36 Year Old with 4 Kids, TT with Lipo to Abdomen, Flanks & Lower Back - Mokena, IL

My first child was born 8 years ago, 2 years later had another and 2 years after that had twins for a total of 4 children. This mama ain't having anymore. I love my family more than life itself, but my pregnancies wreaked havoc on my stomach and I have photos to prove it! I never imagined I would be here on a website like this for cosmetic surgery, yet here I am. This website has been my obsession and since it has helped me through the initial stages - I will write about my experience. RS reminds me that I am NOT alone in this journey and my feelings are valid & many others share the inner battle I have with myself. I feel so guilty in wanting an elective surgery. Who does that!?! I do. The time is now or never... the timing is perfect for my family. So, I am biting the bullet and going through with it. My surgery date is set for December 2nd at 7:30 AM with Dr. Shifrin.
I went with my husband for a consult and since then I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I know this sounds ridiculous but I had so much anxiety showing my stomach to Dr. Shifrin and my husband. I am so self conscious of it and there I was letting it all hang loose in front of the man I love and a stranger. Dr. Shifrin was (1) extremely professional and kind (2) explained the surgery to us in detail (3) answered all of our questions and (4) did not rush us. In order to get the results I want, he recommended that I get muscle repair (MR) & lipo to the abdomen, flanks and back. So after a couple of days of thinking it over (which was more figuring out a date that would work with our schedules, and figuring out some other logistics) we decided that Dr. Shifrin is our man and December 2nd is "THE DAY" We called and left a $500 deposit down to save the date. The rest of the money is due 2 weeks prior to the surgery.

My surgery is in 11 days and I am really anxious! I want to start my recovery already b/c time is what is really needed to heal. I went to my pre-op today (with my wonderful sister) to discuss the questions I had. Upon entering the office I was given a bunch of papers to initial & sign. I also paid in full with Care Credit. Wonderful! I have 12 months to pay $8,500 interest free. Boom!
My PS answered all of my questions & assured me I can call him if ever I have a question, especially after surgery (Dec. 2nd). The nurse gave me my prescriptions before & after the surgery (iron is the only one I am taking before). She also took my blood pressure & weight (141 lbs, 5'2") which was followed by my pre-op pictures. YUCKO! This weekend I am getting my blood work done & the results will be faxed over to the office. I requested that a picture be taken of the skin/fat that is being removed...I have to remind them the day of surgery. Call me crazy but I want to see what is being taken off my body. I want that reminder :) I was told my drains will be in for at least 7 days b/c that's the first time I will see him after surgery. He wanted to see me 3 days after TT but it was hard to find someone to take me, so he said I can come in 7 days after the TT . This was a huge relief b/c I was worried about the hassle of leaving the house only 3 days after...now I have a week to recover at home before I see him. If he is not worried then I am not worried! I am happy he can accommodate me!

I have not been awful with keeping up with this update but I am willing to answer any questions you may have. I do not remember the moments after the surgery or even how I got home. My husband said I was totally out of it and that continued for about 2 days. By day 3 I was trying to get my pain under control...felt extremely tight, hard to breathe, unable to take deep breaths, kept feeling pain and burning sensation. I can compare it to the feeling of a c-section,but magnified by 20. Today I had my first meeting after the surgery (7 days) & I waited 2 hours for a 5 minute encounter with my ps. He removed the patch over my belly button & removed 1 of my drains. My other drain I was told will be removed next Friday. I am definitely improving everyday...almost standing straight, but need to remain a little hunched. My compression garment has remained on 98% of the time and he wants me to continue wearing it. My stomach feels so weird b/c I have lost so much feeling. I will attach pictures later.