So about 5 years I dropped just over 100lbs which was awesome...I felt so much happier and healthier. The only downside was I had this flabby apron of excess skin around the tummy. I had tried everything I could think of: more crunches, different cardio workouts,kickboxing... Nothing worked! It sucked but I figured it is what it is. The extra skin was annoying and made me self conscious. I still had the fat person mentality, especially when I looked down and all I could see was the extra and not the hardwork I had done. I was also extremely self conscious when my significant other and I were intimate. I know we all have flaws but I knew how visible and notice mine was. Being naked in front of someone is incredibly intimate but I could never really enjoy it because I was too freaked out he would get grossed out or I would do something to make it much more worse. Again, I settled for the fact that jabba the gut (yes I named it, I'm a nerd like that) would be there for ever. My Father past away and I was left with. Little bit of an inheritance and I started to think maybe jabba the gut did not have to be part of me forever. I started looking and body contouring post-weightloss and things like that. To do the full body work over was expensive so I figured I could deal with bigger thighs (I am german so it's genetic) and the not perfectly muscled arms but jabba the gut had to go. My SO was by supportive of the decision to look into tummy tuck. He said if it made me more confident and fell better about myself then I should do it since I had accomplished something awesome. He also added it was an investment in myself as well as us...in the long run it wouldn't be that expensive. We were in the process of getting ready to move but called a well known PS in our area just to try to get a consultation for the following week. The receptionist was rude and laughed and asked if I knew who dr so and so was...that he didn't have consultations for 3 months ( this was June 2015). I hung up feeling disheartened and called the SO at work. He said either wait 3 months or look for a PS where we were moving. So I googled and decided to look up the first PS I saw, had good ratings and called. They could have gotten me in that day but I had to work so scheduled for the following week. The consultation was awesome. I felt very comfortable. Surgery was scheduled for Sept 10. Going into it I was nervous seeing as I had never had surgery before. Procedure seemed like it to I a hot minute before I was waking up. I was sore but the biggest annoyance was the drainage tubes. Also sitting up to stand up since the use of my abs was nonexistent. The SO and his brother got me home....his bro probably saw more of me then any of us wanted while he was helping to take care of me but he was awesome while SO was in class and working. The first couple days I barely ate (wasn't real hungry) except when taking pain meds but drank a lot of juice. I found myself dosing most of the day. 7 days post op I was more mobile but the pain level still sucked and was just uncomfortable. Coming into this week multiple things started happening: drains came out (yay!), started feeling better so starting wanting to be active (like household stuff since SO doesn't do dishes or laundry as often as is necessary) but I just got tired a lot. I felt like a blob on the couch not doing anything since we just moved and I am in between jobs/geRing up to take the GRE and apply to grad school). Today really hit me hard at 15 days post op with the drains out I had a job interview scheduled and I went to put real clothes on and NOTHING fit. Everything was too tight around the abs/tummy and I lost it. Had a mini pAnic attack as visions of being the fat girl again popped into my head. I ended up regaining composure but the only thing that I could find to wear was stretchy leggings and a button up shirt though the buttons on the bottom didn't close. This put me in a bout of depression..normally when I get down I work out/go for a run...which I can't do for another 4 weeks...which made me even more depressed. And my guy is super sup portico but was not sure how to handle the crying over clothes or crying because I can't go for a run...he's got the pep talks down pretty good besides thAt though..I am hoping this is normal and that I'm not just going crazy. Hopefully I will see some progress soon and know that all of this was worth it. Updated on 5 Oct 2015: So as of this Thursday, 10/10 I will be 4 weeks post op! The difference between 2 and 3 was incredible. No, my clothes still continue to not fit right thanks to the swelling but I have noticed that is even decreasing. I am still emotional randomly for things...I am especially sensitive when it comes to other frustrations/pain. For example my SO was having a bad day so when he came home I let him vent and I ended up crying because of his stress. It was weird. I am still getting tired easier...but I am able to stay up past 9 again so progress! I noticed my abs were more sore most of the pack week and that was a new symptom. It wasn't too bad just annoying. I am able to sleep on my side with the help of a body pillow which is also ah-maz-ing! Though I noticed I was suffering from insomnia a good portion of last week but was told that's a side effect of surgery. It allowed me to start on my online Christmas shopping at least! I have several family weddings this fall and so I was pulled out dress shopping for the one I'm not in...went to my favorite tj maxx and my mom starts throwing dresses at me left and right. I have been anti clothes shopping since me freak out a couple weeks ago but I humored her. I tried on one that was a smaller size and it fit! It was a 40s looking thing so the skirt was forgiving but the profile was new..especially the side profile. This made me realize that maybe I wont be a swollen mess forever!