post-op abdominalplasty

I am a lurker and don't post. I have a question for any of you that has had a tummy tuck. I had one ten days ago and I am doing great plan on going back to work on Monday but here is my question. I have lost all the stomach skin and 10 lbs this last week but I can't get my jeans or dress pants to fit around the waist? I just don't understand it. I did have my binder on but I guess I didn't think it would make that kind of a difference plus don't I need to wear my binder for a while anyway. All of these clothes fit fine before the tummy tuck. Any imput would be great Thanks Diana R

Hi Diana, I'm not a TT patient, but I have read others post about having swelling after plastics and it takes a while for the swelling to subside. Best wishes as your WLS (and plastics) journey continues. Hugs, Mo

It's swelling. It will go away, but it might take a month or two. I was a size 10 when I had my TT and a size 14 when it was done. The swelling gradualy went away and everything is spiffy now. Connie

My stomach is definately flat but it seems like stuff was shifted to my waist. I don't appear to be swollen but I will take your word on it since you have been there. How long did you wear a binder? When I look in the mirror I look like Frankenstein lol.

Wear that binder! Secure it tightly around your middle but not so tight that you are uncomfortable. Don't stress over this, you will see beautiful results in about 4 weeks. In the meantime, rest and heal. Tell us more about your journey, Diana. The more we share our stories, the more we help one another. M.

Diana, I wore the binder for about 8 weeks an it really helped. Every time I thought I could do without it, I ended up looking like the sta-puff marshmallow woman by the end of the day. My tummy was flat as a board and I still wore 2 or 3 sizes larger than before I had the surgery. It was strange that I looked so much better, but my waist was bigger. The swelling really will go down. You'll probably notice that pants will fit you looser in the morning and you'll swell as the day goes on. The other weird thing I noticed was that the tops of my thighs really reatined fluid for a while also. I think it took about 6 months before I was totally back to normal. No, make that better than normal. Connie

Hi Diana, welcome! Glad you posted and hope you will do so often - we are a great group and you and I had our surgeries on the same date! I concur with Mo and Connie, it's definitely the swelling - give it time, it will take from 4-6 weeks for this to settle down and you will be left with a firm, taut, hourglass shapely figure! Congrats, be patient and be kind to yourself so that you can heal. Best, M.

I have had a TT - it is fluid retention. When they do TT, they also do some lipo. In order to do the lipo they have to pump you really full of fluids. They pull some of the fluid out with the fat, but not all of it. You will be "puffy" with fluid for awhile - up to a few months.

Hi Shawn, welcome! Tell us all about you! M.

Wear the Binder!! Wear the Binder!! Wear THE BINDER!! Phew....do you think I said it enough?? and wear it snug!! Va TT 2/2005 Butt Lift 6/2005