Finally Lost the Weight, 48 Yo Mommy Makeover. Scottsdale, AZ

I am 5 feet tall and for over 30 years I was overweight. And in the last 15 years I have been “morbidly obese”. At my heaviest, I weighed 240lbs. I have always been really active and I was able to use that fact to rationalize my obesity. I was able to hike and white water kayak. My husband has always been fantastic and I always felt loved and accepted. As an ER nurse, I saw how obesity directly influenced health and at some point, I could not lie to myself any longer. I decided to lose the weight and get healthy. I changed my diet and utilized a health coach and lost the weight. At 129lbs I felt fantastic. And at48, I felt like I was 30! I had so much energy and I was so proud of my hard work. However, although I looked great in clothes, it was a depressing to undress and see all of the extra skin at the end of the day. I literally had to lift up my panis to wash under it. EWWWWW! My breasts filled up my bra and I was a 36D…but, I had to roll them up and shove them into the cups (like rolling up a pair of socks!).
I decided to investigate plastic surgery. Specifically, I was interested in a tummy tuck and breast lift. I was pretty sure that I would not want an augmentation-that just seemed too “fake” to me. As a nurse, it was important for me to choose a surgeon that achieved excellent outcomes (and had pictures to prove it) and was well respected by the medical community for their skill. Further, I wanted a woman and someone who would listen to and respect my desires and wants. I work in the recovery room of a local hospital so I asked for names from the surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists that I worked with. From there, I set up appointments and interviewed the top 3. My last interview was with Dr. Molly Walsh. By the end of the visit with her and her assistant, Renee, I felt very comfortable. Dr. Walsh listened very patiently to what I wanted. She asked me questions that helped me clarify the outcome that I desired. She did a physical exam and explained what she thought was possible. She did not try to sell me on any extra procedures (2 other PS had insisted that I needed liposuction of my flanks and implants with the breast lift).
I went home and really didn’t have to think about it for very long…It was definitely going to be Dr. Walsh! I just felt so at ease with her. Ultimately, I did decided to do the tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation. (I decided that I did want that upper pole fullness. I was very clear with Dr. Walsh that I didn’t want to be HUGE though- I wanted to be about the same -36D). I scheduled for October 22, 2014.
I did have some moments of panic in the month before surgery. Renee (Dr. Walsh’s assistant) was fantastic. She encouraged me to call and talk to her if I was getting worried or had questions. I did. It helped so much. She even asked me to come in and see Dr. Walsh again so we could just go over some of my concerns in person. Dr. Walsh was fantastic and so patient. As a nurse, I was getting worked up about all of the “details”. I brought in lists of questions. They tirelessly answered them all. I can’t begin to explain how reassuring that was!
Surgery went great. I spent the night at the surgery center. My pain was well controlled and the night went well. Dr. Walsh came by in the morning and changed my dressings and sat down and patiently answered all of my questions. I went home that day with 2 drains and very thorough instructions.
My recovery went well. Renee and Dr. Walsh did a great job preparing me for what to expect during this time and I saw them frequently for follow-up appointments. At about 4 weeks, I had a small area at the “T” junction on the underside of my breast that seemed to be coming open. I freaked out! I had these wild visions in my head of my breast splitting open and the implant flying out! Renee was so calm and (I know I keep using this word) patient. She explained exactly what was happening and had me come in to the office. I had totally over reacted. But, Dr. Walsh looked at it and gave me some cream to apply. It healed beautifully. Oh, did I mention that it was a Saturday on a HOLIDAY WEEKEND…and she came in to see me! Did I mention how patient they were??? Or how well cared for I felt???
I am posting a before picture and a picture at 6 weeks post-op. I am approaching the 6 month mark and my results are amazing. My scars are fading so nicely. I am so happy with my tummy tuck and my breasts (they are a perfect 36D!). It was difficult but worth it.