Tummy Tuck Scheduled -- 12 weeks post-op!

I can't believe 12 weeks has gone by since surgery! I still feel great, and over the past month I've been working to get my workouts back up to speed. I'm running three days a week, generally 5 miles, and lifting weights three days a week. I've been on a really strict diet the past 3 1/2 weeks as well. I've only lost 4lbs, but I've lost a lot in inches, as its pretty low-carb. Mostly I was aiming to kill my cravings for junk food, and that worked. I'm hoping to lose a few more pounds and a couple more inches off my hips.

I took new pics today -- not sure if I can see much of a difference from the last ones I posted, but I'm definitely pleased with my results. My size 6 dress pants are getting loose, and my size 6 jeans are comfortable. My scar is pretty well flattened, and I really haven't been using anything on it (I think I'm just too lazy!). I'm looking forward to buying a two piece bathing suit soon. :)

Just a quick update, things have been getting better as each week goes by. Yesterday I ran my first race since surgery -- five miles, and I finished in 42:17, so an 8:28 pace. I was shocked that I ran that fast! It was tough, in part because I'd only run twice in the past two weeks, thanks to an awful cold. I've finally stopped coughing for the most part. I did not wear my binder or spanx, because it was 63 degrees out, and I knew I'd be roasting in it. My lower back was definitely sore during the race, I can see how I need to work on strengthening it. But I wasn't in any pain at all as far as my abs go, and I didn't seem to experience any out-of-the-norm swelling after.

As far as day-to-day goes, I stopped wearing spanx a few weeks ago. I don't seem to be experiencing the awful swelling I hear some people talk about. The spot right above my belly button is the area that seems to swell most, and that's generally later in the day, or if I have to use the bathroom or I eat too much. And actually, I've really been watching my food intake carefully in an effort to shed a few pounds. I've lost 3lbs in the past two weeks. I'm very happy with my results -- my belly is always flat now. Still loving my belly button. And as far as my clothes go, all my size 6 pants fit. I'd like to lose another 5-10 pounds if possible, but I think that's sitting on my hips and butt.

I haven't started doing any direct ab work, I was waiting until at least 12 weeks to try that -- I'm paranoid about screwing up my hernia repair. I'll post new pics at 12 weeks out -- gives me a little more time to try to drop a couple pounds!

I'm exactly two months post-op today! I'm finally feeling normal again, which feels so good. I started sleeping without my binder a few nights ago, and I might try to go without my spanx today just to see how I feel. Its starting to annoy me to wear it everyday, since I swell even when I'm wearing it. I've started running again, albeit ever so slowly, and I saw my dr. yesterday, and he gave me the green light to go back to lifting weights. I'm cleared for all activity, he just said to start slowly.

I'm pleased with how I'm healing. I haven't stepped on the scale in weeks, but I will Monday morning, as I'm starting a 4 week diet/exercise regimen (well, the first 4 weeks is pretty intense, after that I'll resume my normal. albeit really healthy, diet). I'd like to drop 8-10lbs if possible, but we'll see. My scar is healing well. I haven't been diligent about using a scar treatment on it, but it still looks good. I was concerned about swelling above my belly button, but my dr. pointed out that I'm not standing all the way straight, and if I do straighten up totally, it flattens out. I'll work on that. I have a very slight dog ear on the right side, but its barely even noticeable to me. He said he'd fix it if it bugs me, but I'm pretty sure I'm fine with things how they are.

Posting pics that I took yesterday -- not sure if they're too much different from the last, but I'm pleased with the results.