“Tummy Tuck - 1 Week Post Op - Feeling Good! - Walnut Creek, CA”

I am one week post op on my tummy tuck.

I feel great. My PS did not do drainage tubes and opted for 'quilt stitching'. Anyone out there who had the same technique? I'd love to hear your story (pros/cons).

I was upright within 2-3 days. Not eating so much as I did not have my first bm until day 4.

Thanksgiving was day 6, and I can tell in the pictures that my 'belly mound' is gone. I look slimmer, despite minimal weight loss.

I am the mother to two boys, 14 and 5, and this is the first thing I have done for myself in a long time. I was tired of being asked if I was pregnant. My belly was distended, and despite a work out regimine, it never really went away.

I am happy with the results -- even if it seems premature.

Updated on 29 Nov 2010:
Post Op Day 10 - I feel like a Ken doll... My stomach is tight, oddly flat, no dimension or definition. I have been heeding my doctors advice and had been lying around since Thanksgiving. Watching some really bad TV.

I can stand almost upright, but my hynie is tucked under, only making my back hurt... so I lay back down. Bruising is almost gone... though the ones on my backside cheekies were really bad to begin with... much progress.

Energy level and spirits are high.

Advice from all - does your belly button initially look off center? And will it go back into place?

Updated on 8 Dec 2010:

Day 19 Post Op. Today is my third day back at work, and I feel more swollen. Is it because I am vertical most of the day? My flanks feel hard and a bit bumpy. My compression garment is leaving more indentations (due to swelling).

Word of advice: Keep taking stool softeners. I finished my antibiotics, stopped the pain pills, and stopped the stool softeners - big mistake. Ouchie.

I am starting to see some shape. I always had a boy figure, and now I see a smaller waist. I am down 5 lbs since the surgery (doc said he removed 4.5 lbs of skin) and given the swelling, I am pretty happy.

I agitated the lower suture area, therefore I need to goop it with Neosporin and keep gauze on it. I hope it heals okay without scar tissue.

Otherwise, HAPPY about my tt.