Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift - Dallas, Texas

I'm a 47 year old ER nurse that had kids later in life (1st on at 36, 2nd at 37) both by c-section. At the time of my surgery, I weighed 197 lb. Yes, I have weight in many places but the one place that has not changed in 10 years in my stomach. I cannot begin to tell you the horror I felt when I saw my before photos. Prior to having children, I wore a size 6. But my kids ruined that! I was up to a 16W. The W was absolutely due to the size of my stomach. Well, that has all changed!
I had surgery on the 27th of April and am doing well. I had 5 1/2 lbs of excess skin removed from my abdomen as well as a breast lift. The day of the surgery went well. I was in the op room for approx 7 hrs. No complications.
Immediately following: Dr. Khan provides for 24 hour recovery following surgery. What does that mean? You stay the night at the surgical center with an RN at your bedside, pain, nausea medications and fluids are given at set intervals and as needed. You will get up and walk at a given time (mine was at midnight but I was in surgery until 4 pm), yes, you have a catheter that is removed as well. Then you go home the next morning.
I felt no pain from the tummy tuck. Let me say that again - I felt NO pain from my tummy tuck. And still don't almost 3 weeks later. I did have some initial discomfort when I tried to take a deep breath but that subsided within a few days. My incision does extent from hip to hip (actually going to the outside of my hips). NO PAIN!
Drains: ok, here is a different story....they suck. I have emptied, cleaned and removed drains from patients (I'm a nurse) but I have never had one myself. It's not painful but uncomfortable and just annoying. If you have any questions regarding these or want more details - I'm happy to share but want to move on.....
Garment: REALLY????? For 3 months?? OK, yep, 3 months. If you wear Spanx or other compression garments, then this might not both you at all. I am not thrilled. I have a short waist and this was made for someone a little taller than me. I have found it difficult to sleep in and painful on my sides where the clasps are located. I am currently trying to put maxi pads there to help keep it from hurting but really it just sucks for me! I do laugh at Betty every time she tells me "wait, you'll be in the medium soon"......hahahaha I still can't imagine being able to fit into it!
Breast lift: honestly I did this for my husband. Yes, gravity was winning this fight but I didn't really care. Pain - this has actually been the only painful part. My nipples are more sensitive than they have been in years. Also the swelling has made sleeping difficult. I know that both of these issues will calm down in the next coming weeks but for now they suck. But they look good!
Overall I am very happy with my results. I now have a chance of living the next 47 years with confidence and pride in my appearance.
If you have any questions - feel free, I'm pretty open.