Mommy Makeovers - Katie
Q: Why did you have surgery?
Katie: I looked in the mirror one day and did not recognize the image staring back. I had always exercised and had healthy eating habits but after two children in 18 months, nursing both of them until age one and turning 31 my body was not coming back to what it was pre-pregnancy. I felt like I was looking at the body of a 65 year old, not a 31 year old. I did not feel sexy and had a horrible body image. I hated to go shopping for clothes because it was hard to find things that fit. I just was not happy with myself.
Q: What were your expectations?
Katie: After consulting with Dr. Huffaker I felt like there was hope to get my body back. My first surgery was a tummy tuck with lipo. He and I talked about what I would look like after and what kind of recovery to expect. When I first got out, I was surprised because I felt bigger then when I went in (I was told to expect that), but over the next 90 days I saw the results that I expected. I had a totally flat stomach, and my inner and otter thighs and butt where smaller. I got my first big boost of self confidence. My second surgery was breast implants. Dr. Huffaker said this was going to be a quick minor pain recovery and I would love the results. He was right! I came out and had no pain (I had the pain pump) and recovered quickly. I had a smile on everyday because I no longer had what I referred to as tube socks stuffed in a bra, I had wonderful full sexy breast. The third surgery was liposuction of my back, hips, butt inner and outer thighs. I had been working out hard and had lost 56 pounds but could not get my legs back to what they used to be. I had gained weight all over during both pregnancies and my legs had become much heavier. Even with a trainer, I was having difficulty. Once again I turned to Dr. Huffaker to see what he could do and again was not disappointed with the results. He was able to sculpt my body and my results were exactly as we discussed in my consult. The fourth and final surgery is one I am still recovering from and again the results so far are as expected and maybe even a little better.
Q: Did having young children affect your decision?
Katie: Yes, I have always wanted to be a mother since I was 5 years old, but I never expected it to change my body so much. I felt guilty for spending the time and money when I knew there were other things that needed my attention, but my results were well worth the time and financial expenditure. I am so confident in myself and because of that I am more successful in my career, and being a mom.
Q: What was the recovery like?
Katie: The first surgery was the hardest. I listened to what Dr. Huffaker said but thought that I would recover faster. I did not set the right expectations for my husband so his reaction to my recovery was not as supportive as it could have been. I said that I would be fine in a couple of days and it was a week before I felt like doing much. The other three were a breeze. The lipo feels like I had a really hard workout and the bruising only bothered me a couple of days.
Q: Would you do it again?
Katie: Yes!
Q: Can the boys tell a difference in mommy after surgery?
Katie: The boys were 2 and 3 when I started down this journey. They do not remember the first two, but remember the second two. They were very supportive and gentle to Mommy's boo boo's. The kids see that I have a ton of energy and the importance of exercise and health eating. They let their friends know that water is the best thing for bodies and that exercising is fun and great for the body.
Q: Would you recommend surgery to others?
Katie: I believe it is a personal choice and one that people need to think about. When I am asked, I always say it was the best thing that I have done for me, my relationship with my husband and my children. It was an investment in me that has paid off tenfold. I am a much different women today, inside and out.
Katie had an extended tummy tuck, breast augmentation with a lift, liposuction of her abdomen, hips, buttucks, thighs, calves and knees.
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