TT Questions

Ok all you tt survivors I've got a few questions for you as I prepare for surgery next week. 1. Drain tubes (my nightmare) - Dr says that I'll come home with two of them. How long did you keep your? 2. Driving - Were you off driving for more then two weeks? 3. Limits on Carrying - what was your limit? and for how long? 4. Stairs - Can you do stairs after surgery? 5. Foods - Did you find it difficult to eat and/or take vitamins after surgery? 6. Hernia repair - What was your experience with the muscle tightening? 7. Swelling - seems to be the big thing with TT. Did you have sooo much swelling that you had to wear a bigger size? Or is it just swollen for a looong time? 8. Sex - when can I have it again?? Just kidding!!!! (don't tell my hubbie that I posted this, he'd turn a million shades of RED) I'm WAY over analyizing this whole thing I'm sure. The closer it gets, the more nervous I am getting. Yesterday I had a total melt down over something that I otherwise would have been able to handle. I know it's because I'm nervous about my surgery. Any advice or reassurance would be greatly appreciated!!! Hugs Laurie

1. Drain tubes (my nightmare) - Dr says that I'll come home with two of them. How long did you keep your? Came home with two and got one out at two weeks and the other at three weeks. My PS said that massive weightloss patients tend to have to keep them longer. 2. Driving - Were you off driving for more then two weeks? no, I could drive at two weeks. 3. Limits on Carrying - what was your limit? and for how long? 5 lbs for two weeks and no more than 10 lbs for another two weeks. 4. Stairs - Can you do stairs after surgery? I did stairs, but it did cause terrible muscle spasms in my abs afterward and caused me to be fatigued the rest of the day. 5. Foods - Did you find it difficult to eat and/or take vitamins after surgery? Yes, it was very similar to right after WLS when you really don't want anything and a few sips will do just fine. 6. Hernia repair - What was your experience with the muscle tightening? I did not have a hernia, but I did have extensive muscle tightening. It makes it difficult to stand straight or lay stretched out (you will want pillows for under your knees when laying in bed). I could not stand straight for about the first three weeks and then I could for a limited period of time then I would slump again. It was probably about six weeks before I could stay straight. 7. Swelling - seems to be the big thing with TT. Did you have sooo much swelling that you had to wear a bigger size? Or is it just swollen for a looong time? I never had to wear a bigger size, however when my swelling started going down my sizes decrease by leaps and bounds. 8. Sex - when can I have it again?? Just kidding!!!! (don't tell my hubbie that I posted this, he'd turn a million shades of RED) I waited until the tubes were out, but thats just me.

Wow, your tt is next week? I bet you are so busy right now getting everything ready. I know you'll do good, your tough. Is someone going to let us know how everything is going? I know you're scared , just try to keep busy and it will be here in no time. Hugs Linda

Laurie, Thank you so much for posting this. These were the EXACT questions I have for my tummy tuck and other stuff on May 31st. (Except for the sex question, because I am having a hysterectomy at the same time, I already know that answer) Carol

Thanks for all the questions Laurie, I am considering a couple of procedures myself. In fact I just spoke with my PCP about some today and I plan on checking into getting some info regarding plastic surgeons very soon. I would really like to know who all is out there and what people need to know about them to make an informed decision. Any help would be great and this was a great help to start with. God Bless and The best to you with your surgery. Beth