7 months PO: TT, muscle repair, hip lipo. * NEW PICS!* Still happy as a clam!

Exactly six weeks and one day to go. I am finally posting pictures!

I never included a little background in terms of weight and what-not... I'm 5'7" and fluctuate between 165 and 170. Looking at weight charts, I am identified as "overweight," but I don't think that takes into account that I used to be a competitive swimmer for years and that I enjoy running now. I run for between 40-50 minutes a day, roughly four or more times a week. Granted, I'm no skinny minny, but I don't consider myself fat or overweight. I just need some toning in places!

I have been to roughly 190 pounds before having kids (I blame college and drinking!), and while pregnant, I have been all the way up to 215 pounds. I look at my stomach and wonder sometimes if it is excess skin or five or so pounds of fat. I guess I will stop wondering about it come December 26! Lol.

I love this site as many of your stories are making me feel less nervous (well, to be honest, one or two are freaking me out... lol!) and a little more confident about my decision. I keep walking around tugging on my tummy. It's getting a little crazy. I am paranoid I am going to stretch it out more!

Nearly four more weeks. I am officially obsessed with this site. Sometimes I think I spend more time looking at your bellies and reading your stories than I do talking to my husband. (Not that he's been complaining or anything!) I keep thinking about future events and day dreaming about dresses I might wear once my belly isn't as squishy and roly-poly as it is now. I am not racked with feelings of guilt about my decision. And I honestly don't give a hoot about other people's opinions about my decision. My family (mom, sister, father) will be kept in the dark, and my father-in-law will be conveniently be told a half truth because he is straight off the boat from Poland and would be unable to wrap his mind around why I am doing what I'm doing. He thinks my kids will get sick if they aren't wearing socks in my house during the winter months for goodness sakes. Oh, and he gives me a hard time when they drink juice boxes b/c they are "too cold." So he is being told I am having some surgery to fix my tummy (sans details). Why not tell my sis, mom and dad? It's kinda a long story, but the short of it involves the issue of money (at least with regard to my sister and mother). The money is there now to pay for this early birthday gift for me, and I don't like to have to explain why or how it's there. I realize that makes me sound a little shady!!!! LOL! I am 100% not. My husband has a good job and I am fortunate enough to be able to choose to stay home to raise my children. My sister's situation is different and I have sometimes gotten the comment, "I just don't know how you do it..." I don't believe my mom is happy for me in terms of how my life has turned out, but then again, she is never happy for anyone. I am not going to tell my dad because I fear he might slip when he talks to my sister (my parents are divorced and my dad lives in NY). So only my husband and three friends know at the moment. One of the three had it done, and the other can't wait to lose another 30 or so pounds and get it done herself. The third tells me I don't need it, but I know she wishes me well. The most important thing is that my husband is supportive. He loves music and so this is how he puts it: "If I knew of a surgery that cost $8,000 and could fix my vocal chords so that I sounded amazing when I sang, I would totally go for it!" Deep guy. Hahahaha! But that's his take on my decision. Love him! :)