What do I need for recovery from a tummy tuck?

[seaforest 562]

Hi,

I'm scheduled for my Tummy Tuck in October. I'm wondering what I should make sure I have around the house to make the recovery as comfortable and easy as possible. For those of you who have gone before me, what would you recommend? (I did try a search but maybe I asked the wrong question.)

[catwoman7 11,284]

I borrowed my mother's walker (that she had for some surgery a few years ago), and that was helpful the first few days because I was so hunched over. I borrowed a raised toilet seat from someone - can't remember if I actually used it or not, though. I must have because I remember I was in quite a bit of pain the first few days - esp when I transitioned (lying to sitting, sitting to standing, etc)

They gave me an abdominal binder at the hospital, so I didn't need that - although I did buy an "extra firm hold" girdle thingie (I think it was Maidenform - but lots of companies make them) for when I no longer had to use the binder (at around three weeks out, I think)

[The Greater Fool 2,072]

35 minutes ago, seaforest said:

Hi,

I'm scheduled for my Tummy Tuck in October. I'm wondering what I should make sure I have around the house to make the recovery as comfortable and easy as possible. For those of you who have gone before me, what would you recommend? (I did try a search but maybe I asked the wrong question.)

Caveat: I'm a tall guy, so things may be different for me as opposed to you superwomen who are used to pain.

I suggest a helper.

My Tummy Tuck hurt more than my open RNY surgery. Any movement was agony. Non-movement was agony.

Maybe two helpers. When you point at things you need done it will hurt.

After your surgery perhaps I'll favor you with my tummy tuck horror story. Exciting times!

They removed 12 pounds of flesh from me. When I was wheeled out of the hospital, I was surrounded by balloons my parents bought announcing "It's a Boy!" I got a lot of strange looks.

Good luck,

Tek

[anaxila 501]

I’m with Tek. I underwent two rounds of extensive plastics, so my Tummy Tuck was part of a whole host of things done at the same time including my arms. But HOLY HECK PLASTICS IS A HARD RECOVERY. I don’t want to discourage anyone from doing it as it’s the best money I’ve ever spent and I’d do it all over in a heartbeat. But go in eyes open: it’s a much more painful recovery than you might otherwise expect.

I found it helpful to have my husband on standby for pretty much everything for the first couple of weeks. I bought a recliner specifically to sleep in while recovering from this surgery, and I don’t think I moved from it for at least two weeks. I got up for the bathroom and that was about it.

Edited September 27, 2020 by anaxila
Clarity

[catwoman7 11,284]

yep - I agree with the above two responders. Plastic surgery is MUCH more painful than WLS.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

I expected to be quite debilitated. In reality, my life barely skipped a beat. Yes, I was moving slower, hunched, slept sitting up and wore the binder. Other than lifting, was able to take care of myself & do most things just fine.

One tip I was given is wear the binder or some other firm support for at least 6 months. The longer you wear it, the better the long term result. I bought waist nippers & bodysuits with firm support once the drains were out.

Best of luck!!

[Lynnlovesthebeach 627]

I am now 5 weeks post lower body lift and brachioplasty. All the suggestions already given are great. I had some things left over from my hip replacement surgery 14 months ago that I found helpful for this surgery. The most important being a "reacher/grabber." It kind of became a game of picking up the things I dropped, tv remote control, books or magazines, phone etc. I'm not usually a clumsy person but after 12 hrs of surgery it takes a while to get your energy and strength back! The actual Tummy Tuck was probably the least painful of my procedures. The arms are the worst. It took me a week to be able to stand up straight and about a month before I could bend over without feeling like I was going to split open in the back. I slept in my recliner for the first month but am now back in my bed. I did my recovery alone except for someone coming in daily to bring me food and change my compression wraps on my arms. I managed the emptying of my drains, changing abd binder and sponge baths myself. After two weeks I could do my own arm wraps until I finally got my compression sleeves I ordered from Marena!

If you are having just the tummy tuck you should have a nice recovery. I didn't have a C-Section but I would think they may be similar. Keep up with your pain meds, take it easy for a while and you should do fine. Good luck with your decisions.

[Lynnlovesthebeach 627]

@anaxilaI agree with you about plastics and pain! I've had RNY GB, Total hip replacement and now plastics in the last 2 yrs. Plastics is by far the most painful! Between my extended brachioplasty and lower body lift I have 73 inches of incisions! I guess that explains the pain! The result is worth it though! I'm already planning round 2...upper body lift and then round 3...thigh lift.

[seaforest 562]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I had my pre-op visit on Wednesday and all systems are go so I will be spending my free time cleaning and organizing the house in preparation. I'm excited but not looking forward to the pain part.

[seaforest 562]

Hi folks, Felt like updating so here I am. All has gone well so far. They found I had a hernia during the surgery so that got taken care of. Pain hasn't been bad at all but I did do my pain meds for the first few days. I'm looking forward to getting rid of drains and being able to lie down instead of "beach chair" sleep. Anyway, I find myself super grateful for my good health and a few more pounds gone. I did the fleur de lis Tummy Tuck. I can tell things are different but haven't really "seen" myself yet. Best wishes and Happy Halloween to all!

[ms.sss 15,835]

4 hours ago, seaforest said:

Hi folks, Felt like updating so here I am. All has gone well so far. They found I had a hernia during the surgery so that got taken care of. Pain hasn't been bad at all but I did do my pain meds for the first few days. I'm looking forward to getting rid of drains and being able to lie down instead of "beach chair" sleep. Anyway, I find myself super grateful for my good health and a few more pounds gone. I did the fleur de lis Tummy Tuck. I can tell things are different but haven't really "seen" myself yet. Best wishes and Happy Halloween to all!

Glad all is well and you are on the path to recovery Can't wait to see some pics (if you are comfortable sharing)!

[Sassafras1 63]

On ‎10‎/‎27‎/‎2020 at 12:31 AM, seaforest said:

Hi folks, Felt like updating so here I am. All has gone well so far. They found I had a hernia during the surgery so that got taken care of. Pain hasn't been bad at all but I did do my pain meds for the first few days. I'm looking forward to getting rid of drains and being able to lie down instead of "beach chair" sleep. Anyway, I find myself super grateful for my good health and a few more pounds gone. I did the fleur de lis Tummy Tuck. I can tell things are different but haven't really "seen" myself yet. Best wishes and Happy Halloween to all!

Congratulations! I'm glad you're feeling ok.

[pssk 225]

On 10/26/2020 at 09:31, seaforest said:

Hi folks, Felt like updating so here I am. All has gone well so far. They found I had a hernia during the surgery so that got taken care of. Pain hasn't been bad at all but I did do my pain meds for the first few days. I'm looking forward to getting rid of drains and being able to lie down instead of "beach chair" sleep. Anyway, I find myself super grateful for my good health and a few more pounds gone. I did the fleur de lis Tummy Tuck. I can tell things are different but haven't really "seen" myself yet. Best wishes and Happy Halloween to all!

How are things this week? Would you have been able to return to a very sedentary desk job at two weeks post op?

[seaforest 562]

Hi Psssk,

Yes, I am returning to work on Thursday which is my two weeks and my job is sedentary. Actually, mostly, I'll be working from home with Zoom meetings with one or two exceptions. However, I think I might've enjoyed another week as I am still rather tired.

Dea

[pssk 225]

On 11/03/2020 at 09:45, seaforest said:

Hi Psssk,

Yes, I am returning to work on Thursday which is my two weeks and my job is sedentary. Actually, mostly, I'll be working from home with Zoom meetings with one or two exceptions. However, I think I might've enjoyed another week as I am still rather tired.

Dea

Thanks! Good to know. 👍