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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS

32yr old mom of 4, Tummy Tuck/Lipo/Breast Lift/Implants (350cc Smooth Round HP under muscle)

ORIGINAL POST

I am a 32 year old mother of four boys. I am 5'7"...

WORTH IT$20,000
I am a 32 year old mother of four boys. I am 5'7" and 140lbs. I had my boys all very close together... when I gave birth to my youngest son, my eldest was only 4 years old... So my body didn't get much recovery time between pregnancies. Also, MAN my boobs got huge when breastfeeding!! Bigger with each child... which was nice, until all the breastfeeding was done. Whomp Whomp!! Deflated balloons, much?!
My weight fluctuated between my last pregnancy and now (almost 7 years)... but no matter what I weigh, my stomach is never flat, and never will be. When I eat even a small meal, I look about 5 months pregnant. When I sit down, my belly flops over my pants.... I'm just constantly aware of it and it has driven me nuts for the last decade. I know that my stretch marks will never go away... but to have the extra skin removed? Hallelujah! Yes Please!!!!!
I have been going HARD at the gym for the last year-and-a-half and LOVE what it has done for my body... Nothing will get you results like moving heavy weights. I feel confident in my decision to have surgery knowing that I have done what I can in terms of health and fitness.
I'm scheduled to have a Mommy Makeover on July 14th and am super anxious about it. I waver between feeling confident about it, and worrying that it's all a big mistake... Not because of the procedure(s) itself, but because I am terrified that I'll die during surgery or post-op :/ I know it's pretty irrational... but not impossible.
Anyways, I'm going to try to post before photos. I have covered up tattoos and nipples/privates... Not sure if I wanna show the full monty online!!
I am getting a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, a breast lift, and breast implants. I believe my surgeon will also perform liposuction anywhere he thinks will make the overall results better.
I am SO SO SO SO glad that I found this online community... I have been obsessively reading about others' recoveries and surgery results.

4BoysAndTheBodyShowedIt's provider

Eric Pugash, MD

Eric Pugash, MD

Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 217 Reviews
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Replies (11)

July 5, 2015
Good luck !
I am planning on having similar surgery in September in Burlington Ontario.
We appear to have somewhat similar body types ( I am 5'9" and 150lbs). Most people on this site are short so looking forward to seeing your results!
I am considering getting a recliner for recovery. Let me know if you think it is worth it.
Take care!
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July 5, 2015
I know, I've had a hard time finding comparable body stats, too. I'm not planning on getting a recliner, but will definitely keep posting about what is/was helpful! I already own a couple wedge pillows ;) So will be putting those to a different use during recovery. Hopefully with those and regular pillows, I can work out a comfortable situation!!
I am thinking of getting a chair/stool for the shower... Some people seem to have found that super helpful.
July 5, 2015
I'm going to be following you. I'm 5'6" and 145 and had and nursed 5 children over the course of 8 years. Our bodies are very similar. Thanks for posting your photos!
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July 5, 2015
No problem -- I'll do my best to keep updating throughout my recovery!
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July 6, 2015
Good luck I'm about a week after you so I'll be following you ;) I'm also obsessed with real self!
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July 6, 2015
Thanks!! I just read your story and it is SO similar to mine!! Will be following you as well :)
July 8, 2015
I got a breast lift with implants because I was self-conscious about how my post breastfeeding boobs were so wrinkly & deflated (3 kids each nursed for average 18 mos.) and I wish I'd listened to my boyfriend and saved myself money and pain. He said that I should wear them proudly because they are the by-product of nurturing my 3 awesome kids. I'm 3.5 mos. post op and my boobs burn constantly to the point that I only sleep for about 3 hours each night which is taking a toll. I'm now considering getting the implants removed which is another surgery, more $, probably will not look as good if I'd just loved my natural lil boobies, and there's no guarantee the burning pain will go away either.
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July 8, 2015
That's awful, I'm sorry to hear that you're goi g through that :( Jave you talked to your PS or even your regular doctor about the burning sensation? I've never heard of that and it doesn't sound right - I would definitely be seeking help whether I was planning on having the impants removed or not.
I'm gonna go have a look at your profile :)
July 8, 2015
I have talked to my PS (he says nerve regrowth but I have felt that too and that's more of a sharp pang that doesn't last long - this burning is different) and I've consulted with a couple other docs one of whom thinks it may be the pressure of the implants under my muscles causing the burning. Other things to consider about implants though that I hadn't thought of include - how weird it is to give hugs, the weight / pressure of the implants on top of your chest especially when laying on your back, feels like a heavy bra I can't take off, and if you work out which it sounds like you do...how weird it feels to use your pec muscles since they are cut / released from your ribs below your sternum....these are all things I wish I'd read about before going through with it so just passing it on so you are aware.
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July 8, 2015
Thank you. I appreciate the concern. I am actually a pretty anxious person to begin with, so I definitely don't take the decision to go under the knife lightly. I actually really MISS the feeling of a full bust... I don't feel like myself at all with the deflated chest I have. I don't think the weight of implants will bother me. And I purposely choosin. A smaller sized implant because I don't want to feel restricted during workouts. One of my trainers has sizable implants and on a smaller frame than mine - hers are 500cc and she's about 5'3"... I'm 5'7" and am getting 350cc implants. My frame really carries larger breasts well.. In fact, it's been a huge point of frustration for me when bra shopping in the past because when I'd get asked which size I'm looking for and told them, they would look at me like I was ridiculous and insist that they measure me for size.... Sure enough, each time they end up apologizing for being wrong.
Anyways, all that to say that I truly appreciate your concern. I think it's good to gently question people on such a major decision... I can see myself taking a little while to get used to having the implants in, for sure, because I have Invisalign and even getting used to having the trays in my mouth was really hard for me - especially at night.
I really hope you are able to resolve your issues with your implants, whatever the resolution may be!! As long as you're happy with yourself at the end of it, then it's all good :)
July 15, 2015
How did it go?
9 days pre

Before photos taken 04/07/2015

So I know this is probably overkill... But I want to be able to REALLY compare my new body to my before body during post-op if I'm feeling regretful at any time. :)

Replies (9)

July 4, 2015
My breasts look the very same. I'm looking for a surgeon in DR. 12k is way too much money to me.
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July 4, 2015
I know, it's a lot :(
I've been mulling the whole surgery over seriously for 6 years and just could not get past the guilt I felt about the money. But we're finally in a position where we can do it and it won't take as log to pay it off... Traveling to get it done isn't an option for me, unfortunately.
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July 4, 2015
Won't take as *long*
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July 5, 2015
You have a cute body to start with and your results will look amazing. I wouldn't worry too much about spending this money on the procedures if you've already done the math and you are confident in your surgeon. This is one of those things you never go on the cheap. It is gonna suck during recovery but during that time I reflected on my own well being and changed to an overall healthier lifestyle. Good luck and congrats!
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July 5, 2015
Thank you!! I feel a lot less guilty about the money at this point because my husband is incredibly supportive. His most helpful point was that the sooner I get it done, the longer I get to enjoy my results, and so the better the money's worth :)
I am nervous about recovery.... I am really hoping that being in good shape beforehand will work to my advantage. I've been hearing and reading a lot that it makes a big difference in healing. Fingers crossed!
July 5, 2015
You have a great shape to start! your results are going to be amazing!
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July 5, 2015
Thanks so much, the encouragement on here is so uplifting!!!
July 6, 2015
Glad you are finding help here like so many others! I'll be following ya!
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May 3, 2016
I am planning on having a mommy makeover this fall. Want to lose 10 pounds- hoping I end up looking like your before pics before the surgery
7 days pre

Post-op suggestions/tips???

Hi all!
So I'm trying to make sure I have everything I may need during this last week before surgery. I have all of my prescriptions filled and have gone over dosage info with my hubby aka male nurse.
The things I'm curious about are shower stool, toilet riser, and recliner.
If the shower stool and toilet riser are cheap enough, I'll buy them for sure....
I'm really curious about the recliner thing. Would sleeping with my legs elevated have the same effect? I have two large wedges, so I was thinking that if I layer them on top of each other and make a huge rectangle/cube, that might be a good option for sleeping on my back???
What do those of you with experience think?
I really have no idea what it costs to rent a recliner here (I'm in Canada).

Replies (13)

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July 7, 2015

Thanks for sharing your questions. I hope you find any support you need in this community. 

July 8, 2015
You really don't need the recliner, just make sure you have enough pillows. Also you'll need alcohol wipes to help with the itching because it's gets ugly after a few days of the surgery lol
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July 8, 2015
Thank you very much! I will grab some alcohol wipes then.
July 8, 2015
Good! I hope everything goes well with your surgery :)
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July 8, 2015
I am hiring a 24 hour nurse for the day after surgery to help at home. She told me, in her experience, the bed is much better! She suggested a back pillow with arm rests and a leg wedge pillow. I think you can get away without a toilet riser, but you might consider the GoGirl female urinal (about $7 on amazon). If you don't have a seat in your shower, the stool would be nice. One thing I decided to buy is a walker ($35 on amazon). I really want to be up and mobile asap, and I think that will help. Good luck, you are getting close!
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July 8, 2015
Thank you, I had forgotten to mention the toilet riser as well! Wondered if that was worth buying. I have a feeling that I'll be okay getting on and off the toilet.
I'll have tons of help from my hubby because the kids are doing an all-day summer camp Mon-Fri next week! Worked out perfectly!!!
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July 9, 2015
That's great they will be away during the day so you can get your rest! I'm having mine stay with my mom the first night so they don't see me get home. That way I can rest up and get settled a bit before they come home.
July 8, 2015
I am considering the recliner. If my doctor thinks it necessary I will likely get one from Costco. If I love it, I keep it, if not, they have a great return policy.
Hopefully you can relax and look forward to the results! By the time I am in your shoes in the fall you will be looking and feeling great!
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July 8, 2015
Thank you :)
What a great idea!!! Costco does have the best return policy... The stories I've heard from people about the crazy stuff they'll accept back are insane :) Maybe I'll have a look at what they've got since I'll be heading there later today anyhow.
July 8, 2015
Hi, I'm 13 day post-op (mommy makeover - extended TT w/ lipo) and of everything you listed, the only thing that was a must for me was the recliner. My doctor hadn't said I needed one but when I got home after surgery there was just no way I was able to get comfortable on the bed with a bunch of pillows... It didn't give my back enough support and was too hard on my butt (I had some lipo on my upper butt, flank area). It happens that I only have a reclining rocking type chair with separate foot stool but we made it work by pulling the foot stool really close and putting pillows under my knees. I only started sleeping in the bed again a couple of nights ago. Hope that helps :)
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July 8, 2015
Thank you!
So do you think the majority of the discomfort on your bed was because of the lipo tenderness? I won't have any bruising or anything on my back , any lipo he does will be on the front of my torso. Or was it a combo of the lipo and just general discomfort from the whole process?
Thanks so much for your input!!
July 9, 2015
No problem!
A lot of the discomfort was the lipo area but about half of it had to do with the fact that it was much harder to get in and out of the bed and adjust myself than in the recliner and also that the pillows just didn't provide the support my lower back needed and I would start aching a few minutes after I would lay in bed. I think I could have done without the recliner had I had a foam wedge (something like this maybe: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deluxe-Comfort-Bed-Wedge-Pillow/15399131).
This is just my option but you seem pretty athletic and probably have good core and leg strength so I think you would be ok without the toilet riser and shower stool. I didn't have them and I had a bit of muscle repair on top of that so you should be fine :) By the time you take your shower which for me was at 8 days post-op (as I had to wait for the drain to be out) you will have much more energy. Good luck!! I'll be looking out for your updates.
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July 9, 2015
Thanks again!!