1 YEAR POST OP
Where to begin? I just turned 29, I'm 5'5 1/2", I...
Where to begin? I just turned 29, I'm 5'5 1/2", I weigh about 120 lbs. I have 3 kids; ages almost 6, 3, and turning 1 next week. I started gaining weight in college and was a little overweight when I got pregnant the first time. I ended up getting gestational diabetes during that pregnancy and went up to 200 lbs. Seeing my weight cause actual health consequences for not only me, but my unborn baby was the turning point for me. I lost all of the weight and then some and got all the way down to 130 lbs. I've kept up the healthy lifestyle and lost more and more weight after each pregnancy, but the damage was already done. I have stretch marks from above my belly button to below my knees! I work out A LOT and it's frustrating to know that I will never see my full results because of this loose skin. I'm pretty small everywhere else on my body, so my stomach really sticks out. And let me tell you, nothing ruins your day more than when someone assumes you're pregnant when you're not! And that has happened to me way too many times in the last 6 months! I'm just tired of thinking about my stomach to be honest. When I get dressed, every time I sit down, when I'm exercising and it's just hanging off my body, when my kids think it's a funny play-thing... I just want it gone so I never have to think about it again!!!
And as far as my breasts go, they are pretty much non-existent. I was an A cup before kids and now after nursing and weight loss I measure at a 32 AA. It's next to impossible to find a bra that size, so I usually just wear a sports bra to help conceal my nipples. There's no breast tissue to support so I really don't even need a bra, but I'd be pretty uncomfortable nipping out all the time. I didn't really mind having small breasts, but now I am so flat that I don't really feel like a grown woman.
I've been struggling with this decision for a MM since my son was born last September. I'm a strong Christian and I've really been praying for God to either change my heart or give me peace about the surgery. My intention behind the surgery is to feel more comfortable in my body, not to gain attention or acceptance from others. I really feel like God knows my heart in this and that I have his blessing. I am a little worried about what friends at church might think if they find out, but at the end of the day, God's approval is the only one that matters to me.
My husband is amazing and supportive and understands how much this means to me and how hard I've worked to take good care of myself and my body. I couldn't ask for a better support system.
So I went to my first consult a couple weeks ago and on Monday I'm driving up to Phoenix for 2 more. I live south of Tucson, so I'd really rather not have to drive that far for surgery, but I will if that's where I'll get the best result. I want to have my surgeon selected and surgery scheduled before the holidays, but I can't have my actual surgery until January. This way my husband will have the max amount of PTO to stay home while I recover. He'll be home for 3 weeks and then I'll have my mom helping me for 1 week after that. I'm hoping I'll be healed enough to handle my 1 year old by then.
So I'm still a ways away, but trying to be as well prepared and researched as I can be. If anyone has any tips on questions to ask when picking a surgeon (beyond the basic/ obvious ones) I'd love to hear them. Thanks!
ljjellybean's provider
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To answer your question: I have a 10 month old. I am 5 weeks post op tomorrow and I tried to lift him this morning and it pulled in my tummy area a bit. We have a nanny who works 6 am - 6 pm and my husband takes over after that (he works alot - LOL). We are going to have her work full time for a few more weeks still. I'd rather be safe than set myself back.
As far as your update today, I wanted to comment and say I would definitely do it all in one shot. it's alot but I don't for a minute regret getting it all done and over with in one surgery and one recovery. As far as if you want implants, that decision is personal. I kind of *had to* cuz I was barely an A before! Also, I didn't have a pain pump but had something called Exparel. It's a numbing gel that lasts up to 72 hours. I don't know what it would have felt like without it but I have to say my pain was quite manageable. I took Percocet every 4 hours and that was all I needed. I did stay a night - my PS required it - and I am glad I did. That was one of the reasons that I went with Dr. Cohen too ... the other 2 surgeons I consulted with were just going to send me home an hour after surgery. I honestly couldn't imagine. I needed so much help getting up and to the restroom and just moving around that first night was tough. Also, I highly recommend a power recliner. I still sleep in mine half the night as it's more comfortable than on my side in bed (I can't sleep on my back).
I had consults with Dr. Leber and Dr. Corey in Phoenix. I went in expecting Dr. Corey to really wow me, but Dr. Leber was by far the most impressive. Dr. Corey was okay, but didn't have anything that really set him apart for me.
I've been thinking about it non-stop since my appointments yesterday, and I really do think that we're just going to have to find a way to afford the full sha-bang with Dr. Leber. I feel like a little girl with these AA breasts and I know it will nag at me if I don't go for it. And even though I'm sure the doctor here in Tucson will do a good job too, if I am going through the pain and the cost anyway, I might as well go with who I know will give me my best result. And I agree, I think that an overnight stay is important.
I have a lazyboy recliner already, so I'm hoping that will work for me post-op. And my parents have a walker for when my grandmother visits, so I'll probably borrow that too. Did you use a toilet seat riser?
Oh, What to do, what to do? I just got back from...
So now I'm questioning how important those little artistic details in the TT are to me. How important is it to me to get a BA? Like I said before, I really don't mind having small breasts, but I would prefer if I had at least a small bust. Right now, there's pretty much nothing there. Would I be happier having a really great tummy but no breasts? Do I go for the gold and make my entire family buckle down financially for the next 18 months to get it paid off? I feel selfish as it is spending the original amount we budgeted.
Aahhh! I have one more consult scheduled here in Tucson, so we'll see. I may end up liking him the most! I have a feeling though that it's going to come down to the two doctors I just talked about. I've got some serious thinking to do!
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Well, once we left Dr. Leber's office after our...
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Glad you found a PS! Waiting is HARD! Lol I have been waiting for 4 months and now mine is in 34 days...... I am so nervous
Did you decide exactly what you are getting done?
I'm going to have a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, breast augmentation (no lift needed), and lipo of the flanks, inner, and outer thighs.
I try not to think of it but when my shamoo roll gets in the way during yoga- its hard not think about it! Lol
you are getting exactly what I am but I am getting a lift- wish I didn't need it. And I am getting lipo of my back.
how do you feel about the wait?
Thank you SO much for sharing here on RealSelf. You've really thought about this and you're doing your homework, so good for you. I think you'll love your results! Have you read Jenbob's post about what she wishes she knew before her mommy makeover? It's funny and informative, too!
Please let us know how your consultations go!