Sooo Ready! 43 Yrs, 5'6", 140 Lbs., - Tucson, AZ

43 Yrs, 5'6", 140 lbs., currently weigh 40lbs less than when I graduated high school. I dropped my excess weight before (and then again after) my children were born. Problem: I look BIGGER now than I did back then! I gained a whopping 60 lbs with each pregnancy so, despite the weight loss, I was left with loose skin, diastases of the abdominal muscle and fat pockets around my midsection and lower back ; I am relatively thin in the hips, thighs and extremities (the typical 'apple' shape - due, in part, to genetics). For years I have thought about a TT but never could see myself actually spending the money to have it done (also a bit chicken I suppose) - I had the money but just couldn’t fully justify spending that much of my savings.
Then one day, after looking at myself in the mirror, I told myself "Self, if you're unhappy with what you see, do something about it!" And so I did - I signed into my online banking and opened a "Me" savings account (separate from my regular checking and savings accounts –). Then, I logged in to my employee payroll service account and had a small amount of my paycheck (just $50 ppd) direct deposited into that account. That was 4 1/2 yrs ago.
In December, I noticed my “Me” account had grown to over 5K so I figured it was time to start doing some research into average costs, before and after pics, recovery journals, etc.. I also got recommendations from a couple ladies I know who has tummy tucks and were pleased with their results. After reading those doctor’s reviews I decided to make appointments for consultations.
Ultimately, I decided to go with Dr. Taki in Tucson, AZ. I found him to be both extremely professional and quite personable. He answered nearly all of my questions before I even had to ask. He even talked about doing a TT for his wife a few years ago; I found that bit of information quite comforting from the stand point that he had the opportunity to witness the entire recovery process (pain, physical limitations, swelling, emotions, etc.) day-by-day from start to finish – something many PSs never really get to see. Dr. Taki asked me what I wanted done and what I expected as far as outcome. After examining me, he agreed that I needed a full TT and Lipo of the lower back. He explained that his FTTs include lipo of the upper abdomen, love handles and feathering of the areas surrounding the flap for a well-blended contour. I was quoted $5,600 for the FTT and an additional $1400 for the optional lower back (flank) lipo. His prices are all-inclusive (Surgical center fees, PS’s fees, Anesthesiology fees, Anesthesiologist’s fees and all post-op visits/ follow-up care). I determined that I will probably get the best results by adding the optional flank lipo and have no problem with the extra cost so, I’m now scheduled for surgery on 12 February!

Evening of surgery. I'm impressed! Just a little swelling so far but, this is sitting upright. Cinched in waistline and NO ROLLS!

Thought I had it made after doing so very well the evening after surgery and even bouncing around the house all morning yesterday while getting myself ready for my 24 hr. follow-up appointment. I had absolutely no pain other than some muscle cramping in my upper abs which quickly responded to muscle relaxers. Even my PS and his staff were impressed by how well I was doing. That is, until about 5 minutes before we got back home (it's a 70 mile drive). Suddenly, real pain set in unlike anything I ever experienced or expected. So, last 36 hrs have basically been pills, sleep, pee, pills, sleep, pee, etc., etc. Swelling set in big time too. Wish I could just go soak in a nice warm bathtub (can't of course). I know it will get better but I feel like my body played a trick on me. :(