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Veterans: Share Your Best Advice

By Barbie892 on 31 May 2011

To all the TT veterans: If you could share only ONE piece of valuable advice to your fellow "tummy tuckers" who are starting their journey, what would it be?

Comments (15)

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Barbie892 3 Jun 2011
What surprised me most about my TT recovery was initially how slow my system was getting back on track. I've had a number of other surgeries and knew I'd need help to ward off constipation but didn't expect to barely have an appetite and needed more than just a stool softener to get things moving again. It took a few days but what a relief!
i am mine 3 Jun 2011
I would say in the first couple days definatly take it easy but be very careful not to over "baby" yourself... which I find to be easy to do.... I did it myself the first few days and found once I started getting up to get my own drinks and just moving more little by litte that is when my recovery really started speeding up. I am not saying paint your house at 1 week post op, but I am saying do what you can... it does wonders both mentally and physically!
45isnew25 3 Jun 2011
Agree 1000%! Move, move,move..the human body was built to be in motion and when you are you begin to feel better. Just think about when you work out how much better you feel afterwards because of all the endorphins that are released!
helenes transformation 28 Jun 2011
This sounds good, I had neck and lower back surgery and moved too. The recovery wasn't as bad I bet.
Madison5269 (RealFriend) 5 Jun 2011
You will swell for months & months before you see your final results! Your true result will not show until 4 - 6 months.
peggyroberts1 6 Jun 2011
My very best advice for TT patients is to take a natural supplement available at health food store called Arnica Montana in tablet form before surgery and after. Start at least 2 weeks before. It was introduced to me by my TT surgeon who is a highly rated plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX in the Preston Area. Sure enough...it really makes a huge difference in the swelling and bruising. The Arnica gel (available at Walgreens by the name of
Arnicare) is terrific for soreness, bruising and even varicose veins. Can't hurt ya...so do it. Best of luck to you all. It was the truly best thing I ever did for me. I'm going for a face consultation in 2 weeks. I'm 62 and not ready to slow down...Yah Hoo!
Lexigirl 24 Jun 2011
Hi Peggy,
Who was your surgeon?
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Jun 2011

Nothing but rest the first two weeks post op.  Don't fight it, go slow and easy. 

Stay positive and know the swell hell takes a while to go away.  The end prize will be worth it:)

Linda50 6 Jun 2011
Do all of the above and don't lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for a few weeks. I personally didn't lift anything over that for 8 weeks but I'm a chicken.
Tweezer 21 Jun 2011
The 2 best choices I made were to stay overnight in a hotel (or anywhere) away from the kids the night after my surgery (mine was performed as out patient) and to move our rocker/recliner chair into my bedroom. I don't think I could have managed without the reclining chair!
Barbie892 28 Jun 2011
Great comments from the veterans! I initially felt isolated when I first started my TT journey and then I found Real Self and read Kimmer's story which promped me to write mine.

While every journey is different, Kimmer's helped me realize just how strong we can all be when we help each other, especially during the early days of recovery.

Thanks ladies - could not have done this without you!
friendly4 28 Jun 2011
Best piece of advice I received is to use a tank top under your binder. Whoever came up with that was a genius! What a difference that made.

What I learned the hard way was I should have pre made meals for myself.
Lansing2717 24 Feb 2012
Friendly4 - why is using a tank top under your binder great advice...please share "why!" My TT is scheduled for 5/21/12; I stop smoking 3/1/12. Appreciate your advice,
peg
mrylndgrrl 26 Feb 2012
so the binder doesn't rub against your incision or belly button. The tank top provides a soft barrier
girlie2740 5 Mar 2012
A cami under your binder also helps with the itchiness around the 5-10th day!

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