HOW TO SET GOALS...SAVE MONEY...FIND A GREAT DOCTOR

This Squidoo lens is dedicated to my second 50 years!

HERE ON THE LEFT ARE FIVE PICTURES OF ME THAT WERE TAKEN DURING MY FIRST FIFTY YEARS. AGES 18, 28, 37, 46 & 47... MAKE A NOTE OF THE TIME SPAN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PICTURES. THEY ARE TAKEN LESS THAN ONE YEAR APART. IN 2003 I LOST 90 POUNDS IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS DUE TO EXTREME STRESS AND DEPRESSION.

I was 47 years old when I planned my own make over. My first bit of advice is to start younger than 47. A woman should have her first work done when she is in her mid to late thirties. The idea is to stay ahead of the aging game. If I had it to do all over, I would have gone in at 37 instead of 47.

1- MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO CHANGE

I made a list of items I wanted to change and/or improve and then I ranked the list in the order of what I thought was most important.

2- DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

This is your body and your responsibility. Do not go with the first name in the yellow pages. Ask friends and co-workers for names. If possible, get referrals from people who have had work done. Go online and see some of the before and after work that these doctors and dentists have performed.

I researched doctors and dentists until I found the two I felt most comfortable with. I decided to have most of the work done in Las Vegas because some of the best in the business have their practices nearby to the famous strip. Since these doctors do the showgirls, (as well as the strippers!), I felt they would have the best credentials.

A great interior decorator will always see a room that is brimming with possibilities.

A great doctor or dentist has the ability to visualize what you will look like after surgery. Think of them as exterior decorators for your face and body.

3- SHARE YOUR WISH LIST WITH THE DOCTOR & DENTIST

It's always better to tell the doctor or dentist what you would like to achieve. At 50, I could have cared less about wearing a string bikini. My goal was to look great in business clothes. This makes a big difference in the way you will be evaluated.

4- REMOVE ITEMS ON THE LIST THAT CAN BE CORRECTED WITH DIET AND EXERCISE

Do not use plastic surgery as a weight loss option. Think about it like frosting on an already baked cake. Get down to within ten pounds of your permanent weight goal with diet and exercise first.

5- LISTEN TO THE ADVICE FROM YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST

It's hard to be objective when it comes to one's own self. You are paying for their advice, so take it.
Let them tell you what can be done.

6- DO NOT CHEAP OUT!

There's nothing wrong with being budget concious, but do not ever compromise your body to save a few dollars. This is real surgery you are having and the changes you make to your body will be permanent. Do not ask the doctor to combine multiple areas in order to save money. Beleive it or not, they already know what procedures can be done together and they will suggest to you as needed.

7- FOLLOW DOCTOR'S ORDERS

Do not think that just because you came through the surgery you are done. The doctor will have a list of things you should and shouldn't do for six weeks. Pay attention. Moisturize daily means every day...not just the days you have follow up visits!

8- BE REALISTIC IN YOUR EXPECTATIONS

This is an improvement, not a major overhaul! You will still be you. The biggest improvement will be your confidence level. No matter what anyone tells you- no one has plastic surgery done for someone else. You do it for yourself to feel better about yourself. You will know the work is great when people tell you that you look different, but they can't quite put their finger on what it is. The work is meant to be subtle. Good work does not assault the eyes.

9- BE PREPARED TO KEEP UP YOUR VISITS

If you start your work in your late 30's, then figure that every five to seven years you will need a "tune -up." Consider botoxing or restalyn injections for maintenance. You will always be a work in progress!