Mommy Makeover: 185 pounds, 35 pound weight loss, 4 large babies, 4 C sections, 41 years old

Today was my pre-op appointment for the surgery I’ve scheduled and cancelled 3 times over the course of the last 2 years. I can’t believe it’s finally happening! On Dec. 18th I’ll have a full abdominoplasty with muscle repair, a breast lift, minor reduction (only removing about 5 grams of breast tissue), and placement of 460 cc silicone gel implants. I’ve struggled with cost, and as so many mom say, felt worried that it’s money wasted or that I’m not worth it, but I know my quality of life will improve drastically, and I know it will motivate me to finish the weight loss journey I’ve been on for years now.

I do have 4 children, so finding care for me and for them is a challenge. My husband is supportive and excited for me, but I don’t think he really knows what we’re in for. I do. I’m a college instructor, so I’m doing this on my winter break and I have to be back to work in exactly 4 weeks. That’s a lot of motivation for me to stay down and heal properly.

Wow wow wow this hurts. I read hundreds of these reviews in the months leading up to my surgery, and I still could not have been prepared for the reality of the post op pain and discomfort. The anesthesiologist, nurses, and doctor all were so kind yesterday and tried to help me get it to a manageable level, but it’s just hard no matter what.

The lead up to the surgery was much less nerve-wracking than I expected. My sweet friend took me to the surgery center, and we just chatted and laughed while we waited.

I am feeling so much better today! Thank goodness for the recliner I rented and for all of the other pro tips I found on these boards. If not for the recliner I would not have slept at all the last two nights. I purchased nice foam pillows to prop myself up in bed, but the recliner has been so key in allowing me to get up and sit back down with as little pain as possible. (Not going to lie—the pain is still ridiculous. )
My doctor’s office and the surgical center both called to check on me yesterday, which was much appreciated. I was experiencing a lot of pressure and discomfort from the swelling in my breasts, so the doctor allowed me to add ibuprofen to my pain med regimen. That made a huge difference. I’m really looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and to hearing all about the work he did to give me my new body.