Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck question

I just had my abdominoplasty on Monday the 6th with a fleur de lis incision and I am so happy with the visual outcome. I am, however, discouraged with the swelling that I am having. I realized afterward that I really wasn't informed on how long I will be swollen for. I can't pull my jeans on even though they removed 5 lbs of excess skin and this is making me incredibly depressed. I know this isn't a reasonable frame of mind but I have no idea how long I should expect to be swollen for. I have my follow up and drain removal on Wed. the 15th and can't wait to get these drains out.
I am also feeling discouraged due to the fact that I have led a very active lifestyle this past year since my RNY and now I feel like I am starting all over again. I worked my butt off to attain a strong core and my surgeon said it looked like I did sit ups every day because my muscles underneath are so tight, they didn't even have to put stitches in the muscle. Now I feel depressed and discouraged and need a light at the end of the tunnel. How long should I expect this swelling to last? Should I limit my calorie intake while healing so I don't put weight on while I can't exercise as much? I don't want to ruin my new tummy by doing something wrong.

up your protein instead of lowering calories you need it to heal

You can swell... up to 1 yr!!!  Swelling comes and goes, by month 3 it lessens immensly and months 5-6 it is CRAZY I look 3 months pregnant at the end of the night!!!  But I will take my smooth swollen belly over crepy excess skin any day!!

Because you did not have muscle repair it may not be as bad for you...

Is this the same as an anchor cut?  I had mine over 4 weeks ago, had exactly 5 pounds removed also, and can barely fit into my larger clothes still.  I also still weigh MORE than when I went in.  I've also heard anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to see the FINAL results.

Good luck!!!

I am 3 weeks post op from fleur de lis and brachioplasty.  I didn't weigh myself until all 4 drains were out and when I weighed - I'd lost 4 pounds.  I still have to wear an abdominal binder and can't get into jeans either.  With this binder I have to have loose fitting at the waist.

I understand the depressed and starting over again feeling.  I'm drinking fluids, taking extra protein drinks, resting, no energy, etc.

This surgery knocked me on by bumm! (I am 62 years young).

I have an area of necrosis (dead skin) where my vertical and horizontal incisions intersect.  At my 3 week post op check yesterday, the surgeon cut out the dead area and left me with a hole that will have to heal from the inside out.(From what I read - this could take a few months).  I will need to clean and pack it twice a day - not lift over 5 pounds and "live in fear" that it could open wider if I lift something or get an infection.  This did not help my "mood."

Best wishes on your healing process and hope the swelling is manageable.