Umbilical reconstruction & flap scar revision surgery 1 day Post Op (original TT surgery was 3/26/13)

I had my umbilical reconstruction and flap scar revision yesterday. Surgery was straightforward, in and out in about 3 hours. If you have read my previous updates, you will see that after my abdominal wall reconstruction, hernia repair with mesh and tummy tuck left me without a belly button. The plan was to completely heal for a year before attempting the next surgery. I ended up waiting for a little over 18 months.

I am sore, but recovery is so much easier than before. I am thankful that the final stage to my journey is complete. I can't wait to see my new belly button and new scar. Oh, my doctor wanted to smooth out my scar and cut an inch off of loose skin--he said he was conservative the first time around since my surgery was so complex, but he took the remaining final bit of loose skin and revised my scar.

Glad it's all over and thankful for a smooth recovery.

Wow!! This day has been emotional for me! So many great things have happened in the last year. My confidence and mojo has increased exponentially since my surgery. It's actually been kind of like a rebirth---I have a new life-literally! I am so grateful for the experience! I am definitely a butterfly who is spreading her wings. No longer confined by my cocoon! My weight has pretty much stayed the same although I feel like I definitely have to be more careful about indulgent eating. The last thing I want to do is stretch this belly! I still have areas of numbness/tenderness particularly on the center of my abdomen which is surprising but not bothersome. My scar is still rather dark to me also, but I think it will fade in time. Overall I am still 100% happy with my results. It's a great feeling to wear clothes and not feel an ounce of insecurity or the constant need to tuck in or hide the bulge. This has been a great learning experience as well and I've become very vocal about my story and how I was clueless about my hernia...my hernia was extreme, and I'm so glad that it was taken care of. Take care of and know your body Ladies!! It's the only one we have! Cheers to having a better, healthier, more confident body and life. Oh also, still contemplating having the belly button added- now that I'm at the year make I can have it done! It's supposed to be a quick outpatient surgery-so maybe I'll do that soon-not sure yet. Anyhow....Happy Surgery Anniversary to me and all the other beautiful ladies out there!

Time is flying by. Can't beleive it's been ten weeks already. It was actually 10 weeks on Tuesday. Same situation as last week. Feel just about the same-but I have increased my workouts just a little bit. I really should say activity level because I'm still taking it easy and my routines consist of about 30 minutes cardio everyday--nothing major at all and I don't always break a sweat. So, I use the words "work-out" loosely. I'll probably kick it up a notch as the tightness begins to ease. But for now Im content with moving my body at a slower pace. I kind of have a heavy feeling when I try to jog. Like an inner tube or something is around my waist. It's hard to describe, but basically I'm not ready to jog yet. Aside from that weird feeling, I still have numbness all over the center of my belly. It feels fake, almost like rubber to the touch...wonder how long that sensation is going to last? I went to the pool for the first time last week and it felt absolutely amazing. No feelings of insecurity at all. I'd say the procedure is worth it for that alone! Cheers!!