I never thought I would be the type of woman to undergo plastic surgery. I've never had a problem with people who do, I just have always been comfortable in my own skin. Then I gained a bunch of weight. Then I had two babies which included gaining about 60lbs with the first one. After babies, I committed to getting back into shape. With encouragement and support from Fit4Mom Stroller Strides and Body Back programs (now Body Well), I lost 50 lbs with good eating habits and exercise. I was still unhappy. I still had a long way to go to get to my goals and my progress was hindered. My breasts have always been huge. My knickname was S**** DD.....in the FIFTH grade! I've endured years of back pain. Pregnancy made my breasts even larger and losing weight did nothing to make them shrink. At the time of my surgery, I was a 38H! I've also always had "the family pooch." My grandma still had it in her 90's and I have joked for years that after kids I was having that sucker removed. Pregnancy made it a giant apron and no amount of exercise would ever fix that damaged skin and tissue.
First I decided to have a breast reduction. I was certain I could get my insurance to cover it. Since I was having a consultation anyway, I figured I would ask about a tummy tuck as well. Ultimately, I decided if I was ever going to do it, now would be the time. One surgery, one recovery. I also decided to have liposuction on my flanks at the last minute to make sure I was happy with the final look. I never felt pressured by my plastic surgeon to add more, and in fact, I had to ask about the lipo.
Surgery day came and went. I'm in the throws of recovery now, just six weeks post op. My body has rejected some of the stitches and I have open wounds on my stomach. I'll heal just fine with help from my surgeon and wound care, it's just taking extra time. I'm starting to feel human again, day by day, I feel better and better.
I had two c-sections. I never thought they were a big deal. I didn't need narcotics during recovery and I was up and walking the same day after both. The mommy makeover is no joke. I needed a TON of help. I needed more help than I have ever needed for anything. I needed more help than I was comfortable asking for or accepting. I'm in awe of women who do this completely alone. I had my mom and cousins help me for the first few weeks and I couldn't have done it without them.
