Questions for Those Who've Already Had a Tummy Tuck - Tampa, FL

Give it some time..you still have swelling and the entire abdomen will look different month by month. 

Hi. Im 3 weeks out from an extended tummy tuck in orlando.I would definitely invest in a power recliner, it really helped me. I slept in it for 9 days until my drains came out. As far as exercise, my doctor told me I could begin taking long walks at 3 weeks and full exercise at 6 weeks. That has been the most difficult part for me because Im paranoid about gaining weight.I usually work out 6 days a week. Also, I found that my c-section was more painful than the tummy tuck. I was really only in severe pain for 45 minutes until the percocet kicked in. Im so thrilled with my results so far that any discomfort I had is a distant memory. Good luck and Im sure you are going to love your new body.

thanks for your (quick) input!

I'm 1 week post op and happy I made the decision to do it. I slept in a recliner for the first 4 days then made it to my bed (with my head & knees elevated). Tonight will be my first night sleeping with a flat back with my knees elevated -- big night here :-)
My PS also told me today that I can start walking and pay attention to what my body tells me but certainly no weights for at least 6 weeks.

Good luck!

I am 2 weeks post op today and I agree with ritrit. If you don't have a recliner, I would invest in one before surgery. I slept in mine for about 10 days and then I moved to me bed. I don't have any issues sleeping in my bed anymore; although,it was a little uncomfortable the first couple of nights. have plenty of pillows to prop your knees and back, for the first few nights on your bed. I have not started any exercise program because my doctor wants me to wait until he sees me on my 4 week post op (Nov 5th) I have a friend that had her TT over 5 yrs ago and she still looks great. I still have about 25 pounds to lose until I am completly happy. It will be very important to eat a clean diet while recovering because you will not be able to workout. I didn't the first week and I paid for it. I ate icecream, cake, pudding and other junk, which defeats the pupose of the surgery, lol. I am back on my clean diet and feel so much better. I am not bloated or uncomfortable.

1: Stay hydrated. I can't stress this enough. This will help you to keep your swelling down; not to mention you will need the water to avoid constipation.

2: Take your meds. I took my percocet as directed whether I had pain or not. I also took colace and milk of magnesium. Take your antibiotics to avoid infections while your drains are in.

3: Buy comfy night gowns. They are ugly and remind me of my aunt that walked around the house all day in them, but they will come in handy. Buy panties around 3 times bigger than you use. My drains were around my pubic area and the large panties made it more comfortable.

Recovery is not as bad as it seems as long as you follow you PS orders and allow your body to heal. Remember, you are under going a major surgery and it will take time to heal. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't see a flat stomach right away. You will have some swelling that will come and go. There are days that my stomach looks flat and others when the swelling kicks in. Wearing your compression garmet will help keep the swelling down. Your scar will be long but it will fade. Stay encouraged, if you do become discouraged post your thoughts we will keep each other's spirits lifted. I am so happy for you!! Congratulations for making a decision that will make you happy. Keep posting!! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

I am six months out and here are some answers for you...

You definitely don't want to gain weight after this procedure because you can ruin the work if you gain too much.  My doc told me that I really had to focus on the diet and exercise to keep the good results.  He wasn't't a kidding!  Watch the sodium intake because you will puff up.  Drink a ton of water which will relly help you.

This healing process is much longer than two weeks.  It takes months!  I can't stress that enough.  I realize everyone heals at a different pace but this is a tough process.  Don't even think about weight lifting or any crazy workouts for weeks if not months.  My doctor did not clear me for any ab work until six months.  Even now he asked that I take t easy from months 6-12.  I just started my ab work last week and I am now swelling a little bit again.  Oh and am I ever sore...Just be patient and know that if you allow yourself to heal properly you will have awesome results in the end.  Don't rush anything because you do not want to destroy the great job your surgeon is about to do. 

The scar will fade over time but you will need to do a little work on it.  At two weeks post op I started using the Palmers Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil  three times a day.  I then changed over to Mederma Scar Cream for three months three times a day.  Now I am using the Bio Oil twice a day.  My scar is flat and smooth, no raised areas, minimal redness and fading well.  My pics are on line.  You will be amazed at what the massaging with oils and cream will do for you.

Before the surgery I wish I would have know how long it was going to take to heal.  Also wished I had known how long the swell hell would last. 

I rented a hospital bed to sleep in for the first two weeks.  I could not have done it without this.  It was a life saver and helped me elevate and get as comfortable as possible at night. 

You will do great; just go in with realistic expectations, plan for a long recovery and keep your chin up.  The surgery is so worth it and in the end you will be happy you did this for yourself.