41 - 3 Kids - All C-sections - Virginia

Yes Dazz - I can totally relate!! Perfect analogy!

Thank you! I feel really good, but I know that the "swell hell" is coming. I finally had a good night sleep last night. I've been doing all my usual day to day activities minus the going to the gym! I hope to get back next week after my appointment - just want to make sure she gives me the ok to work out. Seeing everyone with the boobs makes me want boobs now! But, I had a reduction in college, so I feel that would defeat the purpose. I could use a little fullness though...

Thank you for the info. I've only had mine off to shower and then it goes right back on. I do feel secure in it, and it feels weird not having it on. What kind do you have? My concern is that mine will show when I work out....

I wore the corset cg from hospital the first 2 weeks, then I wore a Marena cg, the one with the shoulder straps and snap crotch. I'd heard and seen where the corset cgs will roll down, so I didn't want one of those. However, after 2 months, I bought a corset cg I found from Maidenform (cost only $20 on Amazon), and I love it! It stays perfectly in place with the soft wires. I've seen other ladies, like me, who order 2 or 3 to get the right fit, then simply return the ones you don't like.

Thanks New you just answered my CG Question.

I'm not sure of the brand, but it is the one that my PS gave me. It has hook and eye latches and a zipper on both sides. It comes down to mid thigh and goes up to just below by breasts. I was trying to find something that was a little shorter so I can wear shorts to the gym.

I will check on Amazon Thanks. PS when are you going to the gym. ???LOL.

I'm very happy with my results, but I went to get a new bra today, and I'm a 36 A!!! Really? I thought I was at least a B cup. I was a Double D in college, and my PS took out 1 1/2 pounds from each breast. My boobs were always saggy though, and they hung down low. After breast feeding three kids, I really don't have anything. IF I ever got boobs, I'd like to go small like you b/c I want an athletic look, too. You look so good on Day 2 Post op. So, you think it is harder or easier than your C-sections?

Thanks:) I feel good. I think my surgeon really understood what I wanted and it helps when you're at your ideal weight. You clearly are, which is why your TT results are so nice:) Yeah, I'm happy that I got the boobs in the end. I wasn't sure for a while. I think it'll all look nice when I'm done healing. The TT incision is nice and low, which makes me very happy:) I think that this recovery is easier than my c-sections…maybe about the same. What do you think? With my first one, it was an emergency, so I was stapled together. The recovery was hard and I was by myself. The second one, I recovered faster, but was alone with both kids. My ex was not a helpful person and went to work. Do you think you'll get the boobs one day? Why didn't you when you were getting the TT? I actually think you look very nice already and don't need it…But it is about how you feel:) Breast feeding kids definitely alters the shape of your boobs…lol. Good thing we love our kids so much:) LOL.

I think that the C-sections were easier because you weren't hunched over. I do feel almost 100% now after the TT. I didn't post a picture, but she did lipo of my flanks, so I have a tons of bruising on my lower back, and it is tender. Maybe that's why I feel like this is harder. I doubt I'll get boobs - I didn't really think about getting them until I started looking at everyone's new boobs on here! I was more focused on my TT, which was my priority, so that's why I didn't have them done at the same time. Plus, my TT was done under heavy sedation, so I didn't have to go under completely. Not sure if my PS does boobs under sedation. I'm glad that you are having some help now - especially with your kids.:)

I was actually hunched over with my sections. Very much so. I also didn't know you could use a binder then. I was stapled together after an emergency, so there wasn't much support and the incision was only a little smaller than this TT incision. Go figure. They only had 45 mins to get my little man out. Yeah, from what I've heard, the lipo is rough during recovery. I think that's why I think this is easier? I have a binder and no lipo…also my original belly b….Maybe this is why. From some of the other posts, it sounds like it was a bit more intensive. How does everything look now? Is the bruising better?

The bruising is getting better. I'm taking Arnica - not sure if it really helps or not, but worth a try! I actually don't have any pain when I stand up or when I get out of bed. In general, I don't have any pain now. I'm also standing 100% upright. I feel like I could go to the gym and do the Elliptical, but I'm going to wait until after my appointment on Wednesday. I want to make sure it is ok to work out. And I need a CG that is shorter than the ones I have - mine comes to my mid thigh. Wish I had a binder b/c that could be concealed more than the CG I have. Everyone is so use to seeing me at the gym, and I teach classes there, so I'm sure I'll have a lot of people asking me where I have been! I saw someone the other day, and she said I haven't seen you at the gym lately! LOL! I told her I hurt my back - not a complete lie b/c my back was hurting!!

I know….if I miss a day at the gym, people ask because I'm there 5-6 days every week. LOL. When did you stand upright? I'm almost there…I think I would have been OK for pain had I not been coughing all day yesterday. That seriously sucked! LOL. I think that maybe you should not do the gym yet. Maybe just walk a little longer. Everything I've read on here says that if you push it, you might delay your recovery. Remember that you're still healing even though you feel fine. I've heard of people getting seromas and having to get drained again and stuff. Better safe than sorry, girl. You spend a lot of time, money and effort to get this surgery, probably best to take care of your investment. Clear it with your dr too…but probably best to wait:) I feel you, though….I just want to get back to my usual routine. LOL.

Yes - I'm not doing anything until I clear it with my PS first! I don't want to mess up anything either. I probably started to stand up straight just in the last couple of days - so 8-9 days post op. It has really relieved my aching back. Hope you have a great weekend! Kind of rainy here today in Virginia.

I know, it's cold here today in Alberta. We sound alike, in that we just want to move…lol. I'm laying low and napping while I can. I'm scared to get the seromas that everyone keeps talking about…have you had one yet?

No - not yet. Hope I won't get one! However, the procedure that my PS used really eliminates the chance of getting a seroma with the progressive tension sutures. That's why I also didn't have any drains. I really experienced swelling last night b/c it was my daughter's birthday and she wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant. I had a Corona Light and chicken enchiladas, and I felt so full and swollen after dinner. However, this morning, I'm flat again. My PS said that the swelling begins around 2 weeks or so, so I guess I'm right on track! How are you doing? A little better?

I'm so jealous!! I wanted to ask the nurse about alcohol but got too shy! I been craving an iced sangria with all this fruit I have been eating I daydreamed about making it fresh! I can't imagine how full you must have felt! I think I eat a quarter of what I used too and haven't attempted some Mexican food yet. Did the beer make u bloated or give uuuuuhhhhem gas? :) glad everything is back to flat this morning

My ps told me to have a glass of wine before surgery to call my nerves! The beer didn't cause any stomach issues, but I've had a lot more gas since the surgery... Guess it is like having a baby! I'm ordering the 100 days of real food cookbook. Comes out on the 26th. I eat healthy anyway, but would like some new recipes. You look amazing! Feeling good???

I'm doing pretty good today…just tired. I was climbing up and down stairs yesterday and walking around a bit. My appetite has been really good until today. I just don't feel like eating but I"m making myself eat because I don't want to not recover well. I want junk food, but so far I haven't succumbed yet. LOL. I've been on track and have been eating super clean and sticking to my meal plans. I just want my drains out at this point. LOL. They're just annoying more than anything. LOL. How does your incision look?

I'm with you, Time…I don't eat nearly as much as I used to, I wonder why…

My incision looks petty good, but I still have the steri strips on, so it is hard to tell. My PS said to leave them on until they fell off! Are you all itching? I'm itching all over my belly!

I don't think I'm at that stage yet. u was itchy the first couple of days after surgery but I think maybe it was the anesthesia. I drink probably 5-6 liters of water everyday though. ..so I think that helps. I also wear a cotton a tank top under my cg...and after my showers I usually put some cream on my tummy and body...I'm so scared of seromas and itching. ..This site is so informative. ..

Yes I feel amazing today the last 3 days since those drains came out really sucked the life out of me, bruising bloating swelling, but this morning I woke up and "felt" skinny u know where u can suck it in. I weighed less too 151 now. Sheesh I was 159 the day after that was a blow but it's coming off even though I'm doing so much less I'm eating less too. I love recipe books! Especially clean eating ones! I have a good one with lots of pictures that I use to switch up the meals here and there... Oh boy the breaking wind!!!. I have a lot of gas too. It felt good not to feel bloated when I woke up today and I think gas is the culprit! I didn't have any protein shakes yesterday.. Everything gives me gas tho it seems! Ok I think today would be a good day for something light like some Pinot Grigio, I've been wishing I could have wine it relaxes everything! I am day dreaming of my bubble baths too. I can't wait for those.. How are u feeling today??

I'm so glad I haven't had itching! The binder against my skin had been ok. But I'm GUILTY of not enough water. I forget throughout the day to keep it by my side. What kind of cream do u put?

I feel totally normal despite the swelling and being itchy. I use aquaphor ointment on my sides where my cg is rubbing. I haven't put any other creams on my belly. I also drink a ton of water... No sodas! I'm glad you are feeling better... Have that glass of wine!!!

Well I told myself if I drink a liter of water today I can have a glass! Idk Y I'm so scared to drink lol! I guess because my PS had no alcohol in so many places due to blood thinning! I'm so glad ur feeling normal and standing so straight. Each day is better for me. The drains gave me a setback but I'm back to almost straight! Sleeping flat is key for sure

I use that Egyptian whatever cream from Costco. It's all natural…like olive oil, coconut…something like that. I call it "magic creme" with my kids. LOL. It works awesome for me. I have eczema, so my skin is usually very dry. I always use lotion when I come out of the shower. I'm a crazy water drinker. LOL. The more you drink, the less water your body retains. Same thing with eating. Your body will use what it needs and expel the rest when it's conditioned to believe that you will always satisfy it's needs. My swelling (so far) was limited to day of surgery and POD1. Haven't had any since then. The swelling is concentrated in my boobs and tummy area…Hoping it stays at a minimum….from everything I've read about swelling, I am taking my water seriously. LOL.

I'm feeling pretty good today…just a little more achy than usual. How about you? Did you drink your Pinot Grigio? LOL.

Yeah, I've been sleeping flatter and flatter every night…but boy, I can't wait until I'm standing totally straight up…it's hard on your back!! Just make sure you hydrate a lot after your drink? LOL. It's like when I was preggo….being told I couldn't have something just made me want it more. LOL.

No I didn't!! I'm too chicken! I'm worried it will make me swell or worse I may need pain meds then I won't be able to take it... It's just to scary right now! There's always time for it down the road but for now I dnt want tin interrupt this process by doing something stupid!! Xx

Hahah…..I wouldn't either. Maybe make a mocktail? LOL. It's totally worth it, so just wait it out:) LOL. You already look so awesome. How's the work day?

It's because these CG's are so damn tight! If I swallowed a grape, you'd be able to see it digest!!

Yes - I didn't bleed very much , and my PS uses Progressive Tension Sutures which helps with fluid build up, bleeding, etc. Eliminates the need for a drain! Feeling ok - it is just exhausting! I think being dizzy, the back pain, being uncomfortable and sitting has probably been the hardest! I'm so used to being active that it is so hard to sit and sit and sit. I'm not going to lie - it is one hell of a recovery, and I was in the best shape I could be in prior to surgery! You will do fine though, and every day does get better!!! Good luck to you!!!

I'm getting nervous now…it seems surreal really. I'm in the best shape of my life. I've never been this fit. I'm scared about my recovery, even though I've had sections. I've heard some say it's easier than a section recovery and some say it's worse. What was it like for you?

You look so good now, and I can tell you are in shape. What people fail to realize is that no matter how hard you work out and eat healthy, your muscles will not go back together and your extra skin won't disappear. My stomach muscles were cut into THREE times for my C-sections - my recovery from them was easier with each one. My third was actually a piece of cake! I worked out up until the day before I had my scheduled C-section, which was around 39 weeks. I haven't told many people about my surgery - just family and a few close friends. Honestly, you have to do what's right for you - people may judge, but it is YOUR body. I'm sure people will eventually find out about mine, but so be it! I actually teach fitness classes, so I feel like a hypocrite having it done. But, as my doctor said, it is not a weight loss surgery - it is just removing skin and tightening muscles that have been separated. She won't even do the surgery unless you are within 10 pounds of your "ideal" weight. I'm a little over 5'8 and weighed 135 at my pre op, so one might ask why in the world would you do this? Well... the bottom line is that exercise and diet didn't put my muscles back together and neither did diet. Nor did it remove my shelf above my C-section scar. The recovery is much harder than a C-section - I'm not going to lie to you! I have a low tolerance for pain, but I've managed ok. It is hard to describe...it isn't that it is painful, it is just uncomfortable, and other parts of your body compensate and then they hurt in return. Yes, my incision burns, feels like it is on fire, etc. I have a lot of bruising on my back from the lipo and that is tender. My entire back hurts - being hunched over is tough and takes a toll on your back. My muscles were separated an inch and a half, and my PS sewed them up like a corset all the way from my pubic bone to my lower sternum. With that being said, it is hard to stand up, but it does get better. I'm 5 days out now. You just have to realize that every day will get better. The CG is tight and not very comfortable - it is hot, too. My hip bones are also sore. It is a major surgery, but the body heals quickly. You will be fine! Sorry for the long response, but I just wanted to let you know some things that I've experienced. I tried not to think about it too much before my surgery. I honestly think it has been worse than I expected, but manageable. The pain killers made me feel awful, so once I got them and the anesthesia out of my system, I started to feel a bit better and got my appetite back. Make sure you do eat and drink plenty. I promise you can do this!!! Please let me know if you have any other questions - happy to help! xo

Thank you so much for the support. I know what you mean about the sections. I had two sections, one was an emergency. I was fine with both and was on extra strength tylenol after the stuff they gave me wore off both times. I was driving by the third day and hauling my babies around. Necessity because my ex wasn't a helpful husband. Thank you for the long response, because it's detailed and helps me grasp a better picture of what to expect. I've gone from a size 16 (220lbs, 41% body fat) to size 2/4 (143lbs, 24.8% body fat). I've maintained my "new" body for a year. This is the icing on the cake for me. My PS says I don't need lipo, so I think that will help with my recovery, but I need a different scar because my there isn't much to pull down from above my belly button, but lots of skin on the bottom. Apparently, he needs to make a little "t" because I'm small, but lot of loose skin? Something like that…I don't remember. LOL. I know I wrote about it, but the point where I'm at, I've kind of started forgetting details. Good thing I'm writing it all down:) LOL. You look so fabulous:):)

I meant even before the surgery:) You looked fabulous:) LOL. I'm sure you look fabulous now:):) Post some pics!

Aww - you are sweet! Thanks. I haven't even taken any pics yet....just haven't thought about it. I'll try to post soon, but I'm very bruised from the lipo to my flanks. You probably won't have as much pain since you aren't doing the lipo. You are tiny!!! Congrats on losing all of that weight! I also finally graduated to my bed last night. Sounds like you have everything in order with your kids, etc. Just make sure you have some help the first few days!

I'm trying to be prepared buy I don't think any amount of preparing with get you ready for what's to come. It's a little scary because everyone has such varying experiences. Some have virtually no pain and recover so quickly while others. ..it takes them months. I love how honest you've been with me and detailed. it gives me a better idea. You're right though. ..The sections got easier to recover from the last. This is a little different though. Guess we'll see soon enough what I'm like. lol. I cannot wait to see your pics!

You will be fine - are you getting the Exparel shot for pain? I had it, and it was great - no pain pump!

Nope…just whatever anaesthesia wears off and some T3s. LOL. Guess I'll have to suck it up:)

Feeling much better, thank you! First day on my own with all three kids! Hasn't been too bad, but just exhausting! My back hurts the most. I can't wait to get back to the gym in a few weeks! Oh how I miss it. I slept in my bed for the first time last night - I seem to be sleeping for 3 hours or so, then waking up to pee, then I have a hard time getting comfortable, and it takes me awhile to fall back asleep. How are you doing?

I miss the gym too. I want to squat and work on my back. I feel you. I am a litttle straight then I am hunched over after walking alittle. I feel good. I could do more but am worried about increasing the swelling on my TT incision.Glad you are in your bed. I still sleep with a pillow under my legs. It is hard to get comfy.

I think I'll miss the gym the most. Getting in my last workout tomorrow…sigh…this part will be long…having to wait for my gym time again…

Your new gym will be standing, log rolling off the couch, standing with a squat stance and just walking around. I dream of the gym but tire easily. :

lol. You're so right. I just remember being so tired after every section...I still did everything but boy was I exhausted everyday. lol

I hope this experience is much better than you had with the c sections.:)