I've waited a long time to post this, in fact, tomorrow is my one year post op appt, and I wanted…read moreto give anyone out there looking a for a surgeon the full scoop. I remember how nervous I was to even speak to someone about such a personal journey, let alone show them. Have you ever just gone to your bestie's, swung the door open, plopped down on the couch in your sweats and messy bun, and gossiped while watching the Kardashians? That's what it felt like to be around Dr. Amalfi. Her vibe is that of instant comfort, like I wasn't sharing my deepest insecurities. My consult was filled with laughter and getting to know each other while I tested out sizes/discussed how my most cherished tiny humans destroyed my body along with my self esteem. After having children and working so hard to get my body back, I barely could look at myself naked, and here I was, totally comfortable in front of her; no cares about my truffle shuffle at all! Her staff was incredible, I never felt rushed, not once. The day of, the nurses were the same; I was comfortable and cracking jokes, they calmed my nerves and I knew I was in good hands. Now, the nitty gritty; does the post-op recovery suck? Yes, yes it does. I am always on the go and terrible at resting. But I was prepared; I knew exactly what to expect, and my pain control was so well thought out and I felt like my needs were always met. Now, I have had many surgeries in my life due to a medical condition, so I know my way around a recovery. This was the first time I've had the choice, the others were non-optional. Comparing the two, I have never been more prepared, had such a comprehensive pain management and recovery plan, and had this level of enthusiastic support. If you're still reading, I know you want to know about the mommy makeover results. Giirrllllll, that was the one thing I was not adequately prepared for! I made sure I had realistic expectations, especially given my weird 2nd cousin twice removed pair of melons I handed her. My husband will confirm that upon seeing them for the first time, I looked at them, looked at him, and screamed "OMG YOU SEE THESE BOOBIES?!". And my stomach was flat, I was in awe. But she listened, my natural shape was still there. I had this fear of looking fake, when I just wanted to be me. Well, she delivered. What I wasn't expecting was what the months to come would bring. As my body healed and everything settled, my confidence came back. Stronger than it was before by a ten fold. I wasn't ready for this to make me love myself in a way I hadn't before. I mean, I was washing my face twice a day and putting lotion on my skin. What I mean is, I WANTED to care for myself in a way I hadn't before. I even carried myself differently. Even though no one could tell I had anything done, because I was real good at tucking my tummy into my mom jeans, I WAS DIFFERENT. I felt stronger. I was taking more chances in life, I finally had the confidence to. I had no idea that I'd find myself in all of this! I still looked like me, it was as natural as I wanted the results to look, more than I could've imagined, and I was finally acting more like myself than I had in years. It sounds cliche, but this 100% changed my life! Being finally happy in my own skin and erasing all the space in my brain of negative self talk, left room for me to grow and step into my own. Even further, I had gone for 2 years to pelvic floor therapy to help with my abdominal muscle separation and had that corrected along with my makeover. I went from living at my chiropractor's office due to incredible lower back pain to none. I didn't know that tightening that muscle would relieve my chronic back pain, but here we are! At first, I was quiet about what I had done, I wanted to keep it a secret. But now, I am so proud of what it has helped me do, so far beyond a makeover, that I want to empower any woman out there to put herself first! And also, to get used to giggling every time to catch yourself naked in the mirror, because it's going to be THAT GOOD! Thank you Dr. Amalfi for helping me find ME again!
