The other part of the problem is that I've been a grunt with very little contact with the public for 15 years. I try to dress nice but no one would say anything if I was more casual for a while. Soon after I return to work after surgery, I am going for a supervisory promotion and while I won't have to wear a suit, I do need to wear business wear.

Nasty drive, but you are ready! I ate high protein (even more than usual) before and after PS at the urging of my surgeon. I healed really fast and he attributed that to the protein. He said a lot of people just don't understand what high protein means. So track on MFP (or comparable) and have lots of easy to prepare protein sources available. And obviously keep taking your vitamins.

The fat transfer stuff sounds a bit difficult (to me), but you are going to be gorgeous (even more than you already are!

Mine stands you up also, I only used that for the worst post surgery days becuase it is slow, but when you need it, that feature is stupendous. Also, I think that the strain on your inscions is reduced so that is good for long term appearance, as well as them not opening up. By the time you are done with it, you may know someone who is ready for it. Mine was easy to move-the back pull out and you put that in the backseat and the base fits in the trunk. I have a normal car and got it home with no trouble, and a neighbor helped me get it out bc the base was too heavy for me alone.

Good luck.

The additional consults seem like a good idea. I was lucky - Dr Michaels is 2 hours away from me and I stayed with family in the DC area for 2 days after surgery. One or two nights post surg is all you would need in a hotel, but location really is a consideration for routine followup and esp if you have any major complications.

a traditional tummy tuck has a horizontal cut that goes across the bikini line. An FDL (fleur de lis) tummy tuck also has that, but in addition, it has a vertical cut that goes from that line up the front of your torso (up to your ribs or so). So it looks like an upside down "T".

it's easier for them to get to the extra skin and fat above your navel (that is, if you have skin and fat up that high) if they do a fleur de lis. But some surgeons (and people) don't like them because it leaves a vertical scar up the center of your body.