Getting my groove back

I'm slowly getting reacquainted with my new body and building my confidence back. Before kids I was very fit, but 3 big babies later (one being a 9 pounder) my midsection had taken a beating. I worked hard to eat well and probably made things worse for my diastasis recti by trying to do core exercises when my abs were blown apart. But nothing could pull my belly back in, and as a result my clothes were all flowy to mask the baby bump left behind and my sex life suffered as I felt self conscious when naked in front of my loving husband.
Dr. Figura gave me another shot at living my best, sexy life and being a stronger and happier mommy. She was handed a challenge with me and she masterfully brought my belly back. Because of my long torso and not enough loose skin, I was prepped that I might have the inverted T incision, however my skin was so very thin from stretching during pregnancies, that she had to use the subcutaneous tissue underneath to stitch me back together there. I am grateful to have had such a knowledgeable surgeon who knew just how to make such a solid scar without any complications. I also remember in my anesthesia haze after surgery, her excitedly reporting that the gap in my abs was "massive" and measured 10 cm across! No wonder it felt impossible to see any change through exercise alone!!!
Dr. Figura has a wonderful, calming disposition and her enthusiasm for great results is contagious and immediately can turn you from anxious to excited. One of the biggest reasons I chose to go with her is because she is realistic about the outcome and is focused on a safe and smooth procedure and recovery. She will absolutely deliver fantastic results but will never sacrifice your well being for unrealistic expectations, and will be very open and frank about what is possible and what is the best option for your case. She's a rockstar and has your back.
Pictures show night before my surgery and 6 weeks post op. I still have swelling, mostly around my belly button and low around my scar and on my mons. I can stand about 90% straight. I am still hoping my belly button settles more and flattens out. But I am THRILLED with my shape! Here's to the new, stronger, happier me! :)

A few pics of my body before surgery and one of me just before delivering my 9 pound baby 2 years ago My belly was so stretched it was practically translucent. No wonder my doctor said my skin was too thin to stitch together around my old belly button. It was depressing trying on clothes and no amount of diet or exercise or sucking it in would help hide the bulge.

Super swollen and painful mostly where my muscles were stitched back together. And of course my super sensitive skin decided to freak out on my thighs at the injection sites for my blood clot prevention shots. My lower back bothered me more than the incisions because I was so bent over. I “slept” in the recliner but I don’t think I slept much because getting comfortable was near impossible for this side sleeper. And of course not being able to help care for my 3 littles was really hard.

My drain sites became inflamed and super itchy and irritated, so they came out on day 8 and I was put on a strong antibiotic just in case. Thankfully they hadn’t been pulling out much at that point so it was safe to remove them. I was sooooo much happier with them out!!!