Full TT Jan 21, 2011 - Cincinnati, OH

Thanks, but I'm worried the smooth skin is just because it is so tight and hard under the bb. When the swelling goes down, I wonder if the skin will still be tight. I notice a difference in the scar, but it's not nearly as good as yours or Flowers. I'm a little worried I waited too long to be aggressive, but I will keep at it! I do notice the bumpy areas getting smoother.

I am excited about wearing a bikini this year, but I will have to cover up the bb, so tell me what you end up doing about yours. I also got to start working out really hard. The 12 weeks I've not working out really show on the butt and thighs!

Thanks, I do feel so much better. Even if the swelling doesn't go down it is so much better than having flab in my lap! Best wishes on Monday, I will be checking your posts to see how you are doing.

Hi Kristi! I wish I knew that secret too! I'm on day 19 with my drain. SIGH! I did have two good days where my output was 20 but then had a very active day and was right back up to 40. Still hopeful it will come out this week! My doc says I need to be at 15 for two consecutive days for that to happen.

Alecia, just remember that everyone's body is different and you'd rather have the drains in than out and develop a seroma. I keep reminding myself that a few weeks of recovery is so little compared to the years of enjoyment of my new tummy! You can do it - stay positive!! :)

Dr. visit went great. Drain is out, hooray!! For me it felt like an intense burn for about 10 seconds. I was uncomfortable for about 15 minutes after that and then felt fine. I have to put a little neosporin on the exit wound and use a bandaid or gauze for a few days. I have to keep wearing my garment and use a pad or pillow case between the garment and middle of belly to compress the area where the drain came out so no fluid fills into it's former space. Being free from the drain is worth a little pain. I don't go back for 2 weeks unless my belly gets a "waterbed" feel to it, which would mean fluid, but that is unlikely. I will be taking prescription Motrin to help with inflammation and swelling and was told to drink alot of water because the dose of Motrin is so high you have to flush the body so you don't damage the liver. Short appointment, but was told all is well. It is so worth it, you will be glad you did it!

I'm wearing the binder 23 hours a day until at least week 4. So I guess I keep the padding there until then, but she didn't really say how long to keep it there. Are you getting excited?

I'm getting very excited. I love this website, but I also get a little confused because everyone's post-op is so different. Differences in swelling, results, ability to exercise, wearing the binder, getting tubes out, going back to work! Whew! It's alot to take in mentally. I desperately want to be in that top 10% where it all goes great! Lol. I work out 5 days a week (run 3 miles two-three times and use free weights for abs, back and arms) and could still use to lose 10 more pounds; I weigh 145-148. My stomach muscles are tight according to the dr, but there's still that jelly roll of skin and fat hanging from my belly button down. I've got pics. I'm gonna upload them along with post-ops later.

So do you feel like your post-op is better/worse than you expected?

Glad you're excited. Don't worry if you don't heal like someone else, just use it as a guideline to know you are on track. Everybody's different. Honestly, I bet you are in the top 5% for recovery. You are physically fit which is huge and you mentally want to recover quickly. I was working out 5 days but only running about 1 mile 2x a week. I used weights, mostly 10/12 lbs about 30 mins a day 3x a week. I needed to lose about 10lbs too, but I didn't. My muscles were pretty loose and my skin was just puckery and hanging. Since your muscles are tight you may not have much if any tightening which is where most of the soreness comes from for me. The huge scar is what you think is going to hurt, I have barely felt that. I never took before pics I was so worried about it being in cyber space forever, but now I wish I had. I feel post-op has gone way better than expected. I thought I would do nothing for a week and be slow moving week 2. Turns out I did nothing for 2 days. Day 3 I was ready to be up and moving around. Even now I want to do more, but I know I should rest to help the healing stay on track. You are going to great!

Krisit, I completely agree with 46ky, in that everyone's recovery is different, but we all share similarities. You'll do fine because you are so mentally prepared. I was wanting to be up and doing things early on in the recovery as well but had to force myself to just sit. I am still struggling with that. The first few days are the worst, and I still don't think they were that bad. The pain meds will keep you comfortable and as long as you have someone to help you that first week you'll be just fine. Good luck!!

Flower,

I just read your update. sounds like your recovery is going well. Sorry about the nausea...

I have one drain and is slowing quite a bit and lighter color, Hope to get it out Tuesday, but probably won't.

My Dr. has me in the big white bandage that I've seen on other posts and I'm wearing the compression garment. I will see my tummy on Tuesday when he changes the bandages. I have a little bit of pain at what I think is the drainage incision, but mostly discomfort. Not as bad as I expected. My back hurts the most, which I knew it would from all the other ladies on here. My back massager helps that alot! Take care, I'll check on you later in the week.