32 Years Old, no kids, 260 pounds to 145 - Rockville, MD

Haven't posted in awhile so I thought I would check in and update on my recovery. I had a follow up last week, at 7 months, and was cleared to go back to my normal exercise routine. Dr. T said everything was healing great, but said like with an athlete who takes time off after an injury, it takes time to get back to where you were. I asked about ab exercises, if the muscle repair could be damaged. He said at this point 90% of the scar tissue is in place, so either it will hold up or it won't, but nothing I do will affect that. My body will do what it is going to do at this point. He said to keep massaging the scar. I do have a bit of a dog ear at the top of the vertical incision. He said if it doesn't go away on its own he can fix it in the office later.

I went to see my personal trainer for the first time in 2 months yesterday. I was pretty out of shape, and my lower abs are killing me today, but it felt good to be back in the gym.

Overall I am happy with my results, but of course as soon as you fix one thing, you notice everything else that needs to be fixed. I feel okay about my front, although I clearly still need to lose some weight, but now my thighs and backside look even worse! Still worth it though, and i hope to one day be able to fix those areas as well. Overall, I am really glad I did this.

Today was my 3 week post op appointment. Everything is still looking good, the Dr said we can start spacing out the appointments, so I don't go back for another month. He said I can start using Vitamin E to massage the scars. He said that massaging the scars is what is going to determine how they end up. Luckily the burning pain in my thigh has subsided , it only comes now when I walk too far. He said I can start doing some light cardio, but hold off on core work until 6 weeks, because that is when the muscle repair is strongest.
I would be excited to get back to my routine, but I haven't been feeling well at all. I woke up last week really dizzy, and could hardly balance enough to walk. I went to my doctor who said it was vertigo. It is absolutely terrible and I just want it to go away. Sorry, off topic, just really not feeling well.

Today I am 15 days post op, and going back to work. I work in a restaurant, which can be physically demanding. My Dr said I could go back only if I promised not to lift, push, pull or carry anything! He said I can only order people around, should be fun :) I'm physically feeling great, lets see how I feel after 9 hours on my feet though. Looking forward to wearing all the clothes that used to buldge in the stomach area.

Also posting a few before and afters, one from before I lost weight, one with excess skin, and one from this morning. Feeling pretty good right now