Tummy Tuck: Stories

First day back wasn't too bad! I survived although I enjoyed being home much better. :) The worst part was getting up after sitting for awhile. It seems like everything tightens up so fast and then it takes a minute of two to loosen back up so I can stand completely upright. Everyday gets better though! The next hurdle is getting this drain tube out! Keep your fingers crossed for Thursday!

Yes, I was definitely all three! I came home....hit the couch..and took a 2 hour nap! Much better now. :) It was a long day for sure. The drain had me a little cranky. Hurts at times. I will be so happy when it can finally come out!

Thanks for taking the time to explain this to me. I hope that you're doing well!

I'm only scheduled to be off from work 10 days. I'll be back at work on the 24th. Since I have a desk job I'm hoping it isn't too bad.
I have two compression garments, one is a four panel that I woke up with after surgery. The other is a three panel that my surgeon gave me after my first post op visit. I would definitely check with your surgeon on which garment to buy. Having two is great so you can switch it out for washing. I have to do that as my drainage tube is leaking a little. Completely normal, but a pain in the butt!

Oh, it's great to know. I'll keep this in mind for the next surgery. Btw, what does it mean 3 or 4 panel garments? Thx

you still have your drainage tube? My Dr. said I cannot take a shower until it is out, but you showered on Saturday? Did you avoid getting the drain area wet and if so how did you do that? I was told I could wash hair in sink, but not take real shower for 7-10 days and that is going to be a problem unless I can figure out how to show earlier. I will want to shower by day 3 at the latest!!

Yes, I still have my drainage tube in. The doctor gave me the ok to shower as long as my back stays to the shower head. No direct spray on my stomach. I did do my best to keep as little water as possible from running down my front!

Hi everyone! Ok, so let me start by saying IT IS SOOOO WORTH IT!!! I had my procedure on Wednesday the 12th so I guess you would say I am three days post op? Feeling GREAT! I'm up and around, and besides feeling tired and a little sore I can't complain. The pain wasn't even close to what I had imagined! Actually I kept waiting for it to get worse and it never did. I woke up from surgery around 1:30 p.m. Pain level was a four but I kinda figured that was related to the anethesia. The anethesiologist (sorry about the spelling!) said my doctor had me under more of a local sedation versus heavy. He said it helps with the nausea in recovery. He also was pumping me with pain meds and anti-nausea medicine through out the procedure. Anyway, got home around 4:30 p.m. still feeling great. Ok, getting up and down off the couch wasn't easy but it wasn't excrutiating. I was sore and yes, the muscles were aching but a pain pill really knocked whatever discomfort I had down to almost nothing! I did have to take two pain pills around 10:00 p.m. to get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Thursday morning was a little bit rougher. The lipo areas were VERY sore and bruised but again, not a stabbing pain, just really sore. I kept up on my schedule of pain meds, walked when I could and tried to sleep. Friday my pain pump was removed (YIPEE!) and I got to see my tummy for the first time. HOLY CRAP. I honestly could not believe that was me! I'm still very swollen but could already see the difference. Tears of joy. It was really overwhelming. Today is Saturday and I had my first shower. Completely exhausted after that but again, no pain just so darn tired. I got the chance to really study myself in the mirror and have to say thank God my pubic area won't look like that forever! YIKES that is swollen! Miami - you are going to do just fine! I'm the biggest baby around when it comes to pain and I'm being completely honest when I tell you that for me it wasn't bad! My advice would be to stay up on your pain meds. I set an alarm to make sure I didn't miss a dose. Be sure to clip your drain tube to you. I didn't and the first time I got up that thing dropped and man did that hurt! Oh, same thing with the pain pump if you have it. Be sure it is attached to you before getting up. Use your legs and arms to get you up and down. It takes a little practice but once you get it down it really does make it easier. I feel like I'm rambling but if there is anything I missed telling or anything you'd like to know specifically PLEASE ask! I'm excited to share my experience. Oh and last little tidbit. The doctor removed 3 pounds of skin and fat. Yipee and kinda gross all at the same time! I'm not at home so I didn't get to upload photos but I'll do that soon. You all won't belive the difference! :) Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. It all made a world of difference!

Wow! I'm glad that you're up and able to write this much! It took me 1 week to sit up and another 2 weeks before I can stay up for few hours. I'm so scared this time b/c I don't have enough paid time off and have to be back in 2 weeks. But now I'm excited b/c getting up in few days is actually real and maybe if I choose the right surgeon, I can have it too. Oh, what kind of garments that they gave you? I bought a very tight girdle last time and I thought that actually messed me up. Because it was to tight, it squeezed the belly button too small and looked funny. Also, the incision where they opened up the abdomen somehow not straight line but rather waivy and looks like a smiling face. I think this time I'd just buy the post-op compression garment. Ok, I should keep it short so you won't have to sit up too long. Good to hear from you. Keep us posted

I'll have a pain pump. I hear it really helps! Keeping fingers crossed. :)
I had my prep op testing done on Friday. EKG too because off high blood pressure. Unless my blood work comes back abnormal I should be good to go!

Are you also having lipo? Im going for full tummy tuck and lipo of flanks and back.

Yes, lipo of the flanks and back like you. The doc is doing standard lipo procedure. He said he'll make two small incisions in my back, one on each side and that I'll be pretty bruised up.