almost 4 months post op

I am 38 the mother of 2 kids 11 months and 5 years old. My daughter (11 months) did quite the number on my tummy! I've never struggled with weight issues and eat well and exercise for the most part. I am 5'8 and currently 145lbs. I am most comfortable between 135-140 so I am a bit over my "ideal" weight. I gained 45 pounds (YIKES) with my last pregnancy and worked hard to take all of the weight off but was left with stretch marks and a very saggy tummy. I had an umbilical hernia that came back during my pregnancy with my daughter so I knew I was going to have to have it repaired and made the decision to go ahead with the tummy tuck at the same time. I was really unsure about my decision because it felt a bit selfish but my husband was fully supportive of whatever I decided. Trying to find the time to do this with my small kids and especially the baby was tough. Was able to get it scheduled on Nov. 2nd 2012 and arrange for help for the month of November. I am now 11 days post op and all I can say is that I am SO SO Happy I did this! Don't get me wrong...the first two days I literally thought I was going to die. I was SO sick from the anesthesia (I did IV sedation instead of general) that I threw up 5 times before leaving recovery and continued to be sick the rest of the day several times. It was honestly the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my life and I've had several rounds of kidney stones and given birth twice (once with no meds) Once I got the nausea under control it was still pretty awful. I was feeling a bit better by 4 days post op and continue to get better and stronger everyday. I have been off of pain pills since about 7 days post op and am trying to get my body to fell as well as my mind! The incision is well...huge. It is hip to hip (much larger than I thought it would be as my PS did a fair amount of lipo on the flanks. I am still unable to stand up straight and still pretty swollen. BUT my tummy is FLAT. FLAT! My belly button is kind of hideous right now but I think it will be cute when healed. I had a definite innie before and now it might be kind of an outie. My scar looks yucky but my PS closed with staples and the removed staples and drains 3dpo and it is healing nicely, though a bit of a pucker on one side. I had my belly button sutures removed last Friday 7 days post op and have another appt this friday (14dpo) and then will begin scar treatment I think. I'm not able to wear anything but very comfy loose fitting pants or sweats right now, tried on a pair of jeans and couldn't button them (fit fine before surgery) so I know that I am still swollen. I really just wanted the flab and stretch marks gone. Since all of my stretch marks were below my belly button I am proud and happy to say that they are ALL gone. Tummy is flat and stretch mark free! I am excited to see how I progress and how much better it will get! PS told me that I wouldn't even see the results of the lipo contouring for 6 months but I would be pleased with it. I cannot say enough good things about my PS. He and his staff are amazing! Very pleased with my decision!