“Finally Exercising at 7 Weeks - Toronto, ON”

Had 2 large boys 4 years apart with significant stretch marks and a large diastasis recti which led to significant low back pain. As a Canadian physical therapist I knew that this was necessary as conservative measures to correct had not worked.

I had my surgery November 10 and here it is day surgery. Quite rough first 3 weeks. The main issues now are swelling, abnormal sensation in skin above incision and I fatigue so easily. I think I am finally seeing the good side of things and able to keep an upright posture for most of the day.

Updated on 6 Jan 2012:
Having reviewed many of the others photos from the other women I feel like I present with much more swelling especially at 8 weeks. I know it is normal up to 6 months but I am unsure why mine looks worse than the others?

Updated on 24 Jan 2012:
Hi there everyone. I didn't get any feedback about my photo at 8 weeks. I am now beyond 10 and swelling is improving but still fairly noticeable above the incision. I am wondering why the PS did not even talk about swelling until post-op. Were the rest of you warned about swelling? I guess I didn't see this site until post-op.
Also did any of you have muscle spasms in bed for a prolonged period post-op?

Updated on 26 Mar 2012:
It has been a long journey. I cannot believe that the surgeons feel we are ready for full activity at 6 weeks. I was not told about swelling longevity and wished I had found this site beforehand. I feel that I am moving in a relatively normal way in regular daily activities but still feel restricted and uncomfortable in the abdomen as I try to progress exercise. The scar is less mobile on both sides and I am working on massage. Generally swelling much less now but can increase depending on activity level. I still fatigue much more quickly than previously. This is major surgery!

Updated on 20 Apr 2012:
Hello everyone. I am now at over 5 months post op full TT. I am moving more normally but STILL have swelling along the place above the incision. My PS originally told me nothing about swelling, then said it would be 3-6 months and now he says 9 months. I am frustrated that there is a real lack of support from his office and in general poor advice about progression post op. In fact this appears to be the only site where one can find information.
Will post more photos soon. I am very athletic but have lost much of my fitness over the past year. I did this mostly to get rid of the stretched out abdominals and only very secondarily for aesthetic reasons. Having spent this amount of money, though, I would have hoped to have the wonderful flatness too! Anyone else still with swelling at 5 months +?