Week 4 - Back to the Office

Today is 4 weeks post-op! On Saturday I finally got that second pesky drain removed.  Much more painful than the first one, but after being in my body for 26 days it was to be expected.  It was a very liberating moment though! My doctor said everything is looking fantastic!

Today was my first day back in the office after 4 weeks.  I was very excited to be back around my peers, my team and the excitement of a new year.  I may have been a little too excited and was all over the office.  Went to lunch with a colleague.  Made my rounds.  By 3pm I was feeling the pressure in my abdomen.  Getting home and getting into comfortable clothes revealed some swelling had returned.  This is to be expected as I haven't been overly active until this point.  Just a part of the process that I have to put in the right place to not let it get me down.

I go back to see my doctor in 3 weeks.  Hopefully will be cleared to get back into the gym!  I miss it. I miss being active.  I know I will have to ease back into it, but I sure am ready!

Here are a few pictures from week 4!

3 Week Post Op Photo Update

I am excited to share some photos!  I took my binder off to take a shower to reveal that the swelling has gone done a little more!  It's really starting to show how the changes are settling. :)

 And just in case you forgot what I looked like...below you will see the night before surgery photo on the left and the one I just took on the right.  WOW!!!!

Obviously you can see there its still some bruising and swelling....but SO much better!

Mental Fortitude

Tomorrow marks 3 weeks from surgery!  I see improvement with each passing day, but the improvements are small. Some days are even a small step backwards.  I have to keep reminding myself that the recovery process is long.  I may not see final results for 3 to 6 months.  Seems like a lifetime.

None of my clothes fit right now because I'm still swollen.  THAT is a tough pill to swallow right now.  The thought is that skin/fat is removed and that you should be smaller than before surgery.  The reality is quit the contrary.  It takes strong mental fortitude and patience to not get bogged down in numbers this early on. Stay the course.  The other disappointing part...I still have one drain in.  The numbers are inconsistent at this point.  Frustrations with the continue.

Good news:  I am getting stronger and more mobile by the day.  I am sleeping in my bed again, which was a huge step in my book! On the other hand I feel very lethargic.  I can't work out yet, besides minimal walking.  I haven't been eating poorly, but the lack of basic exercise makes me feel like a lump!  HA.  I know, I know...all in due time.

I appreciate everyones continued support!  I'm getting there. :)