I know a few threads have gone up about this in the past, but I'm hoping to get suggestions of things to pick up to be prepared for surgery and recovery time.

I'll be doing a tummy tuck with breast lift and some lipo. Any tips or thoughts on what to expect are also much appreciated!

I should also mention that I will have drains for a few days.

How long did people have to wear compression garments?

For at least a month. A walker if you can get one is wonderful. You will walk like a hunched over old lady and it kills your back. Also granny panties, support bras, easy to slip on gowns and some type of necklace to wear that you can safety pin the drains to while walking and in the shower. I used physical therapy exercise bands that I tied into a necklace and it drys quick and you don't feel it in bed. Lots of pillows to sleep on. Liquid pain meds. Most important someone to help you at least 2 days because you will not be able to get out of bed alone. ESP with TT and boobs at same time. I personally wouldn't recommend that. Too much. You need arms for TT and tummy for arms for strength. I did mine two weeks apart.

Thank you-- I heard some people wear sweatpants with pockets for the drains? Did you try that at all?

I'm also debating renting a lift recliner as my bed is very tall. The other option is sleeping in a lower twin in the guest room. My mom will be staying with me for the first 3 days to help. I'm assuming no showering until after the drains come out? Better prepare her! lol

On yes you need to shower as soon as you feel like it the drains are sewn in with a stitch your not gonna pull them out and I would take hibiclense and wash my tubes near site to help prevent infection. I did use sweatpants but found the necklace easier. It's the only way I felt like I wouldn't pull them out. I would pin them to therapy bands then kinda tuck them in large panties to keep them from bouncing when walking. As far as bed my bed is tall too but I'm tall (5'11) so it was no prob. Now I did have to prop with lots of pillows. A lift chair would be good.

I showered the next day. I have a built in seat in shower and would sit and wash. It wears you completely out so you will have to sit or rent a shower chair too.

Hey this has been very helpful my TT is Friday! I think I have it all together good luck

Thanks- Good luck to you as well!

Hi:

Make sure you have a pillow for the car ride home from the hospital. Every bump hurts.

I wore mens flannel pajama bottoms because they all have pockets to put the drains in. The tops had buttons which made them easier to undress. If you plan to wear a support garment try to have two so you can wash one and wear the other. My Plastic Surgeon insisted on a support garment for first six weeks 24/7 and then after that it was during day only. Pain in the neck at first, but you'll get used to it and feel more comfortable with it than without it after a while.

Stock up on some small nutritional easy frozen meals. You won't be up to cooking.

Write down the time of day that you take your pain medication and stay ahead of the pain for the first week or so. It's very hard to deal with it once it gets to be intense.

All of this is based on my experience, and yours may be entirely different. Remember, any of the pain is worth it. I'd do it over in a heartbeat for the results.

Take care and best wishes.

Sue

Almost forgot. My lap band surgeon recommended extra Vitamin c before and after surgery to help with healing. My healing went very well and my scars are just a very tiny light pink line.

Thanks for all the help I will post when I can

Surgery on Monday! I got everything ready, and even have an electric recliner coming tomorrow since it was pretty cheap and seemed worth having if need be. Excited and nervous!

Good luck and best wishes! Let us know how did it go.

Mine tt is 2 weeks away and i am already nervous!

Monday was two weeks- I have both drains out finally, and feel MUCH better. Back to work next week, took an extra week off as I go to law school at night. I've returned to school this week, so easing back into things.

Thanks for all of the helpful tips- will post photos soon!

Monday was two weeks- I have both drains out finally' date=' and feel MUCH better. Back to work next week, took an extra week off as I go to law school at night. I've returned to school this week, so easing back into things.

Thanks for all of the helpful tips- will post photos soon![/quote']

How r u now my Tt is on June 7

How long is the recovery after a TT, and how severe is the pain