Getting my Body Back - Rosemont, IL

I am a 38 year old mother to 2 children ages 10 and 4. I was always thin...my pre pregnancy weight was 115 lbs. and I am 5'5. I had gained 80 lbs. with my 1st pregnancy, but was able to bounce back and only 50 lbs with my second one. I weigh 108 lbs. currently. However, my stomach has a lot of extra skin and I wear a 34 A cup bra... I had wanted a tummy tuck for many years, but was always putting it off. Well, no more...and since I am going under the knife anyway, I decided to get my breasts done as well.

I should mention that I went on 3 different consultations before choosing my doctor. He was the only one that actually measured my breasts and tried on sizers. I think I decided to go with high profile silicone 300 cc implants. Bringing my best friend for my pre op to get another opinion.

I am very excited to finally be doing thus for myself, but also very nervous. I am not very tolerant to pain, so I am not sure how I will handle this. I did have 2 C sections and thought it was a breeze, but I think the tummy tuck recovery will be much harder.

My husband will be taking care of me and the kids post surgery and I will have him for 3 weeks before he has to return to work. I hope that gives me enough time to almost get back to normal. I should mention that I am lucky enough to stay home with the kids...my 4 year old is a very active child and I also worry how my husband will handle him.

So just got the nerve to post my pictures. My breasts look nonexistent and my stomach has so much extra skin...May 28th can't come soon enough... I actually wanted to schedule this surgery for early May, but my doctor is completely booked.

The hardest part at this point for me is waiting. It gives me more time to worry about the outcome of the surgery and the recovery ahead...I am so thankful for this website. Your stories make this journey so much easier.

Another thing I had to do in preparation for this is to quit smoking. My doctor wants me to be smoke free for 6 weeks prior to my surgery. This has not been easy, but I am happy to report that I have been smoke free since Monday. I want to do everything in order to give my body the right chance to heal...

So, I just found out that my dr. Doesn't require you wearing a compression garment or a binder after surgery until the drains are removed. He also doesn't put you in any type of a surgical bra. Anyone has experienced this? Does this give you the same results? I trust him, but this seems different from most all the otter drs.

My surgery is exactly 4 weeks away. I think I am over obsessed with it. Just want to be on the flat side already... have been reading reviews on this site daily...driving my husband crazy...lol.

Biggest concern is the recovery. For some reason I am not concerned about the surgery... Read come horror stories here and get pretty nervous...

Still trying to decide where to get the scar for my BA. Originally wanted the scar in my armpits but now (for safety reason) thinking in the fold. My husband does not want it there, so we have had some arguments over that. Will talk to my PS about this again at my pre op, which is in exactly 3 weeks. Ladies, any advice on this issue? Pros and cons?

Had my pre op appointment yesterday...took a friend of mine along for some help in picking out my implant size...
This appointment made things real. I was finding it hard to believe that I was finally having this done. I am excited but very nervous. I have read so many of your stories and the recovery completely freaks me out... I am so not good with pain...I am hoping for the best of course and reminding myself that it will all be worth it at the end.

The appointment yesterday was almost 3 hours long. Had to wait for a long time in the reception area, then had to sign a bunch of paperwork. Took some lovely photos in the sexiest blue paper underwear. Talked to my PS. Tried on different sizers and decided on the 325 cc silicone HP implants. Will have scars in the breast fold. Paid my balance....so now there is no going back. Surgery will be next Wednesday at 11 am...not sure how I will deal with no coffee that day. Maybe I will stay in bed until it's time to leave.

Filled my prescriptions today, got my supplements all ready. Have to get the frozen peas and extra pillows for my recovery. Hoping to do that tomorrow.

It still doesn't seem real. Almost want to pinch myself...6 days until surgery...but who is counting:)

So it's almost 10 pm now and my surgery is tomorrow at 11 am. Today has been a whirlwind of emotions...from being completely excited to completely terrified. I have run all my errands, the kids are covered. Had a serious conversation with my 10 year old about this surgery...I was shocked on how well she took it.

Went out with a friend to one of my favorite sushi places for dinner. I might regret that in the middle of the night when I am thirsty:)))

Just wish this was done already. I have too much time to think of things that could go wrong. This time tomorrow I will be on the flat side... When I was getting dressed this morning I realized that that was the last time I will put on a 34A sized bra...also was petting my stomach in the shower today. Guess I am saying good buy to my body the way I know it!!! Here is to a brand new and improved me!!!

Good luck to all who is having surgery tomorrow and later in the week!!! A speedy recovery to all of you!!!

Will try to post tomorrow or soon thereafter. Your posts have kept me sane in my insane quest for a better me. I want to return the favor and share my journey with you!

So I am one day post up today. Wanted to update last night but by the time I got home it was well after 7 pm.

So here is what happened yesterday... Got to the surgical center around 11 am. Signed some paperwork. Took a pregnancy test. PS came in and marked me. Took some more lovely photos in the blue surgical underwear. Walked over to the operating room. Remember laying down on the table. Anesthesiologist slapped an oxygen mask over my face and got the IV started. Next thing I know I was being woken up.

Woke up with intense tightness on my belly and horrible pressure on my chest. I would say the pain level was an 8. Nurse gave me a Valium and they kept me there for an hour, at which point they dressed me and sent me home.

I am not wearing a binder or a surgical bra per my PS. Got home and popped in a Percocet. Only taking 1 every 4 hours. Afraid of getting sick.

Actually slept ok last night in my bed propped up, but do need hubby's help getting in and out of bed.

Today has been more or less ok. Hubby has to deal with the drains since I get so queasy... Have not taking any pictures. My stomach is covered in a dressing which I have not changed yet, so I have not seen the scar. Boobies are high and pointy at this point. Wonder how long it will take for them to drop. The MR is what is giving me the most pain. Hoping in a few days I will be able to get in and out of bed on my own. I feel so helpless. Getting tired now. Will go take a little nap. Will update tomorrow.

Today has been pretty much same as yesterday. Really not much new to report. I have basically slept for most of the day. The output in the drains is not quite as bloody and not quite as much.

Still exhausted. Even the trip to the bathroom tires me out. My husband changed the dressing on my belly today. I can not believe that I am flat. I was crying happy tears when I saw... Didn't even look at the scar, was too busy admiring the taught skin.

This might be TMI, but I finally managed to have a BM today. All it took was 3 doses of MOM. Worked like a charm.

Nothing new to report otherwise. Still in a lot of discomfort. Feel like a 95 year old lady. Managed to take a pic of my breasts today. Kind of rough since I can't stand up straight.

Guess this makes it 4 days post op. Time is going slow. No new improvements. My back is killing me from walking hunched over. Also, I can't seem to sit for any extended period of time. Skin seems like it will rip off my body. I have been in bed for most of the days. I have stopped taking any narcotic drugs since yesterday, and the pain has been manageable. Just get tired so fast and from absolutely nothing. Not even functioning at 20% of my old self. It's pretty frustrating. Hoping for a better day tomorrow...

So today was a big day. I got dressed by myself. Actually went downstairs since my surgery. Also, ventured outside to my mail box. Haven't gotten the mail since surgery day. Even watered my neighbors flowers, since she is out of town. Whole thing might have taken 10 minutes. I was completely exhausted when I got back inside.

Tomorrow my mom is coming over to cook and maybe do some laundry. My husband is completely helpless when it comes to house work. Also, my friend is coming over tomorrow to wash and blow out my hair. Can't wait. Have not showered since surgery day. PS said I could as long as I protect the drains, but I think I will wait until they come out. Should get one out this Wednesday and the other a few days later.

Have not taken any Tylenol today. The only pain I have is back pain from walking hunched over. Don't think Tylenol will do much for that anyway.

I am so hoping I am drain free by this weekend. They have not been as bad as what I thought, but I want my freedom back. It's those small victories that count. Happy healing ladies!

Had my post op today. So excited to get one of the drains out. Other one coming out on Friday. Maybe I can wear human clothing again. It was nice to do my makeup today. First time in over a week. Also, went to Target to get some sports bras. Tried on a few regular ones for fun. Fit both 34 c and 34 d. I know it's still early, but I am thinking I will be a C cup.

Removing the drain was not pleasant, but was quick enough. PS said everything is progressing nicely. Only hitch in the road seems to be redness on my stomach. He prescribed 2 different antibiotics just in case, but he does not seem to think it's an infection.

Other thing I should mention is that I did end up with the vertical scar. Apparently I was too thin and didn't have enough skin. I kind knew that might be a possibility. He did mention a possibility of revision down the road if I so choose. It's too early to say at this point. I want to see how it will heal.

Adding a few pics I took of the bras I tried today. Happy healing everyone!!!

Not much to report. Feeling about the same. Still get tired easily and back pain is pretty bad. Going to see the PS tomorrow for the other drain removal. Finally took a pic of my stomach. Will take a better one when drain is removed.

I am free. The last drain came out this morning!!! Can't say it was an awful bother to have them in, but it's nice not to have to think about hiding them and getting them caught on anything. Will finally shower tomorrow!!! That will be a reason to celebrate:)

Can't believe how far along I came in just 9 days!!! Hoping the worst is behind me...

Went out to dinner with my hubby tonight. Half way through the meal I was wishing I was home in bed. Thought I had such a nice day today. Almost felt like my old self. Still this tiredness catches me off guard every time. Took pics of my scar today. Not loving it. Seems very high. Thoughts?

So I feel like I had a major set back today and it's completely my fault. We have 2 parties to go this week to and I needed to purchase some presents. Went to the mall in the morning to look for one of the presents and ended up going from store to store trying on clothes. I just couldn't stop. Everything looks amazing. I feel like I have a body of an 18 year old. Came home for an hour and went out in search for the other gift. I just collapsed into bed. I feel like I can't move a muscle.

I have a cleaning lady that comes in tomorrow, and I always clean beforehand. This is not happening at this point. Guess my embarrassment is a small price to pay for my well being.

Lesson of the day...do not over do it!!!

Hello, Ladies! It's been a while. There was not much to report. I was not in any pain for a while now, but still couldn't stand straight and my energy level was very low. I was kind of getting discouraged. Couldn't do much around the house because most of these things would require longer periods on my feet. Had my 3 week post op and miraculously was able to stand up more or less straight yesterday. Maybe 21 is a magic number:). Hubby going out of town for 11 days starting tomorrow and was worried I wasn't going to be able to take care of the kids and the house, but now thinking that I will be ok. On the bright side. I looove my new body. I was able to fit and look great in clothes that I had pre kids and wouldn't be caught dead wearing even a month ago. I got my confidence back. Was intimate with hubby last week, which was a disaster. Was pretty uncomfortable, tried again yesterday and successeded. Will post pics later. Hope you ladies are recovering well. To all of those thinking about doing this surgery....although it's not the easiest thing both psychologically and physically it's the most worth while thing you cam do for yourself.

So much has changed in a month. This surgery was the absolutely best thing I did. I feel beautiful, sexy and confident again. I am in absolutely in no pain and can stand up straight. This road was not easy, but absolutely worth it. I am lucky I had no complications and had very minimal swelling. So enjoying my body!

It's been a while since I updated....but had my pits up yesterday, so thought that I should write. My breasts are coming along beautifully, although they really don't look natural. I am hoping it's still early in the game and that will change. I am finally allowed to wear a regular bra...went to VS and got measured. Didn't believe the measurement when I heard it, but it's true!!! I was a 34A prior to surgery and got 325cc HP implants. Wanted to achieve a C cup, as to look natural and proportional with the rest of me. I measured a 32 DD. Still in shock. Purchased 2 bras. PS said that breasts might still change in size by about 10% before the 3 month mark. Also, purchased myself a couple of bikinis. None of the ones that I tried on covered the small vertical scar, but it really does not bother me. It's fading pretty quickly. Hoping by next year it will not be visible.

As far as the tummy tuck recovery, that has not been as easy... I was finally feeling great at about 4 weeks, but at 5 weeks started to get this pain by my belly button. Thought it might go away, but it didn't so I so the PS and he thinks this is the way that my body is reacting to being sawn up and it should go away by 3 months time... Here is hoping. Adding a pic of 1 of the bathing suits I bought. The line u see is from my pants:)