On 3/10/09 I had breast augmentation and a full tummy tuck, with repair to an umbilical hernia. I was petrified about the pain that I would endure after my surgery, that I almost didn't go through with it. But I was so sick of having to hide my "muffin top". I was always skinny and in shape and my two pregnancies totally stretched out my stomach, beyond self-repair. I looked as if I was three months pregnant, even though I weighed 113 lbs.
I woke up from surgery feeling excellent. There was no initial pain and the bindings were not too constricting. Over the next 24 hours, I stayed in my dr.s office, with a nurse who montitored my blood pressure, heart beat and i had constant stimulation of my calves to avoid blood clots. I was given percocets and xanax as often as needed to keep me comfortable.
On day two, getting out of the bed was tough, but once I did it, I knew that the worst was behind me. Every day I feel better, I walk a little taller. Today I showered and felt amazing. I have one drain, which is totally manageable. I thought it would be horrible to have one, but it's really no big deal. My nurse told me to clip the drain to a long necklace while I showered so that I wouldn't need help and it totally worked! What a great tip.
The best part of my recovery has been that my kids are staying with my parents for four days- if this is possible for you, it is an amazing gift. I'm so excited for them to come home tomorrow and plan on telling them that I hurt my back, and nothing else. I'm still taking pain meds every 3 hours- I don't wait to feel pain, I'm staying ahead of it. My worst pain right now is honestly a sore throat from being intebated for the anesthesia. Totally tolerable stuff.
Anyone who is considering this surgery- do it! Just make sure you have the right doctor for you! My dr. gave me a low, very neat incision and took extra special care of my belly button. I know that within the upcoming weeks I will finally have the confidence in my body that i've been missing and will gain the energy that I need to be a full time Mom again.
