Tummy Tuck: Stories

Biggest most important thing is to have help after the surgery so you have time to recover. I keep reading all this reviews from women who are up and very active within the first week postop. Don't do that- you're body needs the first two weeks after to recover. You'll have an easier recovery, more likely free of complications, if you give in to the fact that it takes time to heal from this surgery. My friend was too active after surgery, and had to keep a drain in for six weeks- not worth it! Watch a movie, drink a lot of water, do breathing exercises (helps alleviate tightness), go to the bathroom, walk around the house for a few minutes, sit or lie down and read a magazine, drink a lot of water, do breathing exercises, get up take a walk around the house, take a nap, watch a few shows, drink a lot of water, do breathing exercises (will also keep fever down because you're expanding your lungs), take a walk around the house. You get the picture- take it easy! Have a friend come by and visit for a bit every few days to break up the boredom. That's my advice. Good luck- I'm sure it will go well. If you have a good surgeon, a lot of it is in your hands once it's done. A great end result is what we are all looking for-

Oh finally! I had a full tt, with lipo and flanks feb 21. It definately takes a while to recover. And the first week or so definately keep up with the pain meds. Accompli, I couldn't have said it better myself! I did it as an outpatient (not a good move for me). I don't handle the after affects of general anesthesia so with that and the pain, i was pretty drugged up for about 3 days to get through it. I hated the tightness and numbness but that continually got better. There is light at the end of the tunnel, a nice flat tummy!

I think I will be able to handle it. I have a lot of people to help. Did you have to have help taking a shower and using the bathroom? And did you sleep in a recliner?

I waited to take a shower until the pain pump was removed 5 days post surgery. I washed my hair in the sink at 3 days post b/c I just couldn't stand it any longer. I didn't have help in the shower because I was/am a little freaked out about the incision and didn't want to look at myself at that point. I put the drain bulbs in a little zippered pouch that I strapped around my waist. Took the binder off carefully, and enjoyed the warm water. I stood there for a good twenty minutes. Carefully dried off, and put a thin cotton tank top on underneath my Velcro binder. Reattached the drain bulbs to the binder, and sat down to catch my breath for a few minutes. Do everything slowly. Got dressed, dried hair, went back to bed. I've used a bunch of pillows on my bed instead of the recliner. Mire comfortable for me, but I know lots of people seem to live in the recliner the first week or so. I took my second shower 7 days post and third 9 days post. Getting easier each time. Drains come out Monday, and then it will be much easier! Of my friends who have done this, no one really told me about all this because they are avyear or two out and don't really remember the details. They just live the result. I can't wait to get to that point, but I wish I knew all the recovery stuff beforehand so I could prepare myself for it better. So, i'm not sugar coating it, and it's all doable. It's just a matter of patience and keeping a good attitude that thus too shall pass.

thank you so much for your reply..wish all goes well:)

I can't imagine doing this as an outpatient. You are strong! I am a believer in the pain pump. After consulting with 5 PS's, 2 of them used a pain pump as matter of course. It was optional i.e. pay more and you can have it with one, and two thought the risk of infection from another tube outweighed the value of the pump. It was worth every penny and was removed w/out any complications. So, if you can get it, then get it. I really felt no different than when I recovered from my 2-sections. In fact, the lipo of the flanks was/is more tender than my tummy. Who knew?

It shouldn't those sutures are tight! Your doctor should be able to reassure you and maybe give you something to relieve the cough. How long did you have the drains in post surgery? And, how active have you been in the last week? The muscles and skin need to glue themselves back together to avoid seromas. Take it easy if/ when you can. I read that this is as extreme a surgery as open heart-

I am 5 weeks po as well and i have a seroma as well. However mine had to be opened and drained. I'm currently on antibiotics. You won't dislogde anything by coughing it's actually good for your lungs to cough. I know it hurts like a son of a sea biscot but it will get better I'm still using a pillow across my belly if i have to cough deeply. Try coughing lightly to see if that will help out some. It worked a little for me.

My drains were out less than 24 hours, too soon I think. I had a little flank lipo. The drainage was a lot and I had an hour ride home. Was in over night. They said the seroma could have started if I turned wrong. I was inactive for the first week. At 2 1/2 weeks I had 300 ml drained off and had to go to Toronto twice a week for drainage for four weeks. We are down to 6 ml. I just had an abdominal ultra sound done to see if any pockets of fluid. I knew the skin has to join with the muscle but it seems every time I move I feel pulling. Is this keeping the area from attaching?
I have been told in 6 months I won't know the seroma happened.
A back scratcher is great for picking things up off the floor.... and food tongs!!!

Yes I know it was major surgery. Thanks for the support!

I am just a little over 6 months post op and I STILL feel like my stomach muscles are tight. Not as bad as the first couple of months after surgery - those couple of months I would describe it like my torso felt like it was in cement! It doesn't feel like that anymore, but still feels tight. Let's just say I am always aware of my stomach muscles. My surgeon told me that it might take the full year from surgery to "settle down".

I'm 6 weeks post op tt with lipo. It was driving me nuts , the tightness but it is easing up believe me. and the numbness is very gradual but getting better. I cried and said what did I do? but you'll be fine.