29 Yr Old with Three Kids, RAF, Lakenheath, England, UK

This surgery has changed my life so much. I'm 5'0 and before having children weighted 95 lbs. Ten years, three kids and much added weight later, my body was a nightmare. I hated the thought of my husband seeing me naked. I hated seeing myself in the mirror even with clothes on. I'm only two weeks post op and already things have changed for the best. I'm more affectionate with my husband. I no longer ask my kids "am I smaller than that woman?" I no longer hate myself.

I find that I get tired and out of breath easily which sucks since I like in a three story home with my bedroom at the top. My husband went back to work today so I was left alone with our 13 month old and was worried but thank God I was able to do everything he needed now that I've been cleared to lift him. I have moments when it slips my mind that I had the surgery and then something snaps me back. I love those moments. It can be something small like resting my ipad on my stomach to read and realizing that my breast are in the way vs my big stomach sticking out more than my breasts did, or looking down while showering or sitting and realizing that I can actually see my pubic area without having to lift my stomach and use a mirror. I'm still terribly swollen but Im fine with it considering what I've been through. I find myself wondering if Dr. Chambers knows how much he has changed my life and how grateful I am to him.
Now for surgery facts! I had surgery on Tuesday May 27, 2014. I was supposed to go home the same day but due to the high level of pain I ws feeling, my doctor admitted me. I'm glad he did because during the night I began to have trouble breathing. I would get very weak and as soon as I would start to sleep my o2 levels would plummet. The nurses removed my binder and decreased my pain meds and by the next afternoon I was doing good. I was released Wednesday afternoon on the 28th. My left drain was removed that Thursday since my drainage levels for the whole time I had it equaled less than 30ml. My right drain was removed the next Monday, having the drains removed made a huge difference in my mood. The weekend before my right drain was removed I began to get depressed over the pain and discomfort, most of which was caused by the drain line. As of today, I'm feeling more like myself, minus how easily I get tired. So far I'm liking the results though I look a bit muffin topped and have some love handles but I'm told it's all swelling considering I had an anchor incision with the sides extending almost to my back. I'm hoping the swelling will go down and it'll look better but even if it doesn't, it's still amazing to see the difference and I'll take it.