What supplies should I have available at home after OP Belt Lipectomy?

A belt lipectomy is a great procedure that tightens and gets
rid of tissue all of the way around the waist.It is a big procedure, but it accomplishes body shaping that cannot be achieved
with diet and exercise alone.As with any surgery it is probably best to have some gauze
sponges (4x4’s or ABD’s) at home as well as surgical tape and hand
sanitizer.You also may want to have
body wipes as you will limited in your ability to shower for awhile.Disposable rubber gloves are also a good idea
especially if other people will be helping you with your drains and
dressings.(There are some things you
just don’t want to share. IE- GERMS!)Have loose comfortable clothes ready and preferably shirts
that close in the front and pants with elastic or drawstring waistbands.A comfortable reclining chair or extra
pillows/wedge pillows for your bed will make sleeping more comfortable.Most people really don’t need a walker, but
be prepared to walk just a little bent over for the first week or so.A good sturdy pillow or cushion to hold
against your abdomen will make coughing easier and less painful.For the day of surgery and sometimes the next day you may
feel a little queasy from the pain meds and anesthesia, so have light/bland
foods at home as well as LOTS of liquids.(This of the things you want to have when you have the flu… crackers,
toast, broth, bananas, etc.) Once the anesthesia is out of your system and you
feel better you can go back to a normal diet.(Typically, day 2 post-op.)Stool softener or laxative is essential if you are going to
be on pain meds for any length of time to avoid constipation. Finally, read ALL of the information your surgeon gives you
at pre and post op as they probably give you a list of their recommendations of
things to have for your specific surgery.Good luck with your procedure… it sounds like you are
thinking ahead and should be ready for anything!

It is important to be prepared after a Belt Lipectomy or a 360 lower body lift. It is a significantly involved procedure and requires strict attention to your surgeon’s instructions post operatively. Every surgeon’s different in their post operative instructions for a lower body lift. In my practice how ever, I suggest minimal movement and ambulation. Ambulation can tear the incision open. I suggest my patients recover in a recliner with their back down. This cartels the back and does not put tension on abdominal incision nor the buttock incision.

Thank you for your question.  Be sure to have your prescriptions at home, peroxide, antibiotic ointment, gauze, protein supplements, walker, toilet seat riser, and some patients like depends to help with drainage.  Chuck pads on the bed are also helpful with drainage.  A cord or string to tie your drains while showering around your neck is also helpful