My Twins Weighed 8 Lbs Each, my Waist Was 64 Inches Full Term -Newton, MA

Hi everyone. After reading several positive reviews (I refuse to read the negative ones), I thought it was time to begin to document my journey into something that both excites and terrifies me at the same time. I gave birth to my twin boys, both weighing 8 lbs EACH, naturally with no epidural. That was 18 years ago and my body has never been the same. People would stare at me when I was pregnant as I waddled by and I'd yell to them "Whats the matter, you never seen a pregnant lady before??". Well, now I look at pics of me when I was pregnant and fully understand why people stared at me. I was ginormous! I gave birth to a daughter 4 years ago, which only stretched my poor belly even more. I have stretch marks like you've never seen, all the way up to my breasts. I have been going to the gym and lost a few inches off my waste and that is when I realized I have an umbilical hernia. So my husband suggested that I get a TT since I will need surgery to repair the hernia anyway. I felt guilty spending the money and the time I will need for recovery, but this will be the first time in a loooong time I've done something for myself. I am tough...I can handle the pain (with the help of pills) but constantly worry that something will happen to me during surgery, or after (blood clot) or that I wont be happy with the results. I don't expect to ever wear a bikini, but would like to wear short and a tshirt and not look 6 months pregnant. My husband is taking a week off to help me recover and then my twin boys will be done with school (freshmen in college) and will be here to help care for their 4 year old sister. I have a weak stomach for medical procedures, and I will have drains so I am terrified. Any advice, encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I cant sleep and my surgery is still 3 weeks away. I'll post pics soon, just not too keen on posting pics of my body for everyone to see. I have very low self-esteem, which is the main reason my wonderful husband suggested the TT. But I will, I promise! Thanking you in advance for your support.

So I received my pre-op paperwork in the mail today. What I should not take 2 weeks prior to surgery -no red wine :(- Also, the list of what could go wrong...stroke, including death. And they let me know that I may not be happy with the results and may need further surgery. After paying $8100 I would hope I wont die or be dissatisfied with the results! But I know that the surgeon is only human and anything can happen. I'm feeling selfish and guilty for going through with this. I have 3 children who need me. I'm feeling unsure about this whole thing. But then I read other reviews who say it's all worth it. It's a gamble I have to take, just wish it wasn't a gamble with my life.

I cannot believe that my surgery is 2 weeks from today. I'm psyching myself up, ready to deal with the pain, not so sure about dealing with the drains! I've gold stool softeners, Milk of Magnesia, a recliner and a very supportive husband who is taking the first week of my recovery off from work. What else do I need? My surgeon didn't advise me on this, although he did send me a list of things I shouldn't take 2 weeks prior to surgery (fish oil, red wine, herbal supplements). What else will I need for my recovery?/ Thank you in advance. I am so glad I found this website!