FINALLY did this - Miami, FL

My pre-op pics should speak for themselves as to why I'm having this done :)

Background: I'm in my early 30s and married with four children. I recently (last 2-3 months) gained about 15 pounds after realizing I had nothing to donate toward this procedure. Luckily, I can hide it under my winter clothes, but my husband has been asking about my eating habits and weight gain. (I'm not telling him about the surgery. I think he would be supportive about it being a personal decision but probably will try to convince me not to do it due to the risks. One of the things I love about him is that I could have 11 toes and a third eye in the middle of my forehead; he would love me just the same, 11th toe and third eye included.) So I wouldn't say I have a self-esteem issue when it comes to wanting to change my shape -- I don't hide it or feel bad about it. I just want to be the best me I can be in all regards, including my physique.

HOWEVER, one of my biggest concerns is explaining to my children why I had this Sx done . I'm worried about sending the wrong message about positive body image by undergoing surgery to alter my own body. I've never had surgery and will have to explain why I am electing to introduce trauma to my insides to improve my outside appearance....with a straight face. They will have hard questions. Has anyone else on here had conversations with their children about their new bodies? If so, I would love to hear your approaches.

Like everyone, I have been obsessing over various PS reviews on here and trying to identify who will give me the best results within my budget. IF I had endless funds, I would go with Dr. Shulman in NYC because I love his results, patient care, and I wouldn't have to worry about travelling far to have this done. IF I were able to allay my fears over language barriers, use of epidurals (I had bad experience), risk of infection from drainage tubes, risk of Deep Vain Thrombosis during the long flight home, spending my money in the D.R., and the lack of legal recourse if something goes wrong, I would go to Yily or Duran. I've seen great results from them on this site. But I can't, so Miami it is.

After doing research, the short list included: Perry (first choice, but he never responded to my inquiry); Salama (price ended up a bit too high comparatively speaking); Ghurani (still on fence but haven't heard back about dates and availability); and Fisher (Very reasonable pricing and Jessica at Vanity has been the easiest person to communicate with thus far, although I fret at not having things in writing and I need more from Vanity in this regard). So..Fisher it is.

I am transitioning between employers next months and have to time this very appropriately or end up having to wait until next winter for the Sx. That leaves the first week of February as pretty much my only option for pulling this off. (Not a lot of tiime!!!) So I have a long to do list of coordinating rides to activities for the kids, figuring out who will get them to and from school when my husband's schedule won't permit, drafting up a work from home plan for my current employer, I have to prepare and deliver presentations to two large audiences the Thursday before Sx and another about a week after the Sx. My head is spinning over this to-do list.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing the results of "Fisher Dolls" with dates before mine and to sharing my results with this community.

Well, after much back and forth with Jessica at Vanity and obsessing over this, I paid for my surgery and will be seeing Dr. Ghurani for BBL on February 7th. I have so much to sort out at home and work to be away for the recovery time.

Still looking for a travel buddy to feel better about this whole thing (or winning the lottery so I can have it done closer to home.....either one).

The countdown has begun despite me being extremely behind in preparation. Things I've accomplished this week:
--Moved my surgery date up to the 4th
--Arranged for my absence from work
--Arranged for accommodations in Miami
--Booked my flights

Welp, that's it. I still need to figure out what to buy and what to pack. Another big "to do" item is figuring out transportation to and from Vanity as well as the airport and anywhere I may need to go while in Miami. Suggestions are welcome!

Aside from that, I'm extremely nervous about undergoing my first surgical procedure so I'm trying to steer clear of the negative posts about Vanity on here. My interaction with Jessica has been mostly smooth sailing and I'm trying to stay positive that it will continue that way as well as the outcome of the surgery with Ghurani. Fingers are crossed and prayers up for myself and everyone else going through with this!