6 weeks PP and I can’t recognize myself anymore

Hello everyone. I’m sorry if this post doesn’t belong here, but I’m looking for some support because I’m struggling more than I thought I would.

I had a planned elective C-section at the end of February. Physically, the surgery went perfectly with no complications, but emotionally, I feel like I’m drowning. I gained about 44 lbs during my pregnancy and I lost 15 lbs in the first two weeks, but since then the scale hasn't budged.

I feel super heavy with the stubborn water retention and the way my clothes don't fit. I’m eating clean and trying to stay positive, but seeing my reflection feels like looking at someone else. It’s so hard to adjust to this "new" life when I don't even feel comfortable in my own skin. It feels like this is just how it's going to be FOREVER.

When did you start to feel like you again, mentally and physically? For those with a C-section, when did that puffy feeling finally go away? How did you handle the body dysmorphia and the plateau?

I’m just feeling really discouraged and could use some honest timelines or just a reminder that this gets better.