three days post op tummy tuck

Hello,

I had posted several weeks before my tummy tuck, well it finaly happened.  this is by far more painful than the gastric bypass, but each day seems to get better.  My muscle wall was so loose from so many years overweight that the doctor had to use bovine heart linning to hold my muscle wall tight.  Today I get to shower for the first time.  I can hardly wait.  It's the getting up my stairs part that is going to be hard.  I am hunched over, as expected.  But I have seen just a glimpse of my tummy, and I can't wrap my head around it.  I can't belive it's me.  I can't belive I will actually be in a bikini this summer.  But I still gotta focus on recovery.. LOL  the doctor said he took about ten pounds of extra skin off my stomach!
Buying the recliner off craigslist was the best thing I did.  It keeps me at perfect level.  My mother has been staying with me, because I can't get up and down by myself.  She leave Monday morning, so hopefully by then I will be able to get up and down a little better. 
My follow up appointment is thursday, and I should get my drains out then.  With Gastic bypass I had one small drain, with this I have two larger ones.  Anyway, any advice is always welcome, espeically as I have to start doing it all on my own after today.  Also, my question is why I am having such a hard time eating.  Everything tastes disgusting, and I know I need to eat to heal right..
and feel free to ask anything you like if you are planning on it.  I am happy to recant any experience!

Misty

First off congradulations Misty on your surgery!  I am so happy for you and thanks for sharing your experience.  I have my surgery scheduled for 12/16 and I still need to lose 5-7 lbs before that.  Did you have an extended TT?  Would you mind sharing some photos of yourself with me?   I have questions lol but I will wait until you are feeling better to pick your brain.  Heal well and again congratulations!!!!

Val

Hey Val,

I had a full TT.  So from hip to hip.  I forgot to take before pictures, but I plan on asking my doctor if he can share his pictures he took before, and then before my mom leaves tomorrow we are going to take a few pictures.  Even as swollen as it still totaly different!  I also had some liposuction.  Feel free to ask any questions.  Living in the experience I have noticed that every day is different.  I took my first shower today and had to go sit down twice because I felt dizzy and naucious.  I never had that after gastric bypass.  I am learning that you have to not overdo it.  how much time are you taking off work?  I am taking 17 days, and I sure hope that is enough!  12/16 is just around the corner.  I got very nervous before and actually put two pounds on, but the doctor was ok with it.

I was off from the 19th of October to the 7th of November. I had an extended TT and arms done. So about the same amount of time off. That was fine. Things improve exponentially as you get further away from surgery day.

On your first few days back, take it easy. I have a desk job - but I was still tired and sore by the end of the day. Better each day. I did go home a bit early the first few days (about an hour).

Congrats!

Cannot wait to read your progress.. m,y surgery date is 12/21 and I am so excited and nervous.   I hope it goes smoothly as yours sounds.  Here is to a quick recovery!

Today was day 4, and I had no problems with the shower!  I am up and down on my own, and only one pain pill.  I had a coughing spell last night that really really hurt, but the pain stops pretty quickly after that.  The stairs are not a problem either.  I just take is slow.  I had my mom take pictures.  I do look three months pregenant, but it's still a million times better than it did.  As soon as I get them from my mom and the doctor I will upload.  I can easily walk to my mailbox and made myself lunch and dinner.  I just am not going to overdo it!  I am just starting to feel a little bored sitting at home!  hahaha.  There is only some abdominal pain, and just a tiny bit of pain at the suture line, and where the drains are.  Nothing terrible.

I talked to a friend of mine today, who is having an uper body lift on 12/2.  She had her weight loss surgery around 8 months after me, and she told me today that I inspired her to do it, and that she would still be he same sad fat girl if I didn't give her the inspiration to do it herself.  I couldn't belive it.  She is such a super strong awesome woman!  I can't wait to see her results.  We are going to Vegas!  Any of you Plastic newbies are welcome to come! :D