46 Yo, 3 Kids, Last at Age 40, W/ Emergency CC - Tampa, FL

I had my first 2 children at age 25 and 28 and my most recent at 40. I bounced back fine after the first 2, but my 3rd was delivered via emergency c-section. I've lost all of the weight and exercise nearly every day. I even worked with a personal trainer. I'm happy with everything EXCEPT my stubborn tummy. I finally accepted that I can't fix my tummy on my own and am scheduled for a full tummy tuck and hernia repair for next Tuesday. The reviews on this site have been so helpful that I felt compelled to contribute. I'm nervous. Everyone seems to have had such different experiences! I hope it ends up being worth it!

I went for my pre-op appointment yesterday. Frankly, after reading some of the reviews, the anxiety had really set in. But my doctor was great and very confident that I'm going to love my results. Like some of you, I haven't told anyone other than my husband and children that I'm doing this. Except for my belly, I'm in really good shape, so I worry that others won't understand. I'm also worried that I'm going to regret it, which seems to be a common feeling during the first couple of weeks. But I really want to be able to sit in the sand on the beach and help my 5-year-old make a sand castle without feeling like I have to sit up really, really straight to diminish the view of my pregnancy-ravaged belly. Mommy isn't as much fun when she's too busy feeling self-conscious. :( Keeping my fingers crossed that 6 months from now, I'm looking back on this and wondering why I didn't do it sooner!

First, my experience was amazing. There was no sitting around and waiting and I don't remember anything between the epidural and them waking me up to have me pee. My sweet husband and son moved our recliner down to the family room for me and I slept surprisingly well. One thing though: one of my drain tubes came loose during the night. I've got a call in to my doctor to see what to do about that. In the meantime, I've got it taped up around a cotton ball. It hurts but the pain is manageable. I've been able up slowly get in and out of the recliner on my own and I've been walking for about 5 minutes any time I get up. Walking really help with the stiffness. No report on how things look yet. Can't see past the bandages but they're nice and low.