3 weeks post! :)

So here we are!

3 weeks have come and gone in what seems like a couple of days.

My incision is doing great, drain sites have scabbed over and closed, I just have a couple of teeny spots left that are holding onto the scabs that I'm not sure are just ready to fall off yet. But it's only two ore three dot sized areas. I think one is part of a suture that needs to be snipped but I'll check it in a few days.

My next Dr. appointment is on the 30th, but I'm going to try to get it moved up just a hair for the early part of the week and try to obtain the surgery photos as well.

 I have my tubal litigation photos (from inside the camera scope) I haven't posted yet (cool stuff) and then this surgery they took a handful from what I understand.

 I don't remember much from that day though after the surgery until I got home.

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So before I post more recent photos, my current measurements in short are:

38 bust (36c finally!)

32 under (on rib)

31 waist (and I suspect this will shrink too in the next couple of weeks)

32.75 on belly

and 38 hip.

I weighed in today too at 166/167.

My new current goals are to be:

36/38 bust (this is okay to stay if it does)

27/28 waist. I'm teetering on a 8-10 pant size but it varies with brands. I was a 10-12 before surgery.

and 36/37 hip, but I need to fluff my cakes so to speak. I've lost muscle since being absent from the gym these past 2 months from both surgeries.  My weight I'd like to be 150-155 and I'll be in my zone. Smaller than high school, or any other time since Ive moved to TX. The healthiest and fittest I've ever been. I want my body fat to be between 18-21%. Not sure what it is now, but I will get it checked in a few weeks. :)

Here's my scar. Any time in the next week or two I will begin scar therapy to fade and strengthen it so it won't widen or darken any. I have a good history of any previous scars going totally flesh colored, so I'm feeling pretty optimistic about this. And after researching the therapy itself, it looks like it's pretty effective. :)

I love too that he made it where it can be easily covered up by undies, or a bathing suit bottom. No more "mommy" jeans! And these shorts I have in this pic are the ones I fought for a year to get into.. my highschool/middle school ones Ive had forever. Size 10. Now they are just about too big and would require a belt to keep on. I'm constantly pulling them up, even with the compression binder.

(I hate and love that binder by the way. It's like a big stretchy hug I wear all day, LOL, but then I wanna wear thinner tops and clothes but it shows through where the Velcro meets the binder, but only about 3 more weeks. Sometimes I pair it up with a spankx if I'm having any swelling issues, but so far this recovery has been crazy smooth. 

Here's my side view. Love that my lower abdomen smoothly goes into my upper pubic area and there is NO SKIN FLAP! :D

I still do have that mark from my binder though from wearing it too tight the first week. Kinda like a burn or really bad garment hickey as what the doctor described. Hopefully it'll fade soon.

Seriously. I went from a 35/36 belly button to a 33 and with swelling currently. 

*squeak!*

It's crazy. 

Here are some old pics to reflect back on where I've come. 

(One week post partum from baby #3/c-section #3 - and I think this was 14-15 months post partum)

I'll be 18 months officially on the 20th!

They removed 5 lbs of skin and detached places of fat. I had a 4 finger gap around my belly button (umbilical hernia, as well as diastasis recti from 3 pregnancies that ran from sternum to pubic bone)

(day of surgery 9/17/14)

So anyhow, I am super pleased with the results so far. It doesn't even feel real right now. I still over compensate when I put pants on and pull them up too high to cover something that's not there any more. 

I wanted to also thank everyone who has supported me through this journey with the surgery and the decision to go forward with it. I'm extremely happy with everything!!

Every message and note I've had, thank you so much!

This opportunity was a blessing <3

My next post will be in a couple of days with a Q&A for pre and post surgery stuff. What to expect, little hacks to make it easier, things too look for in a good doctor, and a few things to request if you do go forward with an abdominal plasty that will make your recovery SO much more comfortable than what you might read out on the inter webs. 

I have 3 more weeks until I'm cleared for regular activities and they can't come soon enough.

I'm back on using my body media band, and trying to get myself disciplined enough to track and tighten up my meal plans so I can lose the rest of my water weight and swelling.

Also - a huge huge huge thankful to my husband, Eric. For waiting on me and our children hand and foot during my surgery recovery and my MIL for driving me to and from appointments and staying with me to help with the kids in the early days of the recovery, and my parents for keeping me sane over the phone and supporting my decision to do this as they know how much of a drama queen I can be when I'm stressed out, and my PT Joe for helping me get healthy enough to make it to the point where I could do the surgery and not have all the extra weight to carry in the end.

Bye bye 68 lbs in 18 months. I have 10-15 more to go which will place me at 78-83ish once all is achieved and done.

In 3 more weeks I'm also doing a photoshoot for myself for making it my first goal: reach the 160's by the end of the year. I will post these once shot :)

That's all for now, stay tuned! 

XOXO