40 YO, 3 babies, one set of twins

Diet and exercise couldn't do it because of muscle separation. Was very worried about having surgery and if I could justify it to myself (people complimented my weight/size). But I didn't like how I looked, size of stomach especially at end of day, and worried muscles would only get weaker as I got older.

Pain management has been very good on medicine prescribed. Wears off a bit about 30 min before next dose needed, but has allowed me to walk around as Dr directed and accomplish minor household tasks as needed this first week post-op. Binder was uncomfortable first day, now it is fine. It appears procedure mostly removed excess skin and tightened muscles, other reviews suggested their pain is greater. Each surgery is individual. Reducing weight prior to surgery and having realistic expectations (from reading a year of other's reviews here) has likely made for the best possible experience, along with having the ability to lay in bed/not work as needed the first week post op.

Results still look very much like picture the day after surgery. Will post additional photos in a month.

Nurse removed drains at visit one week later. Drainage was down to a little less that 20 cc each drain each day. Nurse was right, it didn't hurt to remove the drains. It felt worse to have stitches pulled from stomach - but that wasn't awful and it was quick. They left in belly button stitches to come out next week. Dr. Oked use of spans instead of binder and I've just put on the super high waist panty bc I feel like some fluid may be accumulating. Dr said if it does they remove it with a needle next week. He said that doesn't hurt - so far, he's been right about what does and doesn't hurt, so I'm optimistic he'll be right about that, too. Here are pictures. You can see holes where drains were. Nurse said to just keep holes covered and they'll close in a few days. Waking around a lot. Pain is good - now just using percoset at night, Tylenol during day.