Halifax Tummy Tuck

It’s been 24 hours since I woke up to the (not so fun) sensation of my oxygen tube sliding out of my mouth. Blech. On the one hand, I genuinely can’t believe how good I feel but on the other hand, I’ve realized maybe – just maybe – it’s not as bad as some of the reports I’d read made it all out to be.

Does it hurt? Obviously. I was cut up, had my abdominal muscles manipulated, sewn together, my fat lipo’d out, and a whole ass pound of skin removed before being stitched up again. There’s a drain coming out of my belly. It would be preposterous to suggest I’m not in pain. But, after being told firsthand and through many reviews that I’d be completely incapacitated, I’m feeling 11/10 relieved to say that I am not.

A couple of things that are definitely helping me:

• I was in really good shape going into surgery, and I prioritised rest for the 96 hours pre-op — no heavy workouts, lots of sleep, and a whack of fluids so I’d be well-hydrated
• I’m sticking to my medication routine like it’s my literal job right now; that means adhering to every pain med on the hour it’s due
• I’m moving every hour but going slow and getting rest above all else
• Hydration, hydration, hydration – between water, Gatorade, and juice, I have been guzzling something every chance I get. This is helping to flush out the fluids that might have otherwise built up

As of the 24-hour mark, I’m feeling the most pain I’ve felt so far but it’s more than manageable.

I’m stooped when I’m walking and I need to rely on leverage to get up from bed. It ain’t pretty. I can feel the stitches internally and my incision is stinging. But, I’ve been up and moving around pretty well, I made myself a coffee and a sandwich (separate times), and I’ve managed the stairs three times!

I’m cautiously optimistic I’ll be able to move my post-op party to the couch by Thursday (and then moving back upstairs to hide from my littles before 4:30pm when they get home…)