Classic Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening

Hello everyone! I'm 3 days pre-op and am feeling the emotional rollercoaster of fear and excitement. Admittedly it's mostly fear! I'm worried that I haven't prepared enough, haven't worked out enough, have missed some instructions, will be told by the surgeon I'm no longer eligible, will be in unbearable pain afterwards and at worst of course I will die LOL! And then worried that the surgery won't be successful and my tummy won't look as good as I'm hoping afterwards! Seriously does or did anyone else feel like this before their surgery? I'm going to Mexico flying there on friday for my pre-op bloodwork then surgery is on Saturday. I'll be there for 7 days post-operative care for which I'm feeling thankful that I'll be having such good care as well as (hopefully) a bit of a vacation. Very lucky that my mom will be going with me and am hoping that she is not too bored while staying there. I've bought several loungewear dresses, one long one with buttons down the front so I'm not lifting my arms as I'm thinking that might be an issue. Plus flip flops & slip on runners for the least amount of exertion. Also bringing dry shampoo and wet wipes as will be a few days before I'm able to shower. I've been told not to worry about scar cream it's not needed until the incision has healed. Also that the surgeon provides a compression garment. If anyone has any other advice - especially for traveling from BC to Mexico and return - I'd love to hear it! Will post my "before" photos shortly.

4 days post op and feeling great. Due to having a blood disorder and prone to clotting my surgeon decided to only do a classic tummy tuck and only a little bit of liposuction. Pain has been minimal and I’m so happy with the results so far. Some swelling as you can see from the side photo as lipo was done around the incision in the pubic area and also down the centre of my stomach.

7 days post op and I’m reflecting back over how quickly this past week has gone. A few things I’ve been thinking of that may be helpful:
1. Remember to eat before taking your pain meds and antibiotics. I was distracted the morning of my 3rd day post op and suffered the consequences of throwing up! Besides the pain I was so worried I’d torn my stitches as I felt a warmth spread down the middle of my stomach. The surgeon checked it and reassured me it was fine, probably tore a little but as there are 3 layers of stitching to the muscles it was fine. If I had felt something pop and there was a protrusion then that would have been an indicator of something more serious.
2. Going to Mexico and spending a week recovering in a hotel was such a good idea! No worrying about cleaning, making my bed, cooking or looking after anyone! And daily care by the nurses and surgeon was fantastic. My mom came with me and we had a relaxing time with lots of naps plus did some Xmas shopping. My son had his dad and Grampa alternating taking care of him (he’s 15 so doesn’t need too much lol) and they had fun! If you have the ability and luxury of time to be able to afford this time to heal then I highly recommend it.
3. Sweatpants with pockets are your best friend. I packed so many clothes but in the end pretty much just wore a pair of sweatpants every day with pockets that I could put my drain pouch into.
4. A laxative and stool softener. Pain meds cause constipation and using your stomach muscles to push hurts. Enough said!
5. I didn’t need a recliner or walker. Although it would have been nice and convenient it’s not absolutely necessary. I’m sleeping on lots of pillows behind my back/head and under my knees. My back hurts from walking hunched over but every day I’m able to straighten up a bit more ever so slightly. I find by the end of the day I’m stooped over more and my back hurts more. My surgeon said after 2 weeks to start stretching out but that it’s different for everyone when you will be able to stand straight.
6. Enjoy the new you! Every day I’m looking in the mirror and am so happy I did this! My only wish would have been to do it sooner. I’m not perfect and don’t wish to be. This was done for me so I can feel better working out (no saggy flap bouncing up and down!), in my clothes (flat tummy in dresses, pants) and naked!