Exhauastion after tummy tuck. Is this potentially just part of the surgery and my body healing itself? Is this normal?

Question

I’m 8 days post-op. Not on any narcotics or anything other than Tylenol and antibiotics and am healing totally fine. My issue is that a few times out of the blue I will just hit a total wall and be unable to keep my eyes open and just totally fall asleep for like an hour or so. When I wake up I’m foggy but ok. I never take naps and sleep relatively ok at night. Is this potentially just part of the surgery and my body healing itself? Is this normal?

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

It is normal to feel exhausted during a tummy tuck recovery, and occassionally an antibiotic can also contribute to feeling sleepy. Your body needs a chance to heal well. Listen to your body and rest!
However, it's important to keep your plastic surgeon updated on anything you feel the least bit concerned about. Reassurance from your surgeon can put your mind at ease and help you rest, too.
If you are excessivilty tired to the point of feeling faint, definitely call your surgeon. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Best wishes!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. However, you are still very early in your recovery process. Your body went through a lot of stress during your surgical procedure. Its normal that you feel tired at 8 days post op. Go to your follow up appointments with your surgeon.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is totally normal to be exhausted after any major surgery. Your body is working very hard to heal itself, it is important that you do not over do it and listen to your body. Get plenty of rest, you will be back to normal in just a few short weeks. However, you should always discuss your concerns with your surgeon just in case anything else is going on. Good luck.

Michael Zwicklbauer, MD · Answer

yes it is very normal for patients take 3 to 4 weeks to recover from a tummy tuck. I often tell my patients you can return to a desk job at 10 days to 14 weeks but don’t be surprised if in the afternoon you want to take naps. I think it’s because your body is sending most of its energy to the healing process. Good luck

Ajay Mahajan, MD, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It will take a few weeks to recover from the procedure and everyone is individual too. Some patients bounce back pretty soon, while others take longer. You will need to rest as much as you need to. Do get your blood haemoglobin levels checked to ensure that it is not too low. You can check with your surgeon about this, they may have already done a blood test post op.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Based on my own experience, Tummy Tuck is one of the most challenging procedures to recover. Recovery is long, is tiring, is painful. I felt like an eighteen-wheeler pass over me, I felt exhausted for couple of weeks and needed a nap very day and sometimes two!!!! and the reason is because of the extensive of the procedure, the Hemoglobin level dropped some, we lost a lot of fluids, fat, electrolytes, proteins, etc. And your body is telling you that needs resting. So nothing is wrong with you. Listen to your body, rest, rest, rest. Your body will give you in return a great recovery. Be encouraged Dr. Cárdenas

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

What you are describing is a normal part of healing after surgery.  Your body is doing a lot of work behind the scenes to heal you from your procedure.  The result is that you may feel a lack of energy after only minimal effort.  This will improve over time.  Take time to rest and let your body keep up the good work!

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

People are often feeling tired 8 days post TT. Rest is an important part of recovery from an operation and a TT is a significant operation.  It is not possible to give you a personal opinion on your symptoms without an examination so I suggest you check with your plastic surgeon. Was more blood than usual lost during your surgery (probably not)? or have you developed a haematoma?   if you are anaemic that would contribute to feeling tired.Best wishes

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing may or may not be "normal"; your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to evaluating you specifically and determining whether there is a "problem" present or whether you are experiencing the expected recovery fatigue…  Having said that, some general thoughts may be helpful to you:Generally speaking, the tummy tuck operation is an extensive operation, associated with a very significant recovery period, often underestimated by patients. As you can imagine, there is a wide range of recovery experiences ( in other words, the experience varies greatly from one patient to another). There may be that many variables involved when it comes to exactly how patient does after tummy tuck surgery.  In some cases,  a complication may explain excessive  fatigue and/or delayed recovery.I find that many  patients  underestimate the actual recovery time associated with extensive operations such as tummy tuck surgery. The operation is associated with a very significant physical, and often "emotional", recovery period. I ask my tummy tuck patients to refrain from any heavy-lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks to prevent any complications and ensure proper healing.  Even at 2 months post op patients will report that they have not reached full strength/stamina. It may be 4-6 months before patients reach full strength.   A few words of advice I provide to my patients undergoing tummy tuck or mommy makeover surgery may be helpful to you:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful. 
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Exhauastion after tummy tuck. Is this potentially just part of the surgery and my body healing itself? Is this normal?

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