52, 2 9+ Lb Babies, a C-section and Hysterectomy and Time for ME - Winston Salem, NC

Both of my grown children weighed in at over 9 lbs, with my second nearly at 10 and a c-section to boot. When he was 2 I had a laproscopic hysterectomy, which resulted in a bad scar and a tuck on one side of my already stretched out abdomen. About three years ago as part of a major lifestyle change, I went from a size 11 to a size 4/5, but the stretched skin has never gone away. I hate doing exercises like PiYo or Yoga and looking down at my downward facing dog stomach or seeing that bulge that will never go away, despite the fact that I otherwise look good in my exercise spandex. So when I had an appointment with a plastic surgeon/dermatologist earlier this month for a skin cancer screening (all clear), I asked about a tuck to take away the extra skin. I was delighted to learn that it would be within my budget and under local anesthesia. After spending the weekend watching YouTube videos and researching the procedure, I called this week for the earliest surgery date available. I can't wait! Will get some pictures to add soon.

Drug my camera to my full length mirror. This is what I'm hoping to get rid of. I don't mind if I still have a bit of tummy, but the loose skin and drapes and tucks. I don't want to look at that the rest of my life.

I had my consultation with the nurse who did measurements and gave me the preop and post op info last week. Now I'm simultaneously excited and nervous. She said the anesthesia used is tumescent, which is fluid beneath the skin so there will initially be a lot of drainage from that and I could have a drain, which I was hoping to avoid. My quote includes some lipo to even things out as needed, but she said I probably won't have much due to my size being fairly lean already. Although I've heard my doctor is very abrupt and not the best at bedside manner, his staff has been wonderful. I've also heard he is very good at what only he can do. Because I'm having surgery on a Friday my paperwork also includes his cell phone in case I have issues over the weekend, so that's comforting. Ten days and counting.