Two and a half weeks to Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift - and I'm nervous!

After having gastric bypass and losing a total of 121 pounds, you'd think I would be blase' about this, but I'm a baby when it comes to pain - but on October 4th I'm having abdominoplasty and breast lift procedures in one go.  I'm probably nuts to do it together but I'm of the "get it done in one go" mindset. 

That said, any suggestions/tips on how to contend with the after pain? Any tips/tricks?

Thanks!!!

Hi - I felt the exact same way - wanted to be blase but was in fact scared out of my mind!  TT/LBL 4 weeks ago now a distant memory - that said - everyones different as you'll see.  For me the pain was at it's worse the first few days after surgery.  I took pain meds every 4 hours which kept it under control. Getting out of bed was the most difficult - assembling all the pillows in your home to whereever you are will help.

TT & BL does not sound like too much to me but I'm sure some of the women who have had these 2 together will chime in. Good luck !!!

Thank you SO much for your input - I kind of figure that the moving after being prone for extended periods will be the worst - and I figure trips to the ladies' room will be...fun... (hah) - I'm excited about this but I know it's going to be a rough couple of days at first - so worth it in the end - or so I tell myself :)

I'm 3 weeks out from my arms and breast lift.  Getting nervous too and just wanted you to know you are not alone.

One other question that comes to mind (and I'll be asking my doctor when I have my pre-op) but what pain meds were prescribed?  Considering I was warned to stay away from NSAIDS, I'm curious as to what other options there are.

Thanks again!

Just the thought of scheduling my procedure makes me nervous!  I lay in bed and wonder how long it will take before I can sleep all bent and twisted as I like.  Guess it's all part of the process.  Hang in there...

Hi.  I had my breast lift and thigh lift at the same time.  My pain med was oxycodine - worked great!   Prescription was for up to 2 pills every 6 hours so I took 1 every 3 for the first few days and after that at night for a week or so to help me sleep.  Pain medication can cause constipation so you might want to start taking a stool softener the day of the surgery.  I also had a TT and went home with a pain pump that lasted 3 days. 

I learned the hard way (eww no pun intended) about pain meds and constipation issues from my gastric bypass, so I'll be doing the stool softener/prune juice thing early out.  I've heard of a few others that had a pain pump when they went home too - I don't know if my doctor subscribes to that idea but I'm sure going to ask- seems it would make recovery time a lot easier!

Btw, ProudAuntie, I spent some time in your lovely part of the world and miss it sometimes :)

I had my breasts done last week and am having my TT done in 2 weeks. One thing I definitely learned is that I'm asking for LIQUID medications this time around. I was on 2 different antibiotics, pain pills, and valium after my breasts, and the antibiotic pills were large-ish. The breast surgery made my midsection swell, enough so that the antibiotic pills got stuck going down, which was SO not fun. For TT the swelling will definitely be worse. So, for me at least, I'm having my doc go all liquid meds. The valium has also helped with anxiety/depression a little bit. I wonder if you could ask for a little bit to help calm your nerves before the surgery? They might say no but you can always ask, right?

there's other standard stuff I'm sure you've read, like lower everything to waist level (you won't be able to reach up into cupboards for things you need), get some dry shampoo powder stuff (washing hair will be very difficult at first, so just get some of that stuff you can rub through it for the first bit to get by). Oh, get a very large plastic cup with a top that has a long bendy straw, like a Big-Gulp type thing. That way you'll have to refill your water less often. The long straw makes getting it to your mouth easier.

You're going to have pain, no way around it. And it's easy to get depressed about it if all you have to focus on is the pain. Have some things you can do to distract/entertain yourself ready to go beforehand. I have a pile of my favorite movies, some embroidery all set up to be started, and my scrapbooking supplies laid out.

And keep looking at lots of before/after pictures of people like you who've had similar transformations, remind yourself how awesome you're going to look, it's going to be so worth it!! 

I just had my TT, pani, breast lift, and implants done on Monday.  I am like you and didn't want to go through all the pain in different surgeries, so I wanted to get as much done at once as possible.  I am glad I did - but I am sore.  Not to where it is unbearable - first few days I took my pain meds every 4 hours to the minute.  Now I just take it at night.  The pain has been worse than my gastric bypass (surprisingly).  My biggest gripe is that I my back is killing me (I think it is due to I am a side sleeper and have been having to sleep on my back) and I had an allergice reaction to the tape they used.  I broke out with blisters.  So I have been quite itchy. 

I called my doctor's office and of course they are closed but had a number to call if necessary.  I called it and left my number and my surgeon actually called me back not even 5 minutes later!  (BOY was I impressed).  She had me take off the tape and put some antibotice ointment on it and it has helped.  But I look a little raw.

So I would have to antibotic ointment on hand just in case.

You will do fine and be glad you got it done in 1 shot!