Care after LBL

I'm on track for a LBL (my first PS) on June 8.  I live alone and I'm trying to understand exactly how much care I need in the first couple weeks.  I will have a nurse with me fin a hotel room for the first two to three nights.  After that:

1.  Do you need someone to physically help you stand up to go to the bathroom?  If yes, for how long?

2.  Do you need someone with you 24/7 or just someone every couple hours to check on you?

Lastly, I had been thinking I would take two weeks off and then work from home for two weeks.  I could do three weeks off and then work from home for two weeks.  I would love your experience with recovery times.

Many thanks.  Kelly

i am 2 weeks out, i could not get out of bed by myself so have been sleeping in a chair, i have a toilet seat riser and could go to the bathroom by myself, the first 11 days i had some one 24/7 but now am by myself, i still could not see myself working at this time.

 Thank you so much for responding!  Congratulations!  I hope you feel fabulous -- and look fabulous -- soon!

1.  What is a toilet seat riser?
2.  Can you get out of a chair by yourself?
3.  What did your 24/7 caregiver have to do -- particularly during the night?

Thanks for the information on not being ready to work yet.  So helpful.

Kelly

kelly, if I was you, I'd take off as much time as possible.  I was on my own after 3 days, my DH went back to work and it was very difficult.  I could go to the bathroom on my own, but needed help with the shower, getting meals etc.  It's only now that I am feeling confident on my own.  I worry about falling and dizziness, so haven't showered without help.  24/7 help would be nice, but not quite necessary other than the first few days 

good luck!

Wow.  That does sound like a lot.  On the one hand, I'm happy to hear it's possible.  On the other, I see how taxing it would be on my own when I read your account.  Thanks for painting a clear picture.  Kelly

Let me preface and say that I had a LBL, Thigh Lift, thigh lipo, breast lift and a UBL (Back flanks removed)

The Freshette and the toilet seat riser were my best friends.  I was on my own on day 3.  I had alot of prepared meals (like Lean Cuisine and Weigh****chers).  I did have a lift chair which helped.   I didn't really struggle with the LBL it was more the inner thigh lift but I did feel pulling and that was a bit uncomfortable. 

I went back to work week 2 but I work from home so it was easier.  I could have went back into the office except the swelling was so bad that I couldn't even wear flip flops as they dug into my feet.

Each person is different.  Good luck!!

OMG.  I have googled the Freshette and am in awe at the power of this community!  How would I have ever found out about that? Huge thanks!  I love being prepared and these are great ideas.   Thank you so much for sharing your experience.  Kelly

Hi Kelly! Congrats on getting your surgery! I had my body lift on March 27th. I definitely couldn't get in and out of bed on my own for a good week. I bought an inexpensive recliner which I don't think I could have lived without. I slept there, ate there, basically spent 24 hours a day there. My husband took off of work for a week and was with me round the clock, counting weekends amounted to 9 days. I was pretty helpless. My PS recommended a walker because you have to stoop when you walk for the first week or two (or more for some) and you are so sore. My husband bought one and I don't think I could have lived without that the first week either. You can rent them from a medical supply place.

I didn't need anyone to help me sit on the toilet and I didn't have a riser. I just had to lower myself very slowly.

Sitting down... like I said, I had a recliner but I had to have help getting myself "in" the recliner. Meaning seated and scooted with your back to the back. Then someone had to open the recliner for me. It kept me in a V position per my doctors orders. After about 4 - 5 days, I could do this myself.

I underestimated the amount of time it would take to recover. I think everyone just responses differently. Some are back to work in 2 - 3 weeks, some can't. I just started to feel myself today. Tired but more normal than I have in a long time and I'll be 5 weeks Friday.

I hope this helps some. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Best wishes! 

I love your recommendations!  I have written them down -- love the walker and inexpensive recliner ideas!  That is fabulous.  Huge thanks for sharing your experience.    Congratulations -- and good luck with everything! 

I am with Happy Girl, take as much time as you can to heal. I had a LBL, BL/BA, Brachioplasty, and Medial Thigh lift. After the first few days I could do most things needed on my own including go to the bathroom, get in and out of bed or chair,  change compression garments, etc. I took 6 weeks off from work because I had the paid leave to use. I am glad I did simply to give my body the best opportunity to heal. Working from home will make the transition much easier. I worked from home when I had my RNY and it made all the difference for me.

It is nice to have someone around simply because you are trying to heal and it is nice to have that person to do things like get you that cup of tea, fluff your pillow and hand you the remote.  I had my Mom and husband to help out. I was able to do most things on my own, I just learned to do them 1. slower and/or 2. a different way to accomodate any temporary limitations.

Congratulations on your journey as you graduate to this new chapter of your life!