I'm bringing SEXY back!!!

I'm a 38 year old woman, who up until last year was pretty pleased with my overall physical appearance. Everyone in my family kept warning me about the "shift". As I was growing up, I saw this "shift" in all my cousins. I am the baby of the family, and I mean they ALL shifted! Over the past year, guess who starts to shift? I'm still ok with the fullness I see now, but that tire has GOT to go. My lifestyle has never mirrored any of my family's sedentary ways. I was an athlete growing up. I ran track for my JHS, my HS AND the US Navy. I'm not in the gym (stopped going after my lines started looking masculine), and really don't see myself getting back in there like that. My job is physical, and I do walk. I have ALWAYS been thick in my mid-section, even as a teen, primarily due to my short torso. Gain a pound and THAT is where you're going to see it. This is procedure(abdomen and hips)is something that has been on my mind for at least a decade. Now that I am closing in on finalizing my date and paying my money, I am SO nervous. Believe me, I have read every story here and on other sites. I have researched the facility and doctor. I have watched this procedure being performed on various other patients. I have listened to the good, as well as the horror stories. I actually gave myself an additional month after consulting the doctor to reconsider, to really DIG and see if I couldn't find a solid reason for me not to do this. After all this, I'm still having it done.

But these nerves of mine...... I would love any calming words of inspiration from anyone that has gone through similar feelings.

I will post some before, BEFORE pics (before the shift.

Eventually, I will post my before surgery pics, just as soon as I can tolerate looking at it.

I'm sooooo not feeling this mid-section spread.Updated on 10 Nov 2011:Was scheduled for the 22nd but my original hopeful date was the 15th, so we are off to a good start!. Nerves have my insides knotted up.Updated on 15 Nov 2011:OK, 30 days and counting...... Palms sweating just thinking about it. I really feel this is what needs to be done, just a big ol'fraidy cat, I suppose. :) I have read some fabulous ratings, and some not so fab. Seems my jitters are common though. My expectations, I believe, are realistic. Have done SO much comparison on similar body types, ages, and even ethnic backgrounds. I'm READY(but secretly would like some words of encouragement, or just maybe your story)

If anybody is having a similar procedure done soon(or just had it done) please contact me. Especially if you're just as nervous as me! :)Updated on 17 Nov 2011:Bad day at work, but my excitement has kept me going. Four weeks from today!! Not nervous today for some reason. I keep visualizing my new midsection. Hopefully everything will be fine by April. I was unhappy last year in my bikini. Would NOT take that cover up off! Really don't want to relive that.Updated on 18 Nov 2011:Even worse day today. My beloved cat of 11 years has some sort of neurological issue. All I can do is make him comfortable. REALLY started to postpone my procedure and invest this money into my cat. I was told it probably wouldn't help though. My heart is so heavy now.Updated on 19 Nov 2011:Laid my cat to rest today. So sad. I was looking forward to recovering and having my BooBoo there with me. Gotta stay strong. :(Updated on 28 Nov 2011:Rearranged my room. Picked up my arnica and vitamin C and plenty of gauze. I am praying for a smooth recovery afterwards. Preparation is key. Am I really doing this?? smh. Wow. On a disappointing note, no one from the Realself team has even said hello. Odd.Updated on 5 Dec 2011:Pre op is at noon today. Excited and nervous. Will post afterwards.Updated on 7 Dec 2011:Ok....... Finally got the nerve to post some of my before pics. Official farewell to the fat, if U will. Don't know what made me do it today, but here goes...... Be kind :)

Updated on 9 Dec 2011:Ok, Picking up scripts today AND bloodwork. This is really happening, huh?Updated on 12 Dec 2011:3 more days!!!!!Updated on 15 Dec 2011:Just returned home. Feeling great so far. In the kitchen cooking. Leaking like crazy! Trying to prepare myself for the pain afterwards.

Total of 9 adits, 3 per hip and 3 for ab. Have to leave my garment on until tomorrow, but then they say I only have to wear it 7 days. Im sure Im going to wear it longer tho. Will sneak a peek tomorrow.

Good luck stephanie!!!!!!Updated on 19 Dec 2011:Check out 4 day post op pics!Updated on 19 Dec 2011:I had approximately 2300ml removed. 750ml from left hip and 760ml from right hip and 770ml from my abdomen. Today is my first day back at work and I feel fine. I kept the Vicodin routine up until last night. Wasn't in significant pain, but wanted to make sure I slept through the night. Brought Tylenol just in case pain kicks up today.

Personally, I don't think that he took enough out, but time will tell. Still have numb spots on my bum and soreness on my hip adits. Recovery not as bad as I thought it would be. I can sort of understand why they call it a "lunchtime procedure", but it would have to be a LATE lunch on a Friday, and whatever your job is, it probably shouldn't require a lot of thought. Now if this is YOUR job, then YES, it is a lunchtime procedure. If not, then I would consider it like any other medical procedure and advise thoroughly resting before resuming ANY activities. : )Updated on 21 Dec 2011:Went bowling last night. Everything was good. But THEN I got that call. Oh yeah, it was ON! No pain. Body didn't look as good as I hoped it would, but I was satisfied. HE was dumbfounded. Couldn't figure out what got into me. Lbvs! My CONFIDENCE IS BACK!! He's REALLY in trouble once this swelling goes down! Just thought I'd share a lighter note.

Stay lifted ladies!