Surgery Soon...Have Some Questions
Hello Everyone,
I am scheduled for a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty (the "anchor cut") procedure in about a month. I am really excited to have the excess skin removed, but I have a few questions about what to expect:
1) How much pain did you have after the surgery? How long was it before you could sit up/ get around without too much pain?
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I am sure the surgeon will let me know what to expect when we met for the presurgical meeting, but hearing from others would help.
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work?
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed?
Any other things that you wished someone told you before you had your surgery would be great. Just looking for as much information as possible.
I am scheduled for a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty (the "anchor cut") procedure in about a month. I am really excited to have the excess skin removed, but I have a few questions about what to expect:
1) How much pain did you have after the surgery? How long was it before you could sit up/ get around without too much pain?
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I am sure the surgeon will let me know what to expect when we met for the presurgical meeting, but hearing from others would help.
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work?
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed?
Any other things that you wished someone told you before you had your surgery would be great. Just looking for as much information as possible.
Everything is different for each person.
1. I had very little pain after my surgery. I was pretty much off my pain meds by day 5 except for sleeping. I could get up from a sitting position pretty much right away and managed from laying on the couch to getting up after about a week. Laying flat on a bed took a couple of weeks.
2. I'd say it was about a week before my mom left me alone to fend for myself. She still came around every day after that to cook/clean and such. Take it for as long as you can get it. I was allowed to drive as soon as I was off my pain meds. To be comfortable just getting in and out of a car and looking over my shoulder it was probably about 2-3 weeks before I drove. Again, I had someone who was willing to drive me where I needed to go so I took advantage of it.
3. I was cleared to go back to work at 4 weeks (I had an LBL & brachio)
4. I had 4 drains total. 2 were removed at the first follow up at about a 1 1/2 weeks. The 3rd drain was removed at week 3 and the final one at week 6 (again that's long).
Sonya
1) How much pain did you have after the surgery? How long was it before you could sit up/ get around without too much pain?
My pain was very controlled. I would say it was more discomfort than pain. I was able to get around pretty well the next day, just slowly- I will say I didn't try to go too far. By day 8, when I had to go out of town for my post op, I was getting around pretty well.
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I am sure the surgeon will let me know what to expect when we met for the presurgical meeting, but hearing from others would help.
My husband didn't let me try to do too much for the first week, but by the start of the second week I was pretty self sufficient and was pretty comfortable with that. I did need some help with reaching for a while, but I also had a breast lift. Weight restricitions will likely also be placed by your surgeon (I was told 5 pounds, but I think that was because of the breast lift, had it been a tummy tuck only, it would have been 10). This may limit what you can do and when.. as an example, grocery shopping could be a problem if you can't lift everything you need to.
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work?
I don't work, but at day 8 he released me to start walking at the Y again, just no power walking.
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed?
I had 2, both removed at post op, day 8.
My pain was very controlled. I would say it was more discomfort than pain. I was able to get around pretty well the next day, just slowly- I will say I didn't try to go too far. By day 8, when I had to go out of town for my post op, I was getting around pretty well.
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I am sure the surgeon will let me know what to expect when we met for the presurgical meeting, but hearing from others would help.
My husband didn't let me try to do too much for the first week, but by the start of the second week I was pretty self sufficient and was pretty comfortable with that. I did need some help with reaching for a while, but I also had a breast lift. Weight restricitions will likely also be placed by your surgeon (I was told 5 pounds, but I think that was because of the breast lift, had it been a tummy tuck only, it would have been 10). This may limit what you can do and when.. as an example, grocery shopping could be a problem if you can't lift everything you need to.
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work?
I don't work, but at day 8 he released me to start walking at the Y again, just no power walking.
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed?
I had 2, both removed at post op, day 8.
Aloha KJ-
Oooooh, so EXCITING! But you catch me after my tour has ended so I'm up all night...typing ALOT! Eeeeek, sorry so long!
1) How much pain did you have after the surgery? How long was it before you could sit up/ get around without too much pain? I had a circumferential lower body lift and breast lift/aug. Was warned most of the pain would be from the LBL/muscle tightening, and was mentally prepared for the worst pain ever. Not so. I had a WONDERFUL apparatus called an OnQ Pain Blocker- my PS uses it on all lower body lifts and mastectomies- heaven sent! You are numb for 5 days while this pressurized ball full of local anesthetic pumps a novocaine-like med into the drain sites around your abdomen. I was walking 8 hours post recovery ( 6.5 hour long surgery) and walking upright within 48 hours. I used narcotics, NSAIDs, ice, comfortable tempurpedic pillows, and the pain blocker for pain relief and nothing was even close to unbearable. I'd say I was pleasantly surprised. Most discomfort for me was Night 2 when I had a little pity party as I attended to my 7 drains.....then smacked myself in the head and thanked the Lord that I was able to do plastics at all.
http://www.askyoursurgeon.com/onqsolution.php
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I didn't need any help dressing or using the toilet- I let my husband cook, take care of the kids and dogs for about 2 days then I chipped in. I have a terrific group of friends that made meals for my family, and organized rides for my kids 4X weekly for the first 3 weeks- my kids did not want them to stop because the food was so delicious, HA! I did not shop til I could drive- my PS said I could do that when I was no longer taking narcotics ( Day 7, and by then only at night) and when I could crank the steering wheel hard and break abruptly without experiencing pain. I had someone else take me to my 2, 4 and 7 day follow ups- I drove myself to the 10 and 12 day follow ups ( I had alot of drains, we'd pull them as the drainage diminished to an acceptable level).
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work? Cleared to go back at 3 weeks. Took 6 weeks off though. I'm a veterinarian, work graveyards double shift doing emergency/crit care, on my feet or a stool all night long and we have lift tables for heavy dogs...but it's still alot of up down on and off the floor, and that 16 hour shift is a looooong one.
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed? Seven drains - 1 in each breast, one from each lumbar area that wrapped around and drained from the front, one from each lower abdominal area, and one from my mons. They all drained in front, I looked like a terrorist with my drains clipped to my fanny pack and shirt. Since I have the most medical knowledge ( and vets love drains- we put flippin' drains in EVERYTHING that walks in the door!), I handled all my drains myself. Less cross contamination, confusion, etc. I kept a running log that noted each drain and its output every time I emptied the JP bulb ( Jackson Pratt, the little grenade) so I knew when they were draining 25 cc or less over a 24 hour period ( my surgeon's criteria for pulling the drain). He started pulling them on Day 2 post op, all were out by Day 12, and it did not hurt at all- more like an internal tugging as they slid out. Those drain holes are the same ones used by the OnQ blocker catheters as they enter your body to infuse the long acting local anesthetic ( again, I cannot praise that thing enough).
Any other things that you wished someone told you before you had your surgery would be great.
-I felt really, really prepared- I was given a booklet that I read a month ahead of time and highlighted questions to ask on my pre op, then I reread it again the night before surgery. Got all my walking , stretching in- helps decrease clot formation and keep you supple and flexible. I moved stuff I needed and used everyday from upper and lower cabinets to mid level countertops. I had loose soft clothing like tank tops that opened in the front, and drawstring shorts that were baggy and comfortable to hide the drainage tubes- my OnQ came with a fanny pack and most of the tubing was tucked into that. Slip on shoes and slippers with non skid soles are also a must.
-I took pictures ( clothed, undies and nakie nakie) the night before, as well as my tape measurements and weight ( important because with my surgery, my waist INCREASED in size a few inches- took about 6 weeks before it went down to smaller than pre op). Your surgery being an anchor cut will actually get you a smaller waist because you get reduction both vertically AND horizontally ( my procedure only lifts vertically).
-I prepped with LOTS of squats- hundreds per week- and was glad I did. It was so much easier to do little things like get up off the toilet or couch or out of the car- you can't depend on your core muscles for a while, they've been cut and tightened and are sore. Be in the best physical shape you can be in- you'll hasten your recovery and feel better while doing it.
-I upped my protein 3 weeks pre op and maintained that higher level for 6 months post oip- Protein is your FRIEND while healing. I ensured 125 g of dietary protein per day during that period- you can't heal or maintain a healthy immune system without it, and you don't feel much liie eating post op ( I still have no appetite 2 years post VSG and really didn't feel like eating post plastics). I did rely on protein shakes for this. If you have been working out and have alot of muscle built up, your body can also draw on this if you don't get all your dietary protein in.
-My PS wanted me off Vit E ( as well as meds that can potentially prolong your bleeding time). It was in my multivite, so I stopped that 3 weeks pre op. What I didn't realize was that it was also in my protein shake- and I started drinking 2-3 of those a day pre op- I wonder if that's why I oozed so much at surgery time, necessitating the breast drains ( he says in 12 years he's only put breast drains in twice for a non-reconstructive breast surgery- and I was the second).
-I had my home recovery room set up downstairs on the couch, where the downstairs bathroom has the tallest toilet (high rise throne!) and an adjacent counter so I could use my arms if I needed to ( relied mostly on my legs though). The kitchen is there as well as the TV. I used 3 Tempurpedic pillows to keep me in a "W" position with reclined back and elevated knees ( to prevent clots). At first I balked at the cost ($320 ) for all my pillows- but they have removable washable covers, and have since been used for both my kids wisdom teeth recovery, my friend's double mastectomy, and last week my other friend's tummy tuck and breast work. So they have paid themselves off! And you can put them in different configurations. Some folks used a recliner post op. I loved my pillows! I also kept a small cooler with me that was stocked with my protein shakes, decaf iced tea, some snacks like string cheese, Greek yogurt, etc so I didn't have to get up or call anyone everytime I wanted something.
-Ahead of time ( the PS office did not mention this, my VSG office did) - I used Hibiclens soap on my abdomen/surgical in the shower for 3 days prior to surgery- it decreases the amount of bacteria such as Staph on your skin, to decrease the risk of infection. Any Chlorhexidine soap ( 2-4%) will do this- Hibiclens was the one available at my local Rite Aid. I also bought a stool softener ( DSS caps, 100 mg) and took 2 a day starting 3 days pre op. The narcotics and lack of exercise/fiber tend to constipate you. Didn't have any problems but I took precautions.
-One thing the office did not tell me( but I knew from vet med and my VSG) was to have medical gloves handy ( to strip/tend to your drains and bandages), extra sterile 4x4's, non-stick surgical tape, and frozen raspberries or peas ( for cool compresses). I had a tupperware basket that held all my stuff as well as my log for tracking drainage and when I last took meds. And CHAPSTICK! And COUGH DROPS! You want to avoid coughing and laughing that first week, ouch!
-Remember, using multi-modal pain relief means you don't have to rely strongly on any one pain med- so combine the ice pack with someone massaging your feet with a narcotic with an NSAID- and you'll require less drugs!
OK, rattled on enough- here's a photo to give you the giggles. UP that protein, do those squats, and look forward to bidding adieu to all that skin! XOXOLori
Oooooh, so EXCITING! But you catch me after my tour has ended so I'm up all night...typing ALOT! Eeeeek, sorry so long!
1) How much pain did you have after the surgery? How long was it before you could sit up/ get around without too much pain? I had a circumferential lower body lift and breast lift/aug. Was warned most of the pain would be from the LBL/muscle tightening, and was mentally prepared for the worst pain ever. Not so. I had a WONDERFUL apparatus called an OnQ Pain Blocker- my PS uses it on all lower body lifts and mastectomies- heaven sent! You are numb for 5 days while this pressurized ball full of local anesthetic pumps a novocaine-like med into the drain sites around your abdomen. I was walking 8 hours post recovery ( 6.5 hour long surgery) and walking upright within 48 hours. I used narcotics, NSAIDs, ice, comfortable tempurpedic pillows, and the pain blocker for pain relief and nothing was even close to unbearable. I'd say I was pleasantly surprised. Most discomfort for me was Night 2 when I had a little pity party as I attended to my 7 drains.....then smacked myself in the head and thanked the Lord that I was able to do plastics at all.
http://www.askyoursurgeon.com/onqsolution.php
2) How long was it before you could dress/cook/shop for yourself? How long before you could drive? I didn't need any help dressing or using the toilet- I let my husband cook, take care of the kids and dogs for about 2 days then I chipped in. I have a terrific group of friends that made meals for my family, and organized rides for my kids 4X weekly for the first 3 weeks- my kids did not want them to stop because the food was so delicious, HA! I did not shop til I could drive- my PS said I could do that when I was no longer taking narcotics ( Day 7, and by then only at night) and when I could crank the steering wheel hard and break abruptly without experiencing pain. I had someone else take me to my 2, 4 and 7 day follow ups- I drove myself to the 10 and 12 day follow ups ( I had alot of drains, we'd pull them as the drainage diminished to an acceptable level).
3) How long before you were cleared to go back to work? Cleared to go back at 3 weeks. Took 6 weeks off though. I'm a veterinarian, work graveyards double shift doing emergency/crit care, on my feet or a stool all night long and we have lift tables for heavy dogs...but it's still alot of up down on and off the floor, and that 16 hour shift is a looooong one.
4) How many drains, and how long before they were all removed? Seven drains - 1 in each breast, one from each lumbar area that wrapped around and drained from the front, one from each lower abdominal area, and one from my mons. They all drained in front, I looked like a terrorist with my drains clipped to my fanny pack and shirt. Since I have the most medical knowledge ( and vets love drains- we put flippin' drains in EVERYTHING that walks in the door!), I handled all my drains myself. Less cross contamination, confusion, etc. I kept a running log that noted each drain and its output every time I emptied the JP bulb ( Jackson Pratt, the little grenade) so I knew when they were draining 25 cc or less over a 24 hour period ( my surgeon's criteria for pulling the drain). He started pulling them on Day 2 post op, all were out by Day 12, and it did not hurt at all- more like an internal tugging as they slid out. Those drain holes are the same ones used by the OnQ blocker catheters as they enter your body to infuse the long acting local anesthetic ( again, I cannot praise that thing enough).
Any other things that you wished someone told you before you had your surgery would be great.
-I felt really, really prepared- I was given a booklet that I read a month ahead of time and highlighted questions to ask on my pre op, then I reread it again the night before surgery. Got all my walking , stretching in- helps decrease clot formation and keep you supple and flexible. I moved stuff I needed and used everyday from upper and lower cabinets to mid level countertops. I had loose soft clothing like tank tops that opened in the front, and drawstring shorts that were baggy and comfortable to hide the drainage tubes- my OnQ came with a fanny pack and most of the tubing was tucked into that. Slip on shoes and slippers with non skid soles are also a must.
-I took pictures ( clothed, undies and nakie nakie) the night before, as well as my tape measurements and weight ( important because with my surgery, my waist INCREASED in size a few inches- took about 6 weeks before it went down to smaller than pre op). Your surgery being an anchor cut will actually get you a smaller waist because you get reduction both vertically AND horizontally ( my procedure only lifts vertically).
-I prepped with LOTS of squats- hundreds per week- and was glad I did. It was so much easier to do little things like get up off the toilet or couch or out of the car- you can't depend on your core muscles for a while, they've been cut and tightened and are sore. Be in the best physical shape you can be in- you'll hasten your recovery and feel better while doing it.
-I upped my protein 3 weeks pre op and maintained that higher level for 6 months post oip- Protein is your FRIEND while healing. I ensured 125 g of dietary protein per day during that period- you can't heal or maintain a healthy immune system without it, and you don't feel much liie eating post op ( I still have no appetite 2 years post VSG and really didn't feel like eating post plastics). I did rely on protein shakes for this. If you have been working out and have alot of muscle built up, your body can also draw on this if you don't get all your dietary protein in.
-My PS wanted me off Vit E ( as well as meds that can potentially prolong your bleeding time). It was in my multivite, so I stopped that 3 weeks pre op. What I didn't realize was that it was also in my protein shake- and I started drinking 2-3 of those a day pre op- I wonder if that's why I oozed so much at surgery time, necessitating the breast drains ( he says in 12 years he's only put breast drains in twice for a non-reconstructive breast surgery- and I was the second).
-I had my home recovery room set up downstairs on the couch, where the downstairs bathroom has the tallest toilet (high rise throne!) and an adjacent counter so I could use my arms if I needed to ( relied mostly on my legs though). The kitchen is there as well as the TV. I used 3 Tempurpedic pillows to keep me in a "W" position with reclined back and elevated knees ( to prevent clots). At first I balked at the cost ($320 ) for all my pillows- but they have removable washable covers, and have since been used for both my kids wisdom teeth recovery, my friend's double mastectomy, and last week my other friend's tummy tuck and breast work. So they have paid themselves off! And you can put them in different configurations. Some folks used a recliner post op. I loved my pillows! I also kept a small cooler with me that was stocked with my protein shakes, decaf iced tea, some snacks like string cheese, Greek yogurt, etc so I didn't have to get up or call anyone everytime I wanted something.
-Ahead of time ( the PS office did not mention this, my VSG office did) - I used Hibiclens soap on my abdomen/surgical in the shower for 3 days prior to surgery- it decreases the amount of bacteria such as Staph on your skin, to decrease the risk of infection. Any Chlorhexidine soap ( 2-4%) will do this- Hibiclens was the one available at my local Rite Aid. I also bought a stool softener ( DSS caps, 100 mg) and took 2 a day starting 3 days pre op. The narcotics and lack of exercise/fiber tend to constipate you. Didn't have any problems but I took precautions.
-One thing the office did not tell me( but I knew from vet med and my VSG) was to have medical gloves handy ( to strip/tend to your drains and bandages), extra sterile 4x4's, non-stick surgical tape, and frozen raspberries or peas ( for cool compresses). I had a tupperware basket that held all my stuff as well as my log for tracking drainage and when I last took meds. And CHAPSTICK! And COUGH DROPS! You want to avoid coughing and laughing that first week, ouch!
-Remember, using multi-modal pain relief means you don't have to rely strongly on any one pain med- so combine the ice pack with someone massaging your feet with a narcotic with an NSAID- and you'll require less drugs!
OK, rattled on enough- here's a photo to give you the giggles. UP that protein, do those squats, and look forward to bidding adieu to all that skin! XOXOLori
Thank you so much for all the information! I'm scheduled for a hernia repair/anchor tummy tuck on Sept. 1, and your response helped me be a little less apprehensive. I'm going to ask my ps about the onQ pain blocker when I see him this month. You look great, by the way.....I hope I look that good while my drains are in!
1. I was on pain meds for the fist 2 days then only at night for a couple more nights. I would describe the feeling not as pain but as being realy sore, like I had done 500 sit ups. I had the LBL as an out pt and walked to and from my car that day. I rented a lift to sleep in.
2. I could dress and wash myself from the beginning. I shopped and stocked up before my surgery and didn't need things right away. The first week I moved very slow. My husband took two weeks off work to help me and work on remodeling our basement. Mostly he did the houshold chores for the family and drove me to appointments. I didn't drive because I felt I moved slower and didn't have the reaction time to be safe. If I was a single person I would have wanted help the first 3-5 days and someone to drive. It is more about feeling vulnerable and not wanting to be alone then needing care.
3. I was cleared to go back to work after 3 weeks. I only work part time and took 6 weeks off.
4. I had 4 drains one came out at 10 days, the secnod at 2 weeks, the third at 6 weeks and the last one at 7 weeks.
Tips: The lift chair was great for sleeping in. Make sure to take stool softeners. Get a toilet seat riser. Wear a mens tank type undershirt under your compression garment.
good luck brenda
2. I could dress and wash myself from the beginning. I shopped and stocked up before my surgery and didn't need things right away. The first week I moved very slow. My husband took two weeks off work to help me and work on remodeling our basement. Mostly he did the houshold chores for the family and drove me to appointments. I didn't drive because I felt I moved slower and didn't have the reaction time to be safe. If I was a single person I would have wanted help the first 3-5 days and someone to drive. It is more about feeling vulnerable and not wanting to be alone then needing care.
3. I was cleared to go back to work after 3 weeks. I only work part time and took 6 weeks off.
4. I had 4 drains one came out at 10 days, the secnod at 2 weeks, the third at 6 weeks and the last one at 7 weeks.
Tips: The lift chair was great for sleeping in. Make sure to take stool softeners. Get a toilet seat riser. Wear a mens tank type undershirt under your compression garment.
good luck brenda
As a man I don't think you will need a lift chair as you will have good upper body strength. I slept in my recliner a long time. I eased back in my bed with naps. Practice now sleeping on your back. Start out a few nights that way and learn how many pillows you need under your knees, etc.
Most important, take a stool softenter with each pain pill. You can't use your abs to help you go and pain pills are binding. I still had to use a suppositorie or two.
Place a tray by your recliner to act as a giant coaster. I didn't stock a cooler, etc., but wanted a place for a large drink and any damp stuff along with necessities.
If you are allowed to shower soon after, have someone within calling distance in case you get woozy.
Hang out here. It's very helpful. Loris
Most important, take a stool softenter with each pain pill. You can't use your abs to help you go and pain pills are binding. I still had to use a suppositorie or two.
Place a tray by your recliner to act as a giant coaster. I didn't stock a cooler, etc., but wanted a place for a large drink and any damp stuff along with necessities.
If you are allowed to shower soon after, have someone within calling distance in case you get woozy.
Hang out here. It's very helpful. Loris
Loris 344/119@ 5'2" Below Goal
Lower body lift 10/17/2007
Upper body lift 1/23/2008
Thank so much guys!! All of this advice is great-- it really helps me to know what to expect when I go under the knife this time. My surgery is about 5 weeks away, so I will have time to prepare and get myself even more ready.
I work out a lot right now (run 5 miles a day) but I want to make sure that my core is as strong as possible for the operation. I will also begin mapping out my space to make sure that I have everything at hand. I will have support for the first 2 weeks (thank God) and I hope to be better after that to take care of myself.
Again, thanks so much for offering advice. This is SO helpful to me and really calmed me down.
I work out a lot right now (run 5 miles a day) but I want to make sure that my core is as strong as possible for the operation. I will also begin mapping out my space to make sure that I have everything at hand. I will have support for the first 2 weeks (thank God) and I hope to be better after that to take care of myself.
Again, thanks so much for offering advice. This is SO helpful to me and really calmed me down.
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