Hello, im new here. In the bed recuperating I thought I see if there were forums for my new life. I am not sure how I feel about it yet. The surgery went well. I was in the hospital for 5 days (including the day of surgery). My 14 vertical aligned staples were removed 2 days later and now I have steri strips. I was instructed not to get my incision wet so I tie a drycleaning plasticbag around my swollen waist. It itches like I want to take a brillo pad to it to scratch it (smile), I just pat it lightly. I have no bleeding and have not worn a pad since my discharge from the hospital. Thats cool because I had heavy and frequent cycles in addition to fibroids and tumors. The final decision however, was the mild dysplasia and the clots I was having the morning I was dressing to go in for my surgery. Up until that day I could have just had the fibroids and tumor removed and have my cervix frozen. I am 43 with 3 children and had no desire for more children so to keep my uterus was pointless. However, I was reluctant as I felt complete with all my "parts". The dr prescribed me the estradiol patch but I have not worn it, I do get hot flashes but no more than prior to my surgery. Although it has been about 2 weeks today, when can I estimate my bloated tummy to go down? Should I experience weight gain or loss ( loss hopefully). I try to be a positive person and look forward to great intimacy once I am fully healed.