Why do i feel so down, after getting something that i have wanted for 15 years? i am 8 days post op.

Kaasan 2 Feb 2011

I feel the same way. I just had mine done and am 8 days post op and feel pretty down. I think my stomach looks horrible and its so swollen that it almost looks bigger than it used to be. I hope it gets better once I get out of this limbo stage

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 2 Feb 2011

Oh england...your body has just been through a very traumatic procedure and you need time to heal. Between the medications, pain, swelling, tissue trauma and bad weather it is normal to feel blue.

You are so early in the process and I promise it will get better.

We get so hyped up before the surgery and we don't really take time to just sit and breath. And then when it is all over it is a bit shocking to the system. It is kind of like a wedding. All the planning and prep and then it is over in a day.

You are going to feel like a new woman before you know it. Try to get out of the house if you can. Being cooped up will make you nuts. Go to a mall or some place around people. When I was 9 days post OP I went to the mall with drains and all. I got a coffee and just sat and did some people watching. I felt better after that. Also try watching a funny movie or something light hearted.

Hang in there and let us know when you need a pick me up!

england4642 3 Feb 2011

thanx so much for the encouraging words Kimmers. I'm feeling a little bit better now, and your advice was brilliant!. Getting on fine, and had my post op check up on Tuesday. Everything fine, and i'm allowed to shower now, yippee!!. Having said that, my scar has become a little sore on my left hip since then, so need to keep a close eye on that. Apart from that, things are great. Still swelling badly just above the scar line. Has anyone else found this?. My ps says it will all go down in time. Fingers crossed.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 3 Feb 2011

england I am so glad to hear you are feeling better. It is a process and just takes time. I bet that shower felt amazing too!

Yes just keep an eye on the scar and if it gets red, itchy, oozing, or feels red hot call the doctor. My guess is that it is just normal soreness and will settle down with time.

Try using either hot compresses or cold packs on the site..which ever feels better. I kept switching between the two based on what and how it hurt. Just go with what feels better.

46ky 4 Feb 2011

England congrats on getting that shower! It makes a world of difference. I'm 14 days post-op but around day 8/9 I was feeling down. I read a few others who were too. But I feel great now. It's so dreary and cold and it seems like morning blurs into night before I'm really ready to go to bed. My left hip is sore too, but Dr. says all is fine. My swelling is below the scar line and looks very wierd! I know Flower said her swelling is above the scar so you might check with her as she went to the Dr. yesterday. You will feel so much better after a few showers. Gets a little better each day, so in the words of Finding Nemo's Dori "just keep swimming".

england4642 4 Feb 2011

hya. thanx for the reply. I continue to feel very well, but keeping a close eye on my scar, as it has a little seeping in one place. Back for a check up on monday, so reassured by that.I suppose i am feeling a false sense of security in that i have had no real pain, and now feel that i can do more than i actually can. Must remember what a big operation it actually is!. Hope you are doing ok, x

cchad7 2 Feb 2011

I felt that exact same way. I am 3 weeks post op, did some yoga yesterday, and feel better for the first time today. Hang in! You are not alone, and it does get better!!

england4642 3 Feb 2011

Thanx for the reply cchad7. it's reassuring to know i'm not alone. I hope you are continuing to feel well, your pics are fab, and your new belly is gonna look fantastic!!.

cchad7 4 Feb 2011

Thanks! Wow, just checked ur pix. You look awesome!!!

Barbie892 5 Feb 2011

Hello England, Kimmers & cchad are right. Feeling blue so soon after surgery is completely normal. Just hang in there as each day ticks by you will feel better & better! Getting your flat tummy back is SO worth it!!!

england4642 5 Feb 2011

Hi barbie. Thanx for your reply. I think i have come through that stage, certainly for the moment!. i'm convinced that yes, it will all be worthwhile in the long run, so mustn't be too impatient!.

Acworthmom 6 Feb 2011

O.K., so my TT is coming up on Thursday and as I am trying to get the house clean, bills paid, groceries bought, dogs bathed etc. etc. etc., I wondered....does any one know how long you have to wait before you can take do laundry and vacuum and all that fun stuff. I am a neat freak and I know the dirty house will get to me quickly. Kimmers - I ordered the hospital bed! Thanks for the advice.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Feb 2011

I am glad to hear that you ordered the bed :) You will be very happy with that decision. Hold onto that for at least two weeks.

You are going to have to let that house go for the first month. You shouldn't lift anything or vacuum for a while. My doc did not let me do any of that for the first month. It is hard but you need to heal properly. Please do not rush anything. You get only one chance to heal properly and so not want to harm any of the work.

You will be able to catch up on everything later..it will wait for you...LOL

Barbie892 7 Feb 2011

The only thing you should be worried about is healing. If you don't have help already, hire a cleaning service. My husband was wonderful and did the grocery shopping but my housekeeper was worth her weight in gold.

Acworthmom 7 Feb 2011

Wow...a month. I guess it is what it is. I don't work so unfortunately my husband isn't really that great at housework. It's what will be waiting for me after that month that I fear. Thanks a lot for the info.

cchad7 7 Feb 2011

acworthmom, he could surprise you! after 3 c-sections, a ride home from the hospital is the only help my husband gave me! but after my TT he was great. The important thing is to remember to let it ALL go so you don't hurt yourself. A temporarily messy house really doesn't matter in the long run. Have food delivered, get take out and a cleaning service and just recover. Good luck.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 7 Feb 2011

I hear ya!! Call a really good cleaning service and have them come and give the house a good spring cleaning the month after surgery. That will get you going and on track to a fresh start.

You are going to be so happy with the new body that you wont even care about the darn house! Your mind will be in the mall with the new clothes...LOL

Acworthmom 8 Feb 2011

Ha! yea, I saw where you had a panty burning party and for me it is going to be a Limited cami burning party. For the past few years I have worn one every day under my shirts to hide my tummy and I have like 30 of them. We just bought a condo on the beach in Destin FL as an investment and I have to go there in May. What do you think the beach bod might look like in 3 months (ie. bikini, tankini or full cover up?)

england4642 8 Feb 2011

hi there. i hope everything goes well for you on the 10th. Don'nt worry too much . you will just love the results as i do at only 17 days post op. This really was nowhere nearly as bad as i thought it was gonna be, and i don't regret it for one minute. Like you, my wardrobe is so gonna have a revamp. i constantly covered up with cardigans, and tops that were 3 sizes too big for me, in an attempt to hide the overhang. i hated summer, coz i was allways overheated, not wanting to strip off my cardy!!. Just be positive. You deserve it for yourself!!. Good Luck. x

Acworthmom 8 Feb 2011

Thank you so much. I am setting up my room right now and am excited, but also want it over with. Do you mind telling me how long it was before you were able to stand up straight? Also, how long was it before you were able to lean over to shave your legs. My mind is racing with all the little things now that I have taken care of the big things. Anything you can tell me about your recovery up to 17 days would really be appreciated.

england4642 8 Feb 2011

Hi there. I know just how you feel. I just wanted to ask so many things. I still stoop a little sometimes, especially when i have sat for a long time, but i think you've just gotta listen to your own body. Shaving legs etc, takes quite a few days, because of pressure on the scar. My scar itself has not been too bad at all pain wise, but i had a lot of muscle repair done, and have found that the most uncomfortable of all. It feels like you have done an excessive amount of abdominal x2!!. Especially the upper abdo muscles. When you are up on your feet, it's natural to try to straighten up after a few days, which really makes your back ache a lot. But i've gotta say again, that i have been very surprised at my speedy progression. I was really worried that at 50, i was gonna take a little longer than most to recover. NOT SO!. Keep really positive, as i think this plays a big part in recovery. And let me share this with you. This morning, my husband put his hand around my middle for our morning cuddle, an just said WOW!. I would have normally pushed him away from my hanging tummy, so this is just all SO worthwhile. Hang on in there...xx

46ky 8 Feb 2011

Acworthmom, I know you are asking England but I came across this and I'm 19 days post-op. I was able to shave my legs, slowly and partially left-handed, on day 4. I wasn't able to stand straight up until day 13. Best wishes for your surgery/recovery!

46ky 8 Feb 2011

England, I love that your husband said "Wow" That is definitely worth it!!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 8 Feb 2011

The beach bod is going to look totally awesome in three months. We love that area of Florida. We go to Panama City Beach every March and August to the condo. It is like heaven for me there.

Yes the bra burning party was fun! I thought for sure I was going to have to call the fire department though. Have you ever seen a pile of size 40 - 42 DDD's go up in smoke...Yikes.

Acworthmom 9 Feb 2011

Oh, it must have been someone else that burned the big panities....yours were bra's! LOL. I was just down it Destin a week ago and even though it was cool, it felt so good to walk in the sand. Sadly the condo we are buying is for an investment, so when I go now I will probably have to do work part of the time to keep it nice for renting. We use to go to Panama City, but if you haven't been to Destin you should give it a try. Everything is newer than and very family oriented. In a year or so we should have a real self Tummy tuck reunion at the beach!!!! I'm getting a vision....All those pretty tummy's laying on the sand.