Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck - St. John's, Canada

I guess I will start by saying that I accidentally discovered Real Self while doing Internet searches on tummy tucks and plastic surgery in general. I love this site for the information, support and candidness it offers. I hope in a few short weeks I too will be on the flat side lol ( love that :)).

A bit about me.....I am a 35 year old mother of 2 amazing little boys who are now 11 and soon to be 5. I have been very happily married for 13 years to my high school sweetheart who has loved me unconditionally from the beginning. I have always been a heavy set girl even as a teenager....never ever had a flat stomach....lower bulge there since puberty. I was 155 lbs after graduating high school and ballooned up to 195 lb during university. Then I had our kids....I was almost 230 lb at my heaviest before delivery. I have stretch marks from under my breasts to my hips :(. October 1st, 2012 I decided to change my life and joined a gym and started eating healthy. I am 5'4" and currently weigh 142lb. My goal is 135 lb before surgery but that may be tight as I am only 4 weeks away from my scheduled date. I have planned on getting a tummy tuck since that first day of my lifestyle change...but decided for sure as the weight came off. Not sure if anyone else can relate but I felt more comfortable at 200 lb in my skin then I do now at 142lb. My belly hangs low as do my breasts...hence the decision for a breast lift.

Initial consult:
February 2013 I called Dr Cluett's office and scheduled the initial appointment. On June 6th accompanied by my hubby I met with her. I completed a health questionnaire and had a physical exam which confirmed I was an excellent candidate for both a tummy tuck and breast lift. Dr Cluett described both surgeries, risks, possible complications etc. Her receptionist gave me a quote and I told them to put me on the OR list. Made my mandatory second appointment for August 22 nd.

Second visit:
Saw Dr Cluett again on August 22 nd. Reviewed possible complications again and had my photo shoot :(.... So embarrassing. Signed my consents and bought my compression bra. The compression garment for my tummy is included in the price and will be placed on me post operatively. Found out my surgery will take place at a local hospital where I used to work ( I am a nurse)..not sure if that will be awkward knowing a lot of the staff since this is a small city and I have worked with many of the nurses there before. Just have to wait for a call from the hospital for a date for per admission clinic...usually the day before here.

Got to say that since signing the consent I am super excited and nervous all at the same time. Worried about the anesthesia cause I have never had that before...afraid I will die on the table truthfully and leave my kids motherless and my husband a single parent. I am nervous about the pain, about tissue necrosis, a major infection, etc. I feel selfish spending this much money on myself given all the risks and possible complications. I DO have support from my husband, family and best friend. I guess it's normal to be nervous....I hope I can go through with this cause I really want it....fearful my nerves may get the best of me :(

I will get my hubby to take some pictures tonight

9 days away from the flat side :). Made my payment to the plastic surgeon this morning and now just to pay the hospital utilization fee. I am planning to pay that when I go to pre-admission clinic- should hear from them this week. It really seems real now. I am excited and scared.....hope everything goes ok.....

I have been stress eating and my scale says I have gained 6 pounds :(... Got to get a grip and stay focused. I have 9 days and am determined to lower that number! I did have my first nightmare as well....dreamt I woke up in the recovery room in excruciating pain like something from a horror movie...scary stuff

Well next week this time I will be on the flat side:)! My hospital called yesterday and I have to go to pre- admission clinic on Monday for bloodwork, etc. I will find out on Tuesday what time my surgery is scheduled for. Like I said before I am a nurse and am working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...,pre- admission Monday ... That leaves Monday night for groceries and Tuesday as a day to clean my house and pack my bag. I want to have things in decent order for hubby and the kids.

Groceries: I was thinking of buying the obvious fruit and veggies, protein drinks, chicken breasts and other lean meats, snacks for the kids....any other suggestions for healthy low sodium snacks and lunches for recovery?

Bag: I am staying at the hospital for one night, possibly two. I am taking pjs, underwear, my compression bra ( for after the breast lift), robe, slippers, toiletries, yoga pants and shirts. Any suggestions on other things to bring/ pack?