Missing my flat tummy... will this swelling really go away?

I had a few consults with doctors in this area and while I appreciated their work only a very small percent (maybe 20 combined) were on people who had lost massive amounts of weight. All the quotes were between 13-17k for just a LBL. I asked here on OH for surgeons, did online consults but I just couldnt afford some of the names that were given or if I could their work wasn't that great. Finally someone pmed me with her before/afters and experiences with Dr Capella. I did more research, sent in photos, and had a LONG phone convo with him. I was sold. 

I am having a LBL/breast lift/arm lift and only plan on staying in NJ for a week O.O The thing is I have two children 8 and 5 and it would be hard for my hubby to take off work but I'll have to see what I can do. Also I haven't planned to spend the extra money to stay in a hotel longer. I might want to research this further. I believe I will wear compression garments as I wear one every day just so my skin isn't flapping around. I imagine I would feel very odd w/o one especially after surgery. 

Thank you so much for your replies and info. I can't remember now, but how did you sleep in a recliner? I haven't bought anything for my surgery yet and I'm on a very tight budget so what is/was most useful to you? 

I did not sleep in a recliner. I slept in my bed with a foam wedge and lots of pillows propping up my head and back, as well as a foam neck roll pillow under my knees. In the rehab they called this beach chair position. I still am sleeping like that. Like you, I did not want to spend the money on a recliner. And since I was moving in a week, I did not nt to rent one because the minimum was 1 month. I also had concerns about how hygienic a rental might be given my incision and non intact skin.

what is worrying you at this point?

Basically how long it will take me to get back to normal. I am a housekeeper so anywhere from 6-8 hours of bending, lifting, reaching. I also teach hoop dance and hoop/dance at shows. I cannot go to a show to hoop and then start swelling. My surgery is late June and then I have festivals scheduled for late Sept, late October, and early Nov. I'm not too worried about the kids as long as I can not be in terrible pain but hubby has to work, I can take off work (w/o pay) for maybe 2 months. I just worry that this procedure is going to take me a year to recover from :( 

Scott told me that 75% of my swelling should be gone in 3 mos. That was for the TT. I do not know if the LBL differs. You may be cutting it close with the Sept show. Then again because you are very active prior to surgery, your recovery may be easier. My PCP told me to exercise every day before surgery. She said it would make my recovery easier.  

You asked before what was most helpful to me. I swear by the glutamine amino acid powder for helping my incision to heal nicely. Focus on eating the healing foods that I listed and consider adding some of the supplements to help your body heal. They aren't too expensive. A number of women here. Have had lymphatic massage. I am going to look into this. Your insurance may cover it.

Thanks for all your replies and I hope your swelling has gone down. How are the compression garmets working? 

I just replied to your PM. 

How long did your swelling last? I had TT 4 weeks ago and i also feel my tummy wont be flat like it was week 1. My belly is jiggle and its not a seroma just swollen. I saw dr he asures me my tummy will go tight again. DId your tummy go flat again? if so when? thanks so much for sharing.

This is a question only your surgeon can answer, but it likely won't totally gone for a year. Drink lots, wear compression gear. It'll get better!