Four Babies Later: Tummy Tuck Decisions and Outcomes - Scottsdale, AZ

I have four amazing girls, a degree in Women's Studies and a Masters in Speech and Language Pathology. I do not make decisions on the fly to say the least. After my second baby, I saw and felt a noticeable difference in my stomach. I have always been very fit and usually wear a size 4, but my tummy had obviously has some serious muscle and skin damage. There was not a lot of time between my third and fourth babies, but after I got fit again after the last, I was starting to be depressed about the appearance of my stomach. Not only did I have saggy skin, but my tummy was protruding like I was four months pregnant. No matter how many sit-ups or core exercises I performed, the results did not change. I felt very torn and deliberated about the decision to get a tummy tuck for a few years. When I finally decided that my satisfaction with my body was important enough to get over my pride of having plastic surgery I began to research and interview physicians. A few of the physicians I first interviewed/consulted with made me feel as if I really needed this procedure and also breast augmentation which I did not want to consider yet. I felt disempowered and anxious. As many women may agree, the results of giving birth are an authentic part of a woman and the process of pregnancy and birth, as seen through my eyes is sacred. I did not like feeling like a number or a piece of meat in regards to what I had considered a very important experience(s). After speaking with a Nurse Practitioner friend of mine, she confided in me that she had also had a tummy tuck performed, she first showed me before and after pictures and then gave me the name of her surgeon. She told me not to do anything until I had a consultation with him. Her before and after photos were burned in my mind. She had also had four children and was a very thin woman but her stomach protruded even worse than mine. Her "after photos" were incredible and I felt excited. I met with Dr. Repta and instead of feeling talked to as in other consultations, I felt heard. I felt empowered and like I was making the choices. He explained that he goes above and beyond what typical surgeons do and why he believes that is necessary. I completely understood the procedure and felt EXCITED. I also felt a sense of trust and equality with him, like we were partners on this journey and that I would be in charge of my own decision making with his expertise behind me. Needless to say, I decided to choose Dr. Repta to perform my tummy tuck. My experience in the surgery center was wonderful, the staff was kind and always looking for ways to make me comfortable. The surgery was a success in every way. I am three and a half weeks out of surgery now and I am beyond thrilled. I am so excited to feel confident in my clothes (and out) again. I feel like my pre pregnancy self and it is so worth it. I am also grateful that I chose a physician who was there with me every step of the way, before, during, and especially after surgery to answer any questions or concerns and address any observations of mine. Instead of feeling anxious and unsure about the surgery, I was excited and anticipatory. I believe this was because of the physician that I ultimately chose.