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The Countdown is On!!! - Pittsburgh, PA
ORIGINAL POST
I am 38 yrs old and a mother of a 14 yr old...
WORTH IT$13,200
I am 38 yrs old and a mother of a 14 yr old daughter. I have not always had the best life. However, I still try to maintain a positive outlook and count my blessings daily. 3 1/2 yrs ago, I decided to divorce my high school sweetheart because he was having an affair for 7 1/2 yrs. It was such a difficult decision for me because I had invested 17 years of my life with this person. However, I decided that I could not deal with the betrayal and it was time to move on. I have found a loving man that I just got married to and I am graduating with my second master's in 3 weeks. I knew that I wanted a mommy makeover for many years. .
However, financially I could not afford it. I decided last year that if I continue to wait until I can afford it, I would never have it done. So I scheduled an appointment for a consultation and made a downpayment that same day. I am having a mastopexy performed with a quill suspension on my breasts with an abdominoplasty and liposuction on by sides and back.
My problem is I have 2 dilemmas. The first is that I am extremely afraid of pain. My daughter is a type 1 diabetic and when she was 1st diagnosed, the doctor had her practice inserting the needle into my arm. I thought that I was going to pass out! Lol! My second issue is that I have no support for this surgery. My current husband sees it as a waste of money. My daughter is going through her rebellious teens and I have a hard time eliciting her help now with me working and putting myself through grad school. I have exactly one week to heal before I have to resume my life. Very few people know that I am having this surgery. I have gone through a huge mix of emotions from having tears and being afraid to having tears from being so happy with my decision to have the procedure done. I have been on this site daily reading everyone's stories and updates. They are very encouraging and it has helped me tremendously. I have already purchased the Oleeva scar reduction silicone sheets, arnica montana pills, scar reduction cream, 2 compression bras-1 with a zipper in the front, and pre-op/post-op vitamins to promote healing. I will be buying the toilet riser and a few other necessities this week. My surgery is scheduled for May 20th...the countdown has begun! :) I will be posting my before pics in a day or 2. Good luck to all of you! I hope that you are happy with your results and heal quckly!
My problem is I have 2 dilemmas. The first is that I am extremely afraid of pain. My daughter is a type 1 diabetic and when she was 1st diagnosed, the doctor had her practice inserting the needle into my arm. I thought that I was going to pass out! Lol! My second issue is that I have no support for this surgery. My current husband sees it as a waste of money. My daughter is going through her rebellious teens and I have a hard time eliciting her help now with me working and putting myself through grad school. I have exactly one week to heal before I have to resume my life. Very few people know that I am having this surgery. I have gone through a huge mix of emotions from having tears and being afraid to having tears from being so happy with my decision to have the procedure done. I have been on this site daily reading everyone's stories and updates. They are very encouraging and it has helped me tremendously. I have already purchased the Oleeva scar reduction silicone sheets, arnica montana pills, scar reduction cream, 2 compression bras-1 with a zipper in the front, and pre-op/post-op vitamins to promote healing. I will be buying the toilet riser and a few other necessities this week. My surgery is scheduled for May 20th...the countdown has begun! :) I will be posting my before pics in a day or 2. Good luck to all of you! I hope that you are happy with your results and heal quckly!
Toni1975's provider
UPDATED FROM Toni1975
27 days pre
Just wanted to say that if you are using your...
Just wanted to say that if you are using your income tax return or getting a loan outside of your ps, ask about a cash payment discount. Because I gave cash (cashier's check), my ps knocked off $800. I didn't realize that until I saw someone else's blog. My sister and my husband did not think that $800 was a big deal. As for myself, I am ecstatic!!!!!
Replies (15)
April 25, 2013
OMG!!!!!! I just found out thst the ps that I had my consult with no longer work at that office. They have brought in another surgeon. What should I do. I dont know much of this guy. I have a 2nd preop on the 30th. Kinda scared n frustrsted at the same time. Let me know if any of you know him . His name is Dr Percy H Lowe.
April 25, 2013
I honestly do not know what I would do in your circumstance. I would definitely be checking into the background of the new ps in the office. I wouldn't let just anyone perform surgery on me. I have never heard of Dr. Lo. Did the office give you any options? If my Dr. was no longer at the facility, I would research the new Dr and perhaps request a refund so you can go somewhere else. I am so sorry that happened to you. I am sure that you are devastated. It's difficult enough to just get the courage to decide on the surgery. Good luck with everything!
May 13, 2013
Omg are you serious!!! Dr Goldflies is the ps thats suppose to be doing my surgery.. But the office never told me he was gone :-( I'm calling them ASAP
May 14, 2013
I met the new doctor. Very nice very professional. Worried before my pre op. But afterward I felt good.
April 25, 2013
Congrats on making your final decision. I saw in your story and you said you will have to resume life in one week. I'm sorry, but that is not a realistic goal. It is a possibility if you only have the breast lift. I am 8 weeks po from a full TT, lipo and Breast lift and I can't imagine resuming life after one week. I will say the breast lift was no big deal and had little pain, but the TT was a different story. I do know other ladies that have had TT and they have healed quicker than me, but one week??? When you say resume, do you mean work? Are you having the tummy muscle fixed or just the skin cut off. That will make a difference as well. Good luck with everything and I wish you the best.
April 25, 2013
I don't have to do anything strenuous but I don't have anyone to help me with things like taking my daughter to her bus stop which is 20 minutes away, etc. I am a teacher so I can take it easy at work. I am having the full TT performed. Are you still having pain at 8 weeks po? Do you think that going on vacation in June is going to be difficult for me ? I will be in a car for about 10 hours when I am 3 wks post op. I am also taking classes for a certification 4 wks po. I guess I am attempting to be optimistic.
April 25, 2013
I am having muscle repair. My job is not strenuous at all. I talked to my ps and he thought 11 should be ok
April 25, 2013
I think if you just dont overdue it. Eat well. And drink water things will go fine. I guess it depends on you.
April 25, 2013
3 weeks po it will be difficult for you to go on vacation, I wouldn't say impossible, but I can't see it being an enjoyable vacation,lol. 2 weeks post op, I flew back from the Dominican and was still walking hunched over and walking very slow. As long as you are wearing a compression garment, I think you will be okay riding, but you will need to stop every couple of hours to walk around. You are being very optimistic, and there is nothing wrong with that. Hopefully you will have your tubes out by then. I had mine for 2 weeks, but know others that had their tubes in for 3 weeks. It is just hard to know how well on will heal, but optimism is a great start to healing!
April 26, 2013
I just had a TT and BL 2 weeks ago today! I had 4 large babies and complete separation of the abdominal muscles plus a lot of skin from losing weight. I aso had a breast lift and I'm not as brave as you to post the "before" breast pics but when I bent over they looked the same as yours!
I have to say I don't know of I could've jumped back into life a week ago. Just being honest, I wish your husband could bea support to you because I could cry thinking of how helpful mine has been. I had 4 drains and he "milked" and drained them all and wrote the totals down. He's totally taken care of me our kids and kept the house in shape. Please tell your husband you'll need his physical and emotional support. I am the most even keel, happy go lucky person you could meet and the meds make you very emotional (the ppl here aren't kidding when they say that!) I was teary a lot the first 10 days at least. I pray you have an easy recovery and that your family realizes what a hard working, gift of a woman you are and steps it up!!! I'll be thinking about you!
May 6, 2013
Thanks for your words of encouragement! I have told my husband about what all of the moms have been saying! He had his hip replaced a year ago and he is comparing our surgeries to that. However, I did describe to him what all is being done and how it is different. I think that once I have the surgery and he sees for himself, he will think differently! :)
UPDATED FROM Toni1975
17 days pre
Ok. I am 17 days away and I am getting cold feet....
Ok. I am 17 days away and I am getting cold feet. I have been reading everyone's stories and looked at the pics and I am happy for all of you. However, it's just that the closer that I get to the date, the more afraid I get. I told my husband yesterday that if my money was returnable, I might of canceled the surgery. Lol. I know I won't back out but there is so much fear of the unknown. My husband's concern is the scarring but I am not worried so much about that as I am of the pain and having the drains. I am also worried about gaining weight back because I can't exercise for a while. I have finally entered the 130's again and it was a huge struggle. Anyway, you all look great and I am so glad that I found this site and can read your personal journeys. It has helped me tremendously!!! Thank you!!!
Replies (8)
May 4, 2013
Don't back out!! I had my surgery 7 days ago(tummy tuck) and arm lift and I am already so happy. The pain sucks the first few days then it's just being tired and uncomfortable! Hang in there it will be worth it!!
May 6, 2013
Thanks! I do tend to over worry about things. I think it is a sort of defense mechanism for myself. I prepare for the worst and then when it's not that bad, I am relieved. I hope you have a quick recovery!
May 4, 2013
I agree with emma.. dont back out. Im scheduled in August and Im nervous and have crazy back and forth thoughts about it.. but in the end i KNOW that i will forever be stuck in this body that Ive been unable to change with diet and exercise alone. The lose skin and stretch marks suck. Im done with feeling ashamed and hiding my body. I just want to feel free. Im so sorry you dont have the best support system at home. Are you able to get a nurse for a couple days to help? My mom is coming to stay with me for a week and help with my four year old - Im a single mom - but Im still thinking of a nurse for like two days just so its not too much on my mom.. just a thought. anyway good luck to you!
May 6, 2013
Thank you! I keep going back and forth. However, I know that in the long run, I will be happy with my decision. I can't believe how many of us are out there and have decided to have it done. I am so grateful that I found this site and was able to read everyone's stories. It has helped me so much! Good luck with your surgery in August!
May 5, 2013
Best of luck to you! The pain was not horrible, just hard to describe. Kind of like your abs are flexed to the max and you can't relax them. Your back will hurt because you are hunched, and lipo spots will be sore. First couple of days are a beast, then it gets easier. You can do it, moms of diabetics are warriors. I know because I'm one, too :)
May 6, 2013
Thanks! I can deal with sore. I tend to over worry a lot! My daughter tells me that all the time. However, I can't help but always worry about her. I know you know all about that one!
May 5, 2013
Hello mommy make over friend. I was just reviewing your story an photos. Our body types are a little simular. I also have the excess skin from my child and I cant stand it. I never wear white cause you can see the pouch through the shirt. An my breast well I wear a little padding for some suppport because there isnt much there. I realized we are both schedualed for the 20th of this month. I'm so ready to do I and I have the same fear you do about the pain. Woman say if we stay on the meds every four hours its not that bad. We will see.. Id love to chat feel free to write me
May 6, 2013
I don't wear white for the same reason! I would put it on and take it right off. I have been working out. These last two weeks, I am going to really buckle down. I want to be 100% happy with the results. Good luck with your surgery! I'm glad to have met someone who will be going through it with me at the same time!!
Replies (0)