Mini-TT/BABL/lipo - 7 months PO- not all procedures run smoothly - :( pictures added

This site is fabulous! I have been reading the many posts on this site for over two months now and they have really helped me so far!. So much so that I feel it is time that I start posting about my journey now so maybe it will help someone else.

A little information about me - I am 45 years old with no small children left in the house- my son went to college last year. I have been raising kids since I was 22 years old - so I am done..no more for me! I am 5'6" and currently 135 my weight has been fairly stable for the last 10 yrs 130-135 (after losing 40 pounds). I go to the gym regularly but was never able to achieve my pre-pregnancy waistline. The thing that irritates me the most is bulge under the belly button. Even at my thinnest there was always that darn "pooch" or muffin top. Well, now that everyone else has been taken care of, I figured it was my turn!

I finally made a phone call for a consult appointment which took THREE MONTHS! I waited patiently for the appointment thinking I would only need a mini-tuck or lipo and ask about putting gel implant in to replace my old saline. The doctor was very nice but said one thing during the consult and then the patient coordinator said another when it came time to talk money. Ultimately the coordinator told me full TT, Lipo of hips and thighs, BL and BA. A lot more than I thought I needed but heck they know more than I do right?

I had seen this surgeon's work and had MANY referrals from satisfied patients so after discussing with husband I gave a deposit and chose a date - another THREE months out! Since giving the deposit both my husband and I have questioned the need for the large verticle scar for the BA/BL (as well as the TT scar but I already have a c-section scar so whats the big difference- really?). So I made an appointment with another Dr. in Boca Raton Dr Becker for a second opinion. Will post more on that tomorrow when I get back.

I will try to continue to post more - this has been a real roller coaster already and I haven't done anything yet. I keep going back and forth in my mind - On one hand I feel that I am being silly at this age to go through all of this. I don't look "that bad for my age". Then the beach pictures come out and I feel like I want it done tomorrow! Thanks to everyone on here (especially Mel) for keeping me grounded.