What did I wait so long? Mastopexy/augmentation 325cc w standard tummy tuck

At 21, I lost 77lbs with Weight Watchers over the course of ten months. Unfortunately, back then I didn't know that without regular exercise, I'd be left with loads of saggy skin which I've been stuck with for 25+ years. So I looked like I'd had a baby years before I had a baby.

I could never get my head around surgery on credit so waited until I could fund treatment without a loan. That time is now. A year before my operation, I took up weight training but of course, despite building muscle no amount of lifting could shift the saggy skin.

Following lots of research, I happened across Mr Wilson who is highly recommended in my local area. The reviews on Real Self and elsewhere convinced me to have a pre-operation appointment and being totally honest, I came away from the first appointment feeling quite deflated.

I went armed with a huge list of questions - all of which were answered - but Mr Wilson doesn't let you get away with underestimating the magnitude of the decision you're making nor the commitment required to have successful outcomes.

He spoke eloquently about the risks of major surgery and having implants; was super-realistic about what he might be able to achieve; and very clear that he couldn't fix everything in one go.

We also covered options for my tummy tuck. I'd assumed I'd need a fleur de lys but he was concerned that I scar easily and wondered if I would want to have a huge scar running up my middle as I was only "borderline" for this sort of technique. After going over the pros and cons of the process and outcomes, he suggested a standard tummy tuck so I could review the results and scarring first - and then perhaps a later revision if I was unhappy.

I also have a lot of loose skin around my bra line which I was hoping to lose. Mr Wilson was again very honest that he couldn't do all this at once and that would be better done if I wanted to have my arms lifted at a later date. He suggested again that I wait and see the first results before leaping ahead to think about follow up procedures.

I went home to reflect and consider my options and two weeks later, sports bra in hand, Mr Wilson measured me for my implants. I'd done the rice test and just wanted to achieve fullness to my lifted breasts. He agreed that 300cc round, sub-muscular silicone implants would achieve this and then added a further 25cc to compensate for tissue that would be lost during the lift.

I got in touch with his secretaries and booked my date in - five months in the future as my complicated logistics and wanting to have the operation in Bath meant that options were limited.

And then the wait began! So I spent it lifting, walking and eating well to put myself in the best position for the operation.

I cried (tears of joy) today when I changed my garment for the first time. My apron belly was nowhere to be seen!

Back home for the recovery bit and feeling better than expected - just on Ibuprofen for one more day then paracetamol and codeine.

Struggling with back sleeping so if you're not a back sleeper, beware its tiring!

I can't thank Mr Wilson enough for the transformation he achieved for me. He reassured me all the way through the journey, even calling me just before his Christmas break to answer my endless questions about the procedure and recovery process. During the early consultations he covered the potential, the risks and managed my expectations well based on my personal physiology. I was borderline between having a full tummy tuck and a fleur de lys to address an apron belly after significant weight loss., but Mr Wilson suggested that we try the full first to minimise scarring (I scar easily). I also had a mastopexy/augmentation - to lift and shape my boobs. It was a lot of surgery all at once, but from the first visit, I just knew that he was the right surgeon for the job

Kim and Lily were also brilliant, answering emails swiftly and ensuring that I was fully prepared for surgery.

The whole team at The Bath Clinic were brilliant as well.

I'm now a couple of weeks post op and am thrilled with the results so far. Even after the operation, Mr Wilson and the team have been wonderfully supportive. As for further surgery, I don't think I'll need it. Mr Wilson's skill has given me a body that I love and he's managed to balance out things that were previous areas of focus without the need for further intervention. The scars are so neat that even if they didn't fade, I'd be pretty happy to live with them as compensation for the results he's achieved.

Thank you so, so much Mr Wilson! And to Kim and Lily too.