355cc Sientra Moderate Plus implants, tummy tuck - 40, 5'2", 108lbs, 3 kids

Finally, started feeling much better at about 21 days!

This recovery is NO joke! I’m loving my results but for those that want to do this, please make sure you prepare for the recovery. I went into this fearing the actual surgery but the surgery was easy, it’s the recovery that is mentally taxing.

Let’s talk about:
1. The itching. OMG, the itching is unreal. Literally anytime the garment came off, showers I itched all over. Part of the recovery process but man!
2. The compression garments. This is annoying and I’m still trying to figure out the best one for me. Currently using Spanx per doctor’s order. It’s giving me a beautiful hourglass figure but too much and I swell a lot in my lower belly. The garment is just not fun to wear, remove, put on, sleep in etc. I feel like I eat/drink less now bc of the garment compressing everything so I’ve had to eat small meals throughout the day to prevent the headaches, nausea and dizziness from low sugar and dehydration. I’ve also quit coffee to help with hydration during this time and the withdrawal was excruciating.
3. The sleeping, still on my belly in a jackknife position. I miss close cuddles with my kids and just being able to snuggle close to my husband at bedtime. Definitely didn’t plan for this and takes some adjusting to.
4. My mobility is so much better this week but still walking hunched over and hip thrusted forward. Will I ever walk straight again???!! Back pain is there but better now. I’m able to sustain all day even without a nap which is a huge difference in energy level compared to the previous weeks. I need to sit/lie down periodically throughout the day but I’m not exhausted and winded like I have been.
5. Started Embrace Scar Tape this week, no issues. So far so good.
6. Started breast massages and that has made them feel so much better. It seems like my left is more firm and taking longer to drop than my right but doctor said at least 3 months before they drop and fluff.

I was able to go out and have dinner a few nights ago and that was so nice. I couldnt stand for very long but sitting was manageable. My appetite is much better now and I’m hydrating a lot more as well.

This journey has been an emotional one for me, didn’t think it would be! I started this very excited and happy with a can-do attitude which then turned into frustration, sadness somewhere between 1-2 weeks post-op, doubt in my 3rd week and now I’m hopeful and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been telling myself to keep going, let the natural recovery process of the human body take place and listen to it. Everything right now is temporary and will resolve with a few more weeks of recovery. YES- I will walk straight again one day!! Lol.

Left with nothing for boobies after babies and the skin and stretch marks on belly, glad those are a thing of the past!
Pre-surgery I was a 32B padded at VS IF that. Excited to see where the breast implants will land me sizing wise.

I was able to get up and do my makeup on Day 12, feed my baby all 3 of his meals and help make lunch so it was awesome but then exhausted Day 13! Point is, eager to get up and be active again but gotta take it slow. I definitely had a moment while sitting in the shower as I reflected on the past few days and this recovery, 1) not going to be able to stand up straight or sleep stretched out for about another 3-4 weeks 2) not going to be able to cook, clean, play, do things I normally do with my kids/husband with the level of enthusiasm I felt anytime soon and 3) recovery is going to be much longer than I mentally prepared for. I was a little depressed and a whole lot of guilty until I thought it through and came to a reasonable place, which is...I’ve accepted my fate and for the next 3-4weeks will be happy to sit pretty and direct my family on what needs to be done. :). It was pretty funny to watch the chaos that ensued after pool time (I sat under the umbrella for some fresh air) last night as dinner was being made and baby was being taken care of. At the end of the night there was a lot of talk ab how much mama does on the day-to-day! YEP. I’m thinking of turning this into a family experiment to see what learnings we all come up with.

Back to the recovery, a few things I wish I knew!
1. This whole recovery feels a lot like post-partum with the compression garment, belly band and my breasts feeling like milk-let down! :)
2. Garment and belly band is so uncomfortable but necessary to help reduce swelling and redress the soft tissue. I do want best results so I’m compliant. I do sit for ab 30 mins after a shower without anything on so that gives me a break from them but back on they go. I’ve had to have my husband help me pull on my compression garment bc I’m not able to pull or carry anything more than 3lbs so to be safe, I have him help me take this on/off bc it’s so fitted.
3) Sleeping in a jack-knife position is no fun, sometimes my limbs go numb and I have to move a bit but a plane neck pillow as well as a Boppy from nursing really helps with comfort.
4) Recovery is 4-6 weeks meaning energy level, walking straight, range of motion for arms, so you’ll definitely need help around the house or even getting to/fro. This is hard bc you’re getting a “Mommy Makeover” bc...you... had...KIDS so- who’s going to watch and care for them while you “cocoon and beautify” (per my sister lol) is going to be crucial. I have a good arrangement so I am lucky but definitely something to consider.
5) There’s so much swelling! Avoid salt, processed foods and drink lots of water. I started having my coffee in the morning after Day 10, smoothies daily and fresh fruit and vegetables, and protein.
6) Lastly, being hunched over is seriously a pain in my a$$ and back (literally lol). This is probably the most challenging of all for me. I have another 4 weeks before I can stand up straight supposedly so, hunkering down and going with it.
When I was feeling the blues I concluded that with everything going on, this is first world problems which sobered me up nicely! Ha!

As for the breasts, I think they’re dropping, see pics for update.

My next appt with my doctor is tomorrow so more updates and pics to come!