41, 2 C Sections, Working Mom Needing my Body Back. West Des Moines, IA

I have thought about a Tummy Tuck for more than five years as my youngest is 8 now. I have 2 babies both 9 lbs C section births and I feel like I still look pregnant. I also worked out consistently the past year and am down 9 percent body fat and have realized no matter what I do my gut is going to look like this to some degree. We are finally in a position to afford it and I did two consults and choose my PS based on qualifications, the consult and his approach to combine my TT with lipo of my flanks, hips and inner thighs.

Started buying supplies this week to spread out the expense and trying to figure out organization.

I don't feel like my husband is grasping how down I'm going to be. I feel like there is so much to do given the Holidays and my work demands and not enough time. But I guess I'm going to have to learn to let it go....

I find myself stopping in mirrors and trying to imagine what I will look like post surgery and feeling giddy. Also pulling out two bikinis I never thought I would wear in public as a scar guide.

I am not sure what to expect at my pre op appointment on Nov 24th but I did request the PS be there to discuss a few concerns I have after spending more time on here and his website.

I did send a list of questions last week to the care coordinator and she was very responsive so I think I will email her on agenda for pre op as well.

Feeling anxious.

'Twas the night before my tummy tuck, when all through the house
my mind was a stirring, could not stop the doubts.
The supplies are laid out next to my bed with care,
in hopes that a smooth recovery soon would be there.

I was nestled all snug in my bed,
while visions of the flat side danced in my head.
And taking my arnica, and washing my hair,
can't settle down with worry of what will be bared.

When out on the bathroom there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed wondering what else would be the matter.
Away to the medicine cabinet I flew like a flash,
tore open the prescriptions, to check my pain meds stash.

The camera phone came out to take in one last show,
gave the lustre of hanging skin below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a bikini I had not worn in years.

With a trusted doctor, who I consulted and researched with glee,
I knew in a moment it was the plastic surgeon for me.
The credentials and manner I needed, it really was luck,
and he pointed and explained where he would nip and tuck.

"No loose skin! No stretch marks!
No, overhang and apron!
On, lipo for flanks!
And hips for good measure!
To the flat side!
To the thinner me!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all doubts!"