (they were a wk apart from each other). The 1st PS was courteous and he explained to me why I had a protruding stomach and what he'll have to do to correct it which is, tightening of my ab muscles. His incision is low and he sits me up at a 45 degree angle when he is stitching me back up that way I am tight as possible. An overnight stay at a TLC where nurse will make me walk frequently cash price $6950.
My 2nd consult there's a story attached:

I remember watching a plastic surgery story on E! years back and this PS was chosen to do multiple surgeries on a particular entertainer. He raved about this person as having a gift and talent of stitching him back into a piece of artwork. Wow! I was mesmerized! No way in heck! I will be able to afford this person. Only the rich and famous can afford this kind of talent was what I thought back then.

Fast forward to now, and for kicks, I decided to call this PS' office to book a consult. I had asked the receptionist for a phone quote on a TT she proceeds to tell me, the PS is running a promotion of $5000. At first, I thought I misunderstood so, I had asked her to repeat herself. OMG! I can't believe what I am hearing! Wow if only I had a camera to take a pic of how big my smile was at that moment! So, the only natural thing to do was to book the consult pronto!
Had my consult last wk (5/31), PS told me he does the most TT in the country, went over the standard TT procedure and tightening of the muscle etc. I asked questions and he answered them. He marked up my belly to show how much he'll be cutting off and shows me the incision line which will be very low. He explained I will have no stitches going home as he weaves it under the skin. Wow I'm happy with that!

OMG, I still can not believe this price! BTW, I can be overly cautious... you know the old saying...
Afterwards, I spoke with the office manager to go over pricing and the all the final details. My cash price is $6072, I am still not mad at that price for who I am getting as a PS. I think I was like a kid at Xmas time, smiling from ear to ear all the way home!

Ooh' couldn't WAIT for hubby to come through the door so, I can give him the details!
Today is (6/05), haven't put any money down yet all it takes will be $2000 to secure my surgery and lock in the quoted price. I babysit for a friend 2 days a week. I know she will be taking vacation this month. I would like to coordinate with her schedule as I am not allowed to lift for 2 weeks. Initially, I wanted to allow myself ample time to lose this weight have about 25lbs left to go. PS says my BMI is good and that it is up to me to wait until Sept. My hubs asked why I don't do it in July? Hmmm... possibility as I want to get it over with. I've been waiting too long to prolong it any further anyway September seems like a million years from now! I want to check with my friend whom I babysit for today and then I can get the ball rolling in motion! Eeeee I am so friggin excited! 24 years of planning is finally coming to fruition!

I am attaching 2 cringe worthy before pics of my Buddha belly; please don't hate me if I hurt your eyes. LOL
I will update as soon as I secure a surgery date!