Lower Body Lift Questions
I have submitted all my paperwork and as of Friday my case manager said they were still processing ..so I am taking that as a good sign, seems like they could say no in less than 2 weeks. Sooooo that being said can would you please share with me things that helped with your recovery, tricks for getting as comfortable as possible. What where you able to wear? And while I am not a whimp when it comes to pain, is there something you can compare it to? I have had many surgeries and so far my total knee replacement was the most painful recovery. And how long before you started to feel OK and get back to normal.
Thanks so much,
Maggie
Thanks so much,
Maggie
Good luck with the insurance. It took mine about 6 weeks to tell me no. They didn't say that I didn't need it, but that they just don't cover it.
Easy question first - what to wear: To and from the hospital, I wore baggy pants and a button down shirt as I had my arms done at the same time. So baggy pants or a house dress. Shoes for the way home from the hospital, slide on slippers. It's hard to put on regular shoes yourself and the last thing you want is someone else pushing your leg up while they're trying to put your shoes on for you. Around the house, I wore work out pants that were way too big but adjustable with a drawstring.
Whend o you feel normal? I felt good after surgery, but once the drains came out that's when I started to feel closer to normal. Regular routine stuff, probably about 6 weeks after the second surgery.
As for what to compare it to? Hmm, I've had multiple surgeries too and I expected plastics to be the worst, but really my RNY was the most difficult. Plastics were maybe a little harder than the hysterectomy.
Easy question first - what to wear: To and from the hospital, I wore baggy pants and a button down shirt as I had my arms done at the same time. So baggy pants or a house dress. Shoes for the way home from the hospital, slide on slippers. It's hard to put on regular shoes yourself and the last thing you want is someone else pushing your leg up while they're trying to put your shoes on for you. Around the house, I wore work out pants that were way too big but adjustable with a drawstring.
Whend o you feel normal? I felt good after surgery, but once the drains came out that's when I started to feel closer to normal. Regular routine stuff, probably about 6 weeks after the second surgery.
As for what to compare it to? Hmm, I've had multiple surgeries too and I expected plastics to be the worst, but really my RNY was the most difficult. Plastics were maybe a little harder than the hysterectomy.
RNY: 10/11/2001 PS: May 28, 2010: Circumferential body lift with gluteal augmentation and brachioplasty & thoracoplasty June 25, 2010: Bilateral breast augmentation with mastopexy and medial thigh lift
I wore loose clothes but with the binder clothes didn't bother me. I hated the drains and once they were out at one week I felt more normal. Everything was mostly numb so there wasn't a lot of pain. I have had knee replacements and in no way can you compare the two surgeries. If I had to compare the two, the LBL is like getting a tooth filled compared to knee replacement. While everyone heals differently LBL wasn't bad. I still feel tight bending sometimes but its not painful. I do get muscle aches in my right butt but that could be for many reasons. Hope your insurance comes thru for you.
Susie
if you go back a few posts, you will find a few from me. I'm recovering from lbl, lipo of saddlebags, fat injection around tailbone.
One great bit of advice I received, strength train now. Do squats--lots of them. It is so valuable to be able to use my legs in lieu of tummy muscles to stand from toilet and chair. Also, while at it, strengthen core now.
doctors love to work with physically fit folks. If you have a regime, keep on. If not, start. Strengthen lung capacity too. Blow up balloons---that's a good way to do this.
I also went into surgery dehydrated; so I also encourage folks to get their fluid intake up, and keep it up.
I am very swollen, and for the first week after surgery, I wore hubby's flannel jammie bottoms with oversized shirt. This week, I am wearing elastic loose skirts and comfy tees.
congrats!
One great bit of advice I received, strength train now. Do squats--lots of them. It is so valuable to be able to use my legs in lieu of tummy muscles to stand from toilet and chair. Also, while at it, strengthen core now.
doctors love to work with physically fit folks. If you have a regime, keep on. If not, start. Strengthen lung capacity too. Blow up balloons---that's a good way to do this.
I also went into surgery dehydrated; so I also encourage folks to get their fluid intake up, and keep it up.
I am very swollen, and for the first week after surgery, I wore hubby's flannel jammie bottoms with oversized shirt. This week, I am wearing elastic loose skirts and comfy tees.
congrats!
RhondaRoo 256/235.5/131.8/120.0
Never, Never, Never Give Up --Winston Churchill
Never, Never, Never Give Up --Winston Churchill
Get some good pillows now- not just for under your head, but for under your legs, kness, behind your back, etc. Each person is different in what makes them feel comfortable, and you will find the positions and combinations of them that will help you when you are reclining, etc.
I wore baggy shirts and exercise capris to accomodate the drains. Once those two were out at 7 days, I just found whatever in my closet was comfiest.
As far as something comparable pain wise, this is how I would rank my surgeries, from least painful to most painful:
1. RNY
2. Back surgery
3. LBL and BA/BL
4. Knee surgery
5. C-sections
I had very good pain control with my plastics, and I had an OB who didn't believe in pain killers post c-sections if you were breast feeding. My plastics were more discomfort than what I would call true pain. Each person is different, though. Best wishes to you!
I wore baggy shirts and exercise capris to accomodate the drains. Once those two were out at 7 days, I just found whatever in my closet was comfiest.
As far as something comparable pain wise, this is how I would rank my surgeries, from least painful to most painful:
1. RNY
2. Back surgery
3. LBL and BA/BL
4. Knee surgery
5. C-sections
I had very good pain control with my plastics, and I had an OB who didn't believe in pain killers post c-sections if you were breast feeding. My plastics were more discomfort than what I would call true pain. Each person is different, though. Best wishes to you!
I watched my mom go through three total knees and one awful failed knee. Any knee replacement is worse than a lbl. Any one that can do a knee replacement can do a lower body lift. Good luck and healthy healing. Loris
Loris 344/119@ 5'2" Below Goal
Lower body lift 10/17/2007
Upper body lift 1/23/2008
Aloha Maggie-
I feel I was very well prepped by my PS office- they met with me about 4 weeks pre op then again a few days pre op.
I wrote an extensive reply to a post for someone detailing things to do months ahead of time, weeks ahead of time, days ahead of time, and afterwards. I'm looking for that reply- probably redundant. Here's the one from July ( 6 months out):
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!
I'm still looking for the post where I broke it down by months, weeks, etc-
XOXOLori
I feel I was very well prepped by my PS office- they met with me about 4 weeks pre op then again a few days pre op.
I wrote an extensive reply to a post for someone detailing things to do months ahead of time, weeks ahead of time, days ahead of time, and afterwards. I'm looking for that reply- probably redundant. Here's the one from July ( 6 months out):
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!
I'm still looking for the post where I broke it down by months, weeks, etc-
XOXOLori
Yikes, you'll be sick of me for sure! Pain wise, the OnQ Pain Blocker made a HUGE difference in my comfort level. This was much more time consuming ( just the logistics of getting up out of bed, off the toilet, in and out of the car, etc- my bone graft harvesting from my 2 ankle fusions was more painful than this, but the Csections, gall bladder, and VSG were much easier.
Found the other post, this was about 3 months post op, much of this will be redundant- best advice be in the BEST physical shape you can be in, with lots of muscle, do lots of squats- it WILL help as Rhonda Roo said!:
Long term preparation- (months)-- most PSs want to see you at goal or stable for 6-9 months prior to plastics. Even though your weight may not change once you hit goal, your body composition will change as you continue to work out, and you will (hopefully) build muscle and give your skin a chance to undergo some "shrinkage". Because your skin continues to adjust for months after you reach goal, doing surgery too early may result in having to do a revision later to remove more skin. Also, if you are building muscle, you might not need to do certain procedures that you thought you'd absolutely have to do- like arms. I'm not doing mine anymore since I got great results from lifting weights ( and I had so much extra flesh that I could crack it like a whip and make a snapping noise- the kids called it my "floosh"). The other advantage to building more mucsle ( and losing more subcutaneous fat) is that your healing time is shortened- you have protein stores ( ie muscle) to draw upon for healing even if you don't feel like getting all your protein in, and you are more flexible/strong post op, so it's easier to get up and walk, stretch, use the toilet, get off the couch or out of the car- everything is easier if you are in good shape. Also, no subcutaneous fat means there is nothing weighing down or tugging on your fresh incision- and that's one of the biggest issues with a CBL, that 360` tension on your incision that can cause delayed healing.
Not everyone does this, but I was grateful for the hundreds of squats in all my workouts prior to this surgery- you can't depend on your surgicated core and abdomen to do things like get out of the car, get off the toilet, get off the couch- so strength in your legs makes a huge difference in your mobility post op.
Shorter term preparation ( weeks) - we were told to avoid multivites with Vit E ( can cause clotting problems) and certain meds ( like NSAIDs) for weeks prior to surgery. The more you bleed at time of surgery, the longer you're under anesthesia, and some bleed so much as to require transfusions- a CBL is no minor surgery. I also upped my protein from 100 g/day minimum to at least 125 g/day - I had plenty of muscle built up from workouts but you absolutely must have protein to heal. I will continue to get at least that much in for 6 months post op.
I also did things like :
-move stuff from higher and lower shelves to middle cabinets ( reaching up and down is a little tough the first week or so)
-move my stuff from upstairs to downstairs ( you can use stairs no problem but they'd rather you be assisted on them the first few days). This is also the easiest toilet in my house to use- it's taller, and adjacent to a counter so if you need to pull or push yourself up, you can.
-shopped for everything I needed a few weeks ahead of time- medical supplies like antiseptic soap ( Hibiclens or ther chlorhexidine soap), triple antibiotic ointment, sterile gauze sponges and paper surgical tape, gloves for changing dressings or evacuating drains, chapstick and cough drops ( nothing worse than coughing post CBL, unless it's LAUGHING!). I also loaded up on my favorite protein shakes as I knew I wouldn't feel like eating much, and didn't want to get caught without my favorite flavor.
-filled my prescriptions for pain meds and antibiotics, and also my monthly meds like thyroid, so I wouldn't have to do it post op (you aren't approved for driving til you can move comfortably and be off narcotics)
-got my hair cut and colored, pedicure, etc- stuff I wasn't going to care about for the next 6-8 weeks
-gathered some samples for scar reduction products ( I used one called KeloCote that my suregeon recommended.... but he said I was healing so well, it wasn't going to make a difference- get that protein in!)
http://www.amazon.com/Kelo-2dcote-Advanced-Formula-Scar-Gel/ dp/B00022AUOC
I also purchased TemperPedic pillows in recommended shapes ( a large triangle to lean/sleep against, a smaller triangle for under your knees, and a neck pillow). If you have a recliner, you can use that ( remember your body will be in a W-like shape to heal- legs slightly bent and sleeping inclined on your back- for many weeks post op). I felt this was more portable than a recliner as I was setting up my recovery downstairs by the TV/kitchen. When I was done with my pillows, both my kids had their wisdom teeth out and used the same set up for recovery, and now my friend who had a double mastectomy last week is using the set for her recovery- I am definitely recouping my $300 investment and the covers are easily unzipped for washing. The option other than a recliner or body pillows is renting a hospital bed. I did not feel the need for this, but as I said, squats helped me immensely post op and some people need the assistance of a hospital bed. Most do with recliners.
It might be important to have the person helping you recover go to the last pre op appointment with you- for example, if you are going to have drains in, your caregiver might never have seen such a set up before, and not be familiar with emptying them, activating them or what type of drainage to expect, or when to call the doctor and when to head to the ER. I'm a vet, I took care of my own drains since I know about sterile handling, etc- but it would have completely baffled my husband.
Immediately pre op ( days) -took pictures and measurements the night before, packed the camera to document all the ink marks on my body that morning
-pulled out some comfy elastic waist clothing like boxer shorts, sweats, loose tank tops and sweatshirts that zipped up the front - because post op you have drains in and you are swollen , so you might need to go up a size or two in the immediate recovery period. My waist was 2 inches bigger when I got home, but my hips were 2 inches smaller! I was shocked at having to wear some of my clothing from 10 months earlier! Now everything is smaller, but it took about 4 weeks for all the swelling to go down.
My best friend for post op pain was a wonderful gadget called an OnQ Pain Blocker-
http://www.askyoursurgeon.com/onqsolution.php
It's a pressurized sterile system filled with a long acting local anesthetic ( like novacain) that enters your abdominoplasty incision though a catheter ( like one of the drains coming out, but this one puts stuff IN). It takes about 5 days to empty, and it does a phenomenal job of pain relief without constipation or grogginess or dependency issues ( like narcotics) or bleeding issues ( like NSAIDs). Basically keeps your freshly tightened/cut abdomen muscles numb. I loved mine and just wanted them to fill it up again when it was empty- unfortunately, the FDA has not approved it for refilling but man, what a difference it made. Also, people forget about physical pain relief ( instead of just chemical**** packs on my breasts ( I used bags of frozen berries) before I massaged them was the best way to get through that discomfort ( you need to massage them for an hour each day for a month to keep the scar tissue/contracture from making them hard). Forget about this is you are not doing your breasts. My husband and kids gave me daily foot massages- a little nurturing goes a long way, and when your anxiety level is down, pain matters less.
Getting up and moving from the get go helped alot, not only for avoiding blood clots but for easing stiffness. Staying ahead of your pain rather than trying to gut it out is the smart thing to do, as is using multimodal pain relief ( like narcotics plus NSAIDs plus ice plus a local anesthetic) - it decreases the amount of any one pain med alone. Make sure you follow your doctors instructions on OTC and RX meds! I had a notebook where I documented when I last took my pain meds, how much tylenol I took ( you can harm your liver if you are taking OTC tylenol or acetominophen plus a prescription narcotic that includes it as well). I also wrote down measurements for drainage in a 24 hour period from each drain since I had 7 of the suckers, and the doctor wasn't pulling them til they were producing less than 25 cc in a 24-hour period.
OK, I've rattled on enough. The first few days will be the hardest, then it will get easier, and boy oh boy will you be glad you did it. I timed surgery so I would miss a slow time at work, and more importantly be healed for a trip to Cabo over spring break- I got to do everything I wanted from swimming in the ocean to snorkeling to ATV and Jet Ski riding - and I got to do some of them in a 2 piece! Who the heck woulda thunk THAT 2 short years ago???? I did tape my scars with surgical paper tape and sunblocked the heck out of them - no sun on your scars for a year post op- and did not have any problems. Remember- get that protein in no matter what, and good luck to you! Very VERY exciting! XOXOLori
Found the other post, this was about 3 months post op, much of this will be redundant- best advice be in the BEST physical shape you can be in, with lots of muscle, do lots of squats- it WILL help as Rhonda Roo said!:
Long term preparation- (months)-- most PSs want to see you at goal or stable for 6-9 months prior to plastics. Even though your weight may not change once you hit goal, your body composition will change as you continue to work out, and you will (hopefully) build muscle and give your skin a chance to undergo some "shrinkage". Because your skin continues to adjust for months after you reach goal, doing surgery too early may result in having to do a revision later to remove more skin. Also, if you are building muscle, you might not need to do certain procedures that you thought you'd absolutely have to do- like arms. I'm not doing mine anymore since I got great results from lifting weights ( and I had so much extra flesh that I could crack it like a whip and make a snapping noise- the kids called it my "floosh"). The other advantage to building more mucsle ( and losing more subcutaneous fat) is that your healing time is shortened- you have protein stores ( ie muscle) to draw upon for healing even if you don't feel like getting all your protein in, and you are more flexible/strong post op, so it's easier to get up and walk, stretch, use the toilet, get off the couch or out of the car- everything is easier if you are in good shape. Also, no subcutaneous fat means there is nothing weighing down or tugging on your fresh incision- and that's one of the biggest issues with a CBL, that 360` tension on your incision that can cause delayed healing.
Not everyone does this, but I was grateful for the hundreds of squats in all my workouts prior to this surgery- you can't depend on your surgicated core and abdomen to do things like get out of the car, get off the toilet, get off the couch- so strength in your legs makes a huge difference in your mobility post op.
Shorter term preparation ( weeks) - we were told to avoid multivites with Vit E ( can cause clotting problems) and certain meds ( like NSAIDs) for weeks prior to surgery. The more you bleed at time of surgery, the longer you're under anesthesia, and some bleed so much as to require transfusions- a CBL is no minor surgery. I also upped my protein from 100 g/day minimum to at least 125 g/day - I had plenty of muscle built up from workouts but you absolutely must have protein to heal. I will continue to get at least that much in for 6 months post op.
I also did things like :
-move stuff from higher and lower shelves to middle cabinets ( reaching up and down is a little tough the first week or so)
-move my stuff from upstairs to downstairs ( you can use stairs no problem but they'd rather you be assisted on them the first few days). This is also the easiest toilet in my house to use- it's taller, and adjacent to a counter so if you need to pull or push yourself up, you can.
-shopped for everything I needed a few weeks ahead of time- medical supplies like antiseptic soap ( Hibiclens or ther chlorhexidine soap), triple antibiotic ointment, sterile gauze sponges and paper surgical tape, gloves for changing dressings or evacuating drains, chapstick and cough drops ( nothing worse than coughing post CBL, unless it's LAUGHING!). I also loaded up on my favorite protein shakes as I knew I wouldn't feel like eating much, and didn't want to get caught without my favorite flavor.
-filled my prescriptions for pain meds and antibiotics, and also my monthly meds like thyroid, so I wouldn't have to do it post op (you aren't approved for driving til you can move comfortably and be off narcotics)
-got my hair cut and colored, pedicure, etc- stuff I wasn't going to care about for the next 6-8 weeks
-gathered some samples for scar reduction products ( I used one called KeloCote that my suregeon recommended.... but he said I was healing so well, it wasn't going to make a difference- get that protein in!)
http://www.amazon.com/Kelo-2dcote-Advanced-Formula-Scar-Gel/ dp/B00022AUOC
I also purchased TemperPedic pillows in recommended shapes ( a large triangle to lean/sleep against, a smaller triangle for under your knees, and a neck pillow). If you have a recliner, you can use that ( remember your body will be in a W-like shape to heal- legs slightly bent and sleeping inclined on your back- for many weeks post op). I felt this was more portable than a recliner as I was setting up my recovery downstairs by the TV/kitchen. When I was done with my pillows, both my kids had their wisdom teeth out and used the same set up for recovery, and now my friend who had a double mastectomy last week is using the set for her recovery- I am definitely recouping my $300 investment and the covers are easily unzipped for washing. The option other than a recliner or body pillows is renting a hospital bed. I did not feel the need for this, but as I said, squats helped me immensely post op and some people need the assistance of a hospital bed. Most do with recliners.
It might be important to have the person helping you recover go to the last pre op appointment with you- for example, if you are going to have drains in, your caregiver might never have seen such a set up before, and not be familiar with emptying them, activating them or what type of drainage to expect, or when to call the doctor and when to head to the ER. I'm a vet, I took care of my own drains since I know about sterile handling, etc- but it would have completely baffled my husband.
Immediately pre op ( days) -took pictures and measurements the night before, packed the camera to document all the ink marks on my body that morning
-pulled out some comfy elastic waist clothing like boxer shorts, sweats, loose tank tops and sweatshirts that zipped up the front - because post op you have drains in and you are swollen , so you might need to go up a size or two in the immediate recovery period. My waist was 2 inches bigger when I got home, but my hips were 2 inches smaller! I was shocked at having to wear some of my clothing from 10 months earlier! Now everything is smaller, but it took about 4 weeks for all the swelling to go down.
My best friend for post op pain was a wonderful gadget called an OnQ Pain Blocker-
http://www.askyoursurgeon.com/onqsolution.php
It's a pressurized sterile system filled with a long acting local anesthetic ( like novacain) that enters your abdominoplasty incision though a catheter ( like one of the drains coming out, but this one puts stuff IN). It takes about 5 days to empty, and it does a phenomenal job of pain relief without constipation or grogginess or dependency issues ( like narcotics) or bleeding issues ( like NSAIDs). Basically keeps your freshly tightened/cut abdomen muscles numb. I loved mine and just wanted them to fill it up again when it was empty- unfortunately, the FDA has not approved it for refilling but man, what a difference it made. Also, people forget about physical pain relief ( instead of just chemical**** packs on my breasts ( I used bags of frozen berries) before I massaged them was the best way to get through that discomfort ( you need to massage them for an hour each day for a month to keep the scar tissue/contracture from making them hard). Forget about this is you are not doing your breasts. My husband and kids gave me daily foot massages- a little nurturing goes a long way, and when your anxiety level is down, pain matters less.
Getting up and moving from the get go helped alot, not only for avoiding blood clots but for easing stiffness. Staying ahead of your pain rather than trying to gut it out is the smart thing to do, as is using multimodal pain relief ( like narcotics plus NSAIDs plus ice plus a local anesthetic) - it decreases the amount of any one pain med alone. Make sure you follow your doctors instructions on OTC and RX meds! I had a notebook where I documented when I last took my pain meds, how much tylenol I took ( you can harm your liver if you are taking OTC tylenol or acetominophen plus a prescription narcotic that includes it as well). I also wrote down measurements for drainage in a 24 hour period from each drain since I had 7 of the suckers, and the doctor wasn't pulling them til they were producing less than 25 cc in a 24-hour period.
OK, I've rattled on enough. The first few days will be the hardest, then it will get easier, and boy oh boy will you be glad you did it. I timed surgery so I would miss a slow time at work, and more importantly be healed for a trip to Cabo over spring break- I got to do everything I wanted from swimming in the ocean to snorkeling to ATV and Jet Ski riding - and I got to do some of them in a 2 piece! Who the heck woulda thunk THAT 2 short years ago???? I did tape my scars with surgical paper tape and sunblocked the heck out of them - no sun on your scars for a year post op- and did not have any problems. Remember- get that protein in no matter what, and good luck to you! Very VERY exciting! XOXOLori
Lori,
Thank you so much. Nope not tired of you and so thankful for the information. I want to be as prepared for this as I was for my RNY..only helps make me more successful. I had the OnQ pain blocker with my knee replacement and OMG I LOVED it!!! Yes at the end of three days I asked for a refill to which my nurse said sorry. Oh well, I figured it was worth a try. Again thanks so much!
Maggie
Thank you so much. Nope not tired of you and so thankful for the information. I want to be as prepared for this as I was for my RNY..only helps make me more successful. I had the OnQ pain blocker with my knee replacement and OMG I LOVED it!!! Yes at the end of three days I asked for a refill to which my nurse said sorry. Oh well, I figured it was worth a try. Again thanks so much!
Maggie
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