46 Year Old Mom, Four Babies in Four Years, Last Pregnancy Set of Twins, 3 C-sections - Guilford, CT

I have always been a healthy weight, very focused on my health/nutrition/exercise, past marathon runner, heated power vinyasa yoga instructor, small business owner. No amount of running, dieting or yoga could pull my core muscles in to where they were before I had the twins eight years ago. I had four babies in four years, 3 c-sections, 2 singletons, last pregnancy was twins and combined weight was almost 14lbs! I have a four finger width diastasis recti tear from breast bone to pubic bone. My self esteem has been so poor and I am so happy to have the love and support of my husband and best girlfriends to do this surgery for me. Looking forward to having how I feel about myself on the inside match up with how I feel about myself on the outside (physical appearance). Full Tummy Tuck, Muscle Repair & Flanks Liposuction.

Well my surgery was yesterday at 7:45am, 3.5 hours for TT, MR, flank Lipo. From 3 c-sections my muscles were a mess, surgeon said everything went well and looks great. Draining normally, pain was mostly uncomfortable. Took a two hour nap then was up mostly all night waking to alarms set for Vicodin and Valium. I ate lightly, organic vegetable soup, small cup of fresh pineapple and some blueberries, tons of water. I took Colace, arnica and phosphorus homeopathic remedies 3x per day.

Day 2 had me so in pain from gas that could not be released. So I used a Dulcolax Suppository which does not cramp you, just relieves you gently from gas and constipation. It was a triumphant moment! I was up 5 or 6 times today to use the bathroom, great thing to have is the toilet stand riser,I could easily care for myself in the bathroom and sit/rise on my own.

Tricky part has been getting up and down into the recliner chair, husband helps greatly. We slept through the 5 am alarm for Vicodin at 6:30. I was 90 minutes past due and it has been a big set back managing to get back on top of my pain. Very sore today. Taking it easy and napped for s bit.

I have one drain that has normal output, even had a nasty clot come through, doctor said that was normal so don't be alarmed if it happens to you.

Ready for day 2 to be over quite honestly and looking forward to a nicer day 3! Well supported in care and dear friends helping with our 4 children. Take it easy is my best advice, it will get better :) xojillian

The positives....
1. Swelling is going down in my lower abs
2. My 1 drain output is minimal so far today
3. I'm off Vicodin (past 3 days) switched to Aleve
4. Only taking one Valium at night to settle myself and sleep.
5. Sleeping in recliner very comfortably, noticing the benefits of back sleeping, lol, my skin looks great, no under eye bags/puffiness!
6. When I get weepy, my husband is very soothing and draws the curtains and puts on the sound machine to help me nap.
7. I'm still SO elated I had my TT/MR!
8. TMI warning: I can toot, I have popped!
9. Drinking tons of lemon water and eating a whole English cucumber daily to alleviate swelling/bloating.
10. I'm blessed with the best husband and most thoughtful girlfriends.
11. I'm so grateful for this forum, for the sweet people who listen, guide and support! Thank you!

When you are at a low point, go to gratitude, it works :) And I have low points daily!

Let's see what the rest of the day brings, lol!