Did you have any other reasons for
wanting the surgery?
About a year and a half ago I was at a real low point in
my life. I was clinically depressed and unhappy with every
aspect of myself. At one point it became very clear to me
that my mental and physical health had to come before
anything else in the world. I realized that if I'm not
mentally and physically fit, then I'm no good for anybody. I
started to see a psychologist who helped me to establish
priorities. That's what started me on the path to overall
wellness. My mental and physical health is first, then comes
my family, and next comes my passions, which are related to
my work and hobbies. My psychologist kept asking me, "What
makes you feel best both inwardly and outwardly?" It was
part of the process of putting myself on the road to
wellness and balance. I started working on my mind and
spirit first, focusing on my self-confidence, my self-worth,
and my self-esteem. As I started to feel better mentally, my
body was the next part to tackle. I just wanted to get my
body in balance, and this meant eating correctly, drinking
enough water, sleeping correctly. But I couldn't get past
the fact that I had this ugly pouch on my stomach. A whole
bunch of sit-ups wouldn't have changed my figure. I'm a firm
believer that if you have an issue and you want it fixed,
there are a number of ways to go about it.
Plastic surgery
was just a different option, not a right option or a wrong
option. For me it was a matter of believing in something,
and going ahead with it.
How did your family and friends
feel about you having the surgery?
I think that a number of people thought I was doing it
so men would find me more attractive. But, you know, it had
nothing to do with them. It was so intensely personal that
it had nothing to do with anybody else in the world, male or
female. Having the surgery was about me figuring out what I
wanted and what makes me feel best. I realized that people
may not understand this, they may not agree with me about
this, but it's about time I start making my own decisions.
Can you tell me about the
consultation process with
Dr. Mosher?
He's very responsive to what you want, but would never
jeopardize your health. He listens to your wishes and gives
you advice about health and leads you in the right
direction. He never said no, but discussed alternatives and
came up with other options. It's very much a collaboration.
It's sort of like you're the artistic director and he's
building the set.
How was your experience with
Dr.
Mosher and
his staff?
The staff
is to die for. They're amazing. You walk in
there and it's like a bunch of girlfriends going to the spa
for the day. It's not like a hospital. I had too much fun!
Even the
anesthesiologist made a great impression. When I was having
the surgery they even took care of my mother! Afterwards
they called me to check up on me. They were very strict but
an absolute joy to be with. You walk in and everybody says,
"Hi Martha."
Your surgery will be televised on
the show Skin Deep this fall. How did that come
about?
I first talked to
Dr. Mosher and got his advice and
ideas. Then I contacted Skin Deep to find out about
the possibility of being profiled on the show. I like the
show because it gives women information and hope that
something can be done if they're unhappy with some aspect of
their body. After I started talking to Skin Deep, I
went back to
Dr. Mosher and talked about the options and
decided on what I wanted to have done.
How did you feel about sharing
something so personal and knowing it would be televised?
I wanted to make this information available to other
women who might be considering
plastic surgery. I've known
women in the past who think they're tricking everybody when
they go off to have plastic surgery. They say they're either
sick or going on vacation. Then they come back and it's
fairly obvious that they've had something done, but it
becomes a great secret. Instead of rejoicing that this woman
feels better about herself, it becomes a taboo subject. Why
keep it in the closet when it's helping so many women and
making them happier? It's like being an addict who's
recovered and never talks about it because they're okay now.
I don't think it should be a secret, I don't think it should
be taboo. Obviously I'm not embarrassed about having plastic
surgery or I wouldn't have gone on TV.
How was it working with
Dr. Mosher
in front of a television crew?
Dr. Mosher
is always very professional when you're
working with him. When we were working on the show, and not
in the surgical or examining room, he got a twinkle in his
eye and his sense of humour really came out.
Were all the procedures done at
once?
Yes, they were. The surgery lasted several hours. But
I've gone through so many surgeries it was almost normal to
be on the operating table.
How did you feel before the
surgery?
I had no pre-surgery anxiety. Other people were worried
because of the usual anesthesia problems that could show
up. My sister was very worried. My mom, who was there the
whole time, was worried. On Skin Deep, a lot of women
are crying and shaking before the surgery, and I think
that's a very natural reaction, but I had no worries. Before
I went in I knew that I was doing the right thing. I went in
there and said, "Come on guys, let's go." I knew it was
right. I knew
Dr. Mosher
was right. When I arrived at the
surgical centre, I literally jumped out of the cab, grabbed
my mom, and ran in.
How was the recovery?
There was pain. It was quite an extensive surgery, and
afterwards it hurt. The first three days were the worst.
Every muscle in your stomach is connected, so even looking
at your toes hurt. There was a lot of swelling and I bruise
very easily. My abdomen was black.
Dr. Mosher
said I was a
very impressive bruiser!
At what point did you start to
feel good after the surgery?
I would say after about seven or eight days. After about
a week, standing up and sitting down was fine. After two
weeks I was walking around. After three weeks I got the
go-ahead from
Dr. Mosher
to do whatever I wanted. It was
gradual.
How do you feel since you had the
procedures?
I feel so much closer to having the balance I've been
looking for. For me it was the right decision. I don't
regret anything. Afterwards I just wanted to dance and sing.
I've never been happier in my life. Even though life is
still a bit complicated, I wouldn't want to be anybody else
in the world. I like who I am both mentally and physically.
Achieving that sense of balance and sense of well-being is
spectacular. I wish that for every woman in the world. To
me, the surgery was just another stepping stone towards
balance. It's a wonderful feeling when it all comes
together.
