Cannot Wait to Get on the Flat Side! - Sydney, AU

Ok its been three weeks since I had surgery and what a friggin rollercoaster it has been! Im back to full time mothering and trying to clean the house and also work from home. I'm always tired and sore especially in my back. I think if you are really active before (I was going to gym 4 times a week) it is so hard mentally to not be able to do that. I feel like a blob who can't really do anything and I just want to get out there and have a good workout. Unrealistic I know but Im so over all this downtime. As for my tummy, cannot feel anything below belly button, am swollen and my hoo-ha look like a car bonnet! great! Swelling is no joke and even when I went to the gym to do light weights for my arms I was so swollen that I couldn't breathe and though my tummy was going to suffocate the rest of my body! My doc wants me to keep the silicone sheet on until Christmas! Yuck it is still the same one from day of surgery and there is still dry blood and blue marker. But I did get a sneak peek and underneath my car is really thin and his method seems to work as other patients a year on are so thin and white. Don't know if I will last till Xmas though, will probably go and buy some more, have a quick wash and stick it straight back on. Positives...I am flat and aside from swelling I can see what my shape will look like in the long run. Can wear dresses I never wore before and have received heaps of compliments. So when is the turning point I ask? When do I get some feeling back in my stomach and not feel like someone is sitting on me!! Im having a down day and just need someone to tell me it gets better than this especially the swelling!!!!

So it's been 11 days since my surgery and I'm feeling pretty good and can even sleep on my side. I had 5 nights in hospital which is standard here in Australia but it really set me up for a great recovery as I was so well looked after. The first week is tough but as long as I don't overdo it and put my feet up alot I feel great. I also wanted to share with you my experience with lymphatic drainage massage. I also had lipo to thighs and flanks and to be honest that has been my primary source of pain and swelling. So day I went to a lovely Japanese girl who specializes in post surgery massage and after supporting my legs she gave me an hour massage, using very light pressure and opening all of the lymph nodes to ensure they flow to reduce the swelling and get rid of the toxins. It was so relaxing and I have felt great all day. I knew it had worked because as soon as she was done I had to do he longest pee ever and she said this is how the body releases swelling and excess fluid. I am going to go five more times in the next few weeks to aid recovery.

As for my tummy my ps has requested I wear a cg for another four weeks and I have this clear protective sheild on my incision that is also waterproof and will last another month. He has advised to just be sensible and has assured me if I follow his instructions and be patient I will not only heal quicker but will get desired results. I started taking turmeric tablets so hopefully that will help. Have to be vigilant about drinking water and need to eat better. Hate not exercising but have been given the go ahead to do light cardio so might return to gym next week. Hardest thing is not being able to pick up my baby so piggy back him instead. I'm not sure what the next few weeks or months will be like and I'm sure I will have my down days but so far this has been life changing surgery for me. My muscles in my stomach were separated by 20 centermetres and all of my internal organs had fallen into this yucky cavity of loose skin. The scoop in my back was killing me but that has gone and so have all of those angry red stretch marks. This site helped me through that tough first week and will continue to be a source of constant reassurance! Now I just need to get my very sore ass to my PC and load my after pics. Thank you to all the beautiful ladies out there wishing you happy healing!