45 with 2 Kids and a Husband That Thinks I Look Amazing "As Is" - but is Supporting my Dream of a Flat Stomach! - Laurel, MS

In the last 2-3 years I have gained almost 15 pounds, most of which is in the breast and stomach area. I have gone from a decent C cup to a DD and even thought the girl at Victoria's Secret tried to cheer me up by saying people pay for this size, I DO NOT WANT THEM. (small frame - back hurts - shoulders have permanent indents - constantly doctoring rashes under my breast and wearing super support bras AND camis with built in shelf bras) I have always hated my stomach since my kids, but just gave up on bathing suits and convinced my self that I looked great in "loose" fitting tops. It is hard to admit, but even though I live a stones throw from the gulf coast and love the beach, I have not been in the last two years. I feel that horrible about my body. After a conversation with my husband, he told me of a woman that he works with that had a breast reduction and TT and loved it....best part - insurance could cover the reduction since I do qualify and all I would actually have to pay for is the TT. I have never expected that I might actually be able to get a TT so once this info hit my plate I thought about it long and hard....almost a year....before I finally decided to make an appointment for a consultation. I will say that while I never looked like a model and do not expect to look like one, but I am hoping that I will feel confident in a bathing suit once again! I am scared....plagued with what if's.....how long the healing will take....when will I feel like myself again.....how will this affect my work (another issue all together since I have a lot of pressure to be back ASAP since the office manager has already made some really snarky remarks about taking off for something that is not necessary) I do not have any photos yet. Will post as I get them. ANY ADVICE from what to eat , what to wear, what to NOT do would be great!

Well.... I was truly excited at first but the more time goes on the less I like my results. I was switched to a mini tuck with lipo of abdomen and flanks at the last minute since I did not have enough excess skin and my doctor was concerned about that. Now I have a wrinkled belly button with a fat hood and my skin above and below look horrible when I lean over. I look like a 90 year old with saggy skin!! Standing straight is all good.... But we all know when on the beach your going to sit down at some point and what was the point of all this if I still can't put on a 2 piece. It is definitely better than I started... No muffin top... But I guess I was hoping for more. Then again maybe it's doing this because I'm still healing and swelling some so the indentations and wrinkles I see will go away...scared that after all this pain and money and time off work that I still don't feel comfortable in my own skin. Although on a bright note the breast reduction was awesome. I have the breast of teenager! Lol! Guess it was too much to ask for a stomach of a teen before kids!!
Anyone else having this kind of problem?

Well, after being called back to work before 3 weeks and trying to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas and TAX SEASON - i really have not done a whole lot as far as working out. Bad, I know...but I still don't know if my results are normal or if I really should have had more skin removal at the time of surgery. I'll be honest. I am 100% better than I was. I have a lovely defined waist and a pretty flat stomach.......below the belly button. Above is another thing. I seem to have developed a "fat pocket" or knot next to my belly button and a lovely hood over the top of it. I don't recall these before...The knot is sore, as in I don's want anything touching my waistline sore. I am still swelling a lot below the scar line...as in my muscles hurt just to walk sometimes. I went shopping for some slimmer fitting dresses last weekend and after 3 hours I thought I was going to cry kinda hurt. Am I normal? Did I do something wrong? Should I look at a do over? Is it just get my butt in the gym thing? I wish I knew. Going for the 6 month check up next week. If anyone has any advice please let me know!