Day 5 Post Abdominoplasty

Been gone for awhile from OH due to such a busy life!  I'd forgoten how comforting this site can be until, once again I needed it.  A few days ago  posted about how depressed I felt and many members came to the rescue :-).  Today marks day 5 post abdominoplasty surgery. Wow!  I certainly hadn't prepared myself for this.  Day two was very depressing with a lot of crying.  Looked at my body and wondered what the hell had I done!  Amazingly the pain isn't that great.  It is just a dull burning sensation that I find to be very manageable.  What is killing me is the @#$* compression garment.  Took it off for a shower and almost passed out trying to get it back on.  Had to take two pain pills and a nap afterwards.  I may not EVER take it off again. LOL!  I'll just stay away from people until the DR says I can go with out it.

Some of the things I didn't realize because I didn't do research before hand is how long the recovery period is (4-6 weeks),  how serious this surgery really is (I think I took it for granted), that I would have to be in a sitting postion for 3-4 days post surgery, that the scars would be so long and ugly (I have an anchor cut as well), that swelling could last for months post surgery, and that I have to wear this stupid garment for 3-4 months!!!

Oh well, according to my fellow OH members, the end result is well worth it.  I just can't wait until I get to the point when I can appreciate my current state of affairs.

Tommorrow is my post-op appointment.  Hope all goes well and these darn drains come out!!!

Being 8 weeks today with beaucoup swelling/seroma, I appreciate your predicament.  It's bad though at some point when the garment feels better feeling than the alternative . . .  yikes.

The end results are definitely worth it.
Hang in there....do not stop using the compression garment, it makes a big difference in your final results.  The good news is in another few days or weeks you'll be over the worst part and then the garment will feel like your best friend/security blanket.

Ups and downs post-op are normal.....I was in tears this morning myself...but I'm ok tonight.

You are right about swelling, it stinks and it can last for months and months but in the big picture it is temporary and suddenly will less and less.  For me the 6 week mark always seems to be the magic week when I start to feel "normal" and still the swelling and healing continues after that....it just gets better.

Feel better!!

Thanks for the comfort, i'm ready for day 6!

Okay, new kid on the block here with a question about these compression garment things.  Is there anyway to get them in graduated sizes so that they wouldn't be quit "so" tight at first?  Or maybe they make one that is adjustable in some fashion???    This has me worried 'cause I'm planning an anchor cut also.  (I didn't even have a binder with my DS.)  I'm totally in the dark here.  -Jenny

All I know is the the nurse measured me before surgery to determine which size I would be wearing and today it does seem to be getting better.  I looked on line and found that there are different types but considering that my surgeon has done many of these surgeries, I'm thinking he has selected this one for a reason.  I go today for my post-op and I want to ask if the full body one is necessary or can I wear an ab binder.  We'll see...

Sorry kiddo the whole point is it is suppposed to be tight.  It feels less tight as the swelling goes down.

 
I've got a few different brands...they are all basically the same just sometimes I find one on sale. Here are some links....

designveronique.com/cgi-bin/ic/dv2/855

marenagroup.com/store/entity/tabid/198/c-2-womens-body-suits .aspx

I just found this site ...have not tried their product yet but may order some for my last surgery   www.healingenhancements.com/girdles.aspx


Hope that helps!

Thanks Ruth, I've added them to my file.  Do you buy the ones with the zippers?  I get  that they're suppose to be tight.  I just wasn't happy with the idea of fainting from the pain of putting them on.  Yikes. 
Heavens, I think the tightest thing I've worn lately is stretch underwear.  LOL  I know I'm in for a real shock, huh?   And sticker shock, too.  These thing ain't cheap.  Do you think I could just wait and see what type the Dr. gives me and then order, or should I have one already waiting at home.  I guess knowing what size to order is a real problem.  -Jenny

Yes in the beginning you want the stage 1 garments with zippers.  Some folks later move to stage 2 but me personally I just stay with the stage 1.  I've been in them since last Sept (I've had 3 surgeries back to back so I'm very used to wearing them).

I've always gotten mine from the surgeon and then supplemented with additional ones if needed.

I just found another company who seems to sell them a little cheaper but I'm not sure if the quality is the same.  I may get one below the knee to try...if I do I can let you know how it is....when is your surgery?

FYI - I always saved my older ones so I have a second one to change into while the new one is in the laundry.
They run tight...use the size chart or call them and give your measurements to be sure.  To give you an idea....
I wear size 4/6 clothes, I'm 5'7" with long legs my waist is 29" and I'm wearing a Medium garment today.  I'm SWOLLEN from surgery so it is snug....when the swelling goes down I can fit into a small.  So don't buy it too small or you'll never get into it.

Hope that helps...

 I know people post that there are different ones that their surgeon recommend.  Some have one very tight for two weeks and then graduate to a less constricting one.  It is uncomfortable, but now that I've had mine on for two weeks, I am pretty use to it and actually like the way it feels better than without it.