8 Weeks Post Op Today !! - Canada

Having a child at the age of 16 and gaining nearly 100 pounds while pregnant had a significant effect on my body . My stomach was consumed by unwanted skin I couldn't get rid of no matter how hard I tried . It also lowered my self esteem and confidence . I was horrified everytime I seen myself naked because of the apparance of my stomach . I seen dr. Weinberg in toronto and decided to book with him because of his credentials . I was very nervous to have the surgery but decided it was time to go through with the procedure. When I woke up from the surgery I was in significant pain and felt like I would never recover. I had a no drain tummy tuck which helped because the look of the drains would probally make me pass out . I was given pain medication which helped control the pain alot and would often allow me to sleep many hours out of the day . The first week was the worst it was depressing at times because I needed to rely on others to do the majority of things for me as I couldn't even get up from my lazy boy chair without assistance . I slept in a lazy boy chair for 3.5 weeks after my surgery . I definately think everyone needs a lazy boy chair to sleep in for the first couple of weeks I couldn't imagine being able position myself on a bed to sleep. I walked bent over for the first 2 weeks and slowly was able to stand straight up for the 2 weeks that followed . At times I feel like my stomach had indents in certain areas but I am told it is most likely caused by swelling as the swelling will go down differently in all areas of your stomach as the tissues are healing. Thankfully I have not had any major complications . I had a dew spitting sutures 3-4 weeks post of which my doctor removed painlessly in his clinic without any freezing . I wore my compression garmet for 6 weeks and was told I don't need it anymore . I had my incision covered with maxi pads and gauze for the first 4.5 weeks and then I was told not to use it anymore . At 6 weeks I was told to start using sicilone strips on my incision to help the scar and they do help ! They are also sticky and last for 2 weeks for me but I wear them 24/7 and I also keep then on in the shower . When changing them I just peel them off shower without them once and wait 2 hours and replace with new strips (every 2 weeks), one thing you must ask your surgeon is about the appearance of your new navel . This is something that I am not completely happy with however I have been instructed to keep a clean Chinese checker or marble in my belly button 24/7 removing once daily for shower and cleaning . The marble trick is suppose to shape your belly button and as it heals keep it from getting smaller . I have one stich I can feel above my incision Line underneath my skin but my surgeon has told me that it should disolve on its own in 2-3 months and its better to allow that to happen rather than operating to remove it . The best advice I can give someone who is wanting to have this procedure is to be patient because the healing process takes time and it is very complex . You will not notice full results for up to one year and swelling as well can last that long . At 2 months post op my stomach does still feel tender and I am not able to do full exercises yet . Any questions you may have for me feel free to ask