Panniculectomy Post-Op Swelling?

Ok, I'm getting nervous (and excited) my panniculectomy is scheduled for May 16th.  I have tried looking all over for information about post-op swelling.  I am only taking off a week from work and am concerned about what I will be able to fit into when I go back.  I have read posts that some people look like they are pregnant after their surgery and that scares me.  I am also worried that I will look horrible for my son's graduation that is exactly 4 weeks after my surgery.  If you have any information about your personal experience, I would love to hear about it.  Thank you. 

I had a TT - December 2009 and I did swell a lot.  BUT I found that wearing my compression garment 24/7 for the first 8 weeks made all the difference!  Not all doctors advise them, some feel they are not helpful, but I wouldn't go without it!  After the first 12 weeks, my swelling was better and I was able to go into a second stage garment.
You can find garments online, make sure it's one where you can go to the bathroom without having to take it off and also one that zips up the side to make it easier to get into.

www.designveronique.com has the ones my doctor gave me and I loved them!

Hey Dee!  Your getting close to time!  I bet you are getting excited!

I didn't swell as much as I thought.  I did use a binder/compression garment (today is my 1st day without it, I'm 4 weeks out).  I was able to use my regular pants with the binder underneath. 

I will caution you though that I planned on taking just 1 week off -- but needed a few more days.  You certainly won't want to go to work if you have drains in.  I felt better about 2 days after my drains were removed.  If I over-do it, I get quite crampy -- but they found/repaired a hernia when they did my surgery, so maybe this was the cause.

 What kind of job do you do?  I was really hoping that since I have a desk job returning to work so soon wouldn't be as stressful or draining.

I'm the office manager in a small non-profit.  Nothing physically draining.  I really thought that 1 week would be enough -- I only took 3 days off for my rny.  I ended up taking off almost 2 weeks.

Hi im 3 weeks outta a panni n hernia surg im really cramping and very sick to my stomack is this normal , also it seems im swollen n look like a mushroom above the incision please tell me this is swelling. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

To be quite honest, this does not sound normal.  Have you seen your plastic surgeon for follow-up? 

I was sick to my stomach after surgery - but I think most of the issue was a reaction to the pain meds.  Are you still taking any?

Anyway, I would definitely see my surgeon for follow-up - SOON. 

Also, your message posted as follow-up to a discussion from April -- you will get more responses from a "new" post. 

I hope you feel better soon,
Laura

I swelled alot and still do after my extended TT on Jan 21st. I still wear a compression girdle... My pants were tight after surgery and I didn't feel comfortable in Jeans for quiet some time. BUT it's ALL worth it!
Best wishes!
Lisa

 Only taking a week off is kind of rushing your recovery. You will probably notice more swelling just from being up and about so soon. Compression will help the most. I also wore my compression 24/7 for the first 3 months.