Mommy Update
- heidiwlogan
- Dec 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Rolling into my mid-forties, I have started feeling the effects of perimenopause (a blog detailing my journey will be coming). I started to notice that I began to have a belly that I could not get rid of no matter what I did. My diet didn't change, and I was always working out. Another one of the biggest changes was my skin’s elasticity. So, I decided that with everything my body has gone through with my pregnancies and the road ahead of menopause, I deserved a little help from modern medicine. After all..you don't get a medal at the end for going all natural your whole life.
I looked into non-invasive procedures and Air Sculpt (awake lipo), but both said that my abs had Diastasis recti (a condition that occurs when the two muscles that run down the middle of the stomach separate from pregnancy) and extra skin that would not retract enough once I did liposuction. A tummy tuck would be my best option for fixing my core. I was a little nervous, but when I saw a friend's result, my mind was made up to go for it.
When you decide to have a big procedure, there are many factors you have to think about. Who will be your surgeon, recovery time, and who will help you recover? I spoke with two surgeons who were referred to me by friends who had gone to them. I loved both but decided to go with Dr. Gehaan Dsouza (website link below). We met for a consultation, reviewed the options, and made a game plan. He is very patient because I went in and called him multiple times with questions before the surgery. I picked the surgery date for when the kids were out of school and at away camp for the week and when my FABULOUS cousin could come and take care of me during my first week of recovery. I purchased items that would help my body heal faster and needed garments (all listed below).
The day of surgery was very nerve-racking! I almost backed out multiple times. The hubby drove me and stayed the whole time. Dr. Desouza and I went over everything one more time. I was getting a full tummy tuck, back lipo, and high-profile breast augmentation. I met with the anesthesiologist and requested ketamine instead of propofol because it was a better choice and would help with post-surgery anxiety. Once we were all on the same page it was go time. I walked back to the room, had the nurses and doctor say a prayer with me and then I was out.
Once the surgery was over and I was ok, I headed home. The ride home was horrible. Everything hurt, and I felt like I was on fire. My husband and cousin Natasha got me to bed, and I slept for a long time. It is essential to have someone help you and be on top of your pain meds. I knew it would hurt, but I had no idea how bad it would be. And you will need a lot of help getting up and walking. The drains are painful and can become irritating to move.
A stool softener is a must. You do not want to have to push. One, it will hurt, and two, you do not want to chance to mess with it. I had to use a suppository to go the first time. It helped a lot. Try to drink lots of water, and if you can, have someone come to the house and give you an IV with fluids with recommended add-ons which will help you heal faster ( I hired Blissfusion in Encinitas). I also had a lymphatic massage therapist who has a specialty in post-surgery come over a week out and then weekly for at least 4 weeks to get the inflammation down. I booked these months before to make sure they were available.
Make yourself move more than you think you have to. Motion is lotion for your body. I did not and ended up getting blood clots in my lungs. If you cough up any blood, no matter what size, or have pain in your back when you are sitting back, call your doctor! I thought I was doing everything right and I still ended up getting them. I was in the hospital for 3 days and then on blood thinners for 3 months. They have cleared up and I am currently off blood thinners.
For every month milestone you achieve, your body will heal more and more. I am six months out now and am feeling great. I still have inflammation in my lower abs above the incision. But I am very happy with the results. Dr. Desouza said that when he went to fix my diastasis my abs were shredded. I would have never been able to fix it on my own. If you are thinking about having a “Mommy Update” I would say go for it….YOU deserve it!!!!
Iconic Plastic Surgery
Blissfusion (Home IV)
Sage Health (Massage)
Compression Boots
Spanx
Bras
Scare Ointment
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