29 Y/o Mom of One. Umbilical Hernia Repair, Corrected Diastasis Recti - Brookline, MA

I have had this issue since I gave birth in 2013. In 2014 I was scheduled for surgery but because of the recovery time and activities with my child I decided to cancel. Last Friday I finally went through with the procedure and I am eager to see results. Right now I look bigger in the belly area than prior to the surgery. It's very tight because muscles are stitched together and a bit uncomfortable. The first 48 hours were the worst. I am over 72 hours postop and feel tons better. My surgeon said scar will last around six months but pain should subside within three weeks. I will not be able to lift anything over 10 lbs for 6 weeks and that'll be hard because I'm a single mom living with just my three year old. (She's with grandparents for now!) I would recommend lots of rest the first two days. I stopped taking percocets pain killers second day postop and only taking ibuprofen along with colace. Gas can be very uncomfortable but ibuprofen helps with swelling. Drink lots of water at least 60 ounces a day is what I've been doing. Light eating to decrease bloating. Below is a picture I just took today. Not the best cause it's a mirror pic but I'm home alone.

Here is a picture before hernia removal. I am happy I went trigh with removal. The size would fluctuate but it was always present. Not a good look.

I'm happy to say that my swelling has gradually went down. There's still some fluid along "healing ridge" which makes me nervous about my hernia having returned. However I'll continue to wait. My surgeon actually said it'll take six months to completely heal. Nonetheless I'm happy that I can begin an exercise regimen to work on my core. (I have a little belly fat outside of having had a hernia.) I'm grateful that I can wear a two piece confidently by next summer. This picture was taken today.