I couldn't be happier!! After seeing some of the recovery pics on the internet....mine look FABULOUS!! At 5'7" my peak was 248 lbs & in 2 years I got down to 176 on my own. No gimmicks, fad diets, & no surgeries. Just clean healthy eating & a little exercise. My skin became very saggy & I had what I called a "Flap" removed! I haven't been this flat in my stomach since I was 13!! Dr Holland was WONDERFUL! He even held my hand when I was being put under! How Sweet! I had my drain tubes removed about 12 days post-op! I am 17 days post op & I'm finding that I tend to overdo it everyday cuz I feel SO great & then I regret it about 4pm through till the next morning. My Swell Hell starts around then also! The more I overdo it the more I swell! Avoid ALL carbonated drinks, salty foods, & bad carbs! This will help keep down the swelling!! Drink LOTS of waters & take at least one dose of MiraLax everyday! My 1st BM was 7 days post-op cuz I wasn't taking any stool softners & I thought I was going to die! I was shaking, afraid to push, & sweating! It was AWWFUL! TRUST ME, take any stool softener! I clean & treat my incisions everyday w/ a sterile foam soap from the hospital & Mederma scar treatment. I will keep up on posting and pics! Wishing you ALL the BEST!!