Is it okay to be alone three days after a hernia repair and tummy tuck?

In most cases, yes.  However, this may be dependent upon how
extensive both the hernia repair and tummy tuck were.It will all be based on your postoperative
mobility.In most cases, even after the
combination of a tummy tuck with a small ventral hernia or umbilical hernia
repair, I will want my patients to be up and mobile throughout the day
intermittently.This usually makes it
possible for them to be alone for periods of time.However, a more extensive hernia repair
involving a larger defect with possible use of MESH in conjunction with a tummy
tuck may result in less postoperative mobility.In these cases, it may be better to have help at home for a longer
period of time.

Day 3 after a tummy tuck can be a "swing" day.  Most patients need the first three days to just sort of lay around and do very little.  By day 4 they are typically much better and getting around pretty well on their own.  Any chance you can get him to stay till day 4?

Everyone is different and it is always difficult to predict how a particular patient will do postoperatively. Perhaps you could stay with a family member during his absence or schedule the procedure when you know that he will be accessible for at least a week.  It would also help to know more about the particulars of your situation, i.e., whether there is a dog to walk, children to take care of and stairs to climb.

Jan,Your question is difficult to answer as some patients recover significantly faster than others and I am unable to judge how intense your hernia repair might be..  As a general rule of thumb, most of my patients "make the turn" right around the 3rd or 4th day post operatively.  I would suggest having one of your family members available for at least one more day just to be safe.Best of luck with your surgery.Dr. T

The answer to your question really depends on how extensive your surgeries are. What kind of hernia do you have? How big is it? Do you need a significant repair of your abdominal wall muscles? In general, after a tummy tuck, most patients can get around pretty well after 3 days. However, everyone and every surgery is different. I would have a backup plan in case you need help getting up after your husband has to leave. If you cannot find another person who can stay with you if needed, you should consider delaying your surgery. Call your doctor(s) and ask them your question. They will be your best resource.