LBL/Thigh Lift & 1 night stay

I had a LBL and BR/BL and was very greatful for the two night stay in the hospital. With such long procedures, I was still so nauseous from the anesthesia that I was greatful for the IV zofran, phenergran, and morphine those first two days! Plus it's so great to have the nurses helping you get out of bed, empty drains, etc.

I might have been able to handle it, but I'm glad that I didn't have to.

My first consult was with Dr. L...is that who did your surgery?  The 2nd was with another doctor.  Their thigh lift approaches are different.  I did not even think I would consider anyone but Dr. L.  For the face lift I am very happy with using the one I saw.  I think he will be great for body work, but I can only stay one night, and I just don't know about that.  From what I read from you guys...it sure seems like I need another night.  The 2nd one uses the pain pump to the incisions and you go home with it, but I don't believe I get the morphine on demand pump.  Because I have no clue how painful this is....I would feel better if it were available.  I hardly used my pump with my RNY, but at least it was available to me if I needed it.

After having the LBL and thigh lift, I can tell you that there is no possible way I could have gone home after only one night.  Plus, surgery centers usually require you to leave first thing in the morning, so that would likely be less than 24 hours following your surgery.

Also, while my IV was removed the next day, my catherter and pain pump were in for four days (and were removed by my nurse). I stayed in a post-op care center for five days.  That might seem like a lot, but the surgeries are extensive and I literally couldn't walk on my own for at least two days and needed a ton of help showering, etc.  You could probably get away with a 2-3 night stay if you have a TON of help at home though (and a high tolerance for pain).

All the best...

Michelle

Hijack--you are just beautiful! Great smile!

Denise

That's so sweet of you to say, Denise!  Thank you for the compliment! :) 

...I agree w/Denise.  I immediately went to your profile to look at your photos, but it is private.  You are  beautiful.

This is a lot to consider.  I like the thigh lift approach the 2nd surgeon gave...but that is the one night stay.  It is a lot to consider.

Okay, you guys are too sweet.  Thank you for the compliment... it made my day :).  I changed my profile to make it viewable.  Don't have a ton of photos, but there are a few before/afters!  )

Michelle

I had a 3/4 belt lift (extended tummy tuck), bl/ba and lipo on my legs and went home same day.  surgery was over at 1:30 and left the surgery center by 3.

I'm glad to hear your strong comment.  All you had were oral pain meds?  It sounds like you did fine.

Before I left the surgery center they gave me a 2 muscle relaxers and anti nausea medication.  After I was home I only had oral medication (percocet) and an antibiotic.  I had one drain for my tummy tuck (just got it out yesterday).  I came back to work 12 days after surgery. 

From the time I got home I had to go two flights of steps to get from my living room (where I slept in my recliner) to the bathroom.  The first day I couldn't get out of the recliner myself, but after that I was able to get up (i was just slow).  I am single so I didn't have to worry about kids and my parents stayed with me for a week (longer than I needed them to).

I fully believe that the surgery and the recovery processes are defined by the surgeons based on how they are trained.  For me, I was nervous about coming home right after surgery, but I think I got stronger quicker because I had to.