Tummy tuck w/Lipo to LoveHandles: 6 weeks Post Op- TT good... lipsuction swelling... help?!

I have the most incredibly beautiful children in the whole world. It would be worth having them, and losing my body and shape, even if I wasn't able to have this surgery. :o) But I am REALLY excited that I DO get to have a tummy tuck, and liposuction to my flanks. I have an incredibly supportive husband... thank you God!

My 2nd baby, was 10.5 lbs, and I'm 5'6' 140. Needless to say, it tore apart my core.... I found my muscles 5" or more apart after he was born. My 3rd baby was 9.5 lbs, and made everything even worse. I feel pregnant a lot of the time, especially after meals. I never had body image issues prior to having children, and now it has taken up way too much of my time and energy. I ran a marathon after my 2nd baby, and have run after my 3rd, and it almost doesn't matter what I do - I just have a big gut that didn't exist before.

Dr Salemy is INCREDIBLE. Personable, educates his patients, amazing. His nurses say he's a perfectionist. My pre-op appt went well.

TIP: I do wish I would've spent a little more time a couple months ago, researching how I can best set up my body for the surgery. I've found some great information on supplements that you can start doing 2 months before surgery. I only have 2 weeks, but I'm trying it anyway. It can't hurt, right?
This is the site I've found most helpful:
http://www.drjoannelopes.com/preparing.php

TIP: Spend a lot of time preparing your life.... get details in order, prep meals and put them in the freezer, take supplements, ask questions, pay bills, clean, etc. The more you do leading up will allow you less stress afterwards. Plan for people to help you... don't be ashamed! Ask for people to help you, especially in the first week afterward.

My surgery is one week from today... nervous and excited! I had a c-section with my last baby, so I KNOW it's going to hurt, and I KNOW I will get through it.

TIP: The healing for this procedure is a LONG process. The effects of anesthesia can last for up to 6 months in your body. Swelling can last for up to a year. Have realistic expectations... you won't see the full results until at least 6 months later, or longer! Allow yourself TIME to be the new you!