26 year old scheduled for tummy tuck after major weight loss

I had consultations with several top doctors within my area (Sacramento). Every doctor I met with seemed very dismissive of me because of my age (26) and my consultations always felt rushed. While quality of work was of utmost importance to me, I also wanted a surgeon that treated me with respect. Abdominoplasty is a major surgery, and meeting surgeons that were flippant during the consultation stage did not give me any sort of confidence.

After reading stellar reviews, looking at every single before and after, researching the schools he attended and his certifications, and making sure there were no malpractice suits before the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners (yes, I'm thorough), I decided to have a consultation with Dr. Richards. I can honestly say his consultation was the first time I felt a doctor truly wanted to make sure all my concerns were addressed and that I wasn't just "another consultation." He was kind, funny, and engaged me in conversation. I knew immediately following our phone call that this was the doctor I would go with.

My surgery is schedule for April 19th, and I could not be more excited.

But who's counting? I'm a total mess of emotions right now. I'm both extremely excited and nervous. I'm exhausted from driving 9 hours to get here, but I have a feeling I won't get much sleep. For years I've been researching and readying myself for this surgery, so it almost doesn't seem real that it's actually happening. I had my pre-op appointment and everyone was so kind and attentive. I feel like I always have a million questions and they always get answered. Here's some pictures I took today. I'm so ready to get rid of my unsightly belly. I keep looking at crop tops and bikinis and just imagining what it'll be like to wear them with confidence.

Well I just had my tummy tuck surgery! Everything went smooth! I was so nervous going in but Dr. Richards and his staff did an amazing job of putting my fears to rest. It was such a positive experience and I'm so glad I chose the surgeon I did. And as far as pain goes, so far it's totally manageable. I was expecting it to be far worse. Not to say it doesn't hurt at all, but it's nothing I can't handle.