1-Week Post Op TT: Pics Updated

 Whooooo...what a week!  I'm still swollen but to be honest at this point I'm OK with that.  It's a drastic improvement over what was there before.  Doc took out pain pump yesterday and left drains in.  OK'd me to remove binder and wear compression garments instead.  Made a huge difference in swelling and moving around.

Loving it!

Im going in for my second consultation on getting a tummy tuck, and am nervous.  Can you tell me how much pain was involved with this and how you feel 1 week out?  Was it better then you thought it would be and what is the worst part?  do you have to take sponge baths?  I just want to know everything lol cause i am nervous about this lol.  You look great by the way, it does look alittle painful is it?  How is sleeping?  Thank you for any advice,  Wendy

I had my TT 6 weeks ago.  The pain was manageable with pain meds and after a week I didn't need them anymore.  The key is to take the meds 24 hrs - wake yourself up during the night and take them - it made SUCH  a difference in the morning.

I was taking a full shower within 2 days.  Once I got home I got the ok - but you need someone there with you for the first 2 times.  You may feel lightheaded and dizzy.  I didn't, but some peole do. 

I still wear my compression garment at night - and take it off during the day.  I still swell from afternoon until evening, thus putting it back on.  I don't mind wearing it because I know it will help the swelling.

I was real nervous too - but found I was more nervous than I needed to be.  The biggest issue is dealing with the drains - they're a PITA.  I was SO glad when mine came out.

 First of all don't be nervous - think of this as a good thing. :-)

When I woke in recovery and for a day or so after, the only pain I was feeling was from the drain incisions.  It wasn't a fun pain, however, in the hospital I had morphine to help.  I did have an On-Q pain pump so that probably helped things.  When I went home I didn't have any narcotics - I took Extra-Strength Tylenol that I took regularly to be proactive with the pain rather than reactive.

I feel great a week out - I baby myself when moving but I am standing up straight unlike the first few days.  I have little twinges that I feel where the drains are but it's not unbearable.

I'm mostly sore in my arms and my upper thighs from using those parts of my body to move myself around.

I have been taking sponge baths - I was given the okay yesterday to shower once a day but my tub is a claw-foot tub and pretty high up so I haven't tried to get in unassisted.  My bf is coming over in the morning to assist me.

Sleeping sucks MOST of all but I think it's more individual for me than anything.  I have Restless Leg Syndrome that's been controlled by an Iron regimen pre-op but perhaps because of the blood loss I've been having horrible nights sleep because of the RLS.

Good Luck!

Looking good girly! I go for my 1 week postop tomorrow morning and I am already preparing myself to keep the two abdominal drains in. They are still producing way more than 20cc in 24 hours and far from clear fluid. I have to wear the binder for 1 more week 24/7. I had the BL/BA at the same time and I am in itchy mode - thinking it may be partly from the paper tape! I am going back to work on Monday so going to rest this weekend  - tell my little girls that! LOL.

Take good care of yourself . . .

Good to hear all is well with you!!!

I forgot to ask my doc yesterday, but, when you say "clear fluid" do you mean with no tissue and junk in it or that it's not red drainage?  I get confused on that part.

I get the tinglys when I'm sitting up in a chair or what not - it's kinda weird feeling and kinda cool at the same time.  Doc says it's my body healing.

I discovered that my tummy is numb near the incisions which feels weird but I knew that would happen.

Back to work already - nice!  I thought of asking if I could go back this Monday.  A large part of me thinks he may OK it...but I think I'm going to wait until my drains are out just so that I'm not having to fuss with it.

Shoot - and now that just reminded me that I forgot to ask if I can drive.  I feel so closed in and dependent on everyone.  What sucks most is that everyone has tall vehicles (Trucks and SUV's) and I would prefer to drive my little Beetle.  My Beetle is a 5-speed so I don't know if that factors in when I can drive.

Cheers!

Hey Tisha,

As far as the drainage, he said it needs to turn clear/yellow. I am still pretty red and as expected, I still have both of my drains in after my appointment this morning. He said I am probably up moving around too much. I told him that I had not been mowing the grass because he told me not to - lol! I have a really hard tine sitting still, plus I have two small children. We are shooting for next week sometime to remove the drains. I started driving on Thursday - just can't take the pain meds if I am going to drive, but I don't really need them. They do help me sleep at night though.

Have a great weekend and keep us posted . . .

Thank you so much Tisha for sharing your pics. It really gives me an idea of what to expect. You look great and I wish you much success.