Tummy Tuck (Skin Only) on Athletic Woman Following Weight Loss - Reno, NV

Now at almost 7 weeks PO. Was given clearance to begin working out again last week (6 weeks PO). I was beyond excited to get back to Crossfit again....but had to take it REALLY easy. I only worked out 3 days last week, and even then only did about 1/2 the work, and modified the movements as needed. At this point, it is more about getting my body moving again (without getting so too sore) than trying to workout at the same intensity or at the same weight as I did pre-surgery. All that being said, it feels great to be allowed to workout again. Sleeping on my stomach (my favorite/normal sleeping position) is a breeze once more. I still have lingering swelling.....especially on my left side (as shown in the attached photo). It is pretty much just around the actual scar area. I've been getting Post-Surgical massages to my abdomen/legs in order to help with the swelling and assist my lymphatic system adjust. Plus the massages help break up/soften the scar tissue.....as well as being just plain RELAXING!

Well here we are at 4 weeks out. Still have swelling around abdomen/incision....but everyday it is getting better. After 1 month of sleeping on my back/sides I can finally (comfortably) sleep on my stomach again. This is something that has been rather uncomfortable before. I'm still wearing my binder at night, but mostly in regular clothes/underwear during the day. If It's a bad day and I get really swollen, I will change into my spanx garments in the evening and wear them in addition to my binder at night. Still not cleared to return to working out :( but hopefully very soon. Most of the glue used to hold the outer incision in place has fallen off....just about a inch long strip remains in the very center of the incision. I am loving my new belly button!!!

It's Day 8 Post Op and I'm definitely on the mend. I had my 1 week Post Op yesterday, and was told that everything looks A-OK. No sign of infection and very little swelling or bruising (the result of me laying around like a sloth for the past 6 days I suspect). I went grocery shopping after my post op, and felt fine afterwards. I have been alternating between rubbing Aloe Vera gel (98% concentrated) and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (a great anti-bacterial natural skin/scar treatment) on my incision.....in addition to Arnica gel around the incision (I don't actually put it on the incision). It must be working, because I was told at my post op to "keep doing whatever I'm doing because everything looks great"! I finally transitioned out of my binder into a Spanx garment.....which is WAY more comfortable. :) I'm still drinking 4+ liters of water per day...and still drinking 2+ cups of Aloe Vera juice, in addition to my continued use of Arnica tablets and Vitamin C. Someone asked me "Why the vitamin C"?? When I was going through my hysterectomy, my Dr told me to take as much Vitamin C as possible because the body has a much harder time healing itself if it deplete in Vitamin C. It is why a lot of Doctors recommend taking 1000mgs/day (or more if you can handle it) prior and after surgery. Plus, it's water soluble....so there is no way you can "overdose" on it. I was given the "All-Clear" to begin walking and using my treadmill....but no Crossfit or lifting for at least another week...(not that I was expecting to do either just yet). But I am looking forward to getting back to working out.....something I never dreamed I'd say in my earlier years. I have attached a couple photos I took tonight. I had just rubbed Coconut Oil on and was letting it absorb before putting my bandages back on (thus the shiny areas on my incision and belly button). I'll try to take a few more with better light and no oil on tomorrow. The light yellow area under the incision is the only bruising I currently have.