I had a Tummy Tuck four days ago (Halloween). Today is the first day that I feel human. This surgery makes the LabBand surgery a walk in the park, lol. I learned a few things that I would like to share (I would blog this but…..)

Day 2 was hell. Extreme pain, I couldn’t get up from sitting without assistance. I hurt from my boobs to my crotch (and have the colorful bruises to show for it). It is really important to stay on top of your pain meds.

Day 3 was better but still needed a lot of assistance. The highlight of the day was a sponge bath and hair washing (Mom helped with this).

Today, I’m human. Last night was the first night I could get out of bed without waking my husband. Pour guy felt like he had a newborn again, up every 2 hours.

So what did I learn?

My doctor did not require removal of Fluid from my band for the surgery, however FOR ME I wish I had about .2cc removed. My band has been extremely tight (borderline too tight) ever since I woke up. Yes I’m on liquids and soft foods. I had to be sure I was staying hydrated and that was difficult. On Friday I considered getting some fluid removed but the thought of a needle going anywhere near my stomach….. I decided to manage the situation. Things are settling, I was able to eat about 1-2oz of meat last night. So with good management on my part I was able to get through the worst. In the future (if I have the option) I will remove just a little fluid.

The second thing I learned is that I have the most wonderful husband in the world. He had to step in as my nurse, emptying drains, helping me dress, picking me up (yes he can lift me – that was cool).

I will post pre & post pictures once the tummy doesn’t look like a war zone.

Post those pics of the before or after plastic surgery , I want to know how scary it really is , cause I want to be prepared in a yr, or 2 , we'll see if I even need it then lol.

i second that...aj is gorgeous anyhow

she be a even hotter chick now

Hi y'all. I'm a sleever and I had my TT on Sept 30. 12 more days till I'm released to go back to running.....can't wait.

Even though I had no band to unfill, like y'all I had a tremendous amount of restriction those first few days post op. Nothing too severe but it was definitely a few days of liquids only. Of course now I feel like I could eat the whole thanksgiving turkey in one sitting....boredom cravings.

Anyway....curious about how this surgery affects your port? Did it change the location? Did it have to be relocated? Does it change for someone with more extreme weight loss? I lost about 180 lbs and most of it seemed to come from my midsection. I have a birthmark that was up around my lower rib cage....it's now at my TT incision line so I cannot imagine what would have happened to a lapband port (is that the correct term...port?). The good news is they removed all but one of my 6 VSG scars. Of course I have a new....much bigger scar. But it's so gruesome....it's awesome! Plus I can see abs. There is nothing sweeter than that.

Hi y'all. I'm a sleever and I had my TT on Sept 30. 12 more days till I'm released to go back to running.....can't wait.

Even though I had no band to unfill, like y'all I had a tremendous amount of restriction those first few days post op. Nothing too severe but it was definitely a few days of liquids only. Of course now I feel like I could eat the whole thanksgiving turkey in one sitting....boredom cravings.

Anyway....curious about how this surgery affects your port? Did it change the location? Did it have to be relocated? Does it change for someone with more extreme weight loss? I lost about 180 lbs and most of it seemed to come from my midsection. I have a birthmark that was up around my lower rib cage....it's now at my TT incision line so I cannot imagine what would have happened to a lapband port (is that the correct term...port?). The good news is they removed all but one of my 6 VSG scars. Of course I have a new....much bigger scar. But it's so gruesome....it's awesome! Plus I can see abs. There is nothing sweeter than that.

I was worried about my port, would it be in the way, etc... I researched surgeons and picked one who has years of experience doing TT on banded patients. Yes the port and tubing are in the way, the doctor has to work around them. The port is attached to muscle (not the skin) so it doesn't have to be moved. I no longer have the scare on my stomach showing me where my port is, I have to feel for it, lol.

At my week post op appointment my doctor asked me if I had any troubles with getting fills. I said no why? He said that my port was tilted sideways.... He straighten it and added a few sutures to it. Fixed it while he was in there, lol. It could of never become a problem but didn't hurt to correct it now. I am thankful my surgeon is so familiar with the band and yes he did send a report to my Band doctor regarding the port.

Had my 2 week post op appointment today. Doc removed my drains and said everything looked great.

Was able to take a shower tonight. First one in 2 weeks. Man did it feel good.

Haha....yeah I remember alot of wet wipes being used those first 2 weeks.

Did anyone get a new lower profile port after tummy tuck surgery? I'm just curious that might be something I would consider

my bariatric dr was willing to assist my plastic surgeon and install a low profile port and I didn't take him up on it because it would have been an additional $1500.... There are times when I wish I would have done it but I was nervous that I would have more complications. Which is most likely silly thinking

Do you feel up to going back to work at this point?

Do you feel up to going back to work at this point?

If I had to I could. Fortunately I am able to take 5 weeks off.

Hello AJ and congrats on the successful surgery.

Sound like you are doing great....can't wait to see pics of how amazing (more amazing) you look now that 6 lbs of extra skin are gone....wow....that always blows my mind!

Thanks for sharing your story...and good to "see" you again!

Hello AJ and congrats on the successful surgery.

Sound like you are doing great....can't wait to see pics of how amazing (more amazing) you look now that 6 lbs of extra skin are gone....wow....that always blows my mind!

Thanks for sharing your story...and good to "see" you again!

Hey girlfriend, great to hear from you!

Latest update. I got my drains out last Wednesday. Felt so good.....BUT I have to go in tomorrow to have fluid drained from my tummy. I have a very large water balloon that has developed on my belly (where the drains were) and the fluid needs removing. Not looking forward to tomorrow.

^{O k I know about the different plastic surgery's but can you inform me what everybody that has some kind of plastic surgery what are drains and what do they do, please enlighten me so I know what to expect if I ever think about having it or if I will have to, thankyou and I am glad you are feeling like your new self, also happy for you that you could do this ,}

^{O k I know about the different plastic surgery's but can you inform me what everybody that has some kind of plastic surgery what are drains and what do they do, please enlighten me so I know what to expect if I ever think about having it or if I will have to, thankyou and I am glad you are feeling like your new self, also happy for you that you could do this ,}

When you have surgery your body generates fluids during the healing process, this Fluid collects under the skin and has to be drained out. I had 2 drains (left & right), they were each a plastic tube coming out of my groin to a plastic collection thing (looked like a hand grenade). I would empty them when they got full and record the volume of fluid for the doctor.

The doctor removed them last Wednesday, but my body is still producing the fluid and now I have a Water balloon for a tummy. I go to my doctor this morning so he can remove the fluid....probably with a needle.

Hope this answers your question.

FYI - as painful and troublesome this surgery has been, it is worth every minute of it to me!!

How did it go this morning?