Any suggestions for preparation

Woo-hoo!! I've got my circumferential tt scheduled for January 10th.

Now, I go in for preop testing late next month, but would like to start getting prepared for what I might need during recovery and would like to get a general feeling for what the pain might be like.

I know everyone is different, but how bad was the pain for you?  The doc doesn't think he'll have to tighten the actual muscles of my abdomin, so hopefully that will lessen the pain somewhat?

Any suggestions on what I might get beforehand?  Walker?  Bed wedge?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 I posted a bunch of stuff that I found useful after I was 2-3 weeks out.  Here's the list.  Good luck.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4461094/Two-Three-weeks-post-surgery-update-and-things-that-have/

Jan

Things that helped me:

For the first three weeks, I slepted on my back on the the couch with two pillows behind my head and three under my legs.  I put a water proof pad on the couch which protected it from drainage.

I got a toilet seat riser from CVS.  The first two days after the second surgery, my husband had to hold me over the toilet and then I was able to squat.  Working out the legs before hand helped a lot.

My magic bullet has been a big help making protein frappachinos and protein smoothies.  I've been pushing the protein powder to get my protein in.

I keep all my meds, pain pills, phone, phone charger, water, remote controls, and chapstick next to me at the couch.

I bought baby wipes and keep them in the bathroom and use them everytime after I go to the bathroom to keep myself clean.

I use one wash cloth with soap to wash myself and one with jus****er to wipe down so I can get a sponge bath.

I did not need a walker or cane.

I kept low salt saltines around for the first two weeks.  Helped with nausea and I didn't feel like eating much else.

I used non-scented sanitary pads on places with extra drainage.

I really lowered my expectations on how fast I would heal and just allowed myself to rest and heal.

I set my phone alarm to everytime I had to take something like vitamins, anti-biotics, and pain pills.

For the first three/four days, I took my pain pills every 3 hours whether I needed them or not.

Straws worked well with my water and protein drinks so I could drink them lying down on the couch.

Thanks for these tips... very helpful

I had Anchor Cut- Circumferential body lift and Brachioplasty 6 days ago, 16.3 pounds removed, 5 drains in my stomach and one in each arm.  NO PAIN!! YAY

A bit of discomfort from the stomach area but pain meds are keeping that at bay. No pain or discomfort in the arms.

Before surgery I was very fit, jogged and did stair climbing. Drank plenty of water, got in lot's of protein, I wore compression socks that went to my knees for a month to aid in blood clot prevention. And prepared for this surgery I have used the following.

Lift chair to sleep in with extra pillows
High rise toilet seat
shower chair
hand sanitzer, baby wipes, paper towles, sterile gloves.

All other gauze, binders, tape, scissors were provided by my surgical center.

I mostly hang out in tanks and very loose pajama or sweat pants.

I have continues to concentrate on protein based foods, walk around my house every hour and most importantly have a postitve attitude.

I had help the first night and since than my husband and I have done just fine.

Good Luck

Love your positive posts!