8 weeks with updated pictures - Des Moines, IA

I am at my 2 month mark. It feels like it should be longer. i have been back to work and exercising for 3 weeks. I am feeling pretty good. My one major issue is swelling. I still have quite a bit of swelling but I think it has to do with how active I am. I am working 10-15 hours a week on my feet and doing yoga and other exercises. Most of my swelling is in my upper abdomen, hips and thighs. i know it will eventually go away so I am ignoring it the best I can. I am really enjoying yoga and strengthening my body. I feel like i am getting stronger every day. I even was able to go play racket ball the other day which would have killed my back before my surgery. I am not really worrying about loosing weight, I am just trying to reshape my body and tone up. The love handle and hip area are my biggest areas to work on. Most people get lipo on these areas. I kinda wish I would have but I am still happy with my results. In my pictures you can see my swelling and the fact I still have stretch marks. I had to many to get rid of them all. They should fade more with time.

SO I haven't updated in awhile. I am almost 7 weeks. I have been back to work for 3. Luckily I work 5 hour shift so its not too long. I do stand on my feet the entire time so that sucks. Last week I started yoga 2x a weeks with a friend of mine who teaches it. She is building t around the weak abdominal muscles and my bad knee. i was so sore the first day, everywhere but my tummy. The 2nd day I over did and my stomach tightened but up and was super tender. Last night I noticed that it looks like my bellybutton is shrinking. I can stick my pinky finger in it. Is this normal. I am concerned. I am going to call the PS Monday. I received in the mail my before and after pics from the doctor. OH my. i wish now I could have afford lypo but not much i can do about it now. Just some serious working out for me.

I had my 5 weeks check up today. Dr Robbins said my scar looks great and keep using what I am using. I can ditch the binder and compression garments for good. YAY!!! I may still wear my cg to work to help with the swelling. I have had some burning in my upper abdomen. HE said that's my nerves and muscles coming back to life. I can start exercising. No core workouts. He said whatever I want just to start slow. I am thinking some water aerobics and yoga. I still am in swell hell and have some pain when I swell. I am just trying not to dwell on it. It will get better eventually. I am down 4 lbs and a pant size. time for some shopping.