I was very nervous about my procedure mainly because it's a big surgery but I was confident in my surgeon since I had worked with him in the past at another clinic. His staff made me feel at ease and were always available to answer all my questions. Surgery went well, with no complications. I have 2 drains at this time that are draining normally. Day of surgery I was up and walking around with a moderate amount of pain. I made sure to stay on top of all my medications. Today is day 4 from day of surgery and I am doing great. I have not taken any pain pills since last night, so it's been over 15 hrs... I took my first shower yesterday with no issues, just made sure someone was available in case I got lightheaded. So far I would say this procedure has been easier than expected. Updated on 15 May 2021: Doing Great!!! Drains are out and healing has begun. I would say the worst pain is just when I have to sneeze or cough... it feels like my sutures are going to come undone... I just wear my garment and abdominal binder 24/7... Updated on 17 May 2021: I am a week and half out from my full abdominalplasty and I feel good. I stopped taking my pain pills after day 3. I had 2 JP drains placed on either side of my hips after surgery and had to record drainage amounts. I had both drains removed after 1 week due to having less than 30 CC in a 24hr period. I was walking in an upward position pretty quickly, I would say definitely by day 3. I also showered on day 3 and it felt AMAZING...I had a walker just in case but never used it. I also had bought a wedge pillow to place under my knees while laying down. I would have to say the worst pain is whenever I have to sneeze or cough!! I literally feel like I am going to rip my sutures from my abdominal wall... I would have to say being a week and a half out I feel pretty good. I have already drove my car to the grocery store for curbside pick up and plan on going back to work in 2 days... I am a nurse... I would have to say that wearing my garment and abdominal binder have been my "best friend."

I am currently 13 days Post OP and feeling great. My PS was wonderful he answers all my concerns and was very caring. I was very soar the first three days but the medication kept me sleepy; therefore, I didn't feel much. I started walking around that first night at home and walked every 2 hours for a few minutes. I am still swollen and sometimes I get sharp shooting pains, but my PS said that this is due to nerves repairing. I drink plenty of water, at least 60 ounces a day, this helps my swelling. I have not gone through any depression but I totally prepared myself before the surgery. I am very realistic that is a process and I don't expect miracles. I do have a question. How soon can I start a light exercise program? I would like to start by walking on the treadmill and hopefully build myself back up to my regular work out routine. Updated on Oct 25, 2010: OK, today was my first day back at work. I began to swell up from the parking lot to the building. I was very worried because I am a PC tech at a hospital and walk all day, but the branch chief was kind enough to let me work the helpdesk while I recover. My swelling became pretty bad so I went to visit my great friend in surgery and he assured me that the swelling was normal, (He helped perform my surgery.) He looked over my scar and said that I was healing nicley. I feel very lucky that I am just walking distance from these fine doctors and nurses. I don't have any pictures to post but I will take some next week at my 1 month post, (WOW, I can't believe that it has almost been a month.) i hope that everyone is doing well. Updated on Oct 25, 2010: So glad that I did this. Love seeing my pre mommy tummy back.. Updated on Oct 27, 2010: Today is my 3 wk post-op anniversary and I am feeling pretty good. I made to the building from the parking lot without swelling, woo-hoo! I did start to swell some mid-afternoon but I was not too bad. The only thing that I am concern with is that my stomach becomes hard whenever I cough or sneeze. It will only become hard around my BB, but does go away after a minut or so. Is this normal? Updated on Oct 28, 2010: I got my stage two garment today and it is not very flattering. I have to squeeze into a corset that go from my thighs to my chest. I have all theses snaps and zippers everywhere, its going to take me longer to get ready in the morning. Updated on Nov 3, 2010: i have been cleared by ps to start working out again. I went to the gym this morning and did 30 minutes on the eliptical with level 6 as max resistance. Did a few abductors for my inner thighs. Funny how before surgery I could squeeze 90 to 100 pds and this morning I could on squeeze 40 pds. Baby steps is the key to a full recovery. I gained 10 pounds while recovering and that was an eye opener. I will post pics this week Updated on 16 Nov 2010: I have not had a chance to take pictures because I have been busy getting ready for holidays. I will post some soon. Here is a quick update: I am now 6 weeks post op and I have been going to the gym regularly. I am still very careful when it comes to my weight lifting but I am getting better at my cardio. My daughter and I jogged last night, I jogged one block and then walked the next. We did this for about one mile. Tonight, I did 30 minutes on the eleptical and some leg presses. Still wearing the binder because I feel like I can move around better when I have it on. I am still swelling but it is getting better. Thank you everyone on this forum. I appreciate all of y'alls (I am from Texas, LOL) input and encouragement. Can't wait for the summer. I have not taken my kids swimming in years because of my body. I am taking control of my body and my life again! Updated on 22 Jan 2011: Ok.. I am now almost 16 weeks post-op and I am still very happy. I do have swelling and my doctor wants to do a little more lipo and correct some small dog ears, but thanks to everyone's comments, encouragement, and experiences posted on this website I did not freak out and knew that this is not uncommon. I am happy that the worst is behind me and that I can begin to move on with my daily activities. I did slip up and stopped exercising because I did not know what exercises I could and could not do. Now, I just listen to my body and don't push myself too hard. I had to create a new exercise regiment that works for me while I am recovering. I just wanted to thank everyone because you helped me during my early stages of recovery and continue to help and encourage me today. I read one person's review about dog ears. I will take some pictures and post them tomorrow. hopefully the images will help someone who is wondering what they look like.