Surprized as to body image adjustments

So here I sit 13 days post op, feeling down.

I suspect it is a normal thing to go through. Now I am a big girl,size 22, but in the last 2 years I have lost weight(50 lbs) , gone through a difficult pregnancy with fibroids and then lost the pregnancy weight, and now surgery....and this scar.....
I had to have a verticle incision due to the fibroid size and positioning. I have never been one overly modest about my looks, I dress nice and do my hair and face, but this scar that hangs on my belly is really affecting me.
Now that some of the swelling has gone down I have this lopsided "divided" belly . I am hoping once I can exercise I can get some shape back to my lower belly. I guess that I am 10 lbs down since surgery too will make the belly "hang" a bit more.
Anyone else having problems accepting their body image? Does my belly tighten up a bit once I start recovering from this surgery a bit....Is my belly a lil like "baby jelly belly" post baby?
Hoping to hear some positive experiences from my more seasoned sisters.
Kelly

Just an add on,

I know I am 10 lbs down since surgery.
I am 39 yrs old.
Worked out 3 to 5 times a week prior to surgery

I had abd hyst with fibroid removal (both fibroid and uterus were both the size of honeydew melons) I kept my ovaries, and other than this body image issue I am doing great.

Kelly

crazedgal, don't worry too much at this point -- at 10 days postop, your body is a LONG way from looking like what it will eventually settle down to. You're still dealing with all kinds of fluid, swelly-belly, and other general post-op-related issues, and it's going to take your body several weeks to adjust.

I'm just about at the 7 week point, and I've noticed quite a bit of difference between the 10-day point and now. There's still a bit of lopsidedness, but it's not nearly as bad as it was -- it was UGLY, and yes, it bothered me too. The good news is that I can still see it continuing to improve as the days pass.

So it'll take some time, but if it gets you down in the meantime, just try and concentrate on all of the good things you've done, like losing the 50 pounds, and also losing your pregnancy weight -- congratulations! The fact that you're also down 10 pounds from surgery is another very encouraging thing.

Keep taking care of yourself so that you can recover fully. Rest well, stay hydrated, eat properly, and ... this is very important .. don't rush back to exercising too soon -- that can contribute to "swelly belly", as well as other more serious problems. There will be plenty of time for exercising when you're ready for it.

Hang in there! It WILL get better.

I know how you feel. I joined the gym last Nov. and by the end of Feb. Fit into my size 8 skirt. I was feeling great. 5.5 miles on the eliptical. Then I hurt my knee and scheduled my surgery for 04/07 TAH. I gained weight in March. I had non stop bleeding for since the end of Feb.

I look at my self in the mirror and look 3 months pregant and cry after I take a shower. I have not even attempted to try on my clothes...I'm afraid to. Been wearing sweats.

It's been 27 days since my surgery. I can tell that this past week I have seen some of the swelling go down. I am hoping that each week it continues to go down. The more I over do the worse the swelling gets. I find that heat helps me. My DH was complaining about his stomach and I told him to be quiet or I will punch him (just kidding). He has been taking good care of me.

It will get better. Don't over do. I do understand where you are coming from but try not to let it get you down. Get better soon. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
abbyhah

Thank you KCMO and ABBYHAY for your words of encouragment.
All the gals here are such a great support,

Hi there, Sounds like I am about the same size as you and I now have what I call the frontal butt cheek look. No kidding thats what my tummy looks like. I have noticed a huge difference as the swelling goes down though so yours should hopefully decrease with time. I am just thankful to no longer be sick though. If I have an ugly scar well so be it. Good Luck from your Northern Sister in Prince George.

I had a vertical incision too and I too looked like I had a butt on the front! It was horrible and it worried me sick for the first 4 weeks. Then, the swelly belly started to go down, the scar started to fade and now. . . . it is just a very, very fine line that you have to look for to see, no more butt in the front. I have an open area at the top that is just now healing (I am six weeks today) that scarred a little bit more, but it does get better!!!

Oh I'm sorry for the way your feeling about yourself. Things do get better trust me. Here is a short story about myself, and hope it helps others who worry about the scar.

6 years ago I had an accident. I was kicked by a horse. a 2.000 lb. Belgian right in the stomach. Split my liver twice , my panceras, and my spleen. After being out of it for two weeks I woke to find a huge scar on my belly. 12 inches long. With tons of staples. Not bragging but having 3 kids I never had a stretch mark.

I though oh my gosh I'm going to look so ugly too me and too my husband. I thought about this for awhile. Then i pulled myself together and said now listen. Your alive your doing well and thank god this is all it is. Who looks at our bellys anyways..

Before I had my Hyst. they had told me they were going to try the LAVH. if they couldn't get thru from the scar tissue then they would cut me like a bikini cut if they could. I said ok well when I wake up and if I'm cut then just change my name to terri, or traci. Cause then I will have this nice T on my stomach.

To this day this scar does not bother me at all. I'm blessed to be here on this earth, and try to help others who need me.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!