5ft1 125lb Mom of Three Boys- Abdominoplasty

RealSelf reviews have helped me mentally prepare and reassure myself when I have had doubts. Since I found the reviews helpful I feel compelled to 'share the wealth'.
Prior to children I have always had a little pouch around my belly button that was very resistant to exercise and healthy eating. I was conscious of it, but it didn't bother me too much because I generally found it somewhat cute (strange, perhaps!). Post children the cuteness was gone! The little pouch turned into a hanging pouch. Probably more significant than my hanging fat was that my muscles were badly separated and my stomach permanently protruded, despite conscious effort to tame the tummy.
The past month had me significantly doubting whether I was making the right decision- that perhaps I was being frivolous. I was able to maintain perspective (thankfully) and had my surgery yesterday (May 2). Part of my reason for feeling compelled to share is for women who were unsure for the same reasons as me.

I posted a review right after my surgery and I'm just realizing I posted it! At the time, I remember thinking I should post something since I appreciated all the pictures and reviews I scrolled through (and was feeling bored in my sedentary state- since I seemed to be wide awake in the middle of the night) I also recall typing and thinking everything was deleted somehow. Not having the desire to write everything again, I decided to go to sleep instead ;)
Fast forward to tonight- by chance the review was on my phone this evening. I don't know if my children found it or what (?!), but I'm happy to have found it so I can follow up.

Here's how I recall the past two months recovery:
1st week- tough. Uncomfortable. You really need support. I had both my mom and my husband. Both for the first 4 days, my husband for the the whole week and then I had various friends or family pop in to help out on the second week. (Days 7-14, to be clear)
2 week- feeling much better but still not tip top.
3rd week- I started driving again. Dauntingly I started taking care of the boys by myself (and feeling like I was failing at it. I believe around this time I found my 2 year old on the top of our kitchen cabinetry!) I also seem to recall noticing my swelling was starting to noticeably decrease.
4-6 weeks. Walking lots. Felt very functional
6 weeks. Was allowed to stop wearing the compression garment at night which was a relief since my skin was always feeling itchy
8 weeks- could stop wearing my compression garment during the days but still require it to wear while exercising- which has been mostly running. Next Tuesday (10 week mark) I'm permitted to stop wearing the garment entirely.

I can't fully express how great it feels to have a flat midsection! The first time I tried on pants I had a very strong emotional response- everything fit so nicely. Perfectly. (I no longer felt that tinge of resentment for destroying my body). I really feel fantastic and would strongly encourage anyone who would like a tummy tuck to follow that path.

Here are some pictures from the past weeks. I mentioned the vertical scar on one of my captions, but I'll mention it again now. I didn't have enough loose skin to pull my old belly button area down blow the incision line. If I feel the scar is too obvious, I will consider a scar revision. At this point, I just hope it heals nicely.
Also, swelling was initially more significant in the lower part of my stomach, now I find I swell more above the belly button area. Dr. Frank mentioned this swelling will continue on and off for the next 6-9 months. Also he mentioned the button of my belly button will be less puffy.