“Tummy Tuck with Lipo of Flanks and Upper Thighs - In 2 Days! - Austin, TX”

I am having my procedure in 2 days - a tt with lipo of flanks and upper thighs in addition to an umbilical hernia repair. I have three kids (16,13,4). I am in great health and am hoping that recovery isn't too difficult. I will have help from my husband and mother-in-law for a week (love them!). I made a trip to Costco to load up the freezer, and have been cleaning and doing laundry all week. Can't wait to see my new tummy and be comfortable in my clothes again!

Updated on Oct 24, 2010:
I am now 9 days out and recovery has been pretty much as expected - slow but steady. I still have the one drain in that I hope to have taken out in 3 days or less (I have to call with a drainage output report in the a.m.). I am almost standing completely up straight! Sleeping has been a little off since I decreased my pain meds and moved over to extra strength tylenol. From day one, I slept in my own bed with plenty of pillows. I am not in the "jacknife" position anymore, but continue to sleep on my back with a few pillows under my knees. Challenges so far: finding the right balance between getting enough walking around time and not overdoing it, and letting other people do things for me. Things that have been helpful: a memory foam pillow that I know for sure saved my back, having my arms and legs do the work my abs would have otherwise, taking Phillips MOM chewable tablets each morning after my surgery (no problems there AT ALL!), drinking tons of water (regular, Smart and Vitamin, and being as close to my ideal weight as possible.

One thing I found interesting that wasn't discussed with my ps before surgery was the lipo he did above my belly button. When I was researching this procedure, I heard complaints about pooches above the belly button long-term. My ps did the lipo to prevent this from happening because often times it is really difficult to get the muscles as tight there as the lower abs. I thought that was GENIUS and really appreciate the time and effort he took there.

Updated on Oct 26, 2010:
11 Days post surgery - Only drain taken out yesterday. Taking Aleve for pain - working like a charm. Feeling great and doing light mom duty! Must admit, the incision was pretty hard to look at when they took the tape off. It is still pretty tender. I know it will continue to evolve over the next year. Fortunately, I have pale skin and my scars heal white/silvery. My ps had me change to a girdle type garment (just a tube with a tummy panel). I put on a pair of regular shorts today and they were too big at the waist - woo hoo!