Ready for the Renewed Me! Life is Good!

I am having my Mommy Makeover on June 2, 2020. I am now 10 days out and the only thing I have left to do before my procedures is take a COVID-19 test on May 30th. I'm very happy that my surgery wasn't postponed and that elective surgeries are a go here in Southern Illinois. My procedures include: Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation w/ Inspira Soft Touch Implants (397cc), and Mastopexy. I will be having an overnight stay at the hospital, which I am relieved about. The only downside to that is that my husband cannot come to the hospital with me due to the special circumstances and extra precautions they are taking right now. He can drop me off at the door and pick me up the next day. I'm a little nervous about that, but I understand the reason.
I am 46 years old with two grown children, 5'7" and 150 pounds. I am excited to bring my body back to what it once was and I'm confident Dr. Ryan Diederich will deliver great results. So far this process has been great and I feel very comfortable with choosing MidAmerica Plastic Surgery for my procedures. The staff is amazing and they make you feel comfortable and at home.
My husband and I have been researching Mommy Makeovers for a couple years now and I have been following many stories on here, which helped me make the decision to move forward and to plan for everything. I am a teacher, so I scheduled my surgery for early summer so that I would have a couple months to heal and take it easy. Like many others, I bought a recliner and a walker to help with the first few days and weeks of healing. I also purchased several front-closure sports bras and pairs of compression shorts so that laundry wouldn't be an issue, although my husband will be at home taking care of everything (I'm lucky).
I am looking forward to updating my results and sharing my story with others that are going through the same thing and those that are considering a procedure. It took me a long time to decide, but I am very excited that I'm doing it. See you on the other side!

I am now four days post-op and starting to feel like myself, actually a whole new me! I won't lie, the first couple of nights were very hard. Thank goodness I have the most wonderful husband that was home to support and meet my every need, without him this would've been a train wreck.
I was lucky enough to an overnight hospital stay with my procedures. I wonder how others do without that, because that first night was like nothing I've experienced before in the pain department. I had an amazing PS and I also had three awesome nurses, which made my stay at the hospital comfortable considering my husband was not allowed to be there with me at all due to the Coronavirus precautions. He dropped me off and picked me up the next day. He did get update calls from the hospital, so that helped ease his worries. I mostly slept, so he really didn't miss out on anything!
Once home, my husband had my recovery room all ready to go. I cannot say how amazing it is to have an adjustable bed for recovery. I know not everyone has that luxury, but it has been a lifesaver for me. I would also say that a toilet seat riser is a must-have, makes toileting on your own so much easier. Some other items that were essential: digital thermometer, basket nearby for prescription medications, extra pillows, wipes, Chapstick and plenty of fluids. I did transition to a recliner downstairs for part of the day now that I am feeling better and can move about the house independently. I had purchased a walker, but have not used it at all. The first couple of days I used my husband as my walking support, he was watching over me closely. It's been so great having him prepare meals and take care of me, a role he loves. He slept on the couch the first couple of nights, but slept on the floor next to the bed last night just to stay close. It is important to get up every couple of hours and take a short walk, even just to the bathroom. And raising your arms above your head every hour helps as well.
I did not feel up to showering until today (which may not be ideal for everyone but I just couldn't do it), and of course I double-checked with my PS about taking off pressure garments and removing gauze, etc. I do not have any drains to deal with, which I am so glad about. The thought of seeing my body for the first time was scary, and also knowing that my husband was going to see it as well, but we were both amazed at how awesome it looked after this short time. Kudos to my PS, Dr. Diederich is amazing. I'm no expert, but just looking at my incisions, breasts, and belly-button, I'm so impressed. I really did not expect to see what I think are such perfect results. I know it's a slow healing process and I've got a long way to go, but I've got a positive mindset now and I cannot wait to see how my body progresses weekly.
My follow-up appointment is on Monday, so I'm hoping for good news that everything is as it should be and that I've been doing everything that I should be. I will try to keep updating my journey weekly while there are significant changes and issues that arise. I hope that I have shared relevant, basic information for those that are considering a procedure or are going through this at the same time. I know I am following many others on here too. It's nice to know we have a support system here.

Today marks one week since my surgery and what a week it has been, ups and downs. I had my first follow-up appointment yesterday which I was a bit nervous about, since it meant a 90 minute ride in the car each way. But, that part went well. My appointment was very short and to the point. My body was examined and my belly-button stitches were removed. I was told that I look really good for only being 6 days post. Everything is looking/healing as it should. I didn't have any real concerns to discuss, so I was sent on my way. My next follow-up appointment is in 5 weeks, so I was told to just call or email the office if anything comes up between now and then. I was surprised that my PS wasn't actually there for the appointment, but the staff there is awesome and I felt comfortable with my exam.
As for things that I have noticed these past couple days; I am starting to walk a little more straighter but still pretty hunched over. I don't want to rush that and they say your body will let you know when the time is right. Yesterday was the first day I didn't take a nap at all, so by the time evening came I was exhausted. Don't feel bad about resting and napping, your body needs it. My husband is still sleeping on the couch, so I have the bed to myself. Hard sleeping apart for so long, but I'm getting good sleep not having to worry about anyone else next to me. I showered independently yesterday, including doing my hair, so that was a nice step. It feels so good to have the binder off for a bit! My husband is still making all the meals and getting things for me, but I am trying to walk around a bit more. Laying down gets to you after a while, so changing locations or positions is helpful. I've been able to go outside to the porch and sit in the lounge chair the past two days, which was awesome. My biggest hurdle/complaint has been constipation! I've never had issues like this before and it's really been a struggle. I've been taking my prescription stool softener daily and for the last two days I've also been taking a laxative. I've been drinking plenty of fluids and trying to avoid foods that will bind me up, but I haven't been very lucky so far. I have had a couple tough BMs but I've spent WAY more time on the toilet the past two days than I should...so I'm hoping for some changes in that department and SOON!
Other than that, things are going good. I am spending the day in bed today, because I'm just not feeling very good. I try to remind myself that this is not a race and I need to remember that my body has been through a lot. One day at a time!