36 Yo, 3 Kids (Including Twins)- Much Needed Tummy Tuck

It's taken me a while to get the guts to do this post. I am a 36 year old mom of 3 rambunctious boys (including a set of 2 year old twins) in Portland. With as much chasing, lifting and carrying as I do you would think I'd look like an athlete, well I don't. I have always been overweight but I gained a LOT of weight with both of my pregnancies, especially the twins. Over the past year I have really dedicated myself to losing weight. I even signed up for a website where you bet money on yourself that you'll lose weight- and I won! I lost 45 lbs in 7 months. As expected the weight loss had mostly good benefits, more energy, less aches and pains but I was also left with a belly that looks even worse than it did before I lost the weight, and a skin flap prone to rashes and discomfort. So I'm using my winnings, plus my husband's end of year bonus (thank you husband!) to hopefully get back to a comfortable place with my body.

I chose Dr. Bensimon after reviewing his website and meeting with him and several other doctors. His treatment approach really suits me. He focuses on diet before and after the surgery and even provided meditation and yoga poses!

I am scheduled for my tummy tuck with Dr. Bensimon in less than a month. I'm excited but nervous as well. I'm still overweight and am not expecting to come out looking thin. I've always been chubby and I'm fine with that. Mostly I want to be comfortable in my own skin again and not jiggle like santa when I laugh! I'm nervous about the recovery with three little boys who are accustomed to using mom as a jungle gym. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they explained this to young kids? Thanks everyone!

Well, I'm officially 1 week away from my tummy tuck procedure. I'm getting more excited and more nervous by the day. I'm trying to focus my nervous energy into preparing my body, mind and household for my surgery. I'm most worried about my kids reactions to not being able to jump and crawl on their mommy! And for my husband who will have the pleasure of caring for 3 kids alone! My doctor, Dr. Bensimon offers holistic services including a diet plan to prepare for surgery and use in recovery. So far it's been a pretty easy change, no wheat, sugar or dairy, lots of colorful veggies and healthy protein. I'm adding the last step of the meal plan, bone broth and green juice tomorrow and will continue until 2 weeks after the surgery. I hope that he's right and it helps with inflammation and aides in a faster recovery!

Well today is the day... I'm a bundle of emotions, mostly excited but certainly with some fear mixed in. Mostly for the kids and their adjustment to me being out of commission for a while. Fingers crossed and prayers said! Heres some last before pics...