Any tips to speed up tummy tuck recovery?

3344anon 17 Apr 2010

I had a full tummy tuck 8 months ago. I'm so happy now that I did it, but it took awhile after the surgery to feel this way. I was surprised at how much pain I was in after the surgery. I had read on several forums, etc., that there would be pain, but a person could expect to feel pretty good a few days after the surgery. I think it depends on how involved each individual surgery was. I am 53, so maybe my age had something to do with it. I don't think you can rush the recovery. Just relax and get help when you need it. Don't feel like there is something wrong with you because you aren't snapping back in a day or two. I'd like to hear how your recovery goes, because after all the rosey stories I heard, I felt like I must have been a big crybaby.

chickenlady184 18 Apr 2010

When did you feel like you could at least semi-funtion? Like when did you feel up to driving or food shopping? I have 4 kids at home, all wanting/needing rides somewhere, and of course I have responsibilities to do too. At least my part time job is very good to me, but really, I dont even feel up to going to stop and shop. I am afraid I'll have to sit down in the isle to relieve my back pain. As it is, I can't finish a shower without sitting down in the tub for a bit to relax my back. Is this normal? did anyone else feel this way? I think the hardest part of this is that I did this to myself willingly and so it is difficult to ask for help. I have many people very willing to help, but I don't want to need them, you know? Its not like I got in a car accident. I am embarressed. Someone found out at church I had surgery and now they are praying for me. :) That is nice, but I feel guilty! I suppose it is a good thing that I didn't have a breast lift too, I would really feel bad if people for praying for my breasts LOL!!! Sorry, I know that is in bad taste, just that I am feeling very low today. I like to be the one helping, not the other way around. Then, when I look at my belly, it really doesn't look as good as most of the phots posted here. It still has a pooch and sticks out. At least is doesn't hang down, but it is still swollen. I wonder if once the swelling goes away if I will still have a yucky (though smaller) pooch. "Sigh", I don't excpect miracles, but really I would go through all seven babies again before this! :) I have a lot of making up to do for my husband who is an angel! I have been a surrogate 3 times (had 1 baby for one couple and 3 for another) and had 3 of our own. He never really loved the idea of me carrying other peoples babies, but supported me because it was important to me. When I think of all the time and sacrifice he gave me with all that, I am amazed. Then this, he said I didn't really need it. (of course he was being sweet), but here he is again, holding my hand. How much does one woman deserve? I just have to make sure that after I feel better, I really work on the rest of me, and have plenty of energy to devote to him from now on! But I am feeling very impatient about it right now. wow. I guess I have pent up a lot. Sorry to anyone who actually suffered through this huge long post. But even if no one reads this, it feels good to vent to others who may be going through the same thing. Thanks.

chickenlady184 18 Apr 2010

okay, so i guess i feel like a big crybaby too. I had a full tummy tuck and lipo on April 7th and honestly still feel awful. Every other day I have a "Good day" where I have a few hours where I feel at least somewhat human and then I crash. I do't think I overdo it, I just maybe sit at the table to eat with my family or take a shower and that is considered a good day. A bad day, I feel so exhausted I hate the thought of standing up, and hate the thought of laying down again. ugg! Even on a good day, I try to walk around and my back hurts so much I can't for very long at all even if I have the energy. It is still very swollen, I swear my back is worse than all my stitches (which are a lot!) :) mostly I feel so useless to my family and that I must be a real baby about this because everyone else seems to go back to work in a week or two. I can not even imagine that!! Maybe I was too old for this? I am 42. (of course I didn't need it in my twenties!! :) So really, I could use advice about how to feel better. I read about massage or something? My doctor just sent me home with pain pills and told me to rest. Am I just being impatient and am unlucky to be a slow healer? Also, my left thigh is so sensitive to touch, almost like a bad sunburn on it feeling. No lipo on my thighs though. And does anyone recommend a compression garrment? Would that help with the swelling? They gave me one at 7 days that is really just one that goes around my waist, but it digs into my sides and really doesn't fit right. Is is worth it to buy a full one? Okay, long day and sorry I am filling the night with whining. Just had a bad day of feeling light headed, exhausted, in pain and a lot of crying. Right now, really wishing I had not done this, big skin flap hanging or not. I really hope I will be one who says in three months that it was worth it, just can not imagine that right now. My butt hurts!! LOL!!!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 5 May 2010

You are not a baby. I had mine on April 14th and have experienced all of the same things. I am three weeks out today and still punting!! I think it is just going to take time...bummer! I go back to work on Monday and am dreading it. I swell up so badly by noon each day and need to lay down and rest. I am pretty sure I won't be able to do that at work. This recovery has been more than I ever anticipated. I am sure we will be glad in a few weeks. You are a week further along than me so let me know how you are doing. Also still have the weepy crybaby thing going on...

Anglizs 28 May 2012

Hi, I thought I would be able to go back to work full time after 10 days of TT. Was I wrong! I took a month off and had to leave several days after getting back. I still am uncomfortable and it has been nearly 4 months. I still swell and my ab still pinches pretty back. I still can't squeeze to take a poop. OK perhaps you didn't need to hear that! It does get better a very SLOW process, the results are definately worse all this pain. I do like my body now!

TT survivor 28 May 2012

Wow, I am SO glad hearing some of these comments cause I thought I was the only "cry baby". I guess the old saying "misery loves company" applies with us TT recovery gals. I am 3 1/2 mos. post op and agree with so many of you....patience is key! I actually had swelling the other day and put one of those velco waist wraps on to clean the house. Sometimes that happens ~ still. Someone once said there are little pinches in your stomach during recovery and they are right about that too. Must be everything healing back together. Definitely wear the two crotchless garments your Dr. should give you! I wore them night and day for 10 wks. It isn't easy but helps for nice flat results in the end. I do love my flat stomach but don't expect to lose a lot of weight. I only had a lb. and 1/2 removed so the weight part isn't really noticeable. What is noticeable is my smaller waist. I am 55 soon and very happy I did it but give yourself 2-3 months for full recovery! All the best ladies ~

kristik512 19 Apr 2010

I am 30 and had a tt on april 1st, and no you are not both cry babies, this recovery sucks! I had no idea it would be this bad, in fact i feel mislead by the surgeons office. There were a few ladies there that had done this and all of them were back to work at the sergeons office within 3 days. Yea Right!!! I am 19 days post-op and just now feeling like myself. I can stand up pretty straight now but it still really hurts. I had alot of muscle work done and that is what hurts the most. I have been wearing a compression garment 24-7 since the surgery and i do think it helps, i am more comfortable (god forbid i cough or sneeze). The dr had me go get it from walmart, it is basically tall tight panties. The bad thing about this compression garment is the inability to circulate air to my girl parts. I have got a rash that looks like diaper rash and now that is the worst part about the recovery. To remedy the problem, I cut out the crotch, which seems to be helping. But wow, now i cant walk right from that. I also talked to the dr office today to check in, and they said i have to wear the compression garment for 8 weeks!! ugh! I was really hoping to swim in may, oh well june 1st the compression garment will be burned. I am having a cerimonial burning of the compression garment lol. Well, we can get through this, i just know it, and i know we will be thrilled with the results...right?

chickenlady184 21 Apr 2010

Thank you Kristik512 for replying!!! :) I have spoken to a couple people who have had it done, and they told me they were ok after two weeks. I was counting on that!! Now I believe that they were taking too many meds and cannot really remember!! Anyway I am as of today, at week 14 days and I guess it is a good sign that I can joke about this. I still feel like heck, but not nearly as depressed as last week. I even drove my kids to the movies on Monday. (3 miles), but It felt good to do something. I can drive, but I honestly don't feel safe, because me eyes are not really on the traffic but the potholes! LOL. I ordered a compression garment online, but I think it is too small, so now i just ordered a biggerone. They cost a lot! but it does feel better on even when it is way too small. (I think it was cutting off circualation!) Anyway, thanks for replying, it really helps to talk to someone who is going through the same thing. I am so sorry for your rash though!! Does you back hurt the most too? or is it just me? Donna

kristik512 25 May 2010

well i am guessing you are feeling much better just because it is late may now, i sure am. I have to say i am so glad i did it now. It was HORRIBLE, but worth it, even if it did take two months to be glad i did it. i was cleared by my dr to do whatever i wanted last thurs and i have started working out again. i am still scared to do situps or much ab work at all, but i will get there. how are you feeling?

chickenlady184 1 Jun 2010

Hi, I am also feeling MUCH better now! It was (is) a much longer road than I thought! Now I am still kinda sore, and when sit for any lenght of time, when stand up,I feel very tight and even often get pains shooting. My muscles are the most sore though and I have to be very sure that I don't overdo it. my doctor told me I can't really lift anything heavy till the middle of July. :( I have started walking and such, but really want to really work out! I admit now,that I will be very glad that I did this! :) My biggest problem now is that my waist is so small, all my pants are huge around my waist. But my thighs are too big for smaller pants!! So I must workout to get rid them. :) At least I think that I can do that on my own! I am surprised that I have to be careful how I move. Quick movements can really hurt and I am also scared to work my abs. SO, for now, I won't because I don't want to undo everything! I really wish I had been in top shape before the surgery, I guess that is my best advice. Be in top shape, and it will take longer to heal than you think. People told me it would be just like a c-section. Well, then I had a miracle easy c-section and those people must have had an awful one, I guess. But really, the truth is, it is different for everyone so take you time!! I am so glad that you are doing so well! I will try again to post some photos!

rosie1970 8 Oct 2011

I had my tt with a hernia repair and diastasis recti repair after 4 big babies via c-section. I thought it would be like having a c/s again, but the pain is probably at least twice as bad. You don't have that floppy tummy tugging on the stitches, but the pain from the muscle and hernia repair covers a much larger area, and it is lasting much longer. I am currently at day 9, and while the pain is decreasing each day, it is still pretty bad. Sleeping is not easy, and keeping in the flexed position is a pain (literally). I can't do anything around the house to help, and just getting from the bed to the couch is more than enough for me at present. I alternate feeling depressed or bored with occassional moments of thinking "Yay! I finally got it done". Just my opinion, but maybe the people who recover fast don't have the extra muscle stitching and repair work?

B00 8 Oct 2011

Hi Rosie, I feel your pain (literally), I had my TT done in Feb of this year, and sorry to say, the area above my naval where the doctor tightened my muscles, still hurts(like soreness from doing too many abdominals). I too had 4 children but only 2 c-sections and I too thought it would be about the same in pain. I believe this is due to the fact that the muscles above the naval are being tightened, which is not done in a c-section. All I can say is to grin and bear it and know that things will get progressively better, not as fast as you would want them to, but better just the same. Wearing your girdle will help tremendously with the swelling, I kept my on for nearly 4 months. You didn't mention when you had your surgery, but I'm assuming it's relatively recent, which therefore you will be depressed, you may eve question what you did! It took me 2 weeks just to be able to walk around and also, you will be slouched over for about 2 months as well, don't worry, it's not permanent. I hope some of this helped you. B00 :)

rosie1970 8 Oct 2011

Hi Boo, yes it is very early days .... on day 9 now. Thanks for the advice - I'd rather know what I am in for than to be disappointed that reality doesn't match with the ideal recoveries you read about online. In terms of recovery factors, I was very fit (4 - 5 sessions of Bikram yoga a week) and pretty close to my ideal weight so I think I presumed that it would make for an easier recovery. Maybe it is and I just don't realise it!! I love the compression garment, but I can't wait to take off the TED stockings and get rid of the drain. I think it will be worth it though. I looked permanently 5 months pregnant, and I kept having to push the umbilical hernia back in :P The other thing that really bothers me is the fact that the house is looking like total chaos - my husband, god bless him, is wonderful at a lot of things, but housework is not one of them. Oh well.... I hope I start to feel better soon - I'm already banned from yoga for 3 months and I don't want to put on weight while I'm bumming around waiting to feel better - it was too darned hard losing it all after the last child :)

B00 8 Oct 2011

Rosie, I understand you completely, and this will get better, but, you may feel worse before things get better. As far as the TEDS are concerned, you can take them off by now, unless you have a circulatory problem. Like I said, I couldn't so anything for 2 weeks, I was so frustrated because first, the house is not like you want it to be, and you are an observer, unable to do anything or pickup anything, all this will pass and you will look great!
Keep me up to date with your progress. B00

41TT 21 Jan 2012

I am 41 and had my TT six days ago. I had my baby girl a year ago and wanted to get rid off my extra skin. Had my surgery around 8am by noon I was out n riding back home (2 1/2hr). I was concious, visiting with my family and didn't feel much pain, second day spent it sitting on recliner and did not get up unless I had to pee (which was abut every 30min-lol), the third day was painful-but did some walking around the house and managed the pain. The fourth day I got up took shower (by myself), ate, watched tv, and experienced a little pain-I will say uncomfortable because I had to get up and couldn't get up from recliner unless hubby helped). This is my 6th day rode with hubby to a near town (2hr) went and did some walking (only one store) came home and did some clean up in the kitchen. I am swollen but I can definitely see my new stomach. I am feeling swollen but dr gave me a kit of vitamins especially made for surgery recovery (they work!!!) and I must say I think this is the reason why I think my recovery is going great. I also had inner thigh liposuction. Please do not neglect the recovery!! be patient!!

debsnew 24 Apr 2010

i am 30 and i had my tt on april 15 and had a pain pump also. the first day i felt so much burning. once igot home and laid down i had to get right back up to use the bathroom and got light headache and almost threw up . i never fought so hard not to threw up before cuz the pain was insane. but as the second day came i felt all whole lot better . as days go by its really a relief . i still cnt stand straight up it feels so tight and im scared i might pop something. my back hurt soooo bad from being hunched over. the garment feels better to me on i dnt knw why. i looked at my scar and its pass my hip.

3344anon 5 May 2010

I'm surprised your doctor didn't send you home with a compression garment. The one I was sent home with was very strong and firm. It amazes me how much information doctors leave out on a lot of things. You're supposed to ask a lot of questions, but if you've never had a procedure done before, you don't know what questions to ask. I kept the compression garment on round the clock, except I took it off for an hour a day and when I showered. That was for the first 4 weeks. It helped to have the support from it. After that, I bought a body shaper from Walmart and cut the crotch out. I wore that for quite awhile, also at night, until I felt comfortable without it. Maybe if I had known beforehand how wiped out I would be by the surgery, I wouldn't have gone through with it. That could be the reason they don't tell you that. Also, apparently it's different for everyone. Now, however, being 8 months down the road, I'm so glad I did it. I look at pictures of me before the tummy tuck and, even though I was thin everywhere else, all I notice in the pics are my belly. Now, I don't have that anymore and I'm soooo happy about having gone through it. Would I ever do another plastic surger procedure? hmmmm. . . I don't think so. I will just try to accept myself as I am. But, they say full tummy tucks are one of the most difficult.

SuzyinHollywood 16 May 2010

I had my tummy tuck with lipo on May 10th and I don't regret it but am amazed at how the pain is not really an issue at all. My main concern is the ZERO energy level. I feel completely drained of life; today, I finally made it down to the laptop and felt good enough to sit at the computer. The first 48 hours were tough but not as bad as I imagined. On the 4th day I was in very bad shape, could not breathe at all; had to go to the ER. Turns out, I had a tiny infection developing in one of my lungs. Apparently, very common after any major surgical procedure. But what a scare!!! Fortunately, they put me on antibiotics and that prevented it from turning into a very serious situation. My suggestion to everyone, is you feel something is wrong, don't be afraid to seek immediate medical attention. Better to be safe than sorry. Another thing, nobody warned me about....bowel movements....OMG!!! what a traumatic experience. Although I started taking Colace since day one and drank a gallon of Gatorade a day, on the 5th day I had to use a Fleet enema, which didn't work and then I tried drinking warm water....that helped a little. What worked best for me was warm prune juice. My doctor put my garment on in the OR, and I'm so happy for it...I love the garment....it keeps everything snug and aids the recovery. I only take it off for about 2 hours a day, after my shower. On Tuesday my drain comes out and I get a smaller garment. I'm so excited!!!!! Good Luck to you all.;

Iceyblue 14 Jan 2012

Hi Susie how long did it take for your drains to come out

1261anon 3 Jun 2010

I had my tt and breast augmentation May 19, and have had no issues with pain at all. I was back to work after 5 days. I feel great, and stopped my pain meds after 3 days. I got my drains out 7 days after surgery, which was a huge relief! My swelling is minimal, and the dr is allowing me to wear "Spanx" instead of a binder. I'm not sure what is making my recovery so easy, as I have heard many horror stories and was concerned that it would be a horrible recovery experience. I think it helped that I was in pretty good shape going into the surgery? I usually am at the gym 4-5 days a week. (Can't wait to go back, dr says I need to wait 6 weeks before resuming my workout routine.) As for now, I make sure to walk every day.

8592anon 18 Jun 2010

i had my tt with lipoabdominopalsty last june 9 and mu god the rcoverys is like hell. it even felt worse than the 3 previous cs that i had done with my 3 kids. i could not move around and im wearing scrub suits to cover all the elastic bangages surrounding me form torso the both my upper arms. i fell like a mummy. how long do i have to use this garments. some say after 2 weeks others 3 months which for me is too lomg. on the 5th post-op day i already worked did a CS and had an NSD. i lso resumed my clinic duties and as a result a part of my woumd expecially at the lower middle part is partly opened and im doing daily dressing daily.. aside from tha everythins ok except for occasional pain if i keep on standing up. hu hu.. good luck to all who wants to receive the procedure. i still havent felt the full resuslrs. will your abdomen feel really rock hard after the procedure.. i won do this eveni will be given discount... hs hs

debsnew 19 Jun 2010

I had my full tt on 4-15-10 the first couple of days were he'll. On the third day my pumps was removed witch maid a big diff . My csection wasn't this bad . I'm a police officer and I returned to work full duty 5-25-10 my gun belt makes me uncomfortable so I pull it up over my waist . I still have swollen so I dnt see the full results yet . I cnt wear the garment becuz the bullet proof vest I would just pass out . I need to know what can bring the swollen down . There's no more pain . Every so often I get a sharp pain jn my muscles

Char*Lene 1 Jul 2010

I am 35 yrs old. My previous size was 18 and I believe I am a 14/16 nownot really sure jus yet). I had my Tummy Tuck 6/24. Although I needed it and absolutely have no regrets it is the most excruciating raw unadulterated pain I’ve eva experienced! Death would’ve felt better those 1st 2 days. Anyway….I understand any surgery will come with sum painful healing. My major problem is/was my surgical garment. I’m not a girdle girl & I swear I felt it was squeezing the life out of me. I was so exhausted. Well I took it off 2day 7/1 and I feel soooooo much better!!! I’m still a lil hunch back but I can breathe now! I see my doctor 2morrow. Hopefully I pray I haven’t caused any damage but I jus couldn’t take it anymore. I don’t know if I would totally contribute my headaches and dizziness 2 the girdle but I will say it played a majored part. Regardless of all that I am Happy and I’m sure I’ll B even happier once I’m back 2 my 100% self. And with all that said…..I Thank U Dr Afolabi-Brown Oladiran A MD in Macon Ga. 4 Changing my life 4eva!

kristik512 5 Jul 2010

@debsnew and Charlene-the undergarment is a pain in the butt, but (lol) i have to say, after having my surgery 3 months ago exactly, i can tell the undergarment did ALOT to keep swelling down. With me, my undergarment went up to right above my belly button, and now, i can tell that there is much less swelling below the belly button, and so much above it looks funny. My rib area sticks out further than my belly from the swelling. I wish soooo bad i had worn a garment that was up to my bra line. After 3 months there is less swelling, but definatly not gone. I also would suggest getting some vitamin E oil and rubbing it on the scar a few times a day for reddness. i have been doing if for about a week and i can really tell the redness is lightening, and it moisturizes so it feels good too. I agree, that pain was intense, and they dont tell you it is gonna be so freakin bad, but wow! I am glad i did it, but never again will i go under the knife unless it is nessesary. As for the sharp pain, that is normal, i have that to and dr said i will feel all kinds of funny things for about a year or so. happy tt!

Char*Lene 11 Jul 2010

I must retract my previous statement. LOL…The undergarment WORKS!!!!! I removed that thing 4 a day or so and realized I was actually in more pain. The undergarment is a tight fighting abdominal control solution. I didn’t know that. I had 2 go a day or 2 without it 2 actually appreciate the benefits. I still have much swelling. They removed 28lbs of stomach…so regardless of the swellings…I Look gr8! The pain is no longer living N my body. Her relative “Totally Discomfort” is now taking up residence…..LOL. Anyway…I hope this & kristik512 statement helps bring sum sort of defense 2 the once hideous most hated garment after surgery. It’s actually a blessing N disguise. So wear it…or go a day without it so U2 can feel the difference.