POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Two months post op! So glad I did it!
UPDATED FROM VeeCee
Well, it's two months post op now and swelling has...
WORTH IT$13,000
Well, it's two months post op now and swelling has gone. I'm really loving the fact that I don't have a huge belly to cover with a big shirt anymore. Depression has gotten better along with self confidence and the ability to zip up my pants :) I like not having to buy extra long shirts anymore to cover my lower abdomen. I was wearing a size 2X shirt to cover everything, now I'm in an extra-large size. Sometimes I forget and I still reach down after a shower to my lower belly area and try to pick up the roll that was there so I can towel dry under it, but the roll is gone, just a flat stomache to dry now...it makes me smile every time. A big weight has been lifted from my life! :) Will post some new pics soon as I can!
UPDATED FROM VeeCee
Some more after pics. I am definitely stretched...
Some more after pics. I am definitely stretched and swollen almost beyond capacity as you can see in these new pics. Very uncomfortable. I'm bigger now than the day after surgery. Also, the drain tube was taken out so that's one good thing. How long will this swelling last? I don't think my skin can stretch much more without popping!
Replies (5)
You look amazing! I would love to hear how your recovery is going.
It's been a week since surgery and the recovery is going good. Walking and bending more every day. Still on pain meds but mostly in the morning as soon as I wake up the pain hits me. Sleeping is very uncomfortable but starting to sleep in a more flat position instead of upright. Can't sleep on my side yet, hurts too bad. I know I would feel a lot better if this swelling would go down. My stomach is so hard and feels like it's going to pop right open from the swelling. Have no idea what pants I'm going to get on, only have a pair of stretch sweat pants and big shorts that I can get over my belly, plus the compression garment has to be worn all the time, so that makes me bigger. I would describe my shape now as "barrel" lol, no waist that's for sure. I think my ankles are swelling, I'm going to have to ask the doc about that. Gonna go take a couple more pics to post. I am definitely enjoying my time off and relaxing : )
Oh I am so glad you are doing well! You have been on my mind since I first read your post. I know you will be so happy and can not wait to see your results when all of the puffy goes away..You are so ahead of the game!!!
VeeCee are you wearing any kind of compression garment?
Just wondering if that helps with your swelling at all?
I am wearing one but dont think it's the right one for me (not enough compression)
Just wondering if that helps with your swelling at all?
I am wearing one but dont think it's the right one for me (not enough compression)
Yes I am wearing one all of the time except showers of course. My doc gave me the one I am wearing so I guess it is the right kind. I have been doing research about swelling after a tummy tuck and it seems as though it could take a loooong time for the swelling to decrease due to the body having to heal itself and rebuild blood vessels and other medical jargon that I wont go into. Because all of these things were cut and disrupted, fluid has no where to go until the "fluid passage ways"are rebuilt. Everyone is different, but it still sucks that it takes so long. I'm going to go out and buy some "elastic waste" pants to get through the swelling time, which could last even a year : (
My doc told e 6 months to a year, too. And I am like you, peeing rarely. Trying to drink more Gatorade and water. . I hate taking down that dumb garment for that just a couple times a day!
Welcome to the flat side! I'm pass 4 weeks post op and still experience swelling towards the end of the day and everyday is different and it does get better. My PS said swelling may last up to 3 months! Water intake is very important and wearing the compression garment or binder 24/7 according to him will reduce swelling but follow what ever your ps instructs you! Recovery does get better! Take it easy and happy healing!
How does the water intake help? It seems it would make the swelling worse.
If you Google / research swelling after a TT you will find plenty of literature saying to make sure you are very hydrated. My PS instructed me the same thing. Here's a few of the things I found:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/446830-will-drinking-more-water-help-reduce-my-edema/
WATER'S EFFECTS
Sometimes edema is due to sodium retention in the body. Sodium and water are naturally attracted to each other, which is why you may feel bloated after eating a salty meal. In this instance, drinking more water is helpful because the kidneys closely monitor the amount of fluids and sodium in the body. When you drink more water, the kidneys notice the additional salt and water, sending a message to the body to release both. As a result, you flush salt out of your body that can contribute to your edema. Even if sodium isnot the cause, drinking water can stimulate your body to release extra fluids.
Also:
http://www.tuckthattummy.com
Tips to Reduce Swelling
Hydration Drink plenty of water during your recovery after tummy tuck! Proper hydration is paramount. The human body is made up of 70% to 72% water and it cannot function correctly without water. You may think that adding more water to your body can only make swelling worse, but it really can help. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out your system and assist in bowel movements. Medications may hinder regular bowel movements and can contribute to bloating and discomfort. Drinking adequate water is essential for overall good health and it can decrease the abdominal swelling and your healing time.
Hope this helps! But please discuss this with your PS! Happy Healing!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/446830-will-drinking-more-water-help-reduce-my-edema/
WATER'S EFFECTS
Sometimes edema is due to sodium retention in the body. Sodium and water are naturally attracted to each other, which is why you may feel bloated after eating a salty meal. In this instance, drinking more water is helpful because the kidneys closely monitor the amount of fluids and sodium in the body. When you drink more water, the kidneys notice the additional salt and water, sending a message to the body to release both. As a result, you flush salt out of your body that can contribute to your edema. Even if sodium isnot the cause, drinking water can stimulate your body to release extra fluids.
Also:
http://www.tuckthattummy.com
Tips to Reduce Swelling
Hydration Drink plenty of water during your recovery after tummy tuck! Proper hydration is paramount. The human body is made up of 70% to 72% water and it cannot function correctly without water. You may think that adding more water to your body can only make swelling worse, but it really can help. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out your system and assist in bowel movements. Medications may hinder regular bowel movements and can contribute to bloating and discomfort. Drinking adequate water is essential for overall good health and it can decrease the abdominal swelling and your healing time.
Hope this helps! But please discuss this with your PS! Happy Healing!
UPDATED FROM VeeCee
Posted some after pics but they are only 3 days...
Posted some after pics but they are only 3 days after so there is a lot of swelling and bruising and draining tube. And yes I am definitely glad I went through with it!
Replies (5)
WOW WOW WOW you look amazing!!!!! Are you happy??? Wow what a wonderful result! Imagine what you are going to look like after the swelling goes down!! So happy for you...
Keep on the road to recovery! You look great, and I hope the pain is lessening and there were no complications. Please be thinking of me tomorrow. Surgery is at 7:30 for 5 to 6 hours of being under.
Thinking of you Kapilani, hope you're doing ok on your 3rd day post op.
Will definitely be thinking of you and sending strength your way. You close your eyes, then open them and it's DONE! You will be OK! No complications so far with me. Took my first shower today since the op on Fri, felt GREAT! Now you do what you gotta do!
Hey there.... Where have you been. Let me know how you are doing...... I want to know you are ok.....
You look great! Can't wait to here if this also improves your health! It sounds like it is helping your depression! I went through a major depression about 1 1/2 years ago to the point I wanted to die. It was before I lost the weight. I finally managed to shake myself of the depression and lost the weight! I couldn't be happier! So happy for you!
Loving the transformation!
Replies (5)
and wish time will hurry