Tummy tuck

I am a 44 year old mother of two, 5 and 7 years old. And, it wasn't until the birth of my second that I really noticed the impact on my body. Prolapsed bladder, uterus...etc. I tried Kegal bio-feedback (embarrassing!; it helped a little, but not that much). I was told by my Gyn that my only option was to have a hysterectomy and I just didn't feel comfortable with that, so I just lived with it. Of course I also knew that my stomach muscles were never going to be the same again, no matter how many crunches or dieting I did, but thought that was just something I had to live with, too.

Then at my last Gyn check-up in February I was told it had gotten so bad (stage 3) I *had* to have the hysterectomy. So, I went from one Uro-Gyn to another until I found a wonderful surgeon in my area, Dr. Michael Toaff, who said that he could totally repair all my prolapses with good long-term prognosis - and keep my uterus! I was thrilled!!
He gave me the names of phone numbers of several women on whom he performed the same procedure. One of the women said that she had a tummy tuck at the same time (saved on having two recoveries and cost -- *the total out of pocket for my TT is: $5,180!). That got me thinking, would I be a candidate, too?
Sure enough, my surgeon said that I would be a good candidate and referred me to the "only PS he would allow me to use!"

Turns out the PS he referred me to is the Cheif of Plastics for all of Main Line Health and I have since heard many good things about him. He does lots of TTs and combined procedures -- and I liked his before and after photos, too. He was just as confident that he could give me a good result (with full TT and muscle tightening), so my DH and I put together the cash and booked the surgery for Sept., after the kids were back in school.

Well, the summer went by quickly and I have been so busy getting ready for the start of school that I just put my surgery to the back of my mind. So, I cannot believe that it is only 1 week away now! The kids go back to school on Wednesday and that gives me just a few days to prepare. Fortunately, my insurance company has approved a total of 5 days in the hospital to recover and I feel really lucky to have that time, after reading so many other people's accounts of being sent home the same day! Then I have after-school care set up for the children for the two weeks following surgery and my DH is sweetly taking some time off of work to help me and take care of the kids, as necessary. So, short of having to pick a few things up at the store (my meds, some big sweatpants and t-shirts to wear that first week or two; already have my compression garments), I think I am just about ready. Still trying to get my head around the fact that this is all really happening now, as my journey here has been several months.
One question for the veterans out there:

My PS has stated that I should only sit in an upright chair with arms, once I get home; and sleep on my side in bed. But, it seems lots of folks are mentioning recliners, pillow-propping and some even have rented medical beds...??? What do you suggest?

I am thrilled that I found this site, it is so informative and everyone is incredibly supportive -- thank you all!!!
P.S. I will post photos once I have some to post!! : )

Well, I got my phone call and I have to be at the hospital at 11:00 a.m. Monday! Oh my gosh, I am so nervous!! I have most everything ready to go: the kids will be in after-care, the food shopping and meal-planning for week is all set, I've got my *fat* clothes for swelling and drainage tubes, meds including MOM and Colace, the Palmer's Oil that Kimmers suggested, Vitamins, my bag for the hospital is packed, my recovery area at home all set up... I just have to finish some laundry and make a list for DH of all the little things he's going to have to take care of!! I will be in the hospital for five days, I return home on Friday. So, I will check in one more time tomorrow night and then I am offline until I return home.
Wish me well!!!

Here is my final post until after my surgery tomorrow. In fact, I am not planning to update here again until after I return home on Friday. The more I imagine this process, the happier I am that the insurance co. has approved the five days in the hospital! I know most people would rather recouperate at home, but I won't have any help at home until the weekend, and this way I know I will be well-cared for.
I did all my cleansing today (M.O.M. and Fleets) - my doctors want to make sure I am completly empty for this surgery, as I am having the prolapses repaired as well. And, only clear liquids all day -- not fun! But, DH took the kids out to dinner so I wouldn't have to smell the food!!
Getting a bit nervous and am hoping that I will be able to sleep tonight. I guess I am nervous about *everything* - the anesthesia, the procedures, the recovery and the final outcome (both the prolapse work as well as the TT). Not regretting combining the two surgeries, but just being realistic that this is going to be a big deal.
I will post before & after photos afterwards...
Wish me luck!!