Getting a bit nervous about upcoming surgery

I'm scheduled for a circumferential abdominalplasty next Tuesday and now that the time is here, I'm getting a bit nervous.  I'm sure it's normal.....right?

Anyways, I just wanted to know if anyone needed a walker after their surgery?  My doctor said I'd probably need a recliner, but nothing about a walker.  My mom is also insisting I take  home her bathroom shower chair to use while I'm in the sponge bathing stage.  

I know everyone is different, but approximately how long did your drains stay in?  My doctor said they may come out at different times depending upon how much fluid is accumulating, but once it's less than 30cc a day, the drain would come out.

Any ideas or suggestions about the upcoming surgery would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

I had a LBL no muscle work, and a mini medial thigh lift. I Didn't need a walker and had one but never used it. Regular recliner was fine. My PS has the 30 cc guideline also, but he also will not leave drains in for longer than 2 weeks, regardless o f flow out put. After 3-4 days I felt really good. I'm 4 weeks P.O. and feel like I could do absolutely anything I want. Went back to work at 3 weeks, could have went back at 2 weeks when drains came out, I had loads of leave time so gave myself an extra week. General anesthesia was 7 hrs. took an EMEND 40 mg. 3 hrs before surgery, NO NAUSEA. All is great!!!

Steve

Thanks for the information--I'm hoping my lift will aslo be without muscle work.  I was told to take 2 weeks off from work, but if I felt like I could work a few hours a day after 1 week (and of course off pain meds), then I could--just not to pu****

I sure hope my recovery goes as well as yours did.  I've made the mistake of reading about other peoples surgerues/incisions and it's made me nervous.  I know I need to just keep a positive attitude.

Again, thank you for your story!

What determines the need for muscle work?

Lori,
Your nerves are normal, I think we all go through the roller coaster of emotions, up one minute, down the next, we can't wait, what am I thinking..it is normal. I am 48 hours post op from a tummy tuck and a reat lift w/ aug. I feel fantastic. I honestly go to work tomorrow ( I won't) but that is how good I feel. Now I know the LBL entails a lot more then what I had done, but your recovery should not be that bad. Good luck.

Lori,
It is so good to hear how good you are feeling.  My extended abdominalplasty with back lipo is next Wednesday and I am sooo excited...but I have to say starting to get nervous too.  I know that is normal and it is good to hear that others feel that way too.  I also think ..it is so much money that I really hope it is worth it!.  But I love when I hear how happy people are with their results.

Patty

I am going to make an appointment for a consultation this year.  Just thinking about it makes me nervous.  I am looking forward to reading about your experience.  Best wishes to you.

Thanks to everyone *****plied.  As for what determines muscle work, I think it has to do with having kids--that will make the muscles sag.  Also, I think it also has to do with the way your weight was carried and if you've been exercising.  Again, these are just my thoughts....