Ready for This Journey!- Leawood, KS

I'm what you might call a "planner"... I started thinking about the idea of a Tummy Tuck about a week before my first daughter was born.

I remember it like it was yesterday, I was HUGE and MISERABLE and could not wait to get her out of me. Then, as I looked back down at my huge belly I panicked and didn't want her to come out at all. I just kept thinking, "how am I ever going to get my stomach back to normal? Where does all that extra skin go?" Well, a week later my perfect daughter was born and I started busting my butt to get back in shape. I dropped the weight relatively quickly and managed to get most of my figure back. For the time being, I put the tummy tuck behind me. Three years later I got pregnant again...and again gained far too much weight...and again looked down at my belly and could not imagine it ever being normal. I was optimistic, but this time around things weren't so easy. I went back into high gear the second I was cleared...but nothing happened. I mean sure, I lost weight, almost all of it in fact. But this stubborn belly will not go anywhere. So once again I found myself thinking of the tummy tuck. That's when I got serious and started my research.

I have scoured the internet and books in order to be as informed as possible. I've consulted with three doctors and then scoured the internet for their background. In January, I decided to go with Dr. Swanson in Leawood, Kansas. Him and his staff have been fantastic, so far. They are very friendly and answer all of my questions. He sat with me for a half hour going over every last detail of the procedure. One thing I did not feel comfortable with was when he recommended additional procedures on top of the tummy tuck. I understand that is his job but it caught me a little off guard. He won out in the end, however, when I added arm lipo. Ideally, I'd love to do it on my inner thighs to get rid of those fat pockets but don't want to spend the extra $1,000.

Today, I find myself making lists upon lists for supplies, what to expect, freezer friendly recipes, etc. I think my poor husband is so sick of hearing me talk about it at this point.

I'm very nervous and extremely excited!