Is fatigue normal 2 weeks post op from a full tummy tuck? When is it normal to completely stop pain med?

Question

I'm exactly 2 wks post op, I feel tired and seem to feel the nees to nap. I want to go back to normal. I started to clean up the kitchen and started cooking again but i get tired fairly quickly. Is this normal? I'm only taking one pain med at night other than that I'm off pain pills. Mh back is alsl stinging probably from being huntch over but I'm standing alot more straight than last week. So is fatigue normal? when should i completely stop pain meds?

Gene Sloan, MD · Answer

The answer to your question is a little bit different for everyone. It depends partly on your age, general state of health, and pain threshold. It also depends on precisely what type of tummy tuck you had. A tummy tuck is one of the more invasive operations that we perform in plastic surgery. I tell my patients that it may take up to six weeks before they feel themselves again. At two weeks out some patients are still using narcotic medication, especially at night. Many can get through the day using Tylenol.  It sounds like you are progressing normally.
A tummy tuck is a once-in-a-lifetime operation. Be sure to go easy and take whatever time is required to fully recover. As always, follow up with your surgeon and ask him or his staff any questions regarding your recovery.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is very normal to feel fatigue for several weeks after your tummy tuck surgery. Your body is working very hard in healing itself after surgery. Don't push yourself to do too much to soon. Speak to your surgeon about stopping your pain meds. Good luck!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi selfiemom.  It is totally normal to feel tired after a major surgery and a tummy tuck is a major surgery. I know that you would like to get back to your activities, but 2 weeks is much too soon to return to all the things that you would like to do. Take it easy; the housework can wait; do take out for meals. Rest and heal. You deserve it and in the long run, you will heal a lot faster.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Selfie Mom:
  
 
  
I tell all my patients that though they may feel like going back to a desk job at two weeks, it takes about four weeks to start to feel like your old self again and you need to pace yourself or you will feel tired.  You did have a major operation after all.  Also, no abdominal exercises for six to eight weeks.  I hope this has been helpful.

Ed Breazeale, Jr., MD · Answer

Fatigue is very common after any surgery. Your body has gone though a lot- and it takes a lot of energy for your body to do the healing part. The best thing to do is try to get off your pain medications completely- switch over to Tylenol only and start drinking some protein shakes. Shakes high in protein very low in surgery- this will give you more energy and also help you heal faster. After two weeks you should be able to stand up straight now- this will help with your back pain. Good luck.

Is fatigue normal 2 weeks post op from a full tummy tuck? When is it normal to completely stop pain med?

Answers (5)

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