54 Years Old Getting Drainless TT/MR and Flank Lipo in Westlake Village, Ca

I have finally decided to do this after thinking about it for years. Reading all of the posts from my fellow RS sisters has really helped with setting realistic expectations and knowing what I should be asking my PS before the surgery. My TT date is December 18th. I'm posting my "before" photos mostly to help me with my jitters about whether it will really be worth it. Seeing these pictures is so hard. :( How did I ever get this way?

I've lost around 60 pounds over the last 18 months, working with a wonderful nutritionist, following a low glycemic eating program, and trying to exercise as must as possible. Clearly I am still overweight, but am not choosing this procedure to lose more. I just want to repair my stretched out core muscles and get rid of the excess skin flap. Keeping up with my healthy eating and exercise lifestyle will take care of the rest.

My PS will do a drainless procedure and also use an injected numbing solution in the muscle repair area that lasts 72 hours. No pain pump, no drains. Sounds good to me! So far my experience with him has been great. My pre-op is Dec 4th. Can't believe I'm doing this!!!! I'm obsessively excited and super nervous. Also struggling with guilt. My children and boyfriend are being supportive but they are worried about the risks. It's hard to justify purposely putting yourself at risk just to look good in your clothes.

Anyway, I'm not changing my mind. I'm going for it. I'll post more information as things move along.

It is starting to get very real. Had my EKG today. Blood tests scheduled for Thursday. Just went on Amazon and started shopping for items I've seen recommended by RS posters.

For anyone in the "getting prepared" stage, here's my list so far in the event it is helpful...

Drive Medical Adjustable Height Home Bed Assist Handle - to help me get out of bed
AquaSense 3 Setting Shower Spray with Ultra-Long Stainless Steel Hose, White
Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat Elongated with Removable Arms
Diastar Adjustable Backrest Reclining Support Bed Wedge with Pillow Cushion - looks useful and got good reviews from ab surgery patients
JigSaw Magnesium w/SRT, 240T/Bottle. - highly recommended by others on this site for helping regulate bowels and promote healing and reduce stress
Boiron Arnicare Gel Twin Pack - 2.6 oz Each / Pack of 2 - for bruising and pain management
Ez2care Adjustable Lightweight Shower Bench, White
Mepitac - 3/4" x 118" - Box - silicone strips to help with scar care

I'll post pictures of these items and let you know what I think as soon as they are delivered. I also plan to rent a walker.

I haven't posted lately although I read other profiles here on a daily basis, which is kind if a life line for me at this point. ????
I've been in a bit of a fog recently and I think it's a combination of stress, excitement, and oddly enough, frustration. There is so much I'd like to get done before my surgery but I really need to get a grip! I won't have dozens of lovely prepared soups and stews in the freezer and there will probably be some laundry waiting to be folded and put away. I've had to concede and get gift cards since I've run out if time to shop. I didn't send put Christmas cards. The frustration is interesting. I HATE feeling like I have to tell people that I'm having cosmetic surgery. Unless you were to see me naked (and yes all of my RS friends have), you wouldn't know how bad it is. So telling my friends (a select few) feels like I'm saying "Hey guess what??!! I'm really F'n Fat and I'm going to have serious major surgery to fix it cuz I'm so selfish and vain". Mind you, no one has been unsupportive, but their worrying over me makes me feel bad. Not sure if this makes any sense but just wanted to vent. ????. I guess I'd probably feel bad if they didn't worry. LOL! Clearly I'm just on an emotional roller coaster so can only imagine what I'll be like after sx day. Haha.
So now I'm just running through the important list to make sure I haven't overlooked anything I'll need during recovery. I thing I'm good. I will be so glad to get this behind me!!!!
Question for those of you that are on the flat side... Did any if you feel "disengaged" from your new body? I mean, I hate this gut of mine, but it's MINE. Will I feel like I'm attached to an alien body or something? I simply am unable to comprehend what it will look like.
Ok - that's all for now. I feel better already for getting all of my rambling thoughts out. ????????????
I will try to update on sx day or as soon as I can after sx to update and post after-pictures. Wish me luck!!!