LBL update... question on swelling...

 I just wanted to do a quick update.

I had my LBL on Tuesday.  I am doing pretty well so far.  I was in a good deal of pain for the first few days and am still on the narcotics, but I am feeling a lot less pain and less nausea as well now. I only have one drain.  It hasn't really bothered me too much.  I am only draining about 50ccs a day.  I have been trying to be as mobile as possible. I am pretty bent over right now though so that is kind of hard.  TMI - I ended up having to use an enema because I got impacted. That was no fun! The main thing that is bothering me right now is swelling in my hip area and abdomen.  My scar is super low and I love the way my mons area looks.  I am 2 inches bigger in the hip area than I was the day of surgery though.  My surgeon took off 6 lbs of skin and fat and when I weighed myself today I was up 1 lb from surgery.  So, that means that I am probably holding onto at least 7 lbs of water/swelling.  My surgeon doesn't have me in any kind of compression garments right now.I'm not sure why.  I will ask him about that when I see him again.  I am hoping that maybe he will give me something to wear to help the swelling when I go to my next appt this week.  

I would love to hear about y'all's experiences with swelling post LBL.  Were you bigger after surgery than before surgery?  Did you fit into your pre-op jeans after surgery?  I haven't tried mine on yet, but I am pretty positive they wouldn't fit yet.  I think they would be very tight.  If you didn't fit in your pre-op pants right after surgery, how long did it take for you to get back in them.  Did you have a lot of swelling in the love handle area/abdomen area/hip area?  If so, how long did it last?  Any input would be greatly appreciated!  I am just a little down right now because of this swelling.  I am hoping that it is normal for a week out though.

Thanks for the input!

Swelling is totally normal...but I get it ...very fustrating!  I didn't have a LBL but I had an extended TT with back lipo..and about a week out, I was very swollen!  I also had to wear a spanx like garmet for underwear and a binder 24/7.  I would ask about needed one.  Maybe others that had a LBL can tell you.  The swelling lasted a few week (I felt pregnant!)...it does get better.  My surgeon said that I will be swollen for a few months.  I knew about the weight going up after surgery from the swelling so I choose to not step on the scale..I didnt' want to feel down! I would avoid that scale right now , there is nothing you can do to change it.  Drink lots of fluids and really make sure you get your protein in.  Also...the pain meds are very constipating..make sure you take stool softeners.  I felt like I gave birth to my 4th child with my first BM post op...I know TMI...but we share on this board right!!
   I didn't even try on jeans for several weeks..the thought of them was just too much.  I wore pj's or yoga pants...my new favorite thing!

Hang in there...it will get better..I promise!  You are just so newly post op

Hugs
Patty

PBJ is right.  Your body will go through some really funky things as you heal. Swelling is a real factor you will encounter for a while. I still swell and I am about six weeks out. Jeans are a night mare right now  My thighs are not cooperating and even though I dont have a muffin top anymore the waist is still tight low waisted jeans are good right now . I too stay in sweats and yoga pants but I am not allowed at work. so I have two pair I keep switching out of for now. It does seem tough but hang in therel   If you have a health food store near you get some Senna tea and have one each day it helps with the constipation problem also it helps releave some of the excess water.

good luck keep us posted.

Ditto on the swelling.  My hands looked the weirdest--they didn't look like my hands!  After 4-5 days after my LBL the swelling went down in my hands and arms.  My back (where I had lipo) is still swollen, puffy and bruised (I am 10 days out) but by far the worst swelling was/is in my thighs.  I am still wearing my Mom's pants (she's about 2-3 sizes bigger than me) and can't wear my own clothes because they are too uncomfortable around the waistline and thighs.  I tried on a pair of my normal yoga pants today and they still don't fit.  But drinking lots of fluids and moving around will help reduce the swelling.  I'm still in a binder and have one drain remaining but I should ditch both this Tuesday at another follow-up appointment.  At that point I transition into a girdle the Plastic Surgeon ordered for me.  Hang in there...the swelling will resolve itself in a few weeks.

I second/third the swelling!  It happens and I have just now felt comfortable enough to take off my garment.  (I still swell in my abdomin area some days for what ever reason and it feels like a belt is tightening around the scar area....very funny feeling)

Anyway, I am a little over 2 months out and about 2 weeks ago noticed all of the sudden my pre-op pants dont fit.  I have FINALLY dropped a size. 

I would definately ask about a binder/garment as it was truly a comfort to me and with the nerve damage from the ps it can sometimes help with the pain.  If you compress a nerve it will not hurt as much!

Best wishes, Amy