Recovery time line post LBL?

Hey Everyone-

I know we all heal differently and at our own pace, but I was just looking some guidance.  I'm having an LBL on March 3rd.  I've registered to take my state boards for Nursing on April 18th- so about 6 weeks post op.  The test itself is several hours long, I'll have to travel to and from Brooklyn to NYC via public transportation (bus and train) roughly an hr in each direction.   While I can take a couple breaks throughout the exam, my time will be limited and I won't be able to take any pain meds bc I can't afford to have my judgement clouded.  

I'm thinking this timeline is feasible assuming I have an uncomplicated recovery.  What are your opinions?  Also- how soon post op do you think I'll be able to get back into the grove of studing- ie be comfortable enough to sit at a table for a prolonged period of time and concentrate on the material.  I don't want to rush my healing but my window to take the exam is somewhat limited and this is probably the most important test I will ever have to take- so I want to be prepared.  

Thanks in advance for the advice.   

Hi - I had a tt and arm lift dec 2 and did have some complications (infections, excessive fluid accumulation).  At 2 weeks out no way could I have returned to work.  I did go back at 4 weeks and it was exhausting.  By 6 weeks I felt pretty good but really had to watch overdoing it or I paid a price.  By 8-10 weeks I was "back to normal" and had a lot more stamina.  You should be able to study sitting for prolonged periods of time by 4 weeks.

Last weekend I had the stomach flu and the one area that really took a beating was my core muscles, especially my flanks from my ribs to my hips because of throwing up.  that is the area that was the most tender and prone to being sore after overdoing it because of the extensive lipo done in that area.

I think it will be hard but not impossible.  You should be ok.  You def won't need pain meds by then - I didn't and I had 3 rounds of them with my problems.

Take some ibuprofen or tylenol and some of those disposable thermo wraps - they are the bomb!

good luck!

Thanks for the advice.  I'm glad to hear that despite the complications you are feeling well now!

I had a lbl and ba/bl with butt aug. At two weeks out, I was allowed to start limited cardio and weights. By 6 weeks out, I was running again and back to my full step aerobics workout and weights. I didn't have any complications in my recovery. I am a teacher and school started when I was 6 weeks out. I did fine.

I was off the prescription pain meds after 4 or 5 days and off the Tylenol after another few. Get in plenty of protein starting now (I did 150 g. a day) as well as post surgery. It greatly enhances your healing time. Cardiovascular fitness also greatly helps speed healing.

As you said, though, each person heals differently, so listen to your body (and your dr.!) You will probably do fine- best wishes on your surgery!

Thanks so much!  Sounds like you had a great recovery.  I miss working out- I'm 4 weeks out from a BL/Brachio- almost 100% I want to start working out againm but at the same time want to take it easy- don't want to rish setting myself back any so close to my next surgery.

Thanks again for the advice!

I had a LBL on 12/30. I have a desk job and went back to work for half days 11 days later, I was no longer taking pain meds so it was ok. I was not able to sit for long periods of time or I got stiff but it was do able, I just got up every little bit to stretch things out. I also have a long drive in to work, it takes me about and hour and a half to get to work via car.

I ended up having complications and had a second surgery a few weeks later on 1/17 to remove a blood clot and a fluid build up. I returned to work the following Monday ~ this time I went back full time and was fine. I will also say I am a very quick healer and I am too stubborn to stay home, I get too stressed not being at work so it was easier for me to go to work than it was to stay home.

I would say as long as you don't have to lift much and you have no MAJOR complications and you are a quick healer you will be ok.

Good luck on both your LBL and your test.

Stella

thanks so much for the avice- im thinking I shoud be fine for the exam.  Glad to hear your recovery is going well.  thanks for the well wishes.