Progress after Abdominoplasty

It has been 5 weeks today since I had my abdominoplasty. Most of my swelling is gone, with the exception of swelling in my thighs. I can fit in all my old jeans, they fit different and better. I have an absolutely flat tummy and can feel my hips quite prominantely. I can also feel my port from my Lap Band a lot more than I could before and I can see it. My belly button turned out wonderful and I am just generally happy with how I look now. In fact I am proud and for the first time can undress with the light on. The results are far more than I had hoped for. The only thing I am wondering about now is where the drains were inserted is still swelled up. It is towards the back on my waistline. it is quite swelled still and I don't like that one bit.
As far as exercise goes I started walking a week after surgery and now walk about an hour and a half a day. Next week I have permission to start running again. I am sure it will talk awhile to get back up to speed but I miss it so much and am chomping at the bit to get going.
I have taken a four hour motorcycle ride, so I know I am feeling better if I tolerated that, lol. I am getting that tingling feeling my dr told me to expect in the next couple of weeks and I am feeling everything in my abdominal region now. I still cannot eat very much at a time. I feel as if I am stitched tight and when I stand tall I can feel it.
All I can say is AMAZING!

Dottie

Hi Dottie,

I can't comment on your swelling, etc... because I'm a long way away from having an abdominoplasty, but I just wanted to say how great I feel for you, and proud too!  You have come a long way, eh?  I bet over more time and healing, it will all be a faded memory, and you will be so happy with the way you look and feel.  Congrats!

Dottie,
I'm so happy for you! I know how you feel about the anticipation to get back to your regular exercise routine. Once I did, I felt more normal, like myself again. I wish you the very best in your continued recovery, God bless you.

Hi Dottie,

I'm so happy you Love your results..a new lease on life..Enjoy your summer...slim.lol Love Des

You are lucky to be out of "swell hell"; I am still here at 6 weeks post op! I saw the doctor today and he said "completely normal" but go**** is uncomfortable.

Anyway....glad to know you're happy with your results; I am too, even with the swelling!

YAY! Congratulations!!  I am only 4 days out from abdominoplsty and this gives me encouragement. Right now I am in no pain just discomfort when showering. I work from home on the computer and worked today 8 hrs. I got up to use bathroom,fix lunch and just to walk around some. I feel fine and showered this evening. That wore me out. I did take two tylenol before showering.
Wonder how they decide where to put the drains? Mine is about an inch from my panty line on my leg. I thought it was originally going to be close to my incision.
I can't wait to walk again. I am hoping that since you walked at a week after you must have been able to stand a little more straight by then. Do you still wear a binder 24/7? I was thinking maybe this helped with the swelling.
A motorcycle ride, wow! That will definitely encourage anyone who is or has just gone through this.
Thanks fo your post!!!
Jenn

Isn't it funny how we all differ. I'll be 5 weeks in 2 days and I'm still very swollen in my pubic area and around my waist, but my thighs are fine. I took a 4 hour card ride and thought I was going to die, I can't imagine doing a bike ride that long! WOW!

I hope your swelling goes down real soon. At 5 1/2 weeks I will be traveling to WV (18hrs). I know we will be stopping a lot and overnight but I am still wondering if this is going to hurt me in any way. My son is getting married so definitely will be taking the trip and flying is not an option this time due to stops needing to make along way coming back.
Are you walking straighter at this point? What part of your surgery made you feel like you were going to die while traveling? I am dreading my trip so much.
Thanks,
Jenn