Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift, Post Five Children, Journey of Self Love - West Bloomfield, MI

I have always had a 'tummy', a little pooch...since I was 13. Otherwise, I was tall and slender. I was chastised by my mother for any weight gain and fought it like demons throughout my teens. In retrospect, I was very attractive, fit and healthy looking, but there was some 'warp' psychologically to my belly. I wore a bikini occasionally and always felt ashamed of my little pooch.

Five kids later, ranging from 8lb 6oz to 10lb12oz(ouch), I have been left with a belly, stretch marks, a "double butt"(the line running from my belly button south a couple of inches, which makes my tummy look like a bum). I also became single two and a half years ago, after an almost 27 year marriage. I began to date and finally fell in love with Mr. Wonderful(buff, 9 years younger) which required INTIMACY( read: getting naked with someone 'new' after a lifetime of someone else) GASP, so...my sensibilities to my own body have been very discriminating. Alas, Mr. Wonderful LOVES and cherishes every inch of me and has suggested that my mommy makeover is NOT necessary. I am going forward, tough, as this decision however anxiety provoking, is for me and about me. But it was a journey of self-acceptance and of baring myself to someone else, which is certainly a new and daunting experience!

Boobies-well, I have only ever been a DD while nursing. When I am average weight, I am a small C, heavier a full C. I like my boobies and was not even certain that I wanted a lift. They are a nice 'handful', round and full enough, look great in a bra, not bad in a bathing suit, but that aging sag that they do isn't as appealing as the thought of being a bit more perky. My doctor provided good information and I scheduled a lift as well. After seeing the myriad of before and after lift pics, I think it's a good decision for me. I am convinced I do not want implants, although he discussed that option. I am very active and don't know if I want larger breasts.

I am now counting down the days(less than a month), picking up recommended 'post-surgery' products, scheduling hair appointments, organizing some things that I won't be able to do for a couple of weeks post. My foot surgery in late November left me NOT walking for four weeks(well, hopping on one foot to the bathroom), so for me, an energizer bunny, being down any amount of time is a killer to my psyche. But with my youngest children gone for spring break with their father, and my daughter(a new mommy) still at home with baby girl and willing to nurse me to health, this is likely my only opportunity to have this done and to recover as needed.

I am a tennis NUT, play five times weekly, so the last three months sans tennis have been a challenge. It is my happy place, and now with this surgery, it will be a little while until I can resume playing. It is intrinsic to think of others, as women and as moms, we do this. This decision we choose for ourselves, to have these procedures, is a BIG DEAL for most of us. I am not afraid, just anxious about those first couple of post-op recovery days. I don't sit still well, and I don't like being waited on, don't watch tv, so it's going to be an interesting two weeks post surgery! :)

I hope to encourage anyone considering a procedure. I am not vain, nor will flaunt my new bod(maybe I will?) lol. I have a healthy sense of self, I like "me" inside and out, but this is truly something I feel will make me happy and more comfortable in my clothes, from a fashion standpoint.) As women, making these decisions and choices for ourselves often feels selfish, but I have grown to realize that taking care of US makes us healthier, happier people. :) A lot of emotional consideration goes into a decision like this-I am grateful to have found this forum pre-surgery, where I can be prepared, informed and share with others. Thanks everyone!

I am battling a scratchy throat and some congestion, taking antibiotics, which makes me nervous. I am packing my youngest two for their spring break vacation with their father, and making sure that the Easter Bunny is ready. I'm not feeling anxious as much as obsessively thinking about the surgery. I am a poor eater post-op, so purchased things yesterday for recovery. I don't really think about the results right now, as much as the pain and suffering to get there.

My wonderful boyfriend of a year+ is taking me, and spending the night with me in the hospital. It will absolutely be a new level of intimacy for us.

I wear Invisalign braces, and contact lens, and stress about forgetting to resume wearing them.

Overall, I am as ready as I can be, and trying to not feel afraid. It helps that I had foot surgery in November and easily recall my hospital stay, my struggles with recovery(read: sitting still for weeks).

Will post before pics later. Good luck to everyone.

A couple of photos. I was more fit until a November, 2015 foot surgery. During good health, I play tennis 4-5 times weekly. It's my passion! Can't wait to recover and play again! Right book slightly droopier than left due to breastfeeding baby #5 solely on right breast due to issues with left breast. I am a 38C, on the small side, but fill my bras out generally, and did not want implants due to my high activity level. I look forward to some "perk" after five babies!