61 Years Old, Waiting for This for 40 Years. Fresno, CA

My time has come! I honestly don't know if I would have had the courage to go forward if not for all the candid women (and men) on Real Self. I'm one of those that needs to know all the nitty gritty of what to expect so a heartfelt thanks to all of you! My consultation was November 21, 2014 and my surgery date is fast approaching this December 4, 2014. I guess I'm as prepared as I can be, I even watched the surgery on YouTube. I'm 61 years old, 5'5" and 115 lbs. My surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Kaye Riolo replaced my 30 year old ruptured silicon breast implants in 2004 and I was very pleased with the results and she always put my mind at ease. A few years ago my CPA told me that she had a tummy tuck and showed me the beautiful results and I found out that Dr. Riolo had performed the surgery. Like many of you, it took me a while to decide to go ahead with the surgery but seeing her results and after the consultation I was ready to go. I can't believe that this time next week I will be 1 day post op! I must mention that my biggest fear is my age. It seems many on this site are so young, more my daughter's age. As you get older, it takes longer to heal and the thought of complications frighten me. I am healthy, no prescription meds have ever been prescribed by my doctors and aside from lower blood pressure (which is normal for me) I think I'm good to go. I haven't heard back about my presurgical labs yet which included an EKG but I'm going to assume all is well. My concerns less than a week out are: surviving the anesthesia and surgery, scar placement as I don't have a lot of extra skin above the BB so my surgeon mentioned that I might have a small vertical scar in order to get a low incision which is my preference (trade off I'm willing to accept), belly button appearance which is very important to me. I checked to make sure my surgeon uses inside stitches. Also pain. I tend to be nauseated after anesthesia and don't tolerate pain meds well. Looking at my list of concerns I see that they are not any different than most...I have a dear friend taking care of me at her home for the first 4-5 days. I purchased an electric self lifting recliner that also massages and has heat from Craigslist for only $300. (less than the cost to rent one). It looks brand new. Also, the suggestions here were to get a shower chair and a toilet riser (both with arms), a walker, and a travel pillow to aid my comfort while sleeping in the recliner. I've got all the pharmacy goodies my physician requires and those items suggested by many of you on this site. I've got squeezable fruit/veggie drinks, crackers for nausea, etc. I think I'm basically prepared for the end of the world!

Wow! Just before 2am and so woke up feeling good. Hope this continues through the day. I know to expect ups and downs so right now I'll enjoy this. My anesthesiologist was like an angel of mercy! We talked at great length about my problems and I can't believe I woke up nauseau free and no uncontrollable shaking. This made handling the pain more bearable...and Holy Mother of God, it hurts! So difficult to move, dress etc. my surgeon left the urinary catheter in and what a blessing this has been. I have 2 drains and after yesterday draining about 20cc they have been basically empty so Ill call tomorrow and hopefully het them removed. They don't really bother me but if nothing is coming out they should go. I'm so grateful for my dear friend and caretaker. She takes care of me like a pro! Only problem is she is hilarious and makes me laugh ... Ouch ????????. Could not have done this without her. The supplies I purchased are invaluable .. The recliner is fab - it self lifts, vibrates/massages and the Comfy Commuter Travel Pillow (Amazon) has been worth every cent! A RS member recommended and I'm eternally grateful for these tips. Also a member suggested those organize squeezable veggie, fruit drinks ... Very cold - they go down easy and I've not gotten sick from the Norco. I must say, my dr prescribed Valium as muscle relaxer and I get the most relief from this! Today I've got to take the catheter out so I've been trying to walk to the bathroom as practice runs but haven't made it that far yet. But I will -I must today! My "head" is good so far...but Im prepared for the emotional roller coaster that will eventually show its face. Haven't seen my tummy yet but the staff said it looks fantastic so I'm optimistic.