What will I need and How did it feel???

So, I am scheduled for a Hernia repair and Anchor TT on January 19th. I just have a few questions from all of you Post-TT people.

1) Should I buy a raised toilet seat? I saw where this has been mentioned but don't remember if it was for TT people or Thigh Lift people. What's your opinion on this?

2) Is there anything else I should really have on hand? (I already have a grabber and loose clothing to wear).

3) How did it feel to have the loose skin gone? I keep trying to imagine what that must feel like, and I think that my stomach might feel "tight", and I have never liked anything tight around my stomach, so I have a tiny bit of concern that I won't like the feeling. Okay, okay I know that sounds totally absurb, but it is what it is. I was raised in Hawaii and always wore muu-muu's, thus the loose, flowing feel is what I prefer. But I know that I don't want loose, flowing SKIN!

So those are my few questions. Can you pass on any advice?
Thanks,
Fran

I had a regular TT, not an anchor, but I did not need a raised toilet seat.  The biggest problem afterwards for me was getting up from out of bed.  While in the hospital, you have that bed rail, but at home it takes a bit more creativity.  Once I was sitting up straight, standing wasn't a problem (mind you I was not standing up straight for a few days). 

on #3 - It felt great!  it was completely foreign not to have a bulge sticking out and being able to look straight down to me feet for the first time in a long time.  Honestly, it didn't feel "tight"  so much of that aea is numb for quite a while, and swollen to boot.  Detached is a better way to describe it.  The binder is very comforting in that respect. 

Best of Luck!

I had a small thigh lift, a tt w/anchor cut, and breast aug....didn't need a raised seat at all.

I have found I am incredibly dry-both skin and lips-so lotion and chapstick have been lifesavers. Lanyards to clip your drains to...one to wear, and another for showering. Otherwise, nothing pressing stands out for me. 

How does it feel? Unbelievably tight! I has been amazing to look down and see all the way to the floor...no lumps or bumps in the way. But, it can be a bit annoying to feel so compressed and squeezed all the time. If it's not the tightened skin, it's the compression garment. If it's not the garment, it's tight from swelling. In any case, I know it will ease up eventually and I will be thrilled to have a tight middle.

I did not need a special toilet seat.  As someone else said, the only problem was getting out of bed (so I opted to sleep in my LaZBoy for a coiuple of weeks).

I had my TT almost a year ago, and I still sometimes notice how tight my abdominal muslces feel.  It's not painful, but IS kind of weirdly uncomfortable (like you, I have never liked anything tight around my middle or my thighs).  I just try to remind myself that it is what makesd my belly so flat now... which I *love*!

Lora

Good advice from everyone.
We have 2 recliners here at home, so I figure I will be sleeping in one of them for a while. Also my bed is quite high, so I think I will be able to get in and out of it with no problem.
I will make sure to keep my chapstick and lotion close by.
And I also look forward to looking down and NOT seeing all this weird bumpy skin below my belly button.
As the day gets closer I will be on here more often.
Thanks again for the input.
Fran

I loved my toilet seat riser.  It helped from keeping me from squatting so low after my PS.  I'm sure I could have managed just fine but it was nice hitting that toilet seat at a higher level those first couple of days.  I'm all for making things as easy as  possible.  My lift chair was great too.  The seat riser was only $20 at Walmart.

There will be tightness with the muscle tightening.  There really isn't any way around it.  You will get used to it in time.  As the other poster said,if it's not tight because of the garment, then the swelling will make you feel tight.  It is definitley a great trade off for getting rid of that excess skin!

1. No you don't need a raised toilet seat. I didn't have one and I had the extended tt with/anchor cut and muscle tightening.

2. For the first week you are going to need assistance getting up and down. I would suggest getting a motorized reclining chair. That's going to be you bed for about 2-3 weeks.

3. I felt like a new person to have a flat tummy. I tried to image myself also without the side rolls and massive pouch in the front of my stomach. The first time I looked at myself after surgery I must have stood naked in the mirror for about 20 min. I could not believe it was me that I was looking at. If you don't like anything tight around your stomach then you are probably going to feel real uncomfortable for a while because you are going to be tight especially if you are going to get your muscles tightened. I'm 3 months out and so tight that some days it's still hard for me to stand up straight (this is only me, not everyone have this issue)

All I can say is take it easy right after your surgery. You are going to feel a little weird at first but over time things will get better.

I thank you all for your replies, as you answered alot for me too. I am getting the anchor TT on January 7th, and am already getting excited. All the best to all of you!!!

I am scheduled for the next day for the same surgery. Did they tell you how long the surgery would last? Are you going home the same day? Just wondering.

Hugs
Barbara

I was told the surgery will take about 2.5 - 3 hours, and I should be released on the 3rd day (all going well).