emily'smommymakeover

Since starting my blog, I've had some friends asking me, "Why?" Why do I want to go through the pain and effort of plastic surgery? Why a mommy makeover? Is a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation that important? And while I appreciate all the comments like, "Emily, you don't need any work. You look great." I respectfully disagree. The truth is, clothes do a great job of hiding the damage that having kids caused. A good push-up bra from Victoria Secret goes a long way towards putting the perk back in the girls. So only my husband and I ever see the results of breast-feeding two kids.

The truth is, I indulged a little when I was pregnant the first time. I felt it was my time to eat anything I wanted and took advantage of the opportunity to drink cherry limeades and eat fast food as much as I wanted. Of course I was going to lose the weight after the pregnancy. Right? I had never had a weight problem in my life. So what if my doctor said I was gaining too much weight. (I gained 70 pounds, by the way.) Of course, things don't always go the way you expect them to. After being in labor for nearly 20 hours, I was wheeled into the operating room for a C-section. Oops. Didn't see that coming. As Chris Farley would say, "Son of a . . . That's gonna leave a mark!"

As for my tummy, well, you can see the pictures. Maybe it surprises you. Maybe you've never seen a woman with "elephant skin" hanging out over her underwear. Clearly, it's not something that most women flaunt, as it surely isn't very attractive. Let me be clear. I've tried to rid my body of this extra skin and fat. I've successfully used Weight Watchers to lose nearly all of the baby weight I gained during my pregnancies. Still, the elephant skin remains. I've exercised – specifically targeting my abs and lower stomach. Still it remains. I can only imagine it's similar to the person who has gone through gastrointestinal surgery or had a LAP BAND: Laparoscopic Obesity Procedure. My skin will simply not shrink back into place. I cannot get rid of it and frankly, it's embarrassing. I miss my pre-kids, athletic figure and I want it back. I want to be able to wear a swimsuit without having to hold a towel in front of my body or put on something sexy for my husband and actually FEEL sexy while wearing it.

Is it worth the time, money and pain? According to every woman I've talked to who has had it done, unquestionably, "YES." I guess for me, only time will tell. Of course, after time tells, I'll tell you guys – right here on my blog. :)

PS: I tried Spanx and other similar products, but I was disappointed with the results.

Comment by Dawn:
Makes perfect sense to me!!

Comment by Em's Mom:
Well, I've watched my daughter for her whole life. She is truly one of the most beautiful women I know. Sometimes this amazes me since I helped produce this wonder girl. Emily, your beauty is evident to anyone who sees you. Those of us who know you, also see the beauty within. I have never seen you back down from anything. I've watched you do almost everything you have really really wanted to do, because you have put in the work to make it happen. I have seen you do things that I would never have imagined you even wanted to do. Pitch a tent? Do I think you need this makeover? No. Do I think you deserve this makeover? Oh Yes! I have, as you know, made myself over this year also and I have never been happier with me. You deserve to do whatever you want to continue to have the personal strength and courage to lead life to the very fullest. Thanks for the grandkids! Thanks for being you. Mom

Comment by Shannon:
I had a tummy tuck w/ lipo nine days ago. I feel great, I'm thrilled with the results, and I wish I had done it sooner. I had breast implants last January and they were a breeze. I wish I had had both procedures done at the same time, but was led to believe that a TT has a long recovery period. I had a pain pump for four days with both procedures and I know that helped a lot. But with my TT/lipo on Sept 24, I quit taking pain meds after three days. I was only a size 10 two weeks ago, but the belly hanging over, rolling over, sagging, I just couldn't take it anymore. Yesterday I put on a pair of jeans I wore the day before surgery, and they practically fell off! Keep us posted!