40 Years Old, 3 Kids Under 6, Excited but Incredibly Anxious

I'm 5'7", about 145 to 150 lbs. I delivered three babies, all of them over 9lbs, but the honest truth of it is that they were huge because I got huge - gained nearly 50 lbs each time, and never lost it all between pregnancies. I started this process 6 months ago, not wanting to live the rest of my life with a size 12 waist but size 6 body. I had consultations with a few local doctors. I chose to work with "Dr. G" because he practiced as a general surgeon prior to becoming a plastic surgeon, he is young, and he does only drainless tummy tucks. After reading others' problems and discussions on drains, I thought it would be terrific to avoid them altogether. I scheduled the surgery 5 months in advance to be able to take time off from work and have 6 weeks post-procedure before traveling again. But now it's around the corner and I'm a nervous wreck! My husband doesn't want me to have the surgery, so I'm leaning on my sister for support. My biggest fear is dying and leaving my three children without a mother -- all for my personal vanity. Ack. I have had my pre-op, and now just need to figure out what items are 'must haves' and buy them in advance so I'm ready to go in 2 and a half weeks. Would love any suggestions!

5 more days until surgery. I'm most anxious about my kids (6, 4 and 20 months). Anyone have tips on how to manage childcare after the initial few days (I have 24 hr help for the first 4 days). I'm most concerned about my youngest. She weighs about 20lbs and I know I'm not supposed to lift her for 6(!) weeks. Just wondering how I will get her in and out of the crib since my husband will be home many nights but he travels for work. Anyone have tips? I'm would also love food suggestions for that first day. I'm staying over at the surgery center but they don't provide food - I need to bring it. Any ideas on what I'll be able to stomach (ha!) with my new stomach?

I can't believe I've made it to day 3 and feel pretty great relative to what I was expecting. The morning of the surgery was tough. I was so nervous. The nurses and surgeon were fantastic, and put my mind at ease. Next thing I knew I was in recovery in my binder, relaxing in a recliner. I spent the night at the surgery center and I'm so thankful I chose to do that instead of coming home. The OxyContin I took made me horribly sick and I threw up several times. I thought I was going to pop all my stitches! I will never ever take OxyContin again - I've been taking extra strength Tylenol and so far it is great. Before bed I take it with a muscle relaxer and I'm pain free and really comfortable.

I took my first shower on PO day 2 and it was bizarre looking down and seeing my feet - very nice I must say! My incision is sore and I haven't gotten a good look at my belly button but I think it looks natural and isn't too small, which was my hope. My stomach is a little wavy and swollen especially near the incision, but from all the other posts on here I think it is normal.

I haven't had to use the walker or sleep in the reclining lawn chair I got - I found my bed, with pillows under my knees and behind my head and neck to be far more comfortable.

I want to thank all of you on this site who have helped me have the courage to do this surgery despite having young kids and life obligations. This isn't a great after photo (I will take more soon, when I can manage to get my binder on and off without help) but I took it today and couldn't believe that I actually have a waist! I wouldn't have been brave enough to do this without reading all your reviews and seeing your confident and beautiful selves on the 'flat side'. For anyone on the fence, if you have the means and support just do it!!