35 YO, FTT, MR and Lipo

Hello again! I'm back for a full Tummy Tuck procedure after 2 years post a mini Tummy Tuck in 2014. Although I was ok with my Mini TT, I wasn't as pleased as I would have wanted. I chose the MTT as a temporary fix and recovery time constraints. Not long before that, I had back surgery so it was not possible for me to do a full TT yet. 2 years have passed and I'm ready to get it done right like my doc suggested. I loved Dr. Z and will be going back to him. He is amazing. He tried to convince me to do a FTT from the start, but I was stubborn and stuck to my original plan. Lesson learned...listen to the experts!

Here I am, a week to go and getting a bit excited yet nervous! Looking forward to a new figure with a flatter tummy and less stretch marks. Have not had that in over 18 years! My only concern is my back. I'm hoping it doesn’t give out in the middle of the healing being hunched over for a week or so. I’ve been doing good, but it tends to get stiff when the rain is upon us here in Dallas. Not fun but that's the aftermath of back surgery. I will be staying at the facility overnight this time around. For the mini TT I did outpatient and that was not bad at all. But this is muscle repair and so from what I have read it will be painful. I'll let you guys know if it's as bad as back pain.

So far I have the following prep items:
· disposable bed pads (pet training pads were MUCH cheaper & I know will do the trick),
· disposable medical gloves
· gauze
· Tape and bandages
· scar strips (clear)
· antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
· T-Relief arnica ointment and tablets
· shower seat
· Anti itch cream
- shower brush & Loofah with handle
- Feminine pads for drains and possibly Aunt Flo visiting after getting my IUD replaced two days before surgery ( I know, TMI)
· Hibiclens Skin cleaner (not required, but I’ve used for my other surgeries and I feel it has helped as I have never had an infection)
· Body wipes
- zero gravity chair (don't want a recliner in the way, my living room is not that large)
· pillows
· Pain meds will be given to me at the facility
· Loose clothes XXL in size for comfort
I'm contemplating purchasing the lipo foam...still doing research to see if that is worth even buying. Any of you ladies/gents recommend? I'm planning to use the compression garment the doc will provide so no purchasing a new one until a few out. Will go get dry shampoo to see if that works until my first approved full shower day. What am I missing???

Measurements: are in the photos. I want to compare a post op. My weigh is 169 lbs. I've been the same weight since 2011 so I'm not concerned about that changing, just the shape. It's my dream to wear fitted shirts without seeing the roll and stretch marks through the shirts.

I arrived at the hospital at 6:30am to get my bloodwork done and get prepped for surgery. It was not until I changed into the gown that I got an extreme rush of nerves!! Not sure why. Thank goodness my sister was there to help me stay focused. 3 hours later I was rolled into the operating room and awake at 3pm. I was alert and feeling the work. I look so much smaller!!! :) I did get a pain pump so the pain was very mild. Worked wonders throughout the day so I highly recommend one is done by all docs. I was given a little late lunch/early dinner. Now that triggered the most awful nausea! Not fun there. It want until I got a sandwich brought to me and more nausea meds that I started to feel better (2 hrs late!). I am walking around every 3 hrs and urinating on schedule. Drinking lots of water too. I have only on drain which is drained by the nurses every few hours. Started at 65 oz and at 11p down to 30 oz. swelling has begun for sure. I feel it as the binder gets tighter. I see Dr Z in the morning and he will show me my pictures which I am excited about. Little sleep throughout the night planned but that is so that I take my pain pill every 2 hrs and walk. I asked for a walker so I do look like an old lady. Kinda fit right in with the rest of the patients here. Ha!