When will I feel normal again?

I'm only 7 days out from ext TT and hopefully get my drains out today but I was wondering how long has it taken for you to feel like your tummy is part of you? I feel when I look down at it with the swelling, bruising and numbness that it's not part of me. (make sense?) How long till I can wear normal clothes and feel like i dont even think about my tummy or dont feel like I've had massive surgery?
I guess this surgery took alot more out of me than I thought it would.....

Good morning Linda,

I believe at only 7 days out (1 week post-op), you're feeling absolutely "normal" for that time frame. At least that was my experience after ALL of my major surgeries. I remember feeling "weak" for 3 to 4 weeks. Granted, each week I felt stronger than the week prior. I gave myself time to heal - that's the only way to recovery completely. Pushing forward too quickly may sometimes result in set-backs. Take your time and heal. In time all things will become what you expect them to be...i.e., the swelling, bruising, and numbness will get better. You'll began to be able to wear those clothes that you are longing to wear - and they will look good on you. :) Patience is a virtue, and patience is the key! ;o)

God bless,
Rose

I'm three weeks out today - and still feeling a bit "un-normal".  Back to work, out of my "binder' and into spanx...all those things make things better...

But I'm still swollen and have some tenderness and numbness around my incisions.  I still have limited range of movement in my arms (had brachio as well) and a lifting restriction.  No formal exercise allowed.  All those things make me seem not normal yet.

BUT - every day is better - and I certainly feel A LOT more normal than I did at 1 week!

Keep on keepin' on!!

It started getting better for me once I got the drains out.  Today I over did it and am feeling pretty tender and swelling galore.  From what I have read on here you feel normal at 8 weeks out generally speaking.  The swelling and stuff can linger for longer but it sounds to me like most people report feeling normal at 8 weeks and well...they seem to disappear from this board by then to which tells me they are out and about lving life and forgetting that they had plastic surgery.  You are not alone. We can do this.  I'm only a few day ahead of you.

I'm seven MONTHS post op and I still don't feel normal. My scars still hurt and are still under the care of my surgeon, who is trying to improve their feeling and appearance.

Hope you feel better soon. I also felt the surgery took way more out of me than I thought it would...

Oh wow.  I will have to keep this in mind.  I really hope you are son feeling back to normal.