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“Tummy Tuck Done Sept. 22, 2011”
Spent: $6,800 in Davenport, IA
I had a tt yesterday. I know that I am supposed to walk around but the most I can do is walk back and forth from the bathroom. I cannot stand up straight at all, which I expected. My back kills me if I stand too long hunched over. I am just wondering if this is how most everyone else felt, and what to expect next.
Updated on 9 Oct 2011:
This is an experience I will never forget for sure. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery. I knew it would be painful. But...I didn't know how much I would have to depend on someone else. My husband has been awesome. Although sometimes I think he tries to push me too much. He doesn't realize how much this surgery has affected my body.
Looking back on the first week, my worst memories are the headaches from sleeping in the recliner and the day I thought I was going to die thanks to a backup. After that prunes, fiber one, and water became by two bff's. I haven't had any complications at all. I stopped the Vicodin on day 3. I occasionally took one to sleep at night. I haven't taken anything else for pain at all. I think the worst things are that when I get up from sitting I get the worst stinging, pinching feeling on my whole left side, and my right hip. It stops me from moving for a minute, then it goes away. The tightness in the muscles is the other thing. By the end of the day I'm pretty hunched over. Twice a day I try to lay flat in bed for a while to stretch out. It feels wonderful.
I finally posted some before and after pics. I didn't want to put the before pics up, but then the after pics wouldn't be so amazing :)
This forum has been a life saver. Everyone is so helpful and thoughtful.
Updated on 2 Nov 2011:
I can't believe it has been 6 weeks already. I am starting to feel almost normal again. I finally started walking upright at week 5. That was a long time to walk hunched over. Thank god that's over.
I really, really want to exercise, but I don't know what to do. Can I do slow aerobics, or just walk? The thing that sucks more than anything is that I used to lift heavy weights, and I really miss it. I don't really know what 5 pounds is going to do, if that's all I can lift.
Clothes still fit weird, but the fact that pants lay flat on my stomach makes this all worth it. I love that my pants are loose and that I don't have a pouch anymore. My husband always said it never bothered him, but now that it's done, he says he's glad I did it. I am too!
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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Definitely worth it!! The question of the scar is not even a second thought to me. I would rather have the scar then what I had before. I have never had a flat stomach. I can't believe it! Even with swelling it still looks better than it did before surgery. LOVE IT!!!



Hang on darlin! This is all normal and it will get easier each day. The first week is the worst but what you are feeling is normal.
Walking to the bathroom is good; it's movement and that helps. Another thing you can do while in the bed if keep flexing your calves, ankles and feet. Keep them moving. Keep changing positions often and try heat on the lower back. That will help some of the soreness. Light massage as well is good for this.
You are going to go through an entire emotional roller coaster the first month but this is all part of the process.
Yes give it some time. The swelling really causes distortion so don't panic. It takes time for everything to settle down.
And just ride that roller coaster because that will also end. I know how frustrating this can be though. We are all here for you:)
i have had the same frustration with the binder riding up and not staying in place. i realized the binder did not work for both the upper abs and the hips, it covered one or the other. i started wearing a second "binder" to cover my entire midsection, it was an exercise belt that velcroed like a binder. at three weeks post op my surgeon said to wear a girdle that covered my pubic area to keep compression there (have swelling and necrosis). i went to the mall and bought a spanx shaper that goes from under the breasts to mid-thigh (real spanx, not generic, it costs about $80 and is very supportive). i don't wear the binder any more. this shaper is great and i can wear it under my clothes much easier.
hope your recovery is coming along well.
That is great news buttercup!
Now that's a victory gracedance!!