Tummy tuck, hernia repair, and muscle repair

Thank you. He was very comforting. And his belly buttons look amazing. I was very picky with that. They have depth.

I am having major mom guilt. I am a wreck. But i am self conscious. I think my stomach 24/7. I am a teacher and i make sure I always have a piece of paper or something hiding my stomach so my students don’t think I am pregnant. How was your recovery? My diastasis is severe so i am petrified about that because I heard it’s the most painful.

I totally relate. 11 years I battled with my guilt and the few weeks before I was a major wreck too- constantly battling with nerves and the thoughts in my head.
I wore clothes that I didn’t particularly like but felt I had to wear so that it hid my pregnant look. I have started a review so you will see my before pics if you look it up.
I also only told a couple of close friends I was having it done, I think that made me want my recovery to go faster.
I didn’t have Lipo which I hear can be more uncomfortable after. You are right the muscle repair was what I noticed most. The actual incision has been great, it didn’t bother me at all, it didn’t really feel sore at all. The diastasis correction has made a great improvement! I have been wearing hugging vest tops which I would not have dared to in the past. I would not say that was painful either (apart from coughing and sneezing- ouch!!!). But the thing that I really underestimated was how hunched over I was. I could not stand straight for 3 weeks and this caused havoc on my back- back ache from using different muscles. It wasn’t until I had my dressings removed that this started to improve, although everyone is different and some people don’t seem to struggle so much. I was very frustrated with this, more so because I hadn’t told people what I had done and had to return to work 2 1/2 weeks after the op and trying to walk upright without anyone noticing was extremely hard.
The turning point for me was 4 weeks post op and now at 5 weeks suddenly I feel fit and ready to do everything again and get back to exercise.
I guess I was impatient so got frustrated but the reality of it it really wasn’t that bad, just more uncomfortable rather hurting.
Now it’s all over I would definitely say it is so worth it and it was definitely not as bad I was expecting. Throughout it all I always said it wasn’t really painful for me just uncomfortable and frustrating because of not being able to stand upright but now I look back and really 4 weeks for recovery of that isn’t that long.
After my op I was wheeled back to my room and I can’t tell you how elated I felt that I had finally done it.
I am so happy!
If I can do it so can you and you will love it after I promise. Good luck x

Thank you so much for the detailed response. You made me feel so much better. My surgery is on Monday and I was wondering if you have any advice for me since you just went through it? Did you get a binder? Scar treatment ointment (or is now too soon?) were you able to tolerate foods later in the day after surgery? I can’t believe this is an out patient procedure. I really wish I could stay over at a facility or something but it’s not an option.

I was told to wear a compression suit fully for 6 weeks which I am doing. But I think every surgeon has different views on that. They provided me with one which I was already in when I came around from surgery and I purchased another. I have actually really liked having the support and it felt easier with it on.
I had my operation 1pm, which lasted almost 3 hours and I was ready and eating my evening meal a few hours later. Again some people may react differently but I had no problems- but then again nothing puts me off food ha ha! I did stay in hospital for two nights though which was part of my package cost and the hospital was great. I think it will be tougher for you if you can’t stay so make sure you have some good support from people around you as you will require help. I did get myself to the bathroom etc by myself though. You just have to take it slowly and carefully to begin with. The day after the operation I was told I had to start walking and to make sure I went for a short walk every hour.
Once I got home I did go out and but a plastic stool for the shower, that was really helpful and needed.
Again everyone is given different advice but I didn’t get my dressings off until 2 weeks after and then and still now I just use E45 cream on scar and then cover with tape so it doesn’t get sore and rub on anything. I have my 6 week review soon so may start using more products and may get the compression suit off, or at least not wear 24/7.
The first few weeks are challenging but with support not too bad. I did sleep on the sofa for about 3 weeks at home as I did not find it comfortable lying flat.
I spent the first few weeks frustrated and wanting to rush back to normal but in reality as I said it wasn’t really painful just uncomfortable. Would I do it again- most definitely!!!! Much easier than I thought.
Keep us posted and good luck x

I was told to wear a compression suit fully for 6 weeks which I am doing. But I think every surgeon has different views on that. They provided me with one which I was already in when I came around from surgery and I purchased another. I have actually really liked having the support and it felt easier with it on.
I had my operation 1pm, which lasted almost 3 hours and I was ready and eating my evening meal a few hours later. Again some people may react differently but I had no problems- but then again nothing puts me off food ha ha! I did stay in hospital for two nights though which was part of my package cost and the hospital was great. I think it will be tougher for you if you can’t stay so make sure you have some good support from people around you as you will require help. I did get myself to the bathroom etc by myself though. You just have to take it slowly and carefully to begin with. The day after the operation I was told I had to start walking and to make sure I went for a short walk every hour.
Once I got home I did go out and but a plastic stool for the shower, that was really helpful and needed.
Again everyone is given different advice but I didn’t get my dressings off until 2 weeks after and then and still now I just use E45 cream on scar and then cover with tape so it doesn’t get sore and rub on anything. I have my 6 week review soon so may start using more products and may get the compression suit off, or at least not wear 24/7.
The first few weeks are challenging but with support not too bad. I did sleep on the sofa for about 3 weeks at home as I did not find it comfortable lying flat.
I spent the first few weeks frustrated and wanting to rush back to normal but in reality as I said it wasn’t really painful just uncomfortable. Would I do it again- most definitely!!!! Much easier than I thought.
Keep us posted and good luck x

hi! i was just following your posts and thought i would add my experience as well. i had my tummy tuck with lipo on tuesday and i did not feel great the day of and the day after surgery. just very sore but i had a local anesthetic and the painkillers were helpful! i was able to move with assistance getting in and out of bed and chairs and was totally able to tolerate food when i got home after the surgery, but i’ve never had issues with anesthesia. prob too soon for scar creams since the incisions will need to begin to heal. i have a binder and it’s just annoying! not painful at all just irritating to wear. i feel really good today (couple days post op) and soon you will too :)

When did you see your dr post op? Did your soreness and tightness get worse overtime?

He’s fantastic. I got my surgery done yesterday and he texted me that night and the following morning to see how i was feeling. I don’t know a dr who would do that?

I had my tummy tuck, lipo, monplasty and he even fixed my genus during the surgery. On June 25?th. Today marked the 2 nd week and I feel fine. Dr. Reish is a wonderful dr and human being.. The first few days I needed the pain medicine but now I just take the stomach spasm medicine when I go to sleep. If you are able to rent a recliner it will be the best thing you will purchase. As as far as eating. I had no problem with that. Lol only issue is that my second drain has to stay in a little less Niger. I was told 1-3 weeks. The first drain came out fast. The second one will be about 2 1/2 weeks. Not only is Dr Reish great but his staff is delicious!!! Good luck

So sorry for the horrible spelling errors. I took the spasm medicine lol. No disrespect with s few of the words. So sorry I didn't mean genus I meant hernia.
I meant that drain has to stay in a little longer than I expected but it is coming out Friday. Dr Reish texts you to see how u are feeling Canc believe me
No question is too silly. He is ver calming and crazy talented.

Think it's best I don't type after I take my medicine. Lol
Night night

Your username made me laugh! Dr Reish and Rachel have been wonderful! I texted them often and they made me feel like no question was stupid. How are you liking your results? I am Day 10 post op and my incision is getting a little itchy because it’s healing. Rachel said put bacitracin on it. I am covering it too because I am afraid of it rubbing against my binder and undies. How did the drain that was in 2.5 weeks feel when it came out? I’m def nervous about that. I feel like skin has grown over it at this point lol.

Thank you! Do you have any advice for me? My surgery is tomorrow!!! I am having the same nightmares as you: dying, necrosis, being pregnant. This is crazy!!!!