33 Years Old, 3 Kids, a Terrible Appendix Scar, and Im Finally Going to Do It! - Rockville, MD

Ok. So reading other's reviews on here got me scared about back pain, misery, etc. I can say it hasn't been that bad but one thing. When I got my period last week I felt the swelling was so much worse!!! I did feel much much more miserable. I think it was a pretty good time scheduling wise though. I think it is something people should definitely think about when picking a surgery date. Anyways, I'm experiencing the pain of the swelling and updating my pics of the belly. The marks on my stomach are from my binder after waking up over night. I still like wearing it most of the time when I don't have to be out. I think it's more convenient than some of my spanks getups lol. I think my scar is going to be barely noticeable a year from now. I am very pleased with my belly button also.

Not too much to update. I feel good. my tummy looks huge and bloated but it's going to be great soon enough! I have periods throughout the day were I'm hunched over and then moments when I can straighten out comfortably. I'm pretty fortunate that I'm on disability leave from work so I get to gradually recover and the kids haven't been too crazy. Posting pics of the progress!

Yesterday, I went for my first checkup and was lucky enough to get that terrible drain taken out!!!! So, of course, I had my first shower since the procedure which felt like I was in a momentary paradise. Also, I was cleared to put spanx on and they have been 100 % more comfortable. Of note, yesterday was the first day I left my home. The day before I was left alone with the kids after school which was chaotic and almost impossible because I'm really not getting around (bending, standing up straight, etc.) well. (My three year old is of course jumping in and out of the bath, food is getting thrown around, he's pooping his pants) GOOD Lord!!! Enough said. Anyway, yesterday while we went to the check up there was a world market close by and great shopping. So, I attempted to stroll my broken little butt around to buy up some fun stuff. This is how it went, so you can be prepared about your stamina levels after this type of surgery. I was able to lean on the cart and wheel myself through many isles but at a certain point I knew I couldn't keep going so I sat on their chairs and took about a 10 minute break. My fiance had gone to the Microcenter nearby so I had to text him to help me finish up and check out. I'm a tough girl (runner, prior army) just letting ya'll know the surgery and body recovery process exhausts you. It was great to get out but for anyone that needs to I urge you to have some support with you because I have no idea what I would have done without help. I've never felt helpless like this lol. Anyway, Dr. T said the swelling will continue to get worse over the next weeks 6-12. It's a process. My scar and my belly button look great though. My scar on the left side still looks really tethered but it's my stomach is all majorly swollen above it so I have no idea what to expect. Dr. T said he wasn't concerned and everything is going very well. I can not be more pleased and overjoyed that I chose his practice. Throughout every step of the process they have been prompt, efficient, professional, comforting, and just fabulous. Dr. T has all of my confidence in the world. He really is 5 star!
Some notes that I also thought might help people preparing their diet or expectations after surgery also: I'm not a nutritionist but this so far has been how my diet has been structured. I want my body to heal and at the same time mitigate if at all the tremendous swelling. For breakfast I still have my cup of coffee and a protein shake. I like to have an orange a day. I have unlimited amounts of ice water. I eat one activia yogurt and 3 or 4 low sodium ritz crackers with peanut butter if I am still hungry. I have been interchanging dry cheerios with the peanut butter crackers also depending on the day. For snacks, I like making a little cup of the dry cheerios, a yogurt, apple ,banana, hard boiled eggs and these snacks are kind of like my small meals throughout the day. If I feel like I need a significant dinner I've ate grilled chicken with rice and whatever favorite dipping sauce I want. (I like saracha/ asian zing/ whatever) I've also ate salmon for variety. Also, asparagus, broccoli, and steamed carrots for veggies. When I came home from the hospital I was swollen up an additional 7 pounds. I weigh myself mostly just to check the swelling and the last two days I've stayed the same. So, I think this helps. I'm mostly trying to focus on staying high on protein low on sodium. If anyone here has any of their own secrets please let me know!!! Posting my pic from yesterday of my belly! I hope to take belly pics soon of my belly in new underwear. It's just so hard to change out of the compression garments omg lol.