Best position to sleep after LBL?

Question

I had a LBL 6 days ago and I'm unable to fully stretch my back. I put pillows to raise my back and sometimes I find it very comfortable to sleep in a siting position. I can't sleep on my sides at all but the only thing that really annoys me now is that my buttock hurt a lot due to the fact that I'm sitting on it all the time while in a chair or on the couch or even the bed. Is there any other position that could make me feel more comfortable? Thanks

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Alexandra, Congratulations on undergoing a 360 or lower body lift!  A 360 or lower body lift eliminates excess skin and fat from the abdomen, upper thighs and buttocks. The procedure pulls the tummy down and the buttocks up. When you sit on your new uplifted buttock skin, you are sitting on areas that you may not have sat on before; this may tell your brain, "it hurts". In addition, due to removal of fat,  this new buttock may be much thinner skin.  This thinner buttock may cause further pressure and may register as "pain". After a 360 or lower body lift, for my patients,  I suggest a recliner. I would suggest you purchase or rent a powered recliner. With the touch of a button,  you can go from a reclining position to an almost upright position. This also minimizes wear and tear on the 360  incision.  I would suggest you place a lambskin or sheepskin on the powered recliner.  This creates a barrier between you and the hard recliner.   Also, this minimizes the chances of bedsores or pressure sores. For the first two weeks, I do not suggest sitting in a chair: this puts too much strain on the lower back incision. For the first three weeks, I do not suggest sleeping in a bed; this puts too much strain on the abdomen. I do not suggest sleeping on your side. This is too much pressure on the lateral portion of the 360 or lower body lift incision.Good luck on your weight-loss journey. Sincerely, Dr.Katzen

Carmen C. Munteanu, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hello Congrats on your weight loss and operation!!
Sleeping on a side can be a good idea, but you have to listen to your body, if it hurts, obviously don't do it!!
Gathering a lot of pillows round you it is helpful, you can sleep half way through any position this way. You might need one between your legs, or under your legs and half way to wards lateral but not fully lateral. 
If siting on your buttocks hurts, you might not be ready to have that support, it will come in time!!
You are doing great but you need to rest to heal!!
Take care and all the best!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It can be tough to find a comfortable position. If patients are comfortable on their side with their legs flexed a bit, I am Ok with that.  I tell patients that they can sleep in any position that they feel comfortable.

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