TT, lipo to upper back flanks and love handles, fat grafting to face

This is my first RS post. Don't get me wrong, I've stalked the site for quite some time but never posted my story. I'm a 44 yr old female, two children by Caesarian so that was the beginning of my stomach issues. Cough it up to good genes or luck but I never had stretch marks on my stomach, nor any loose skin. Both C-sections resulted in a very low pubic incision. The only stomach scars I had were from gall stone surgery and a belly piercing....well actually 2 but one was a college-day drunken stupor bet so it shouldn't count. ;~)
Both of my children are grown now. I'm still deeply in love with the man I married 20 years ago, blessed to have both of my parents alive and I love my life. I guess you'd say that I am perfectly content so why ps???? First and foremost, I'm all about helping Father Time slow down the effects of aging. I will be turning 45 soon so I figured, what better birthday present to myself than a tt!! So I seriously started the research process. Anyone that knows me, knows that I have been self conscious of my stomach for as long as I can remember. Perky boobs but hate my stomach. I always wear a size bigger in pants and shirts because I can NOT stand my muffin top-aka Tina the Talking Tummy" or "Tina" for short. Everyone says it's not as bad as I think it is but if YOU aren't comfortable with your body, then it doesn't matter what others say. I'm not petite woman. I have always been more of an athletic build. My stomach has always been hard but protruded, starting just below my bra lie. Perfectly round, like I was 5 months pregnant to be exact!
I started my plastic surgeon research in June 2017 and finally committed to Dr. Stephen Gunn in July 2017. I scheduled my surgery date for September 11, 2017. My check in time was 8AM and by 9:30, I was heading to the OR and home by 3:30- I believe. I have a VERY high tolerance for pain but after reading many TT reviews I opted to pay extra for the Exparel. I didn't want to take any chances and heck, maybe that meant minimal discomfort for me! Win win in my book!!
As soon as woke up in recovery, I immediately felt a "pinching or pulling" pain in my lower stomach, which I assumed was at the incision. The nurse said there was nothing there and it was just from all the trauma. Word for thought, I had the same feeling with both c-sections, like a staple or stitch was pulling. Oh well, I knew pain was to be expected so I just sucked it up. And boy was I experiencing it!! If I felt that kind of pain WITH Exparel, I can't imagine the pain without it! LOL!
I wanted an iced cold Coke but my nurse told me no caffeine so I opted for a Sprite and crackers. I was already planning my exit route to the nearest Starbucks though. I cold get my iced coffee decafe-she laughed.
We left the facility and off to Starbucks we headed. Only a 5 min drive-oh yeah!!! It was heavenly going down BUT word to the wise....it was not a good idea. Upon arriving home and exiting the car, (less than 30 min from facility), I immediately felt nauseated. As soon as I stood up, there was no turning back--my mouth began to water!! Having learned from previous surgeries, I knew I needed a pillow to hold against my stomach but my daughter couldn't get it to me fast enough. I had to think quick and decided to lean against the back panel of the car. I knew that was my only option.....I had to apply pressure to keep my new gut from exploding-or at least feeing like it would. There was no way was I allowing Tina to win this one! I vomited twice in the barf bag they send home with you. I was actually thankful for that bag this day!! I have had multiple surgeries and never vomited. Sooooo it had to be the milk in my beloved Starbucks drink. **Tip- add "no milk" to your after surgery don'ts.
Fast forward six days, I'm here to tell you that the pain in my back from the lipo has been far worse than anything else. I can't get comfortable or sleep more than a few hours at a time. I get around fine with no assistance, just stiff after napping. I have had 3 BMs which is a world record for me (I go about once a week) and I can wipe my own butt!! Woohoo!!! I've showered, dried my hair and shaved my legs! I can even stand straight as I I move around more. The problem I'm having is swelling!! To me, I look bigger now than before the surgery!! My legs, ankles, feet stomach, hips--everything is swollen!! Everything except my face where fat grafting was done. Lol! Anyone else ever experience anything like this?
Lastly, I don't have any pictures to post so I apologize for that. I will post some Tuesday when I go for my second follow-up. I saw him the following day but to be honest, I didn't feel like even asking for copies. Dr. Gunn did say everything went really good and we would go over all of my numbers, etc at the next visit (this Tuesday). I was so excited before surgery, that I forgot to take any before and just haven't felt up to it after. So I will ask to take pics of their before and afters they took when I go. PS- I have only one drain so hopefully he will take it out then. :) Will update, until then,much love RS peeps!!

Had my second follow up appt today!! The ol' ball-and-chain drain was removed, as well as stitches from my belly button!! Woo hoo!! Came home and took a nap---best sleep I've had in two weeks! I just pray I sleep good tonight, can't ever seem to get totally comfortable these days. I slept in my own bed last night and it was so nice. Still having to sit up before rolling to my other side though so it's not completely restful sleep. Dr Gunn has to remove 50cc of fluid from a pouch above belly button, just below my breast. He said sometimes the fluid in that region just doesn't drain down as it should. It was pretty cool to watch it being removed via ultrasound and to see if go flat. If it pools again, I will have to go back next week. Otherwise, I will see him in 10 days.