Making the Move: Fit, Forty and Looking Forward - Pennsylvania, PA

Making the Move: Fit, Forty and Looking Forward
Greetings Friends. I've been on this board for as long as I can remember and now the time has come for me to share my story. I am typically a very private person, but I feel I want to pay it forward, as I have learned so much from reading here and hope my experience will help someone else.
I'm 42, 5'3" and 145 lbs. My life includes working full-time, mothering 2 younger kids and I've been married 10 years. While I've always been athletic, I've struggled with my saddlebag area since I was 14. It is a hereditary feature and even when I was down to 127, I still had large bulges on my thighs that still wreak havoc in trying to find pants or skirts that fit. It's not an area that can be covered up and even spanx don't pull them in very well. After I had my 2nd child via c-section in 2006, I was left with a large flap of skin/tissue/fat that hangs over any kind of underwear. More than 1 surgeon even commented how high the scar was - and may have resulted in my weird lower ab area. (both c-sections done by same Dr). My 34C's morphed into 34B/C longs, areolas’ grew and my asymmetry was more pronounced. I have always had stretch marks, but the pregnancies increased those too - especially on my hips, butt and backs of thighs.
Though I have been through phases of working out on/off - it has always been a part of my lifestyle. At this time, I exercise 4-5 a week and it kills me to see gains in muscle definition in my legs and it all disappears into a blob at the saddlebag area - same with my stomach - I have good definition in the upper part - then they disappear into a blobbly roll. I know my diet could be better, but I eat rather healthily - lots of veg/fruit/seafood, no meats, sodas, - I do have a sweet tooth, but my problem areas are not going to be affected by my diet at this point.
I can accept a lot of the changes, but made the decision for a mommy makeover: BL/BA, Full TT and lipo of outer thighs - scheduled for November 6th. I am excited, nervous and anxious. I am trying not to set my expectations too high,(I AM 42 and have a lot of cellulite) but am very hopeful for a great new shape. My husband and a very good friend will be helping me though my recovery and I am hesitant to share this information with many people in my life as I don't need to be judged and they won't understand. (big family too).
I look forward to "chatting" - will be posting photos soon and keep up with this journal to share my consult experiences and post my questions (I swear I think of another every day).

How long until the implants feel like part of my body?

Should I tan (self tanner) prior to surgery?

I need to start planning meals and freezing food for myself and family to take some pressure off of my husband.

I really can't believe 11/6 is only a few days away. I'm officially off of work and trying to get those last few things in place. I also told my Mom I was having surgery, but chickened out and only told her about the TT. She will probably be by to visit so I'll tell her then. :) I am wondering a lot about what I am going to able to wear post-surgery during the recovery period? After a few week? Will my jeans/pants fit, be tight from the swelling, or loose from the TT and Lipo w/garment on? I figure I'll just be wearing the surgical/sports bra for a while and most of my tops will fit fine since I'm not going much bigger, just better.

I still need to grocery shop, do laundry, put meds in a pill box, and set up my nightstand/recliner area with essentials. While I am happy with my decision I am having this feeling like I'm "not ready"? Is anyone else out there feeling that way? I told a friend of mine who had BA and she said she was exactly the same.