My Journey - Charlotte, NC

Well, I tried to go without my compression suit for a few days. It didn't turn out well. I hadn't completely healed and so the waist of my boxers briefs and pants really dug into me. Also, my adult life may have put a bit of strain on my abdomen, as well. I tried to clean the area well and I'm trying to help it heal better. I had hoped that it would have closed up by now, but my activities have probably hindered that. I also taped the incision closed to keep it from opening and stretching as I sit and stand.
My belly button has pretty much healed along with all of the other incisions.
I can tell that I have some swelling in my chest and lower back.
I'm just ready to be healed up. I can deal with the swelling, but this open wound needs to go ahead and close.

Life is almost back to normal. My tummy has almost closed all of the way. I have decided to continue wearing the compression garment until it has closed completely. The only part that hasn't closed is right at the center. There is still some slight swelling and numbness in my chest.
I'm back to my regular activities at full speed.
Truthfully, the only uncomfortable part is standing and sitting. The garment runs the tuck right at the center where it is still healing. Also, my pubes growing back in catch in the fabric and that has an awkward sensation. If I put my hand over that spot, it helps reduce that movement when sitting and standing.
I can wear all of my clothes again, but I have to be careful to not have pants that push that tender spot.
I saw my whole family for the first time this last week. Everyone commented that I was skinnier. That was a nice feeling. My dad noticed that I had something on when he put his hand on my shoulder. I told him that it was a compression garment and he didn't ask for any additional information. Though I can see the Velcro shoulder straps, they aren't as noticeable to others. I'm hoping to be completely healed up and out of the garment completely by the weekend.

I feel so much better. A lot of selling has gone down and I have dropped 10-15lbs since surgery. I can wear my pants again and I have moved down a size in shirts. I have moved down to the medium compression garment because the large was getting loose in spots and rubbing me.
My tummy tuck hasn't healed all the way and it is still leaking a little goo. My drain hole between my butt cheeks has healed up and so I am swelling a little due to the fluids. I refilled my antibiotics to ensure a healthy recovery. I quit putting Aquaphor on my tummy tuck wound to allow it a better chance to dry. Standing up and sitting hurts the tuck as it stretches and contracts.
My energy level is almost back up. I try to take in red meat every few days.
I can sleep on my sides now with putting pillows beside me to help hold my belly in place. Everything in my stomach area is so tender. Shirts feel weird on my skin and every sensation is very intense. The compression garment is my protection.
My lymph nodes on my chest, under my arms, on my sides, and various other places are swollen and tender.