18 Months Post Op: Still healing ...

I had my tummy tuck done on 1/15/2013. It was definitely a healing process that left my tummy feeling weird when I bumped into it. It did not hurt, it was just uncomfortable. I weighed 125lbs after surgery and then gained about 15 pounds; I felt bloated and uncomfortable at times. Recently I lost about 20 lbs; I am 5'4" and 117 lbs. That has made a big difference in my tummy tuck results and I think 10 years later I am finally where I need to be in weight and comfort. Regardless of the minor discomfort I had placed on myself through weight gain post surgery, I have no regrets and am very happy with my body and how my clothes fit. It is not an easy surgery but totally worth it for me.

Two weeks ago I celebrated 18 months PostOp. It has been a pretty easy journey as I allowed myself time to heal. I have not been an exercise fanatic but I do yoga and pilates stretches and some work on the elliptical. I will say that my core is not as strong as it was before the surgery and it has taken some time to heal. I still have a few tender spot around my belly button and occasionally feel as though I have a food baby after a large meal; it is a very uncomfortable feeling. Sometimes while exercising I may feel a pull or pinch, but I just work through it or stop. The tops of my thighs and around the scar near my hips still has a tingling burning feeling to the touch. My scar looks pretty normal but my belly button is kind of an outy and not my thing, but the hubby says it is cool with him. I am very happy with how my clothes fit and remain a size 8. I have gained about 5 lbs since the operation and hope to keep this under control. My stomach looks better when there are a few pound less.

Yesterday was my one year PostOp visit to Dr. H. I am so happy to be this far in my recovery. Thanks to my postings on Real Self throughout my recovery, it has been good to see my progress. I have not really exercised like I should have, mostly due to my work and the sometimes 12-14 hour days I have to put in. Then when I am not working, all I want to do is lounge and recuperate. But it is good to be strong and to be able to do the long hours; something I was not sure I would ever be able to do again, especially in the early months of recovery. My plan for the New Year is to get on that dusty elliptical and work out at my own pace. Dr. H says things look good and have healed nicely. My belly button still has some scar tissue and darkening, but things get better everyday. I still have some numbness and nerve tingling along my scar and on my upper thighs, but again, everyday things get better. Today I am getting a small skin tab removed from my left side at the end of the scar. Nothing too bad, but something that has bothered me and something that is easily fixed. I also purchased some NeoCutis Blanche skin lightening cream at the Dr's office to try and lighten the scar. It is a little expensive, but after using it one time last night I can already see a difference! I have posted new pics at my one year anniversary date and am very happy with the results. My clothes fit amazing and I am a size 5-7; down from a 10. All my belts are loose on the last notch. I love the way I look and would do it again, even with all the things I know now about the recovery process. Looking for a good Doctor? I would recommend Dr. H and his staff as they have been there for me throughout my recovery and have given me a new confidence in life.