47 years old in love with my new tummy

I had an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo suction on September 4, 2018. It's now been two months and I'm ready to share my experience and photos.
I showed up on the morning of the surgery and met with the anesthesiologist and my surgeon Dr. Adrian Lee (Surrey, BC) for my pre-op consults and marking. Both were professional and very personable. I came out of the surgery easily and was wide awake and texting friends and family. I even called my surgeon's office to schedule my follow-up appointment later that week.
My first night at home was a little rough. I had mild pain for the most part but occasionally, if I moved too quickly or the wrong way, the pain was terrible. I had done a lot of pre-op planning and was very well prepared. My only miss-step was that I didn't have the best recliner so I needed help getting in and out and sometimes my partner moved me too quickly and the pain was god awful. I quickly remedied that though and rented a lift recliner that arrived by noon the next day and the rest was pretty much smooth sailing. I loved that lift recliner and would highly recommend that to everyone. It have me comfort, independence and a place to sleep for several weeks.
Pain Management and Sleep:
I slept in my recliner for 3 1/2 weeks. I attempted to sleep in my bed a few times but I just couldn't get out easily or without experiencing pain. Overall, my pain was quite manageable. I took the medications prescribed for 2 days then didn't need them anymore.
Exercise/Return to Work:
I walked around my house right from the start and was walking outside (slowly) within a few days. I started out with a short walk, then a couple short walks per day, then gradually got up to longer walks several times per day. I returned to work at 13 days post op and by that time I was able to walk for about an hour straight. My first day at work was tough as it turned out to be busier than I thought it would be. I had to drive to appointment, get in and out of my car several times, walk to drop things off, etc. Needless to say, I was happy when that day was over. The next day was a little easier although I did end up experiencing some discomfort by about 2pm and went home around 3:30. The days that followed were easier still and I was able to work a full day without needing any Tylenol by the Thursday.
I continued to walk as my main activity for the next several weeks. My the 5 1/2 week mark I started taking short bike rides in addition to my walking. Dr. Lee told me I could return to all exercise at 6 weeks so I decided to go swim some laps. He warned me it might be hard and he was right! I did about 50m and then just splashed around for a bit. I did a few sessions of Aquafit and then by 8 weeks I was back swimming laps. I am also back to biking, running and Pilates.
Swelling:
I had lots of swelling at days 3-4 post op. That was super uncomfortable, even with icing and staying in my recliner. I tried lymphatic massage at 5 weeks and I'm not sure it's making much of a difference. I'm happy to say my weight did go down almost 5 lbs after the surgery but due to swelling I'm having a lot of weight fluctuations (3-5 lbs). My clothes fit amazingly though and I was able to purchase a size 6 jeans. On my best day before I was a size 8. I anticipate my results will continue to improve.
Dr. Adrian Lee and his staff:
I really like Dr. Lee and his nurse Kelsey. I thought the receptionist was not helpful and even bordered on rude on at least one occasion. Kelsey was absolutely amazing. She returned my calls immediately, answered all my questions and was calm and helpful at all times.
Dr. Lee is basically a magician or perhaps just an amazing artist. I can't believe he was able to recreate my stomach area and belly button to look so beautiful. The scar is straight and thin. At 2 months it is healing beautifully and I think this is in part to his careful nature and excellent surgical skill. I have a lot of plastic surgeons that are literally within walking distance of my home but I drove nearly an hour to get to Dr. Lee and I recommend others do the same.