Tummy Tuck for Diastasis Recti

I am beyond ready to shred my potato-looking body, and upgrade to a torso I don’t strive to keep hidden!
I have two young kiddos (1 & 4) and I feel like a stranger in my body. I have a fairly large separation with Diastasis Recti, horrible back pain, bloating after being on my feet all day, and skin that folds like fresh laundry. It’s time to do something for me.

I’ve already chosen my surgeon, as I’ve had a procedure with him in the past and loved working with him.
I was so nervous going in, I had to run to the bathroom twice at the office thinking I was going to throw up. I have no idea why I’m so nervous.
Partially all of the fluorescent lights staring at my flaws, and partially thinking about how awful my recovery might be with 2 little ones at home. Totally freaking out.
But after I met with him I felt better again.
Because I have a lot of skin that folds over, even on my hips, my scar will be fairly long- “Full Extended”
I’m hoping my scar can be as low as possible.
Also adding lipo to the flanks.
I currently weigh 175, I’m 5’3”, and have two kids (1 & 4).
I didn’t gain a ton of weight during my pregnancies (more in between pregnancies) but my muscles and skin really took a toll.
I’m nervous and anxious and just want to feel put back together already.
Because of the diastasis, my back KILLS all the time. I can’t give the kids a bath without icing my back afterwards, I cant carry my kids around because my low back starts to spasm, and by the end of the day, I look 6 months pregnant because of the way my abs muscles give out. I’ve seen a functional chiropractor and a women’s physical therapist to try to close the diastasis but it hasn’t done much good so far. Time to bring in the big guns, I guess.

This past week I had my consult with Dr. Nathan. The night before, my nerves hit again and I felt oddly emotional about the surgery. I keep going back and fourth between really nervous and getting excited. My contact at the office, Carol, was PHENOMENAL. She was incredibly informative and kind. I can’t say she left a single question unanswered, and she was very reassuring. Between her and Dr. Nathan, I spent almost 2 hours in the office. We took pre-op pics, and Carol went over absolutely everything, including drain instructions, blood thinner shot instructions, etc. All things I was a little overwhelmed about. But my husband also came along and sat in on everything, which also helps me feel a little more at ease knowing I’m not the only one who has to remember all of this.
The 7th of January can’t get here soon enough. Definitely ready to get it over with.

I also started my VitaMedica Probiotics and Clinical Support System vitamins! Hoping these will just keep everything how it needs to be, prior to surgery and recovery.