post op panniculectomy

I just had a panniculectomy a few days ago and the binder is a pain and I absolutely hate the drain tubes! I am sleeping in a recliner and can't wait to get back to sleeping in my bed once the drains come out! How long was it before you could sit bent over? I hope that I can stop wearing the binder soon. I am high functioning autistic and can't stand the change to my routine.

I agree with the lipo being more painful that my incision, though pain levels will vary from person to person.  It wasn't unbearable, though, and I had good pain meds.  One thing someone told me that I was prepared for was that I wasn't going to be very hungry for a while and they were right.  Make sure you are able to get in your fluids, have vitamin water (if your surgeon is ok with it) and protein drinks ready.  You'll want to make sure you get your protein and fluids in.  I also found Benedryl handy because I was a little itchy as things were healing.  Again, check with your surgeon to make sure you can take it with your other meds or use the cream.  It helped me a lot.  I didn't need help getting in and out of bed except for a stool.  My mattress is high and it was helpful to step on the stool and then sit down as opposed to trying to climb into bed.  Oh, and stool softener if you're not taking one already.  The pain meds can be constipating and you'll want to head that off.   Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Oooh Allison, good call on the poop pills! Forgot about that... being stuffed up sucks but even more so when it takes 2.5 hours to just situate your self to pee on the tolit and be stuck there!

Hi, I am five weeks post op (TT/LBL/Arms) and I have to say the best thing I did for my tummy was to rent an electric lift reliner from Rent-a-Center.... It was $25 per week and I couldn't have survived the first two weeks without it.  I slept there.   Lou

I had a center panni removal on April 23rd... It was tough for me the first couple days , as I was unable to stand up stright and the drain hose SUCKS . But really I just layed around in the recliner ( A MUST ) ,,, I wore a big ol house dress and watched TV , my diet was normal , I never changed anything .. the pain meds are wonderful.  My PS does not use gas during surgery so I never had and upset tummy, recovery room was no problem for me... Really on a scale on 1- 10 ( 10 being the worst ) ... my experence was a 5 not bad at all.  Just lay back and relax. Take care - and it is worth ALL to all that skin removed. Allison

Thanks for all the replies because they are really going to help me out too.  I am scheduled for 17 Jul and I am reading and researching all I can.

 

Becky

Well, I can tell you from my unintended panniculectomy that I haven't really had that much down time.  Because my muscles weren't dealt with and I had no lipo - he did do something with my belly button though - I am not in a lot of pain at all - matter of fact, didn't need the pain meds after two days.  Keep in mind ALL he did was remove my pannis.  I COULD go back to work after next week - but I am still going to take the four for $300 Alex.... LOL!!!

You are silly....well that is the exact  procedures I am having done. So hopefully I will have a fairly easy recovery, as I will be going it alone most of the time...that is me and my ten year old...well you encouraged and remember what I said in my post if you need me gurlie I am here...be encouraged ..God is still in control

I'm so thankful for the question and everyone's reply as I'm having my ps on the 30th.  I'm actually having the following  procedures done --abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, correction of diatasis recti, exision of painful cicatrix on the upper abdomen , sternum scraping due to excess cartiledge and hernia repair. The knowledge I've been able to gather from this forum is outstanding and I'm so glad you are all here and so open. Maryann

Glad to help Maryann, I am trying to be as prepared as possible and every little bit of information gained is helpful, if not for you then for someone in our PS family.