Dr. Reath

Thanks for your kind remarks, Maxie. While I may do this operation on a weekly basis, this is a one and only experience for you. There will always be questions that you have about your recovery and how you are doing. The best thing is to ask these questions and get the answers, as you have done. RealSelf.com is a great vehicle for this. Hope your recovery continues well.

You are actually doing fairly well with your recovery. Remember, you had more than just a tummy tuck, so it may take a little longer. Also, you worked out a great deal prior to your operation, and it will take a while to get back to this level of fitness. The good news is that you have a very good result, and once you are fully recovered, you will have better core strength than before since your muscles have been repaired. Don't expect to be working our consistently for another couple of months. And, you may not get rid of all your swelling for six months. And this would be considered normal. Do what you can in terms of low impact cardio excercise. This may only be walking on a treadmill, or riding a bike. Stop when you are fatigued, and don't expect to be able to do what you were doing prior to the operation just yet. And do some stretching. This will help. But above all, hang in there! All is well. While this recovery seems to be taking forever, once you are back at full strength, it won't seem to have taken so long.