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.

How did it go this morning?

Got 180 cc fluid out. Took about 6 pokes with a rather large needle. Was not fun. But worth it.

Thankyou I was wandering about that , how scary and awful it sounds , I have known a few people that have had colastamy bags placed on them and have seen them so this again was very helpful to know ,I hope they nub you before they take out the Fluid and is the fluid also going to be out of the band hope they just take out the part they are suppose to and enjoy your new healthy you& your flat tummy I am going to be so jelous lol.

Hey all!! I had a panniculectomy done on November 11th. I have to agree, the first 2 days are HORRIBLE!!! I live in Long Island but my amazing doctor is in New York City!! So I was feeling better each day.... Then had my first follow up visit on Tuesday. While we drove in, I still had to walk to his office. Almost passed out while he was checking the incisions. (Just got crazy hot and I was light headed lol) I was so beat yesterday!!! I'm trying to wean off the pain meds but they really help!! My biggest issue right now is the RASH!!!! OMG!!! This garment is literally ruining my skin!! Anyone else have skin issues?!?!?

He took off 14lbs of skin and fat!!!!! My wonderful friends took pictures!!! ???? this recovery sucks but I think in the end it will be worth it!!

Lexus, congrats! I understand about the garment irritating the skin. My garment rubs against my new belly button & therefore it is having a hard time healing.

Don't push to hard to get off the pain meds, you will still need them! I'm 3 weeks out and sometimes I have to take them in the evening or at night (especially if i do too much).

I agree, in the end it is so worth it!!

Small set back.....

I had to have another drain put in my tummy this morning. My tummy kept filling up with Fluid, tried draining it out twice, just to have it fill again so doc had to put a drain back in, ugh! Doc said it was unusual the amount of fluid I was still getting but he has had to put drains back in to some patients.

My hip to hip incision is all healed and looks great. My belly button is having a hard time healing (garment keeps rubbing on it and irritating it) so got a script for some cream that should help with the healing and (the best part) permission to go a few hours every night (while sitting watching TV or something) without my garment on.

This set back is frustrating, I know I'll get through it and the results are going to be very much worth it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

That sucks you had to have a drain put back in! I can only imagine how annoying those are! I'm glad your incision is healing nicely though! Congrats!

On a lighter note..... You're an over achiever! On a more serious note, I got my pre-op phone call this evening

On a lighter note..... You're an over achiever! On a more serious note, I got my pre-op phone call this evening

Congrats, that is awesome.

How long did it take you to feel "better"??? I'm almost 3 weeks out and I have to say I don't feel good at all!!! I have a high pain tolerance. I would not say I'm in PAIN.... But the only time I feel normal is laying down!!! I'm getting like cramp shocks in my lower abs. I see the dr tomorrow.... I just feel I should feel better by now!!! Frustrating!!!

Lexus. I am not 100% yet. I have days when my stomach cramps, not to mention the pain from the drain.

This is major surgery! Makes the band a walk in the park. Lol.

to AJ

feel better soon GF

aj, you always give me hope.......thank you for that

Thanks CG, you're the best!

I had my full TT done October 15th, 2013. So I am almost 2 months since I had it. I have to say I am very proud of how beautiful my tummy looks compared to what it use to from loosing 80 pounds and being streched when I was pregnant 6 years ago with my twins. Yes my insurance paid for mine, only the excess skin removal because I had a rash under it, the actual tightening of my abs was $1,800.00. For the first three weeks I was not able to sleep in the bed, I slept in my recliner. It does take a long time to go back to feeling like a normal "human" again. I did have three drains that I had to keep emptied or they would get blood clots in them. My awesome husband was there the first week to help me. He had to bath me while I held my drains. I never knew how much you use your abs until after I had surgery. It hurt to sneeze, cough, or even laugh. I have returned back to work at 6 weeks, I just have a weight restriction. I did have 1 CC taken from my lap band two weeks before I had my surgery. My plastic surgeon did move my port because it had come loose from the wall. So he moved it under my rib cage, I don't have the low profile port because that was going to cost me extra out of pocket. I did spend the night in the hospital and went home the next afternoon. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Just had my first post op, later than usual due to my mother's passing. I lost one of my drains, the other one is still producing too much to remove. I see him again next Tuesday. Hopefully the remaining drain will come out then. Otherwise, everything is looking good!