Mommy Makeover: 185 pounds, 35 pound weight loss, 4 large babies, 4 C sections, 41 years old

Here I am on Day 16, still feeling like an overstuffed sausage, but amazed that this is actually my body! I hadn’t looked at my before & after side by side until tonight, and it really shocked me.

I’m feeling less sore every day, and I’m trying to trust my abs more, but I’m still very stiff and delicate. I’ve walked around the block the last 3 nights, very slowly, and it felt good. I’m getting really scared about losing my nice strong leg muscles ( I know they’re tough to spot under the remaining layer of flab, but they’re there!), so I can’t wait to be approved for some more strenuous leg exercise.

My kind doctor let me switch to Spanx (I’m wearing the OnCore sculpting bodysuit) on Day 14, but I’m back in my surgical binder tonight because I think I overdid it a bit today. I’m taking bromelian to help with the swelling, but I can’t tell if it’s making a difference. I’m checking with my doctor at my next follow up (Day 21) to see if I can have a lymphatic drainage massage.

My breasts are still very high, but feel much less swollen. It’s so difficult to be patient while waiting for them to drop, but I just keep reading the Q&A’s here and trying to see the big picture.

I would be lying if I said this has been an easy recovery, but I know that it is worth it! My doctor removed my steri-strips on day 9, and I was amazed at how careful his work was and how well my incisions are healing. Dr. Ghorbani is a miracle worker.

I’m only taking narcotic pain med (Norco) at night time, and I’m using ibuprofen during the day. The pain is manageable, but I feel very sore and swollen still. Today I can really feel my repaired abdominal muscles stretching, and it’s incredibly uncomfortable.

We just got home from my first pre-op appointment, and I am so overwhelmed. My results so far completely exceed my expectations. I am impressed by Dr. Ghorbani’s skill and care, and I can’t wait to see more of my flat belly once my drains come out in a few days.

As for recovery, I am still definitely in pain. I didn’t sleep more than an hour last night, and I’m experiencing a lot of back spasms. I am able to walk in a more upright position, so I’m hoping that leads to some relief. Excuse the over share, but despite taking tons of stool softener and eating lots of fiber, I still haven’t had a BM, so that’s creating a little anxiety.