44 Year Old, Mom of Three. 5'5" 165lb. Been Waiting and Wishing for Many Years!! - Minneapolis, MN

I am now exactly two weeks out from my scheduled Mommy Makeover!!! Scared, Nervous and full of Anxiety = YES!!! I am 5'5" and currently weigh 165 lbs. I am about 10lb above my goal weight, so have been a little nervous about heading into this without having lost those last dreaded lbs. that do not seem to want to come off. I am scheduled for an extended TT, Lipo to Hips & Flanks, and Breast Lift with Augmentation(Allergan Silicone Implant). Dr. Richard Tholen of Minneapolis Plastic Surgery is my surgeon. This site has become some what of an addiction for the past 6 months. I have loved reading and looking at how surgeries have turned out for others. So I thought it was time for me to start sharing my story as well.

I was the typical chubby kid that always had that little bit of extra around the middle and developed good size breasts early on. Mine were never perky and pretty and I never have had a flat tummy. Through three pregnancies, breast feeding, ballooning weight up to 250 lbs. and a divorce, I see how my body has changed. The good, the bad and the ugly!!!! Oh the UGLY!!!!

I met the love of my life four and a half years ago and we have been married for over a year now. Knowing I have his full support going into this journey has meant the world to me. He says he loves me as I am. I know he does but I want to love myself and see myself like he loves and sees me!!

I know I will never be stick thin and have those perfect measurements but that is not what I am trying to achieve with my Mommy Makeover. It's the little things for me: To wear a shirt, tank top, dress, ect with out a bra!! (Is that even possible to not have the girls swinging from side to side as I walk, sticking to my belly or not have them rest on my belly when I sit down??) Wear fitted clothing with out wearing a Spanx or other type garment holding it all in. (I love Muffin Tops but not the kind that show up when I button my pants and all the extra that bulges and shows when I sit down.) I hate tugging and pulling at my clothes thinking I need to cover things. (I know you women out there know exactly what I am talking about!!) I hate hiding my body under baggy clothing and wearing comfy sweats/pants all the time. I get tired of taking everything off to only show all the lovely red lines my clothing, Spanx and bra have left behind like a well traveled road map!!!

My road to surgery started on March 9th, 2015 with my consult at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery with Dr. Tholen. I did extensive research and wanted to find the perfect surgeon. Did I think I was going to like or agree with the first one I met? NO! But I did and so did my husband. Both of us really liked his no BS approach. He's not going to promise you what he cannot achieve. He has to work with the canvas that we put in front of him. With his years of experience and expertise I am trusting my canvas to come out as best as he can do and I know it will be perfect for me.

I have been busy the past several weeks gathering up a list of supplies, clothing and extras of what I may need following my surgery. I don't think I have mentioned this, but my doctors office is 8 hours away from where we live. We plan on staying in the Minneapolis area for 8 days following surgery in hopes that by that time I may be able to go home with out the dreaded drains. If not, I will have to make the drive back when needed. Gathering everything I think I may need has been a good distraction to keep my mind off my worries when it comes to surgery. Last night was the first night that I actually got butterflies over everything. I have my list of things that I got to prepare. I will post it on here in hopes that it helps others through their journey to the flat side!!!!

Here is the list I used when getting my supplies ready. I did not get everything on this list. I put it together just a guide.

MOMMY MAKEOVER SUPPLY LIST
• Prescribed pain meds
• Antibiotics
• Anti-Inflammatory meds
• Anti-Anxiety meds
• OTC Sleep meds
• Tylenol
• Everyday medications taken
• Arnica Montana – take 30C for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Switch to 30X and take for an additional 4 weeks.
• Vitamedica Recovery Support System – start taking 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after surgery.
• Vitamedica Bromelain w/ Quercetin – start taking 3 days prior to surgery and for 7 days after surgery.
• Topical Arnica cream – apply to lipo areas to help with swelling and bruising.
• AZO Yeast Pills – I get yeast infection from antibiotics
• Emergen-C 1000mg vitamin C Drink
• Juven by Ensure – tissue building drink
• Colace Stool Softener
• Fleet Enema – Do the night before surgery
• Antacids
• Hibiclens – wash body two days prior to surgery & wash body morning of surgery.
• Pill Organizer
• Pill Spliter
• Medication Tracking Sheet – to document when to take meds
• Silicone Sheeting from Target
• Dressings
• Gauze
• Sensitive Skin Tape
• Butterfly Bandages
• Antibacterial Soap
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Thermometer
• Wet Wipes
• Flushable Bathroom Wipes
• Lotion
• Kleenex
• Q-Tips
• Peroxide
• Anti-Itch Cream
• Chap Stick
• Heating Pad
• Soft Ice Packs
• Toilet Seat Riser
• Shower Chair
• Donut Sitting Ring
• Hand Mirror
• Walker
• PEZ-Female Urinal
• Flashlight – for those trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night
• Nightlights – for those trips to the bathroom. Easy to trip on stuff when you are medicated
• Neck Pillow
• Memory Foam Bed Wedge System – Amazon.com
• Lots of Extra pillows to stuff around you when you get uncomfortable
• Donut Sitting Ring in case tail bone starts to hurt
• Back Scratcher
Clothing
• Extra Compression Garment – I got one from Design Veronique – expensive but well made
• Comfortable open front or loose fitting pajama’s
• Robe or house coat (Zip or button front)
• Several open front tops
• Loose fitting yoga pants, sweats, leggings, shorts, ect…
• Cotton Tank tops to wear under CG to prevent rubbing and rash
• Boyshort style Panties
• ? Compression Socks
• Extra zip or front closure sports bras
• Slippers or socks with non-slip sole
Grocery
• Lots of Water
• Low Sodium Saltine Crackers
• Protein Shakes
• Protein Bars
• Low Sodium Soups
• Jello
• Greek Yogurts
• 100% Pineapple Juice – aides in healing and helps with swelling and bruising
• Electrolyte Drinks
• Fresh Fruit
Extras
• Remote Batteries
• Books/Magazines
• Journal if documenting your journey
• Digital camera with card
• Phone Charger
• Bendy Straws

Nerves are starting to kick in....only 8 days till surgery.