What is TT recovery really like? Share your stories with me?

Hi! I've saved up money and I'm in the process of interviewing doctors for a TT. I'd like to know what that first six weeks post op is really going to be like.. Is it six weeks of misery our is it not so bad?

Mine was no biggie. I'm 10 weeks out today, went back to work (mainly desk job in the schools) at 2 1/2 weeks. I was off morphine after the first night, off lortab after another 2 days, and off tylenol after another 2 days.

Sleeping was a bit awkward: I had a difficult time getting comfortable for more than 2-3 hours in either the recliner or bed, so I tended to migrate from one to the other for the first week.

I did go up a size in clothing for the first 2-3 weeks, but then the swelling went down and I dropped a size in pants (shoulder width is preventing it in shirts).

I did find my pouch restricted as far as eating quantity for about a week, but nothing I couldn't handle by going back to slider-type foods.

At this point I'm healing very well, and the only issue is the nerve regeneration that every so often "stabs" me momentarily at random moments and in random places. The surgeons tell me that will likely last another 6 months or so.

I am 5 weeks out today...
I had a TT and BA. It really wasn't that bad, I was bent over for a while since my tummy is so tight, I've had a few wound issues, but overall the recovery isn't that bad. I did have the OnQ pain pump, I believe that helped. I'm still swollen and by the end of the day the swelling is moreso, but thats normal as well. I love love love my results!!!
Best wishes to you!
Lisa

Thank you so much for your input. I had consult #2 today and I'm going with this doctor. He's never worked around a lap band port but seemed to have enough experience with other tricky cases that I'm sure he will do great.

You guys really eased some of my worries about recovery.

I am 5 weeks out from a TT & breast reduct. Pain from TT was not even half as bad as what I had experienced from a previous c-section. Breast caused me very little discomfort. Mainly I was VERY tired for the first week. Went back to work after 3 weeks off (not a "desk" job). My surgeon had done TT on Lap Band pts and I did not have any muscle tightening done and he didn't nothing to my port but took a pic. The first 2 wks post-op I was concerned that he might have accidently done something to my band because I did not feel like I had as much restriction as I had pre-op, but now I am right back to were I had been prior to surgery. I don't understand exactly why I was effected this way (fluids??), but I was glad I didn't have any "stuck" issues cause that was a big fear I had. You can look at my before and after pics on my profile. I am EXTREMELY HAPPY with results!

It's not so bad.  I had a TT 4.5 weeks ago. The first week was kind of hard and painful getting in and out of bed. I stopped taking the pain pills on the second week. If I over-did it, I would feel it in my tummy muscle at night. I wear my binder tighter at night, than during the day and that helps. The swelling is kind of a pain but it will go away eventually. I am still a tiny bit more tired than before surgery but that will pass. no regrets!
Good luck~

You guys really inspire me!

I'd like to know what type of compression garments you guys had to wear. Is there a brand/style you can tell me about so I can google it... or do you have a link to a photo of them?

I think every surgeon is different. When I woke up from surgery, I had a binder on and I asked for a second one just so I would have an extra one at home. I had to wear the binder all the time, except to shower. Once I got my drains out (8 days later)  I was told to go to Macy's, JcPenneys or Nordstrom and find a good girdle that has legs also. My surgeon said the swelling can move into your legs. Some surgeons will give you a girdle or help you order one. I didn't have much luck at the stores.  The best selection I found was on-line through Design Veronique. You can Google it. They are kind of spendy but they have zippers on the sides for easy removing and they have an open crotch which is very helpful. Pulling a girdle up and down every time you have to use the bathroom when your sore is not fun!  I wear my girdle during the day and I wear my binder at night. Most people probably wear the girdle all the time but I sleep better in the binder. good luck

 I had a TT done and was surprised at how easy it was.  Maybe easy isn't the right word but I expected it to be worse than it was.  4 weeks later I had a breast reduction and lift.  That was a bit harder but I think it was from having 2 pretty major surgeries so close together.  The absolute worse part of both surgeries were the removal of the drainage tubes.  The TT tubes, I had 4, were alot more uncomfortable and more painful when removed than the breast, I had 2 of those.  Within 2-3 days post op I was off the good drugs and just using tylenol most of the time. After the TT  I woke up in my room with a compression garment on.  It was a really heavy duty one that I wore for several months post op.  It was so much more comfortable with it on and my surgeon required I wear it all the time ( except when showering and laundring)  I had to buy it from his office but I googled it after I got home and he gave me a good deal on it.  It started just below the breast and went down to mid thigh.  Hooks ( like bra hooks) and zippers on the sides.  Pretty easy to get on and off.   I went back to work ( I have a sit down job) after 2 weeks with the TT and back 10 days after the breast reduction and lift.  I was extremely tired but it was doable for me.  Overall, I'd do again in a heart beat.  Having a good surgeon that your really comfortable with is key to a good experience.  Good luck, Lori

 I am 7 weeks out from my TT (with muscle tightening) and lipo and I also have a lapband!  My band was emptied and the allowed the ps to do the tightenig and lipo.  To be honest - the actual site where the TT was done stopped hurting at 2 weeks.  I could drive with a pillow on my waist (for bumps) after 3 weeks. BUT - the muscle tightening pain is still BAD!!  I know we are all different but I am still so bothered by this tighteness that I have a hard time getting up (uses those muscles) sneezing and coughing and pooping (squeezing) still kills.  I rented an electric chair which stands me up - but I sleep in a bed.  I really began to feel like me at 5 weeks and each week has gotten better but I am going on a 6 hr. flight tomorrow and worry about being seated (1st class!) even now.
Also, use a stool softener because the nesthisia slows you down and so does the percocet!

I feel that if you have no muscle corsetting I would have been great after 5 weeks.....(the corsetting is what gives you the flatest tummy and a 6 pack!!.)

karen in nj