Lipo Abdominoplasty on 18 October 2018

Four weeks ago today I'd just woken up after a 3 hour lipo tummy tuck. I couldn't have dreamt at how well my recovery was going to go. Today I'm back to normal - no swelling or discomfort. Just a tightness and hardening in my lower tummy at times - I assume it's the repaired muscle getting back to normal. I can walk easly at least 4 miles a day and do a gentle jog. My social life is active and busy nothing holds me back. I've been uptight, since day 10 post op, and sleeping on my sides. I continue to use the brown micropore tape on my scar but will start to use a silicon tape (Mepitac Soft Silicon Waterproof Tape) on holiday next week. My scar is clean, neat and unpuckered except for small tags at either end. These can be repaired after one year if necessary but should disappear in time. I had an appointment with my surgeon last week and he said that I had recovered remarkably well and he'll see me again in 3 months (unless I need to see him again, which he doubts). So to end this update I'll just encourage anybody doubting this procedure - to just get on with it - its a 100% positive experience for me - I'm more than delighted.

All is going well in Cardiff, UK. I've had a fantastic recovery and am doing really good at home. Drains came out on 2nd day just before going home. I'm putting surgical tape on the wound which is a silver line with hardly any scabbing. My flanks are still black and blue from the lipo. The hips have been the most painful area - but I'm almost medication free today.

Doctor Ghattaura has proven to be incredible. Apart from private work he's a consultant surgeon for the NHS on breast reconstruction for cancer patients, so I felt very secure in his hands.

It's been an amazing experience so far. This past week since discharge we've been out and about in the car - 5 days post op we went to a local beach for a short walk and a coffee. Then on our wedding anniversary, Wednesday, we went out for another short walk and a lovely lunch overlooking the sea. I walked a mile today and will continue to increase the distance daily til I can start running in 6 weeks.

I've had a nap every afternoon but apart from a swollen and sometimes hard stomach I'm pretty much 'normal'.

I wish I'd done this 25 years ago!

I'm comfortable at home and coping well. I don't need my husband to care for me as much as I thought I would. I'm managing to go to the toilet (1st BM earlier!), wash and dress myself, walk around the house and manage the stairs. I'm tired and swollen taking the pain relief although I've cut down the dosage this morning - I'll see how I get on. My hips and flanks are badly bruised and more painful from the lipo. My scar wound causes agony only if I laugh or cough - excruciating so I have to stifle and hold a cushion on the wound. The night time is difficult sleeping in one position as normally I swop from one side to the other but I'm getting plenty of rest. Feeling really pleased with myself and thrilled I've done this procedure. So far the aftermath of major surgery isn't as bad as I thought and planned for - having a positive personality helps.