Tummy tuck and MR

I have two kids (13 and 14 now), and gained 50 and 35 lbs. respectively during pregnancies and lost it all after giving births. With a 5’4 frame my belly skin was stretched way too much, and I have a lot of stretch marks under my belly button and immediately above it. Over the years I have tried all kinds of creams, although the stretch marks have been softened, the laxity has little improvements. I am active and heathy (currently 120lbs) and have been stable. But no matter what I do, the skin around my belly is wrinkled and looks so bad. I tried to cope with it and tell myself that this is what life is. My husband thinks I am fine, because you can even see some abs when I am standing straight or holding my hands up high (haha). I can normally pull off a evening dress and look good. But somehow I am still unhappy about this, especially when I see my belly in a plank position. I was traumatized the first time when I saw it. The hanging skin really hit me hard. I thought I’d give up and try not to think about it, until one day I bumped into the reviews on this website. The scars after surgery were graphic, the drainage bottles are frightening, and the miserable first-week is usually discouraging, but after seeing the brave ladies’ results and most “worth it” ratings. I decided to give it a try.
I booked a consultation with Dr. Tattelbaum after reading many reviews about him and the before and after pictures. The consultation went well. He was professional and very knowledgeable. He obviously had said it so many times that he sounded like reciting a book. He answered my questions and told me all the risks involved and possible results. He thought I should have a full tummy tuck and muscle repair but no lipo given that I don’t have much fat around my waist. Combined with fairly good impression from the consultation and the good reviews I read, I booked the surgery for 12/13. Here are some pictures on the day of the consultation (I look at them when I have second thoughts about the surgery). I would not show some of these to ANYONE (my hubby included) but the doctor and my fellow TT ladies here looking for references like I did. I appreciate all the ladies who put their pictures and stories here on the website so that I could read and educate myself. I thought I would do the same thing so that others may benefit from my experiences.

I just found this new surgical glue that can seal wounds in 60 seconds. I’m wondering should I wait for that to be used in humans to do this surgery? That will be revolutionary in surgery and make the healing so much easier!

My blood work is done and I’m cleared to go in two weeks. I had another consultation with Dr.Tataubaum two days ago. He seemed to remember all the details we talked about a month ago, and was much warmer this time ( he was not cold the first time but more formal. This one he seemed more friendly and at ease). I asked a lot of questions and he answered them all and made me feel very comfortable. I asked about exparel (pain control up to 72 hours) and apparently he does not do it often. He uses Marcaine which is similar but only lasts 8-12 hours. I talked to his assistant, Paid $400 extra and set it up. She has to order it or get it from a partner. I have read many reviews from doctors who think that this is a game changer for TT patients as it reduces pain dramatically for the first few days and therefore leads to less usage of opioids, which has many side effects including constipation( I think the postop depression might be related too). I also asked about drainless TT, he told me that he uses the quilting( used in the drainless TT to close spaces and prevent fluid pool-up),but to be cautious he will still give me one drainage bottle. That made me feel better. It was a quality appointment.
I bought a walker anticipating hunched-over walking patterns. My husband frowned and seemed to hard to believe that I would be using it. Oh well. I plan to use my recliner sofa as my recovery spot(didn’t know it would come handy one day :-)
I cannot believe that I’m getting so close to it!