Treatment Provider

Michelle J. Place, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Got it done!!

I finally got my first official workout in and it felt so good!!
I did an interval speed walk with inclines. I was able to get up to 4.5 speed with 8 & 10 inclines. After 25 mins of that I did a lightweight shoulder and tri’s workout. I wore my waist trimmer. I feel a little more swollen, but it’s not a lot like i have read others write about. I felt good the entire workout and felt like I could push myself even more next time.
I’m sharing this because I had a mental block holding me back. I was afraid to hurt myself, swell too much and possibly set myself back. If you’re feeling strong and you think your body is ready, get back at it. Ease your way in and adjust the intensity slowly. The endorphins are so amazing!! ????

Week 5

So I can still say I am feeling even stronger this week than last. My activity level has had a big boost this week with the kids back in school and me able to get out and about comfortably. I have been cooped up so long now that I will find any excuse to get out.
I have been cleared to ditch the binder since week 2, but just this week really stopped wearing it during the day. I have been wearing high waisted workout leggings. They give me a nice amount of support and are very comfortable. By 5pm I’m feeling pretty sore in my upper abdomen, but this is with quite a bit of walking at a pretty quick pace. I tend to bundle back up in my binder once the swelling and soreness kick back in. I also still wear my binder to bed, but am feeling about ready to stop that as well.
I am not back in a workout routine yet. I am cleared to begin steady controlled cardio as well as light weights. I did do a series of upper body moves Sunday and while it felt amazing and my arms almost instantly firmed up, I am afraid that is where the extra tenderness in the upper abs started. It was not a planned workout and I did not have my binder on so that was my mistake for sure.
I go back to my PS at week 6 if my surgical tape comes off for embrace scar therapy. If the tape is not off, I go at week 8. I have read a lot of ladies saying massaging the scar beginning week 6 is very helpful for smoothing the line and breaking up scar tissue. My tape has begun peeling off and last night noticed a bit of puckering along the exposed scar line, it has been very flat otherwise. It doesn’t seem as bad today so it may have been from a seam in my pants. The ends are another story. I still have swelling (less this week) and puckering at the ends. My hips are still swollen and tender, upper thighs are swollen, but less tender.
Overall I am feeling pretty good and like I am on a good path to a full recovery with a happy result.

Week 4

Wow! What a difference a week can make! Starting about five days ago I suddenly felt so much stronger and every day has just gotten better since. I look forward now to going out and running errands. Cooking is not a challenge. I don’t feel the need to rest after every task. The pulling of my muscles at the end of the day has dramatically decreased. I do feel a tug downward as the day progresses so I end the day a bit hunched, but not as bad as last week at all.
Still dealing with swelling. Hips and upper thighs are extra puffy too and even tender. I am noticing a little more contour back in my obliques which makes me happy. I didn’t have any lipo and not seeing contour has had me very nervous that I may have actually needed it.
I have had a few intense itching sensations along my incision, but being that i am numb there is no way to get relief. It’s so strange to have anything touch my stomach. I can’t wear loose fitting shirts that rub my tummy. I was cleared to stop wearing my binder at week 2, but I am just now feeling comfortable not wearing it. I do still wear it, but only for the extra “protection” I feel from it.
I have been able to sleep on my side with pillows to lean back on for a week now.
I have my 4 week PO appt tomorrow. Looking forward to being cleared to begin cardio. I miss working out and my kiddos start school Monday so it is the perfect time to get back into a routine.
I’m putting pics up, but will warn I’m puffy due to my cycle starting today. My scar and bb seem to b healing well. My PS told me last visit the tape would come off at 4-6 weeks. I just trim off loose pieces as needed. I can only imagine how great week 6 will feel if Week 4 can be this much better.
Happy healing! Slow and steady is working for me.

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
100 Park Place, San Ramon, California
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