Abraham, 35, recently underwent what her manager, Chrissy Johnston, described to PEOPLE as double-disc jaw surgery.

She had her stitches removed on Wednesday, September 30, which Johnston described as a small but welcome milestone in her recovery.

Following the procedure, Abraham's jaw has been wired shut and she is expected to remain unable to speak for about two months.

She is also required to follow a strict liquid diet because she cannot open her mouth normally.

Johnston said Abraham has already lost a significant amount of weight during the recovery.

“She’s understandably not having the easiest time right now,” Johnston told PEOPLE, adding that severe pain, swelling and difficulty eating and communicating have affected Abraham physically and emotionally.

Abraham has shared glimpses of her recovery with followers. She appeared on her daughter Sophia Abraham’s TikTok livestream after the surgery, using a written message to explain that she could not speak.

She later described herself as feeling like “Frankenstein” and expressed hope that the swelling in her face would subside within about three months.

Abraham had previously spoken publicly about experiencing serious jaw problems.

In May, she said she had been dealing with degenerative disc disease affecting her jaw and that she could not open her mouth normally.

She indicated at the time that the upcoming surgery was intended to address the problem rather than being performed for cosmetic reasons.

According to reports, Abraham has also attributed her jaw problems to trauma that she says was connected to an alleged sexual assault.

She has previously accused former Windsor, California, Mayor Dominic Foppoli of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2021. Foppoli has denied the allegations and has said the encounter was consensual.

These allegations have not been established as facts in the reporting about her surgery.

The recovery has also reportedly affected Abraham’s hearing. Johnston said she has experienced hearing loss in her right ear and expressed hope that it will return as she heals.

Despite the challenges, Johnston said Abraham is trying to remain positive and continue moving forward.

She is also working on her campaign for Austin City Council while recovering, although her immediate focus remains on getting through the lengthy healing process.

Abraham first became widely known after appearing on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant in 2009 before joining Teen Mom.

She later appeared in other reality television programs and has remained a public figure through social media and other projects.