43 Years Old, 2 Kids, I Got my Hourglass Shape - TT with MR - Ann Arbor, MI

I am 5'2" and 20 lbs over my ideal weight right now. When I was pregnant with my second, she dropped very early, so my abdomen from my belly button down was stretched more than I though was possible. I also swelled up towards the end just to top off all of the stretching. After the birth, I had complications for 6 weeks. I was diagnosed with fibroids, which turned out to be retained placenta, which caused hemorrhaging and very slow healing, as you can imagine. Aside from the fact that I'm lucky to still be alive, my ab muscles never healed properly. I tried all of the exercises and my core would not get stronger. I am active and have run lots of races, half marathons, finished the Tough Mudder, but I'm still slowed down and discouraged by my weak core muscles. Finally, I decided to do this for myself, for ME!

Here I am, 2 days until surgery. I have one bag packed with meds, one bag with scary looking, mummifying garments, and a weekend bag to stay with my friend and her family for the weekend after my surgery. My mom is coming to stay with me from day 3 until day 9. I really hope that I can return to some non-strenuous activity after then. I hope this isn't too optimistic.

My biggest concerns/paranoia right now are: long recovery time, passing out a lot (it happens automatically when I see my own blood), gaining weight while being inactive, getting weak from being inactive, and having any serious complications.

I will force myself to post before photos on here because so many of you brave ladies have done it. It's only fair.

I will see you on the flat side!

I'm on the flat side! Three hours after I entered the OR I woke up surprisingly alert. No major pain yet. I had a hard time staying bent over while walking so I keep my hands on my knees. I'm in a recliner and ready for a nap.

Here are my before photos taken this morning

Last night I was coughing quite a bit and will go in to make sure it's nothing serious since I have mild asthma.

I showered this morning and put on all of the garments (towel, spanks, compression band, hose). My friend helped with this. There is no way I could have done it by myself! I cut a hole in the crotch of the spanks do I can use the bathroom without undoing all of it.

Here is a before-shower snapshot. I will update after the check for my breathing.