Goodbye Baby Belly! - Las Vegas, NV

3 weeks post-op! Today is another milestone that I have been patiently waiting for. Scar is healing very well. Belly button is still pretty red around the edges but I feel like once the swelling goes down it is going to be pretty much like a normal button. I feel like I am doing great as far as swelling goes (knock on wood). If I am doing waaaaay too much, I will get a little swollen at the end of the day. I am able to fit into my jeans and stuff that I had before, they are actually a bit loose. Today I wore my shorts that actually used to pop open from my belly before and now there is a lot of slack in them! Sister keeps asking me if it feels better to not have it anymore and all I can say is that it's the best! This is truly, like the best thing I could have chosen to do just for myself. Even with the swelling that I do have, I am soooooo much more comfortable with myself. I am so excited for her to get hers done so she can start enjoying what I am feeling. It's pretty amazing that such a silly thing like extra skin can change a person so much...and how dramatic it can be when that skin is finally removed. I mean, my personality has and always will be the same, but I am much more confident in myself now. I can't wait to start working out again and letting the rest of my body catch up to my flat tummy! Still no regrets from having this procedure done and I would encourage anyone else to do the same if they have the same problem.

My 2 week picture isn't the greatest quality, took it with my phone. I am still not totally comfortable without my garment on so I will try to get a better picture next time it's off. Last night I slept without the garment...not horrible but would have been a little more comfortable with it on. I need the pressure on my tummy for some reason, like when you cut your finger or something and it feels better when you put a bandaid on it. The pressure helps more than I would have thought. I am not comfortable standing straight without the garment, but once it's on, I have no problem. My whole tummy feels like it is bruised but the muscle gets better every day. Wondering when to start scar therapy, any suggestions on what works best would be greatly appreciated. Right now I am just putting paper tape on the scar just because I don't like it to rub against anything. As of today, still not one regret from doing this surgery. Totally happy with the results even with the swelling. Can't wait to see the final results!

2 week post op today and I am soooooo happy! It feels like it has been much longer though, considering what my body has been through. In the beginning, it seemed like it would take forever for the muscle to recover and the incision to heal and to be able to stand up, but here I am! Drains are gone, stitches out of belly button and all the dressings are off! Only have to wear binder during day if I want. I finally got to take a shower!!!!!!! I was speeding all the way home so I could get in my shower :) It's funny how I couldn't wait to be able to take the compression garment off and now that I can, I feel exposed without it. I need it now because it feels strange without the bandages and stuff. It protects me somehow. I'm hoping the belly button will improve, its just awkward to me because Im used to seeing it deep down in a sea of belly fat and skin I guess. The last time I saw my natural tummy and belly button was like 9 years ago. Doc says it is all going to take time so just be patient. Fine with me, even with this fresh scar and swelling, it looks a million times better than it did before. So happy and can't wait to see how much things improve over time!