Why have I gone up a size?

I underwent LBL six weeks ago after having a roughly 120 lb weight loss over three years (LB). Before my surgery I was a size small/misses size 6, but since then I've had to increase to a medium/misses size 8. At first I attributed it to post-op swelling and then I thought, well, hey, maybe it's because my bum and outer thighs have been given some shape. Now though I just don't know. Also, while my abdomen is completely (and blessedly!) fat, my upper stomach is still "poochie". I just resumed working out two nights ago so hope that will help, but is this kind of thing to be expected after body countouring surgery? If so, when can I realistically expect to start returning to my old "new" size?

One thing's for sure, I never expected to feel anxious over going up to a size 8 *LOL* But dang it, I have this closet full of adorable summer clothes just itchin' to be worn!

I'd say still swelling.  My PS said 3 months before you can even begin to see the final results.  I also know that some days I have more swelling than others.  I've never seen a size 6 -- that'd be awesome, but I was a size 10 before abdominoplasty/lipo and then went to an 8 a few weeks post op.  Down about 7# since day of surgery and some days I have to wear my size 10 pants.  Good thing I kept them!

Love the NEW PROFILE..!!!

Oh, thank goodness. I was starting to get very, very worried. Whew!

 Swelling is the LAST thing to resolve, especially in the more major procedures like LBS and tummy tucks. You can swell, long after the stitches are gone and the incisions look healed. 

Some surgeons say you can have some swelling for a year after plastics. Also, you may not go down to a new lower size afterward, especially if you don't have much fat left. When it's mainly skin that is removed, you often just stay the same size, just look better nekkid.

But the swelling will leave slowly, and be sure to wear your compression garment if your surgeon has you use them.

Thanks Bearmom  :). I didn't really expect to go down a size, but I felt pretty confident that I'd at least stay a size 6/small. But y'know what? Even if I do stay at an 8/medium I think I'll be okay with that because at least I don't have that big ol' layer cake top (I passed muffin top long ago) that not even Spanx could conquer. The issue of long-term swelling shouldn't have been a surprise to me because I researched and researched and then re-searched all my previous research before undergoing LBL. I guess it doesn't matter how well prepared you may be for something because there'll probably always be something to catch you off guard.