Ventral hernia repair with abdominoplasty

I had a hernia repair fail due to diastis and really my only option was abdominoplasty to repair everything. Still have 20% risk of hernia coming back which is terrifying... and the insurance company only paid for part of it! It is considered cosmetic even though they would continually pay for hernia repairs after the next one failed, which it would have! So crazy.

I had a TT with ventral hernia repair, that part was done by an abdominal reconstructive surgeon and my insurance paid for it but the diastis repair and TT was not. First few days I was nauseated and tired but pain was not the issue I thought it would be and only took tramadol for 3 days. My back hurts from hunching over so much so I am taking flexiril at night and take Tylenol (PM at night) and Celebrex. They managed to save my belly button which had been an issue due to so many prior surgeries (appendectomy and failed hernia repair). I’m now post op day 5 and will keep my drains for another 6 days at least. I think I’m quite swollen but can’t tell. I look thick waisted but maybe I am just thick waisted. It had been so long since I have seen myself or looked normal due to Diastasis and hernia! The recovery so far as been good apart from my sore back! Am trying to stand upright and failing. Still can’t make it those last 10 degrees.
I think once it is all said and done I will be sad with my breasts and want a lift but we will see. The hernia had made this surgery go so much more beyond vanity for me that any cosmetic benefits are a bonus.

I had a slight fever yesterday 100.3 (bordering on when you go to ER) and terrible diarrhea for three days. This far outside of surgery it is odd. It resolved both the temp and diarrhea, the PS resident thought it might have even been GI virus! Today has been one of the only days pain has been an issue and I haven’t even tried to stand up straight today. I just sort of felt crummy and had broth and white rice and actually took a tramadol. Drains still putting out serous fluid. I think tomorrow will be better. Almost 1 week out now.