Tummy Tuck with Double Hernia Repair

Thought I would post an update.I had two hernias repaired, a very large incisional hernia and smaller umbilical hernia. The doctor used mesh and a fascial partition procedure (he called it a vest over pants repair) after the hernias were reduced. He then followed with lipo on both sides of waist and then removed and disected all the excess skin and scar tissue from my previous 4 surgeries with a tummy tuck. My doctor videoed my surgery.
My surgery was originally scheduled for Oct 21st was moved up to the 15th. My surgery was scheduled for 7am but it got started late however I was in my inpatient room by 3PM. I really remember nothing but everything was flat, the basketball was gone. There was an incredible tightness from my breasts down. I like others had a binder on.
I am being completely honest, I do not remember being in tremendous pain. I think the hardest part for me was moving from the bed to the chair. The nurses did make me walk up and down the hall but I don't really remember much about it. I was very lucky I saw my doctor often and because he is the director of surgery I also saw his fellows throughout my stay. I also had other doctors that monitored my blood sugar because of my diabetes. I was very short of breath and seemed to not be able to catch my breath. they did a chest x ray and said it was ok. I spent four days in the hospital. I have been off the pain pills for a week. I took all the antibiotics and still use the muscle relaxer.
I live alone but have a nurse that comes in three days a week. Once I got home I could not lay in a regular bed so I slept in the recliner. I had two drains that stayed in for 12 days. They gave me a pouch that held them, the drains did not really bother me and did not hurt when they were removed. I have been to the doctor three times since surgery and will return in two weeks.
So here are my recommendations use a stool softner, have a plain button up dress or gown for around the house. Use the breathing exerciser often. Purchase reusable ice packs. Walk often as tolerated. Purchase bacterim ointment and gauze pads they keep the binder from irriation.
I am so thankful that I did this. A lot of doctors would not have done this risky surgery and I am so thankful I researched and asked. He told me I may never be twiggy skinny again but even with all the swelling I already feel better. I will post and update again in a few weeks.

I did not find a lot of information on my conditions so I wanted to share my experience to maybe help others. I have had two children vaginally. I have been cut vertically 4 times after their births because of dermoid cysts, fibroids, a large teratoma and finally a hysterectomy in 2008. The result of these sugical procedures was a large pannus and repeatedly being asked if I was pregnant. I was told repeatedly that it could only be repaired surgically and not by diet and excercise.

I saved all my money and made an appointment to see a plastics surgeon on my 55th birthday in August for a tummy tuck consultation. At the end of the consultation he said I have bad news for you, I said WHY? he said you have a massive hernia and you should go see a general surgeon as soon as possible. My response was I did not know if I could take off that much work, he said "well if your dead tomorrow how are you going to work?" which told me maybe it was more serious than I thought. I really wanted this doctor to do my tummy tuck but he declined and told me to come back and see him in a year. This news was quite depressing.

Now we move on to the next part of my journey. I went back to my primary care doctor who then referred me to a general surgeon. The surgeon sent me to get a cat scan which showed that I not only had a large incisional hernia that contains loops of small bowel but I also had an umbilical hernia. I had great fear with the general surgeon they referred me to as I was concerned with my pannus looking worse than it already does after the repairs. The surgeon did little to reassure me. It then became my mission to find a doctor that would give me a tummy tuck and fix my hernias at the same time.

It took me a bit but I found a double board certified general/plastics surgeon that I adore. I have had multiple consultations with him and his partner and my surgery is scheduled for Oct 21st. I cant have a traditional tummy tuck but I am getting a procedure called a dermolipectomy with double hernia repair. I will most likely have mesh used on the large hernia. I have had my medical clearance completed. The only thing I have medically wrong is I am an insulin dependent diabetic that is well controlled, my A1C is 6.1., however it will be a little more of a risk for me with healing. I am an x smoker quit almost 2 years ago another risk. The things my doctor suggested prior to surgery to stay away from is caffiene & chocolate. He also increased my protein intake with shakes/protein bars all the way to surgery. I am only doing light cardio with no weight lifting.

I will not have the typical healing periods as others I have read about. My surgery is predicted to be about 4 to 5 hours. I am due to be an inpatient for 3 to 5 days. They are predicting that I will be off work 6 to 8 weeks but I am hoping it will be sooner. I am 5"8 178lbs. I am a bit nervous and because I have had abdominal surgery before I have a pretty good idea of what to expect other than the drains which my doctor has said will stay in for a bit. I know I will never be back to my size 3 pre pregnancy/surgery body but anything is better than looking like I do now. My main goal with the surgery is to hopefully prevent the hernias from happening again and maybe be able to wear a swimsuit. Most of surgery is being covered by insurance and because I am getting it all done at the same time I am saving a considerable $ for the the cosmetic portion.

I will post an update as soon as able after surgery.