New Pics! 4 months post op - Minneapolis, MN

Hi and welcome to my blog! I have found others experiences on RealSelf so, so valuable in understanding the beginning to end process of a Mommy Makeover that I decided to contribute my own!

I am a 35 years old, 5'8" and mother of 2. My second is almost 15 and having been so young having my two children, you can imagine what that did to my body! At the time I was about 135-140 lbs and ballooned to 200 with my youngest! While most women at the peak of their pregnancy tend to jut straight out, my youngest seemed to wrap himself around my whole body! I looked like I was literally carrying a tire around my middle! This resulted in what I call my second butt. You know, the butt that sits just above your original butt.. The "spare tire"

Since then (15 years) I have fluctuated between 145-155 lbs. No matter what my weight I am always a size 10. (I blame the second butt) I like my size proportionate to my height, but I HATE the second butt and the floppy tummy! I wasn't sure if I would have another child so I postponed any options of post baby body sculpting until I was sure I was done having children.

I started going to consultations about a year ago, and I started going for liposuction of the second butt and tummy only. I met several PS's. Some simply quoted the price after a quick glance, some had horrible consultation manners, some took the time to explain the liposuction routine and showed before and after results of previous patients. But although they all knew of my concerns in full, none of them mentioned to me the option of a tummy tuck or breast augmentation providing me with the best results considering my floppy tummy and sagging boobies! I hadn't even thought of a "Mommy Makeover" (Tummy tuck, lipo and breast augmentation) until a good friend had one and she looks FANTASTIC!!! Since then 3 more friends had one!

One thing I've learned is that you should always obtain a number of cosultations and really get a feel for the doctors interest in YOU! Know what YOU want! Always, always know your options and never jump to the cheapest or first option without plenty of research. This is YOUR body and you only get ONE!

I then went to 4 additional consultations specifically for the Mommy Makeover and by far Dr Tholen and his staff blew me away! I had already done tons of research on him and his practice site and from the minute I picked up the phone to schedule the consultation, I felt welcome and at ease to ask any and all questions I had! No one rushed me, the receptionist had tons of information for me, his assistant spent at least 45 minutes with me before he himself spent another 30 minutes with me. He confirmed that the tummy tuck would provide me optimal results and lipo alone would be disappointing. By the time I left I knew "This is it!!"
They say when you are shopping for a house, you just "know" it's the one. Well I felt that way about this!

I was so anxious and excited now that I found my doctor, that a few days later I called the office to see if anyone had time for a few questions. They told me to come on in and they would make someone available to me (REALLY?? NIIICE!!) When I showed up, Dr Tholen was available himself and spent ANOTHER 45 minutes with me! I hate to be high maintenance but this is a big procedure and I wanted to know everything beginning to end!

I called the next day and booked my appointment. September 28, 2011!

A few things I've learned-
*Do your research on your doctor and bring a list of questions with you! You can google lists of questions to ask and bring them with! Plus add any of your own.
*Pay attention to the doctors attention to YOU.
*Make sure you have someone available to care for you for about a week
*Stop smoking!! (no patches but chantex is ok)
*If you work, you can plan to be out about a week, but I scheduled almost 2 based on others blogs on this site.
*Know your financing options! If you are not paying cash, the financing options in the doctors offices have insane interest rates or fee's attached! Seek out financing through your bank or credit union, the interest rates are much lower and at times you can get a discount for paying the PS in cash.

I have been researching breast size and look. I had no idea how many options there were! Close set, wide set, high set, low set, teardrop, round, smooth, rough, silicone, saline, size, etc etc etc...

Any suggestions for coming to a decision??

I'm also looking for any tips on pre surgery preparation with the house, having things on hand etc.

I'll be sure to update closer to the date!

Wish me luck and I wish you all luck with yours!