22nd May 2011: My first appointment with the plastic surgeon

Today I had my first appointment with a plastic surgeon. I felt really nervous on the way. My nerves lessened as soon as I saw the specialist as he took another patient in. Phew…. He looked lovely, friendly and down to earth.

When it was my turn, we first had a chat about why I wanted a tummy tuck, what the procedure involves and he showed me some photos of tummy tucks that he had done. Then the doctor looked at my tummy. The funny thing is that after 5 years of hating my tummy, this was the first time that a doctor had ever looked at it and given me real advise. Well, I am still feeling shocked by what he said. Firstly I felt really proud that he said that I was in good shape and obviously looked after myself. Who doesn’t like a compliment? The not so good news was that my abdominal muscles are quite separated and damaged; also that I have two hernias- one quite bad. No wonder I don’t feel very strong and can’t lift things up. So not only does my stomach look bad but it is not normal!

Hernias can cause quite severe medical problems and tend to get worst over time. There is no way that I want to be having hernia problems later on in life when I can fix it now while I am relatively young and healthy.

The doctor said that he wouldn’t let me book for the procedure today; I had to go home and think about it. However now I am surer than ever that I want to get this done; even if it means getting a loan to cover the cost.

Tonight I spoke to my husband about all the finer details. He agreed that I should go ahead with it. I told my mum too and she was supportive as well.