Posted pre-op vs post-op pics

Consolidated some pics.

I haven’t posted anything in a while, maybe because I felt like I was limbo and literally had nothing to say.

My goal was to hit week 6. That is when I heard that things start to change for the better, but for some reason recovery got harder for me. Swelling went into high gear, my bb hadn’t healed and I couldn’t fit in any pre-op clothes. After 6 weeks, I figured that my life would slowly go back to normal. But it didn’t, and honestly recovery was really wearing on me (physically and mentally).

I waited it out and at the end of week 8, I decided to go see my dr. My main issue was with upper ab swelling and bb healing. On the upper ab swelling part, he couldn’t give me a firm explanation. It could just be swelling, or it could be permanent. Too early to say. He said to really watch my salt intake and maybe try Spanx. What’s interesting is that he didn’t have me wearing a cg at all during my recovery, and now that I am wearing additional support, I have to admit that things are a LOT better. Kinda wish I had done this earlier in the process. Also really watching my salt now and eating as cleanly as possible. I think any bulging in the upper ab area will work itself out, fingers crossed. On the bb front, he said I was FINALLY healed, so now just massaging steroid cream 2x a day. Big relief there. It still looks a little angry, but not nasty.

Now that I am at week 9, I feel like this is where I thought I would be at week 6. I think I am healing slower.

Swelling is still there for sure, but not at the scale it once was. Physically feeling stronger, and pants are starting to fit (and look) a lot better.

My goal is no longer think about the TT. Once I have a day where it doesn’t enter my mind, that’s the day that I’ll feel like I’ve truly moved on.

It seems like so much has improved in the last wk. standing taller, working full time without feeling like I am going to die, sorta sleeping or resting on side. So much. Energy is better and my mood has greatly improved. Now I am not back to normal by any means, but better than the days where I couldn't pry myself off the couch.

I put all my recovery supplies away. Still need things every once in a while but it feels good that its tucked away, means I don't need it every day.

I am now noticing that I am swollen in my upper ab area but my PS said its still healing.

I am not one that is going to say that all this was a huge success... I am giving it another 2 wks. There's still a ways to go. I can't fit in jeans, my hips are swollen yadda yadda. Not buying anything yet. Cocooning.

Little steps.

No big healing complications. Using the silicone gel strips religiously, bb is healing slowly, biggest complaint is swell related but it is getting better. Lower ab area is still numb and feels like concrete. I wore spanx leggings today and I swear it made things worse. Bizarre.

I really want to do some major spring cleaning but holding back, it will happen when I am ready and it's not now.

Guess that's it. More next week...