45 Year old, 4 Kids. Hoping to Look Like Me Again - Winston Salem, NC

So I have been considering doing this since last summer but couldn't muster the courage till now. Have had several consultations but finally made a decision to go 1 hour out of town to Winston Salem. Have had my consultation, paid my deposit and finally picked a date. April 12th is the D day. Back in college and until 10 years ago, I was known for my shapely figure especially my slim waist. But sadly, that is now all gone. Have gained quite some weight the past 2 years and now at my heaviest. I aim to lose some weight and get fitter before surgery. Let the count down begin!

Still reviewing my plans to have this tummy tuck. I am sure i want to improve my appearance and the tummy tuck is easily affordable and will be a somewhat permanent solution. ..... but I sometimes wonder if I am also being too vain In wanting to get it.

When I manage to lose weight, my shape is not too bad although the saging skin on my lower belly and the stretch marks remain.... right now I am at my heaviest and was just looking at my body... even now at this weight I do not look so terrible. ....

Should I just get Lipo to my waist and back and abdomen? The destroyed skin on my lower abdomen from stretching skin during my 4 pregnancis do not bother me that much. I consider them battle scars but for a great cause. This body has carried 4 beautiful babies! My hubby does not seem to mind. And I am not one to ever consider wearing a bikini.

But on the other hand I also feel since I am fixing things to do a good job. Not sure how much change just Lipo will make. But lipo ( i believe) comes with less risks and less downtime...Any opinions are very welcome. Thanks

I am finding this wait so distracting. Just want to get this over and done with so I can move on. All I do these days is read reviews on RS and check out post op pictures. Then I stand in front of a mirror and try to imagine what I will look like post op :). Which I could get my Dr to do it now but I am only Nicotine free 3 weeks now. Will still try to move my date to Easter.