33 Years Old - Mini TT with Lipo - Virgin Islands

Living in the Caribbean has its ups and downs but one constant is the beautiful water that entices all and provides ample opportunities for beach days, boat trips, and (you guessed it) bathing suits. After my first daughter, I compulsively exercised until I was in better shape than I was pre-pregnancy. With my second daughter, however, I didn't have the same time to devote to exercise and when diet and moderate exercise weren't cutting it, I decided PS was the way to go. I was looking into traveling stateside for lipo or even possibly the British Virgin Islands when a friend told me about the doctors that had started coming down to perform plastic surgery procedures. I was ecstatic and made a pre-op appointment almost immediately. Dr. Polynice was very nice and put me at ease. I expected the "red marker treatment" and it was nothing like that. In fact, I left feeling pretty good. He did suggest in addition to liposuction of the abs, flanks, and back, a mini tummy tuck would help get rid of the extra skin I have below my belly button. I left and reviewed my options. I researched. I read reviews. I studied my body in the mirror like I was preparing for a test and decided to do the mini TT with lipo. This Friday will make 2 weeks pre-op and while I am SO excited, I'm very anxious too. I'm not nervous about the procedure--no problem with needles, etc--but I pray the results are everything I am hoping for!

Thought I would share some photos like everyone else! I'm 5'3" and 135 pounds, give or take 3. :)

So it's been weighing heavily on me: how to tell my two girls what mommy is doing without giving them any kind of self esteem or body issues. I'm fortunate, I think, that my girls are young (8 and 3 years of age). They're both very active but I'm concerned the 8 YO might think, well if mommy wants a flat tummy then why don't I have one? Any suggestions on how to approach this with them? Surgery is one week from Friday!!