8 Weeks Post-Op and HAPPY! Newport Beach, CA

I though I knew it all at 18. I married my high school sweetheart, and had my first child at twenty, I gained 60 lbs. from this pregnancy, but being young, I was able o lose weight, but was left with a jiggly belly. Eight years later, I gave birth to baby number two. Lost the weight, but I noticed my jiggly belly, was now jiggly AND wrinkly! Yuck!

I became very creative about hiding in places to change my clothes without being seen. I would make excuses and avoid pool and beach outings because I was horrifies of the thought of exposing myself. My self esteem...shot... I was in [RS bleep] of my own body.

To make matters worse, my husband decided partying was more fun than being a daddy, and left me and the kids. I was devastated. I prayed to God and told him I would be alone for the rest of my life unless he sent the "right one."

I dove into my work, and being the best mom I could be, leaving no "me" time. Friends and family began to notice, and dropped hints for me to get myself out there. How could I? Who would accept me like this? One look at my post pregnancy body, and he would run off into the sunset screaming! ..no way...never... nope... drop the subject!

Fast fwd, my little man anI were on our way to grandpas when he asked"Mommy, are you going to get married?' Half way listening I replied, "Yes," He then asked "What kind of car wilL he drive?" "Uh, a White Mercedes convertible." and that was the end of that conversation.

Fast Fwd. My neighbor and associate went out for a business meeting when she spotted her secret crush. She said "There's your future husband, AND i'M SETTING YOU UP!!" I fought it tooth and nail for weeks, then like a good friend, I relented...RELUCTANTLY!

After several months of phone calls, and "screening" we decided he would come over to the house to pick me up for a date. The sitter was running late, and my two kids were still home! UGHH! We heard a car pull up. Thinking it was the sitter, I had my son peek through the window, when I heard him screaming. I frantically ran over to my son "Mommy, mommy! There's the man your going to marry!" Say what? I peered out the window, and there parked in front of my house, was A WHITE MERCEDES CONVERTIBLE!! I felt all the blood drain from my face!
I've got chills right now, as if it were yesterday... That was almost 12 years ago.

Happy ending! YAAY! He swept me and my kids off our feet, loved me for who I was,in spite of my jacked up tummy... we were engaged 8 mos. later, married after 2 years on the day we met. We found out I was pregnant 5 mos. after our wedding with our first child and four years later with our second child ...and we are still very much in love!!! :) :) :) :)

My husband recently had a vasectomy, so now is the prefect time for my transformation. This site has been tremendously informative and instrumental in nudging me over the "Should I, or should I not" hurdle.

So, here's the low down on my surgery. I'm having a full TT, my doc does not do minis, lipo on the flanks, a breast lift,... I breastfed all four of my babies...and cohesive gel implants, prob. 375cc's.

I'm excited, but a worrier, I'm hopeful for a good result, but realistic, and let me tell ya, anything will be a step up improvement from what I'm dealing with now! Most of all I've got love and support from my family, friends, and this site! God Bless all of you in making the right decisions for you and your families.

Let me preface by saying I do not spell check...ever! So when my updates are chock full of errors, you have been warned! With 4 active children, PTA, a high maintenance husband, (he's really GREAT and treats me like his queen...but expects to be treated like a KING back)..friends, family, work, I'm amazed I have time to post on this site! I'm not much of a writer, but it's important for me to do so, I have taken from this site, and want to give back.

So I had my pre-op today!! YaaY! ...and even tough I handed over a check in an amount that would feed a small island, I didn't pass out! So proud of myself! I figured this money is going to make the difference in making me feel good in my own skin again...and that makes me a better mommy, wife, friend, daughter, sister, you get it.

My hubby met my PS for the first time. Can I say he was IMPRESSED! He told me "good choice Mama" so we're both happy, he's getting excited, so that makes this more fun for us both.

Ive got orders for blood work and a mammo, over 40 thing, it stinks this isn't included, so I made an appt. w my primary doc to see if get this all done... I'm due for a physical anyway. I also selected and paid for my compression garment. That sucker goes ll the way down to my ankles! Thank goodness were past August. The girls in the office made me laugh. They suggested I pick the black garment because it's sexy and cat suit ish' . I can throw on some kitty ears and take the kids trick or treat. Yeah, a crotchless catsuit, I'll just stay home and pass out the candy thank you very much!

I am at peace more than ever with the decision to have this makeover. I'm realizing that there is a time and a season for everything.

Oct 03, Tuesday: Mammo CHECK
Oct 04, Wednesday: EKG, PAP, Physical CHECK
0ct 05, Thursday: Complete blood panel CHECK

All testing thus far,have been fairly painless. Mammo was not so bad, my first one. I'm praying all of my results are normal so I can proceed on the 14th.

I've got my electric hospital bed all set up in my downstairs guest suite complete with cozy blankets and body pillows, Books, Magazines, dvd's, meds, shower chair, bath supplies... I'm looking forward to taking this time to be pampered like a queen...I work so hard sun up to sun down, it will be difficult to receive.

Spoke to my primary physician regarding my pain management plan. My prescriptions are, Hydocodone, Flexiril, and Xanax. I'm satisfied with this post-op pain plan, I may or may not need all of this, but having the option to take these meds as needed has given me peace of mind. One less thing to dwell on.