Here We Go!!! - West Des Moines, IA

I am three weeks away from what I am calling my "overhaul." I am scheduled to have what is called the mommy makeover: breast lift/augmentation, full abdominoplasty, and lipo on inner and outer thighs. Contrary to the title of the procedure, I can't blame the state of my body on children:) I was a chubby kid and overweight my whole life. In my late 20s I committed to a healthier lifestyle (healthy food and kickboxing) and have lost over 70 lbs. I will never be skinny and I am comfortable being a healthy, full-figured woman but I am very self conscious about my deflated breasts and hanging "apron" stomach. I think I have realistic expectations but I have never had any surgery so I don't know how I will handle the pain and mobility restrictions. I have dreamed of having this surgery for years. I have done a lot of research and RealSelf has been a great resource so I decided to share my thoughts and experiences. I hope to help others and take advantage of the support and advice this community can offer.

I had my final pre-op visit with my PS about 2 weeks ago. I arrived early for my 1:30 appointment. The lady at the desk warned me it might be a long wait because the Dr had a couple of emergencies and was running behind schedule. I brought my mom along on this visit to help me decide how big I wanted to go on the implant. I have read other reviews of Dr. Cherney complaining about the wait times in his office. I have worked in medicine and understand how things bog down the schedule. As long as a doctor is generous with me in my appointment, I can tolerate having to wait my turn.
I only waited about 15 minutes before they took me back to the room. Dr. Cherney spent over 40 minutes answering my and my mom's questions (I am a bit of a control freak and he was very patient). The doctor left the room when the nurse helped me try on various sizers to get an idea of how big I should go. During my first consultation, I was undecided between 550cc and 650cc and I wanted to show my mom and get her opinion. Two nurses, the doctor and even my mother said I would be disappointed if I went with the smaller. I am 6'0" tall with broad shoulders and I want be a full D or small DD. I told the doctor I don't want "Dolly Parton" or "[RS bleep]" boobs. He assured me the 650 would be proportional to my frame. One thing I was also worried about was if the implants would feel overly hard. My nurse called in a fellow nurse and told her "Let her feel your breasts". The nurse promptly lifted her shirt and insisted I feel her breasts. That was a first! She had saline implants over 10 years before and they felt firm but not hard. A third nurse came in and insisted I feel what her gel implants are like. She had her breasts done about 6 months prior and they felt very natural. I call this going over and above in patient care! Before we left, the nurse asked if we would like a tour of the surgery suite so she showed me where the magic will happen. The nurses and office staff were all very warm and generous with their time. I felt like the doctor and his nurses get along very well and there appears to be friendship and respect between the doctor and his team. It's comforting to feel like I am in good hands.

I wonder how many people chicken out. Over the last week, I have occasionally had moments of panic where I ask myself “Do you really want to do this? What if your boobs are too big? What if your scars are horrible?” I have to stop, take a deep breath and remind myself that I have seen the doctor’s work and have to trust that he will do his very best and leave the rest in God’s hands.
With that being said, I am in overdrive trying to take care of all the things I can control in this situation. My recliner, toilet riser, and walker are all in place. My mom is on her way here. I have healthy food options in the fridge and I am picking up my prescriptions from the pharmacy this afternoon. Checking things off my “TO DO” list is giving me a bit of relief from the anxiety of the unknown.