44 yo Tummy tuck, breast reduction with augmentation, and lipo

I am now 9 days post-op. Yesterday I had my first follow-up appointment. The Doc removed my bandages, lipo pads, and one drain. I am still taking pain medication as the pain can be intense but I am feeling much better and have more energy. I become tired pretty easily after short shopping trips, doctor's visits, and showering. The areas of liposuction are uncomfortable and I get a deep throbbing at my incision sites. The medication does help make the discomfort more manageable. I have begun to rub coconut oil on my incisions and have found that it does relieve the itching and has made the scars more supple. I have swelling in my breasts and thighs, which is to be expected. Still thrilled with the results. Now to plan my trip to Jamaica!

I am currently 4 days post-op. Recovery has gone well. I stayed overnight in the hospital and cannot imagine having to return home right after the procedure. I was under anesthesia for 7 hours and experienced some intense pain and moderate panic after recovery due to the pharmacy being slow getting my medications. After a few hours (and some attitude) I was finally stabilized and was moderately comfortable. It has taken a few days to get the anesthesia completely out of my system and I broke out in an itchy rash, which I believe is due to the Betadine. Otherwise, I have done well. I wanted to comment on a few things that I have read on this site posted by others. Firstly, many mentioned that a recliner was a must. While it may have been helpful for many it was not for me. It was more uncomfortable and caused me back pain. Instead I have slept in my bed propped up with pillows and days I have sat propped up on the couch with my feet elevated and a pillow behind my back. My doctor (and nurses) informed me that I could not pull out my stitches and should stand as upright as possible when moving around. I was able to get out of my hospital bed 8 hours after my procedure with moderate assistance. This was intense and required patience. Standing upright actually felt good as it helped alleviate my back pain. Many have stated on this site that they were encouraged to walk hunched over. Don't do it! I have had literally zero back pain and have made an attempt to get up and walk once every hour. I could get up without assistance by day 2. Good body mechanics when getting up is essential. Also don't skimp on your pain meds the first few days. You will need these. Yes you will experience difficulty having your first bowel movement after surgery due to the narcotics but fill your diet with high fiber foods like avocado, high-fiber bread, fresh veggies like cabbage and other brassicas. Also Total Tea and Dulcolax are gentle stool softeners that I have used. The first bowel movement will take some time (mine took over an hour but was not painful). I also ate high-fiber foods the week before surgery and went into surgery with very little in my bowels. I believe this helped a lot as many others have complained of pain due to constipation. I was able to poop today (day 4). I have also decreased my pain meds by half today with good results. I experienced moderate swelling of my legs last night (that is to be expected) so I am increasing my fluid intake. The and abdominal and breast binders are snug but feel good. I like the support they provide. I think the pictures will speak for themselves. I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, a breast reduction with implants, and lipo of flanks and thighs. Dr. Sherbert did a fantastic job and I am thrilled with the results.