Tummy tuck mom of four - scheduled for August 2022

Wanted to leave a pic to show some expected results. I’ve had a lot of muscle loss during the recovery process so I’m the about the same size as before surgery still but have lost weight. However swelling is still present at 11 weeks out which is Normal. So it will go down eventually. My hips also and upper thighs sometimes swell also.
There is so much to say about this journey. So much patience needed for the ups and downs. But I am super happy with my new belly button!

Passed few days were definitely up and down. Especially trying to get comfortable enough to to sleep at night. I got my drains out and sutures pulled today. Ouch but fast. Dr looked at my incision and I am free to shower yay! I have to work on standing up straighter now.

Went in at 7:50 am. Nurse was incredibly sweet and the anesthesiologist was amazing as well. Both were very thorough and I felt like I was in good hands . Dr Stevens went over final marks and asked about any questions I had. He was great at listening and I felt like he understood every question I had.
Went into the OR with the nurse anesthesiologist and I don’t remember being put under.
I woke up after surgery and was immediately in excruciating pain. 10/10 pain. They called my pick up person and gave me IV pain meds and pills. It’s been a battle against the pain since then. I have norco, it helps. Benedryl helps my body relax and then I can sleep. When I’m asleep pain goes to a 4/5 when I’m up or walking it shoots back up to an 7/8. Probably going to ask about a higher dose of pain meds tomorrow at my first post op. Or better hopefully the pain will start to subside.
Thankful they sent me home with a catheter. It’s been a lifesaver in the middle of the night where I can choose sleep.