emily'smommymakeover

My mommy makeover takes place in ten days. Wow. I have had several random thoughts lately, so I thought I would take the opportunity to share them here on the blog.

• I have been watching this series on TV called "Plastic Surgery – Before and After" on the Discovery Channel. I see some of these procedures and I get inspired. I also see some and I am in shock. It's the emotional side of the stories that I find interesting. These people seem so changed after their surgery in a way that is much more than physical. I can't predict how I will be changed emotionally, but I'm looking forward to it.

One of the episodes featured a woman who finally decided to have a breast reduction. She was reduced from a size 42 III (No that's not a roman numeral or a typo. That's triple I.) to a 40 EE (or something like that). I remember thinking that her "after" photos looked like most of the "before" photos of other women who had gotten reduced. But she was very concerned about reducing her breasts too much because her husband was a "boob man" and she didn't want to let him down. Really? Of course, I see these cases and have to remember they are extreme. They are not the average norm.

• Maybe it's like when you get a new car and start seeing that car everywhere you go, because it seems that plastic surgery is everywhere these days. I've had several women admit to having plastic surgery and even more tell me that they want it someday. It's all over television, and it's becoming very acceptable and common place. So, why am I still nervous? I think it's the idea of the surgery itself. It may be the recovery. Or how about this – how will it affect my relationship with those ten little 4th grade cub scout boys that see me every other week?

Okay, I'm sure that my mind is just racing. Surely that's normal for anyone who is about to have surgery of any kind in ten days, right?

• I did talk about it with some of my co-workers this week. No big deal. They were gracious and said "you don't need it". Thanks, but I want it.
• This morning, I put my jeans on. You know, the kind that have the "tummy control", and I thought "flat tummy, I haven't seen that in the new millennium."

• Bras – I see some cute ones and want to buy them. But I can't. I don't know what size to buy! In ten days I will be totally different. I sure hope there is a sale!

I know this is random. But that's really probably the best way to share how I'm feeling. These are the thoughts that I'm having. Surgery. Flat tummy. Ten-year-olds. Co-workers. Bras. Plastic Surgery. If we could open my head and see what's in there, it would be a mess.

Oh, one more thing I've been thinking a lot about is this – I can't wait to post my "after" pictures! :)

Comment by Cara:
Hang in there! The main person who will notice is YOU, the only one that matters (and David, of course)!

Your same sweet personality will be the main thing that comes across to other people first, more so than your outward beauty.

You may have a few rough weeks in the beginning, recovering, but that will likely melt away and you'll be left with the joys of your decision. I am praying you enjoy the whole experience, start to finish, and that you come through better than you even hope, in feeling and appearance. I know it's weird, but I always think of surgery as a day at the spa. I don't have to DO anything, and I will feel great with the drugs and anesthesia and such. I wake up to being taken care of, and then I go home for necessary couch-rest, being waited on for a day. : ) I just had surgery in Aug. It was delightful. Recovery was a bit uncomfortable, but only for a few days.

Comment by Marlene:
Emily, there's a saying about money ... it says that when a person gets a lot more money, it just magnifies more of who they were in the first place.

I imagine the same will be true with your surgery ... it's just going to amplify more of who you've been all along, and from my experiences with you, it's ALL GOOD.

Remember, enjoy the journey ... and I Hope You Dance

Comment by Alice:
Emily,
You don't know me, but I really had to leave a message on here to let you know how awesome I think it is that you are posting your journey for everyone to see. I got your web page from Dr Hynes' office when I set up my appointment. It took me a while to actually look at your page but, Wow, I am glad I did.

The first thing that caught my eye and made me feel connected to you is the fact that you scheduled your surgery on October 6, 2009. I saw that and thought, wow my consultation is on October 7, 2009! It is almost like your journey will be ending and mine will be beginning!
If you don't mind, I would like to share with you my story. I am a 29yr old mother of 3 that really wants with every passion in my bones to
get a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I have extreme stretch marks from my belly button down on my stomach and my breast have well... to put it mildly... have deflated from breast feeding.

Let me tell you a little about my journey. I had my oldest daughter very young. I was only 16 when I had her. I was raped when I was 15 yrs old by a gang of guys that I didn't know. But I have a beautiful daughter that is now 12 yrs old. Well, needless to say, when you have a kid when you are a kid, your body is not ready and mine definitely was not. I have not worn a bikini since I was 15 yrs old or felt comfortable in my skin for even one day in my life since this happened because my body went through a dramatic stretch that is impossible to be taken care of through exercise. I consider myself in good shape and I work out all of the time, but I can never show it off due these "kat scratches" on my stomach,.. ( that's what my daughter calls them: ) ).

I have been researching and thinking long and hard about this decision because of the money and the time away from work since I am a
single mom. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be a healing process for me. These men have stolen my virginity, my self- worth, my confidence and my innocence for so long, that it is time for me to regain me again.

I know that I am going to have to finance most of this surgery, but hopefully it is worth it and I am so grateful for you sharing your story and your experience. It is so nice to have this in common with someone, because others just can't understand how emotional this can be. I am super excited for you and I pray that your surgery goes well. Congratulations Emily!

God Bless you and your family!

Response by Emily:
Alice,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm glad I could be of help to you in a small way. You should know that you have helped me too – by validating my reasons for doing this blog. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey. Please feel free to add your stories and experiences here on the blog too.

Emily

Comment by Cara:
GO ALICE!!! GO EMILY!!! Prayers for you both!

Emily, tomorrow we are going to have our first procedure to attempt to conceive our first child. Big week for everyone!

Cara

Response by Emily:
Cara, that's wonderful. Prayers for you too! – Emily