31Yr Old, Mommy of 2, 5ft 7in Ready to embark on an Adventure - Round Rock, TX

This has been a roller coaster ride , I have had consults with 5 other surgeons before I picked Dr.Blagg. I got the hernia from my 1st kid. I was tiny prior to having him(119 lbs) so I got REALLY stretched out and it wasn't until I was 5 mos postpartum that I realized my belly button was stuck as an outie( Umbilical Hernia). But I lost the weight fairly quickly so it wasn't at the top of my priority list. It wasn't until years later getting pregnant with my 2nd kid that I realized something was changing. I carried more weight with him, more hip pain and towards the end was icing my belly everyday because it felt like it was on fire...Turns out that was when my stomach muscles ripped apart and created what everyone knows to be " Diastatis Recti" or loosely translated Split stomach muscles. I did my research afterwards because my hernia was actually painful after my 2nd kid. I read article after article on how to fix this without surgery. I spoke with a General surgeon who informed me I couldn't workout,and I had to be careful of rupturing my hernia picking up excessive weight(ie..my kids) My separation started out 5 cm at top, 7 cm at my stomach & 4 cm directly under my belly button and down into my groin. I started seeing a Physical therapy clinic who specialist in this condition( even though my hernia added more work) to see what I could do on my own to get my muscles back together and learn how to minimize the strain I put on my body everyday.With a year's worth of work, retraining my body I was able to minimize the separation to 2 cm at top, 5 cm at my stomach( due to the hernia) and 2 1/2 cm directly under my belly button and down into my groin. You don't realize how much you need your core muscle for EVERYTHING until you don't have them. Going to the bathroom is a constant strain, trying to play with my boys on the floor is something I can't do. Just getting up and down I have to think before I actually do it in a way that won't cause more pain. Im at the point now almost 3 yrs later having this that I can only eat 1 meal a day because my body is having difficulty digesting properly. I knew I needed this surgery, it was just a matter of how long I can hold out and gather everything to make it happen. My goal from this will just to not look pregnant for the 1st time in 7 yrs( Society deems having an outie belly button as a sign of pregnancy.) It's hard to want to get dressed up and go out with my girlfriends or husband when I look at myself and hate what I see in the mirror. I want to change that, change the people who come up to me constantly asking how far along I am or why am I hindering my pregnancy by having a drink. You get tired of explaining to people and their "embarrassment" of judging you. I just want to feel like me...Not a me before kids but a better version of the Amazing woman,wife & mother I have grown into. I want to not only feel it but see it too( And I know to some people that may seem selfish but I don't care. Im doing this for me, for my health & overall well being.) Im hoping this will inspire more women out there that you don't have to live life this way. And that you aren't alone.

Just had my pre op, given all my rx to get prior to the surgery and was lucky my hubby attended to ask all the questions he was curious about. I dont know if im excited or a little more anxious that in only 17 days i will be a better me & I can't wait. I am nervous more about recovery and trying to keep myself from going crazy not being a supermom but I am fortune my job is letting me work from home to keep my mind busy & do that I won't be losing out on getting paid.

I am curious to know what you guys recommend personally when it comes to recovery ( foods, how many pillows work best, how do you shower properly,did you start standing upright after a week)
I want to minimize my chances of ruining all the hard work Dr.Blagg is about to do.

It's Almost Time!!!!! I'm starting to get more anxious and I have a multitude of prescription meds that I haven't had before. I have gone grocery shopping for Unsalted broth(chicken,Veggie & Beef) Unsalted crackers, Cranberry juice, lots of fresh veggies & fruits. I still need to shop for clothing that I will be comfortable in, I have Dial soap, 5 pillows.

Please elaborate on what else I will need. I have multivitamins with Iron but I have been seeing more posts regarding other vitamins that aid in recovery & the scarring. Can anyone also tell me what would be the best way to sleep?( Im a fetal position side-sleeper) How often are you attempting to get up and go to the bathroom during the 1st week ? I keep seeing posts regarding compression garments(Fajas) Is this something I need to purchase now or wait till after my surgery?

Please give me feedback on how long you had to not eat salt or have alcohol? ( French fries are my comfort food...especially when I'm stressed and I miss them)