It's Time To Love Myself Again - Minneapolis, MN

I am 34 years old, petite 5'1", 117 lbs, physically fit mom of 2 beautiful daughters ages 2 and 12. I have been wanting a tummy tuck since 2003. My oldest daughter wreaked havoc on my stomach. I was 97 lbs when I became pregnant, and topped out at 167 lbs!! I never knew my stomach could stretch as much as it did (or that I could eat as much ice cream as I did), hence the need for a tummy tuck. My second baby girl did me in. I only gained 40 lbs with her, but I was all belly, and now have a pretty wide ab separation and even more flabby, wrinkly skin.
I haven't loved myself in 12 years. I was a single mom for quite some time, and new relationships were always a challenge. No way was I letting just anyone see my belly! And shopping? Oh, hell no! I hate shopping! I'll spend hours searching for the perfect, just baggy enough shirt, or jeans that sit just low enough so they don't cut into my flab. Many shopping trips would end in tears. It just wasn't fair! I worked hard to get my body in shape, but all I could focus on was the one thing I hated about myself. Whenever I tell someone that I am getting a tummy tuck, they look at me like I'm crazy and say, "But you're so tiny! Why would YOU need a tummy tuck" until I lift up my shirt to show them. Then come the sympathetic looks and words. I hate it. My amazing husband of 4 years loves me just how I am, but he knows how I feel about myself and convinced me to go through with this. I panicked about the money, the kids, the house (I am a stay-at-home mom and do EVERYTHING), but am constantly reminding myself that I deserve this, and I need to do this for my self-esteem, so I can truly love myself again.
So, in 5 short days I will get this procedure done, and I am excited, terrified, anxious, and pretty much every other emotion that you can possibly feel. LOL I just hope and pray that everything goes smoothly and that I heal quickly. If anyone has any advice, especially if you have rambunctious toddlers and have went through a tummy tuck, please share!! :)

I'll be spending the day shopping for everything I'll need to get me through these next few weeks. I'm picking my oldest daughter up from school early so we can enjoy our last mommy/daughter day before surgery! I'm going to spend the weekend preparing crock pot meals that I can freeze so we have healthy foods to eat. If I left the cooking up to my husband, we'd have nothing but frozen pizza and ramen noodles. LOL
Major anxiety this morning. So much to do, so little time! 4 days! AAAAHHHH!!

So nervous and excited! I will update as soon as I can. Wish me luck! :)