Hello all,

I have learned a ton from everyone's reviews on this site, so am hoping I can do the same for something else. I had a T tummy tuck and full upper inner thigh lift along with a hernia repair on December 29th. The surgery was six hours and the doctor removed five pounds of skin. The surgery went great. The day after surgery my hemoglobin became low, which required a blood transfusion. For that reason, I stayed two nights in the hospital. I live nearly two hours from the hospital, but took medication just before leaving and do not remember much of the ride home.

A couple things that have been life savers for me are; I rented a reclining lift chair and purchased a toilet seat riser. The incisions from my thigh lift go around the back of my leg, under by butt cheek, which makes it very difficult to sit on ANYTHING, therefore I use the bathroom holding myself up on the handles on the seat riser. I purchased a shower chair but becuase I cannot sit have not used it and also purchase a walker, but have not needed that. I feel fortunate from what I have seen on other posts because I can walk standing perfectly straight. Don't get me wrong, it takes me a minute to get stretched out when I stand up, but not bad at all. I have stayed on top of medication, taking pain medication every fours hours, along with Vitamins, Iron, laxitive, etc. I had my first bowl movement today, not as bad as I expected, but I sure am glad it's over with.

I have five drains and was able to take my first shower yesterday, which was amazing! I have been recording the drain output three times a day and they are doing great. I have to call tomorrow to schedule my post-op appointment. They all take place on Saturdays, so I am planning to go down December 7th to have some of the drains removed. I am prepared to keep a couple, but based on the minimal drainage, it would be amazing if he removed them all.

My insurance paid for the hernia repair and most of the tummy tuck. My out of pocket expense was $11,300.

I am attaching a couple pictures for reference and would be happy to answer any questions I can.

@@bikerchick519

The reason mine was covered was because I had lost 100 pounds after having bariatric surgery. It was the simplest process ever, no questions, no paperwork, no pictures, etc. They must have a great billing department :-)

An update in general - I had my two week postop appointment last Saturday and the doctor took out the last two drains. It is unbelievable how much easier it is to get around. I can walk faster because those dumb things are not pulling. I can take a shower faster because I don't have to wash around them and best of all, I have not had any swelling since he pulled them. I was only getting around 7.5ml from each drain, so I guess that's not surprising.

Doc said to continue wearing my abdominal garment until all of my scabbing is gone, then I can transfer to the full body (cannot wait....lol). He answered a few minor questions I had and wants to see me again in three weeks. I had planned on going back to work in two weeks, but looks like it will be three, which is okay.

I still cannot drive for another week, which again is okay because I do not physically feel like I should be driving, just don't think my response time would be appropriate. Other than that, I feel about 75% right now. My husband and I have gone to lunch/dinner a couple times and grocery shopping, so nothing serious but I felt good afterwards.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

@@Spiceyfrog For some reason, your mention of driving reminded me of a funny thing that happened after my tummy tuck. I came home from Mexico two weeks post-op and my mom was going to come up and help take care of me some, since my husband had to work. Well, it turned out that my mom ended up having to have a hernia repair right around the same time as my TT, so she still came up to visit, but was in no shape to actually take care of me. It was hilarious. She was allowed to drive, but we both had lifting restrictions. So one day she took me to the grocery store and we had to have the cashier pack each bag very light so we could carry them one at a time. And we realized that we couldn't buy a gallon of milk, because neither of us was allowed to lift it. It was such a ridiculous situation.

Yeah for all the drains being out! I'm so glad you're feeling so good!

@@JamieLogical, that is cute and a great memory! It's crazy, the impact it has on lifting. I made a huge pan of lasagna earlier in the week and could not out it in the oven!

Well, I am just over three weeks postop and things are going average. My stomach incision are looking good and I am finally able to sneeze without feeling like I am going to die.

My groin incisions on the other hand are taking their sweet time. I was a bit concerned, so called my surgeon late last week. I ended up emailing him pictures and he said not to worry, just continue keeping them dry. Well, as anyone who has had this done knows, that is much easier said than done. I am currently blow drying after each bathroom use and after each shower. He said no powder, so other than sitting her with my legs wide open, I am at a loss. So, anyone who has been through this and has tricks of the trade, they would be appreciated. These incisions feel like they are on fire when I walk too much (which is very little).

I am scheduled to be off work two more weeks, but have no idea what I am going to do when I go back. I guess I'll take my blow dryer and go to the bathroom every hour :-)

Glad things are going smoothly.

But........OW!!!

Surprised the surgeon doesn't want to see you. That last one looks bad, pus and open!

@TheRealMeIsHere! That's the weird thing, it's not pus, it is completely dry.?.?

Well, I am just over three weeks postop and things are going average. My stomach incision are looking good and I am finally able to sneeze without feeling like I am going to die.

My groin incisions on the other hand are taking their sweet time. I was a bit concerned, so called my surgeon late last week. I ended up emailing him pictures and he said not to worry, just continue keeping them dry. Well, as anyone who has had this done knows, that is much easier said than done. I am currently blow drying after each bathroom use and after each shower. He said no powder, so other than sitting her with my legs wide open, I am at a loss. So, anyone who has been through this and has tricks of the trade, they would be appreciated. These incisions feel like they are on fire when I walk too much (which is very little).

I am scheduled to be off work two more weeks, but have no idea what I am going to do when I go back. I guess I'll take my blow dryer and go to the bathroom every hour :-)

I stand by my earlier statement...you are my hero. And beautiful and gorgeous...anyone with your heart and strength must be a prize beyond belief to your significant other and family. Stay beautiful, your outside is trying to catch up with the beauty within.

Sent from Larry's S7

That looks ouchy - I would have thought he would see you and at least put a steri strip across it to get the edges together (I did that to my Mum once - She had a surgery and the removal of the drain left an opening where you could see the two sides that should adhere together naturally - So I got some surgical tape and taped the two sides together and wahey - You cannot even see the scar now) I ordered my mother to NOT touch the strip I had made and only I was allowed to touch it... She did - And it is as good as it could possibly be now :-)

Iff that were on me - I would likely want to find a way to get the edges together to make sure they can heal together so not left with a ditch.... But as I said I am wondering why your Dr has not asked to see you to put a stitch in it...

It looks like in the pic I can see a stitch but it is just gaping either side? Dry and nice but not together as it shoudl be healing. - methinks the way I am I would definitely make myself a steri strip or two and fix it myself - After all my surgeries I kept the 'paper tape' (Micropore tape) on the wounds for up to 12 weeks (yes 12) as then they were supported right through the healing phase.

If I ever had a surgery again I would do the same thing as of my 5 Ops - The ones where I did this have much finer and nicer scars.....

This tape is what I kept mine covered with for that 12 weeks = https://www.usamedicalsurgical.com/3m-micropore-paper-surgical-tape-tan/

My inner thigh lift scars didn't do that - So I really hope and pray you can sort it out.. Good luck

Edited January 24, 20179 yr by Scamp

Ouch but it looks so cool! How do you feel?

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Wow you are so brave. Congrats you look great!! The first thing I said when I came out of my RNY surgery was "I'll never get plastics now". I had so much pain upon waking. I couldn't imagine how much pain a TT would be.

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OP, how long was your recovery? Once I hit goal, I'm thinking of having the inner thigh lift, along with a breast lift and (maybe, depending on funding) having my bat wings removed. Tummy tuck is an option, but honestly not a huge worry of mine.

You are a trooper and thanks for sharing your pictures. I really like your results. I'm only doing tummy although I could use a heck of a lot more. I'm proud of your achievements! LMM

You're healing so well! Congratulations. I am impressed by smooth how your thighs are now. I hear such mixed reviews in thigh lifts. Thank you for sharing.

Edited January 28, 20179 yr by erp

@@Raymia

I am feeling pretty good. I was supposed to go back to work tomorrow, but I took one more week, in hopes of my groin incisions healing up some more. There is no possible way I could wear pants for 8 hours at this point. My tummy and inner thighs are looking great, just those darn groin incisions!