TT Recovery Full Speed Ahead!!

I found RS during my search for info on a TT. I must say I am so glad to have found a community of people who understand how I'm feeling and have already taken that step to self improvement as I call it. I love to read the journeys and see the end results. I did my research, narrowed it down to 3 doctors and finally choose Dr. Gregory Lynam.

I am a 33 yo military wife and stay at home mom to 3 biological children 2 boys ages 9 and 4, a 1 year old daughter and we have an adopted 15 year old daughter. All 3 kids were born by C-section and left me with the dreaded "pouch". This overhanging belly is my worst enemy being that it's not only unattractive but it makes fitting into clothes a true nightmare. I am 5'6 and about 179 lbs (still dropping lbs. so I hope to reach 166-170 by surgery date). The final end to my misery will be waking up after surgery with that "pouch" gone (I'm so excited for that day). I just want to be "me" again not this self conscious person always aware of the "pouch"and the roundness of my belly. I have gotten the "ARE YOU PREGNANT??" from people who haven't seen me in a while and some who don't even know me which hurts my feelings especially when you think you look pretty descent in your outfit. I have even had a girl rub my stomach while asking (smh) and the look on her face when I said no was priceless.

So I will continue to follow you wonderful people on your journeys and will update with pictures, how the consultations went with each doctor and anything else I can think of.

Pre-op pictures!! I really look pregnant but of course I'm not! Dr says I have really bad muscle separation along w/ umbilical hernia! When I lay down my stomach is flat but when I stand up now that's a different story :(!! Dr says I don't have a lot of fat on the top of the stomach nor on my sides, it's all muscle separation!! Hopefully there's someone out there who can really relate to my body frame. It took a lot for me to come to grips with posting my BIG, ROUND BELLY!! Thanks for all the support ladies!!

Ok so as stated before I have an umbilical hernia. I was informed of the risks but didn't include my options here. My umbilical hernia is located in the stalk and apparently it increases the risk of compromising the blood supply which can lead to necrosis. So Dr. Lynam gave me 3 choices: 1) fix the hernia, create the bellybutton & pray that it doesn't die, 2) fix the hernia, lose the bellybutton and have reconstructive surgery to create another one or 3) fix the hernia, lose the bellybutton, no reconstructive surgery either leave it as is or get a tattoo later. Since I'm not a gambling woman especially with my health, my husband and I decided on option #2. I know that there's a very small chance of it actually developing necrosis but it could happen. Plus in my mind I will end up being that person it happens too.

So please don't be surprised when you see my post surgery pics and I'm missing my bellybutton. There are a couple advantages to this 1) I won't have to worry about necrosis and 2) Dr. Lynam said he can get me even tighter due to not having to work around the bellybutton. My bellybutton has been stretched out after 3 pregnancies and now my 1 year old daughter plays in it lol! So I guess she'll be looking for it after surgery. Lol can't wait to she the look on her face when she pulls up my shirt and it's not there (priceless).

On another note, my pre-op papers are on the way. I have a pre-op telephone session scheduled for 10 Feb with Brigitte since I'm 2 hours away from the doctor (she's so wonderful at answering all my questions). I will keep everyone posted as I get more information. Thanks again for all the support thus far.