New Year Tummy Tuck

Hey Ya'll. I have been lurking around this site for a while gathering information regarding plastic surgery. Thanks to all who have taken the time to respond to my private messages and my sometimes ludacris questions. I have been a bit embarrassed in posting here being a guy who wants a tummy tuck but I saw that there are a few other good guys out there who also had it done so its nice to know that Im not alone.
I will be heading down to San Antonio, TX for my tummy tuck in the new year. Im excited and a little nervous at the same time. Im more nervous of this surgery than I was of my rny. I know Im in good hands as my girlfriend is a trauma nurse and of course the good Lord above will guide me through it.
I wanted to ask ya'll what to expect for recovery and any advice you might be willing to give. I have six weeks off my job which is quite active and strenuous, and will return with limited duties for three weeks. I did see a response on here once before about recovery suggestions but cannot find it anymore.
Thanks ya'll. God Bless and Happy Holidays.

I had a full lower body lift. I assume with just a tummy tuck, your recovery will be easier. Just don't do too much too soon.

The first 3 days were tough for me, but I took my pain meds on schedule the first 10 days or so to prevent pain. My pain level never got above a 3. By day 3, it was a 1 or 2.

Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Laura

Thanks Laura. I am concerned a little about the pain. I really am not sure what to expect and that is what is making me nervous. Just hoping that I am making the right decision.

Who is doing your surgery?  I am going in Jan to Dr. LoMonaco in Houston for LBL/BL.  I am like you....alot more nervous about this than the WL surgery.  Sounds like you will be in good hands with your girlfriend around to help out.  Best of luck!!!

Dr. Barone in San Antonio. Good luck to you too, let me know how it goes for you.

6 weeks!?! Ok, I'm jealous. I had the LBL 7 weeks ago and was actually in quite a lot of pain at first because the swelling made my skin so tight but within 3 days it was much better. I had minor fat necrosis, which developed after a week and that was annoying to deal with because it slowed me down. It took me about 4/ 4 and a half weeks to really feel energetic and capable of doing something without needing to pause and take a nap 10 minutes in. The necrosis just (finally!) healed up and even though I'm still swollen I don't feel any pain unless I cough or laugh because that makes my abs (which were tightened during my LBL) go absolutely crazy. <--- you'll be able to relate to this so watch out for funny people!

What a perfect way to start the new year. Good luck with everything!!

Thanks Kate, yes 6 weeks. I am taking some banked vacation time with everything as I have not had any time off from work for a long time. Not quite the ideal vacation but it will be nice to relax a little and not stress about returning to work if I am not ready.
Im a little concerned about the coughing laughing and sneezing part after surgery as Im sure that is going to hurt like crazy. Is it true that if you put a pillow accross the site that it helps?

 I am not lying when I tell you I slept with an extra pillow over my body whose sole purpose was to be there if I had to cough. I have asthma as well acid reflux so I'm already a freak cougher even when I'm not sick and coughing right after surgery was TERRIBLE. The hospital gave me a breathing tube to exercise my lungs that was supposed to help and I drank tea with honey to relax my throat and make sure it broke down anything that would need to be coughed up. I got sick 3 weeks later which made me cough and sneeze a lot but the pain was not as bad as before...it makes your muscles feel sore like you just did a hardcore workout. I found that a hot compress made my abs more relaxed and it also helped with swelling (Dr recommended) and I still use that once or twice a day. I ordered a hot pack from MediBeads which is big enough to cover from hip to hip and a good section of my tummy and all I have to do it put it I the microwave (it absorbs moisture in the air so you don't even need to get it wet like some other moist hot packs). 
It's not anything unbearable and it was never enough to make me regret getting work done; however, it was worth mentioning how unpleasant the experience was so you can know before hand to keep those muscles relaxed and avoid unnecessary stress on them.

 Yep a pillow will help. 

Congrats on the the upcoming surgery. Don't worry about it. You will be fine. Mine felt more tight then anything. Pain meds take care of the rest. Just make sure you have some help the first week. Have things you need next to your bed. Move slow. Don't try to do much the first week. Have help getting in and out of bed. Slide your feet when you walk lol It will be kinda like after WLS.