33 Year Old Mom of 3, Mommy Makeover (Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck with Muscle and Hernia Repair)...1yr later - Worcester, MA

Day 1 - Arrived at the hospital at 8:45am and was taken right into my room. Changed and got an IV. Signed some paperwork and waited for the doctor. Dr. Ekstrom came in soon after and made marks on my skin as to where the cuts would be made. Then I was wheeled into the OR. All of the staff was so nice and I was out of it before I knew it. I woke up in recovery about 1hr after the surgery ended. Surgery was 4hrs long 10:15am-2:15pm. I was in and out of it for another 45 minutes and then they wheeled me back to my room to see my husband. I was able to see pictures of my new body then as pictures were taken in the OR for me. I hate waiting for things and knowing I would be bandaged up and not be able to see anything so I asked for pictures before they wrapped me up. At this point another hour went by and I was getting really nauseas. The nurse gave me another shot for nausea which was on top of the patch I was wearing and the nausea meds I was already given in the OR. I had a rough time getting to the wheel chair with this nausea. The anesthesiologist came in and said that I was given all I could be given for nausea meds and if I didn't feel better by 6pm, I would be transported to the hospital as they were closing for the day at the surgical center. Needless to say I pulled it together while they wheeled me outside and as soon as I had the wind blowing on my face I was much better! I arrived home at 6:30pm, climbed the stairs (hell) and got into my recliner which has been a god send. I had a catheter so I didn't have to get up and go to the bathroom the first night. I slept well and didn't remember visitors, meds worked wonders.

Day 2 - I woke up Tuesday and was sore but tolerable...3 out of 10. The nurse visited at 8am to change bandages and take the catheter out. This now meant I had to get up to pee and start moving around. I have my grandmother's walker to help me around the house, instead of holding on to someone which is awkward. I got to see my incisions which I couldn't be happier with. It seems like the scar will be low enough for me to wear a high brief bottom to a bikini. My boobs are perfect...love them, swollen but I think I decided on the perfect size for me. 375cc Silicone High Profile implant. I was "barely an A" prior to surgery with saggy nipples. Now I can fill out my shirts and look like a woman. I got up a few times throughout the day but slept a lot after each med dose which is every 4 hours.

Day 3 - I slept well and got up with more ease today. Able to sit back down unassisted at this point, give all the credit to my strong leg muscles from working out for 18 months prior to this surgery. My friend came over and gave me a pedicure and washed my hair in the sink, I felt great! I can't shower until Day 5 so every little bit helps when it comes to sponge baths. My under garment is from just under my boobs down to my knees with a crotch opening for me to go pee without having to take it off. The opening is pretty large so when I am able to have a bowel movement I am pretty sure I will not have to take it off then either. I haven't gone to the bathroom yet but have been taking stool softeners and Milk of Magnesia (MOM) a few times a day. Today I also started having weird sensations in my right thigh. Not cramps, not asleep pain, kind of like a numbness ache. I have been doing my exercises and walking a lot more today so I am not sure what is wrong. My husband is massaging it for me so that helps. Other than that the TT doesn't hurt unless I cough...holy hell that kills FYI! I have one drain as they said I was too small for two. I am 5'9" and 136lbs. My husband changed my dressing around my belly button and drain site but otherwise every other gauze pad was clean.

Day 4 - Today is my son's birthday so we gave him is gift this morning and got to spend a little time with all three kiddos before school. All three boys have been such a big help, getting me water, my walker, wash clothes, food, blankets, pillows...whatever I need someone is on the mission. Letting them help is helping them get through this time too. They are so good about not coming near me or climbing into the recliner with me even though they really want to. They are 6, 3, and 19 months. My husband has his hands full but he is doing an amazing job taking care of me and the boys!

Today I had my first post op appointment with my PS. She checked all of my incisions and changed my dressings. My drain was still producing too much fluid for the it to be removed but I am ok with that considering it isn't causing me too much pain. It is just an irritation at this point if the gauze isn't completely underneath it. I got to shower which felt amazing and put on a new garment. The new garment is really tight but it feels good at the same time, feel very supported. It should stretch out over the next day. I started taking my Vicodin again with every other dose as my breasts were bothering me. I have one area at the center of my belly that seems to be pulling a bit but I think it is just the numbness wearing off. I am loving the look of everything. I will update pictures soon when my kids are not around.

Tomorrow is my 10 day post op...will update after my appointment