SacMomsClub.com

Kelli (Stay-at-home mom of Logan, 9, and Whitney, 7): Wow! You would not believe all the people at the gym this week. People are really jumping on those New Year’s resolutions.

 

Jen (Dual-career-mom of Jacob, 6, and Caleb, 2): Give it a month, it should clear out.

 

Kelli: I hope so. I’ve got too much seniority, blisters, sweat and tears invested to be bumped off my treadmill by a fleet of pristine sneaker, matching workout outfit wearing, book reading walkers.

 

Jen: At least they’re in there trying to shape up the good old fashioned way.

 

Kelli: Yeah, no boob lifting, tummy tucking machines in the place. I checked.

 

Jen: Yes, the modern day Mommy Makeover. Just add Botox and Restilin.

 

Kelli: You know pre-kids I considered having plastic surgery to give me the **** that never materialized, despite all the I-must-I-must-I-must-increase-my-bust exercises. But once I had kids and my priorities changed, it made me reconsider.

 

Jen: It appears you didn’t go through with it.

 

Kelli: Nice. Thanks. You’re just riding the high of pregnancy ****. Those go away you know.

 

Jen: Oh, after two kids, I’m well aware.

 

Kelli: So, there’s my point. In this day and age of instant gratification and with plastic surgery a more accepted beauty practice, do you try to get your pre-baby body back as best you can the good old fashioned way, accepting the sags and lumps...?

 

Jen: … or splurge for the Mommy Makeover and put it all back where it used to be or even better?

 

Kelli: Now I’m not one to stand in judgment – I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m not a natural auburn and chestnut with golden high and low lights brunette.

 

Jen: In the dead of winter? I just can't believe it's not real!

 

Kelli: No, it’s true. I spend an embarrassing amount of money to hide those grays. I also jumped on the laser hair removal bandwagon. By summer, I will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom (shameless plug alert: Thank you Esperanza at Dr. Tanghetti’s!).

 

Jen: See the thing is, sometimes the pre-baby body just can't be achieved from good old fashioned hard work. Plus, as a working mom, it’s hard to find the time to fit in exercise that would be rigorous enough to come close to getting back what I had.

 

Sad, but true, things just don't magically pop back the way they used to - especially if you're talking about a mid-30s post-partum body instead of a mid-20s post-partum body. The older I get and the more I battle the effects of gravity (and sweet indulgences) I can see where it is tempting to go the route of plastic surgery.

 

Kelli: I have decided to drawn the line though at invasive surgery. For me personally, it is not worth the risk to my health for the sake of vanity. I would never forgive myself if I encountered debilitating complications keeping me from normal interaction with my family.

 

Jen: And the cost can be prohibitive! As much as I'd like my pre-babies body back, I also want those same kids to be able to go to college. I can just imagine the conversation… “Sorry kids, no higher education, but check out my fabulously toned tummy!”

 

Maybe after they've all achieved college scholarships I can cash in their funds and pop out Mommy v.2?

 

Kelli: I am also one of those crazy people who enjoy exercise and the challenge of pushing my body to achieve desired results. But the main reason the Mommy Makeover temptation is not there for me is because it’s hard to miss what I never had.

 

For my friends who had big, beautiful perky **** I sympathize with having a hard time coming to terms with them being reduced to shells of their former glory. I think I would miss them and want them back too.

 

I also was fortunate to have natural childbirth for both my kids (if you call an epidural cranked as high as they’d let me, natural), so I also don’t know the disappointment of having a cesarean scar splitting my abdomen. Who’s to say if I had one, I wouldn’t be tempted to make it go away?

 

Jen: I believe it has to be done for the right reasons. But how do you judge what makes those reasons good? Surgery may seem like the only answer, but it isn't necessarily going to solve all self-image problems. If obsessing about **** hanging to your knees or stomach muscles too torn to hold in your rolls takes over your life, then maybe it is time to consider it. But it's not a cure all. Surgery comes with risks and it is important to know when to stop. 

 

Kelli: When it seems the lines on my forehead rival the Grand Canyon, what I try to remind myself is that it is who I am on the inside that counts. When Botox starts to whisper sweet nothings in my ear, I think about the image I want to project for my own daughter.

 

Jen: It's practicing what we preach too. If we tell our daughters that it doesn't matter what they look like and people should love them for who they are, then we go out and change everything about ourselves, what kind of message does that send?

 

But, I honestly can’t say I would someday rule out considering a tune-up of some sort. I would like to hope I could achieve everything the "natural" way and be happy with it, but who's to say I won't change my mind? 

 

Kelli: I hear you. Talk to me in a few years after I’ve turned 40 and I may be suspiciously unemotional looking.

 

Jen: Just promise me one thing - make sure you’ll tell me when to stop before I start looking like plastic surgery Barbie!

 

Kelli Wheeler is a Sacramento stay-at-home mother of two still chasing after her pre-kids buns-of-steel using every exercise machine at the gym.

 

Jen Hall is a Sacramento dual-career mother of two who admits to fantasizing about having a nice, flat, washboard stomach again someday.

 

Stage I Mommy Makeovers

1. Change your hairstyle. Cut, color or go for something new to refresh your look.
2. Commit to exercise. Feel good from the inside out through the self-satisfaction of getting physical results through hard work and dedication.
3. Visit a day spa. Become rejuvenated by treating yourself to a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure to remind yourself you’re worth pampering.
4. Permanent hair removal. Just imagine never shaving your pits or bikini area again, or worrying about the fuzz getting noticeable above your lip and you immediately feel sexier.
5. Try a new style. Whether it’s buying new, trendy accessories or pulling off the knee high stiletto boots, take a chance with something temporary before you go permanent.
6. Update your wardrobe. Try adding new pieces that make you excited to get dressed in the morning and show off your best assets.
7. Replace your old make-up. Even if it’s the inexpensive products at your local drug store, make-up is an easy way to go for change without having to worry about losing weight first.
8. Go for a new hobby. People who pursue their passion and are excited about what they do light up a room.
9. Invest in your smile. Smiling at people is the best way to improve your look. Try whiting your teeth with over the counter whitening strips or consult your dentist.
10. Count your blessings. Nothing makes your shortcoming pale in comparison like thinking what the alternative could be and regarding those who truly suffer. Be grateful for what you do have like your health, family and friends.