SO SO SO Worth It!!!!!

Today I scheduled my mommy makeover. I have wanted to do this for five years, and it's finally happening.

A little bit about me...I am a 32 year old mother of two sets of twins - all girls. My first pregnancy was very difficult, and I gained over 80 pounds. After the first twins were born, I worked very hard to lose all the weight (plus a little bit - I lost close to 100 pounds). But no amount of weight loss can reverse what carrying multiples does to your body. I started talking about having a tummy tuck, and my husband started talking about trying for another baby. We decided to try for another baby, and agreed that I'd have a mommy makeover after baby #3. Well, in our attempt for a son, we discovered I was pregnant with another set of twin girls. I had some more complications with the second pregnancy, and gained another 80 pounds. I'm still in the process of losing that weight, but there is no question that I will need surgical intervention to handle all of the damage that two twin pregnancies has done to my body.

I am currently 185 pounds, and 5'7". At my heaviest (just before delivery of my second set of twins), I was 252 pounds. I have always been curvy, and am comfortable around 150-160 pounds. I'm trying to get down to 165 before my surgery - after all the weight I've lost (and gained - and lost again), 20 pounds seems like nothing, and I'm not worried at all about losing it before the surgery.

In choosing a doctor, I asked my OB at one of my follow-ups after the twins if there was a plastic surgeon she would recommend. Without hesitation, she recommended Dr. Chen, and gave me his phone number. I scheduled a consultation with him, and went to see him a couple weeks later. I trust my OB without question, and if she recommends someone, I know that recommendation is given with the highest endorsement, so unless I was REALLY uncomfortable at my consultation, I knew I was going to be using Dr. Chen.

Thankfully, I was very comfortable during my consultation (outside of the obvious discomfort of showing all my droopy saggy lady parts for everyone to see). The staff was fantastic, Dr. Chen was very personable and receptive to my questions and concerns. I am going to have a full tummy tuck, a breast lift, and lipo basically all over. I am still undecided on a breast reduction - I have been well-endowed my entire life, but having babies made them get out of control. I was wearing a 38H while I was pregnant (and during my consultation with Dr. Chen), and I'm down to a 38F now...I dream of a full C cup, but Dr. Chen said we would need to wait and see where everything landed after losing the weight and letting my body recover from pregnancy to see if I want just a lift or a reduction as well. No matter what I decide on size, my primary goal is for them to be relocated north of the border and happy to see everyone again. I'm having lipo on my hips, back and flanks (to include under my arms and my bra fat). I'm also undecided on lipo on my thighs. I figure if I'm paying for my dream body, I might as well have it all done at once. I'll talk about all of that at my next consult with Dr. Chen.

My husband is going to take time off of work to take care of me and the kids. I'm planning to take two full weeks off of work, then telework after that for a couple of weeks. My mom is going to come help out as well. My desire for a mommy makeover has been no secret to my family for many years - I'm sure they're all glad I'm finally doing it so I'll finally shut up about it. :)

For now, I'm just starting my countdown and trying to get the rest of the weight off. 88 more days!!!!

Okay. Finally time for the dreaded "before" pics. With surgery scheduled for Monday, and knowing how much everyone else's pictures have helped me...I finally decided to man up and post these. I really thought I looked ok...in clothes, at least. Nothing like brutally nude to speak the truth! It doesn't matter. I've worked hard to get here, losing 70 pounds since my last pregnancy. I'm comfortable in a size 10/12 right now, and a 36 DDD bra. (How could I not have known how weird my boobs look??? I own mirrors, for Pete's sake!) I had my pre-op appointment on the 5th, and my PS was thrilled with my weight loss, since I've lost almost 40 pounds since my initial consultation. We decided on the final plan of action - Full tummy tuck with lipo of back, flanks, abdomen, hips, and inner thighs. (OUCH!). I'm not having a reduction, just a breast lift, though he will reduce Lefty some and make sure the headlights are pointing in the right direction. I relieved my wallet of a considerable amount of money. In short, I CAN'T WAIT. Monday literally can't get here fast enough. My PS was very enthusiastic about my results, and I'm so happy to be reclaiming my body. The guilt I've been feeling leading up to this is waning...everyone who knows about this has been amazingly supportive and encouraging. I'm so excited for my first summer in a very long time where I won't be embarrassed by my body. My hospital bed will be delivered on Monday, my help is lined up, I have all my prescriptions and instructions...now I'm just going to enjoy one last pain-free weekend with my hubby and kids, and count down the minutes to Monday morning!!!

On my way to the hospital! See you all on the flat side!!!