Small Woman + Huge Babies = Saggy, Droopy Mess - Toronto, ON

I never thought I would ever go under the knife to improve my physical appearance. But then again, I had no reason to be unhappy. If I gained a few pounds from over indulging, I just worked out extra hard at the gym the next week. Then I had 2 babies in 2 consecutive years. I went from 120 lbs to 165 lbs. I worked out as soon as my physician deemed it safe and got to within 10 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight. But with the extra skin and diastasis recti, I was still a size 10 around the waist. I had chronic lower back pain. Basically lived in sweatpants. I knew no amount of working out would get rid of the extra skin. And I was soooo very tired of people thinking I was pregnant again.
I found this site so helpful in my journey, so here is my review to pay it forward. I chose Dr. Edelstein because of the reviews on this site. When I made the appointment for a consultation (6 months from my call!), I also pre-paid to secure a surgery date as he is very much in demand. When I finally met him, I knew I had made the right decision. He was approachable, easy to talk to, answered all my questions and never rushed the consultation. He explained the surgery thoroughly and was very professional. I knew I was in good hands. His nurse Heather is awesome. She felt like a fast friend and took care of any other questions I had after the consult. She always answered emails promptly, was honest and always gave good information.
Im now 8 weeks post op, and my recovery wasnt anything eventful. I did have some discomfort, but it was well controlled with percs and tylenol. I was off the percs by around day 4 and off tylenol shortly after that. The hardest part of the recovery was dealing with the drains. It was hard to get comfortable, I was always worried about tugging on them too much, and I had a hard time sleeping with them. They were in for about 2 weeks, but I didnt have issues with seromas so I was happy to have them in for as long as they needed to be. If I were to compare this recovery to my c-section, this was way easier. The most painful thing for me was getting the drains out.... oooouuch!!
Things that helped my recovery: a walker, a bath seat, toilet support, loose sundresses, protein shakes, healthy diet, and help from family. I cant stress the last one enough.
So at 8 weeks, I fit nicely into a size 6 pant, tummy is flat and no more saggy skin. I feel soooo much better in my clothes. My scar is super low and will be well hidden in any bikini. Ive begun scar treatment (dermatix purchased from the clinic and scar sheet MD), but its too soon to tell if it actually works. I still have some residual swelling, especially after a long car ride or if Im sitting for too long (like as I write this review). The difference between morning and evening could be as much as 2 inches of extra swelling. Overall, very happy I went through with the surgery. While this is major surgery, Dr. Edelstein, Heather, and the rest of the team made the process relatively easy. Would highly recommend Dr. Edelstein.