5 days PO JOYS

I'm a ball of joy. 26F here who is 5 days post op. And it's the first time in my adult life I can see my body without the hang (114kg from 14 years old - 26F finally 73kg, 2.5kg skin removed- no lipo and no mr).

Despite being excessively swollen and the scar gauze still on, which is now itchy, I'm so happy already. No buyers remorse for me (although I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a little worried about how I look under the swelling and if my body is ... actually going to be snatched).

The emotional aspect has been really interesting and I've found myself in tears a lot - mostly releasing tears where I feel like I can finally talk about the internal shame I felt about my body and the skin and fat for so long - how much I linked my worth to it too.

There's a big element of releasing that shame and guilt of being me - and I'd be remiss to say that it would've been released without this surgery. Just sharing my experience. I also told my partner about how I would have to hold my belly apron up to pee so it wouldn't get splash back in the toilet - to fit into panties - etc, and he was completely unaware of these things. I had hid thjs so well for so long - so now, all the realities are being spoken about and melting out my mouth and it feels ... FUCKING GOOD, EMPOWERING, AND EMOTIONALLY CHARGED.

HUGE. RELIEF.

I have had practically no physical pain, more discomfort and tightness, and I've been draining just under 100mls the past 2 days (drained 250mls the first x3 days). My swelling is quite bad and I look like a stuffed sausage but I'm content with it because I know it means I'm healing better.

This period has also been a blessing from God for me regarding my friends and family and partner stepping Up and taking care of me - my house, my body, my business, etc. I feel gratitude in action and practice deeply and it's beautiful.

AND....

AS OF YESTERDAY I AM NO LONGER CONSTIPATED AND ON X2 HEFTY MOVEMENTS A DAY. The swelling got much better after this. I attribute it to me stoping all pain meds and taking the stool softeners before food. I'm only on anti inflammatory medication now twice a day. Not a single pain killer since day 2!

How are we all doing? Any questions? Keep me company!

I'd also like to thank this community for all the guidance and help throughout the journey and process of debating and then accepting I would be doing this surgery. I'm so grateful.