32 and Excited for a FLAT TUMMY! Excited for Great Results from the "Tummy Tuck Queen" - Tijuana, MX

The day after surgery I thought I made the biggest mistake having surgery. It truly was beyond painful and I was having a hard time grasping life would get back to normal. First time I walked on the treadmill I could do 1 mph for 5 minutes and I was ready to pass out!

Dr. Cardenas took me from a size awkward 12 to a perfect 8. I am still in shock when I go shopping that I actually fit into M and 8 jeans. I was getting a little down and going through the typical emotions post plastic surgery.

However I feel more confident than ever after Rocio sent me my before/after photos. It is truly a transformation that only a trained and passionate surgeon could perform. 100% worth every penny. The local surgeon was going to charge double and only "tuck" my tummy with lipo. Nothing to my back or fat transfer. I would of looked completely messed up.

I love how low my incision is. Completely hidden by even the smallest panties.

The pictures speak for themselves. Please keep in mind I was on my period and therefore my swelling wasn't great. I actually am even more defined than these pictures show.

Happy to be past the 2 week post op mark. However somehow I wasn't prepared for the intensive recovery period. I have had 0 complications but my goodness I am still walking awful slow and need Advil for pain. Staying in one position for a long time results in some decent pain (soreness and stiff) when I go to move. This is apparently for the lipo.
Dr. Cardenas has been monitoring my incision and says everything looks great. It is nice she cares and wants to know how I am doing and writes back when I send photos.
5 days ago I attempted the treadmill, was able to do 5 min. At 1.5 mph (pretty pathetic). I was WIPED and needed to sit down. Today I did 10 min. at 2 mph (still pathetic)...the best part was I wasn't exhausted or needed to sit down after.
I have no clothes that fit properly. Even my jeans are too big...I can only imagine the rest of the swelling being gone. They recommend waiting 8 weeks before shopping for new clothes. By then I will be swimming in my pre surgery clothes.
Dr. Cardenas truly is a miracle worker. She has completely overhauled my back, waist, stomach, pubic area, hips and butt. I have NEVER looked so good, nor thought it was possible.

Been home for a few days now...still sore when I move but am happy to move a little more everyday. Been binge watching Downton Abby...and napping. The novelty has worn off. My 3.5 year old was diagnosed with what the doctor thinks is Scarlet Fever. Thankfully it isn't as bad as it sounds, but my poor husband has ALOT on his plate. I can't be around her for another 48 hours as the last thing I need is a staph infection. So that leaves my husband on childcare duties and working full time. Thankfully he has a job he can work from home and odd hours, but it is still draining on him. Another downside is we paid for full time care for our kids, but obviously with a fever of 102 consistently, care is not an option. We are praying our son doesn't get it, but we have yet to have one kid sick and the other not get it. I miss my cuddles with my little munchkins and anxiously awaiting us all being back to being healthy. I suppose when it rains it pours.
Yesterday I tried the treadmill out as per post op instructions. I was to start slow and for 5-10 minutes to start. My goodness, I was only able to do 5 minutes at 1.5mph...now that is pathetic. After I had to sit down to avoid falling over. I guess the good news is I can only get better from there. Pathetic is always a good starting point to see improvement.
My compression garment is on the 3rd hook. I would of never believed that would happen the first week of wearing it. I was sure they had given me too small a size. It is truly incredible to see my stomach get smaller and smaller everyday.
I am out of any pain medication, and thankfully Advil is working fine to manage pain.