Just had a tummy tuck

Actually, I only took Ibuprofen for the first day out of the hospital and then nothing after that.  My surgeon is the one who needs the award.  He has a reputation for having painfree procedures.  I had everything done at once and my Lipo from my thighs was the only pain I felt.  Dr Sauceda does some amazing stuff!

She is right...the pain is no joke! I had a pain pump but that first time getting out of our SUV. Brutal!!!!!!!! I don't remember getting *in* the car (I went home the same day) but I had a couple hours in the car to my Dads where I went to recover and boy do I recall that feeling of helplessness and pain as I got out. It took two others helping me out to actually make it. 

BUT.... I'm 4+ months post op and I'm itching to get my thighs and arms done now, because looking back the pain wasn't something that stuck with me! Ya know what sticks with me?! My flat belly! I can't get enough of it! I love it! I had a major complication and am still healing due to a large opening that developed along my incision but even with that....it's ALL worth it!!! 

I'm sorry if I scared some of you. My post was not intended to cause anxiety. I am was just speaking about MY experience. Like someone else posted each person reacts differently to pain. With that in mind, I have been only taking Tylenol since surgery since I get really nauseous from any other pain narcotic. Now with that said, let's be real....even with narcotics you will feel pain! After being cut open from hip to hip, then have your muscle wall stitched together, and have lipo....no drug is going to take the pain away! The drugs are to help take the edge off, they are not meant to take the pain away completely! If that we're the case we could do damage without realizing it.

I just want to be real with anyone who is considering this type of surgery. It is a major surgery that you must educate yourself about. I really had to think long and hard about about all aspects of getting this type of elective surgery. The recovery is a HUGE commitment! Not only are you basically homebound for weeks, your family, will have to rearrange their lives to help you heal, we are not just talking about a few days...we are talking weeks that is if you follow Dr's orders. I am very blessed and grateful to be surrounded by friends and family who have committed their time and hearts to my continued healing.

As for how to make your recovery a little more comfortable? My advise is to rent an electric recliner. Since this is where you will be spending most of your time healing, you want to be as comfortable as possible. My recliner has 3 positions, the best being the one that gets you to a standing position. I also bought a toilet seat riser. This is not as important as the recliner, however it does help that you don't have to squat as much. Wearing men's pajama bottoms also has been helpful since you will have at least 2 drains for 7-14 days. With the open fly you can "thread" your drains through the opening. I am also taking Bromiline which aides in tissue repair and inflammation. Sipping on lemon ginger tea also helps with inflammation. I have been having a lot of tightness in both my shoulders and lower back, so I have been using a moist heating pad. 

I am 4 days post op, and on the bright side I am getting stronger with each day. Tomorrow I see the Dr and I can't wait since I have been wrapped in a binder I have not been able to see anything! I am happy that I have made this commitment to myself. It is in no way easy, but in the end it will be well worth it!

I appreciate your honesty.  I'm getting close to my extended TT this coming Thursday and got the stomach flu last night UGH!  It should only last 24 hours as my husband went back to work after a 24 hour bout with the flu this weekend.  I want the truth and not candy coating regarding recovery.  Good luck, hope you're happy with your results.

Oh no!! I hope you feel better before surgery!! Best wishes to you! 

Lesley

I just had my extended tummy tuck surgery on the 6th and l lucked out and did not need muscle tightening but the pain still is not exciting. Hang in there - Its soooo worth it.

I sincerely appreciate the 'keeping it real!' I want to know as much as possible so I can be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. I'm having a belt LBL so I'll be cut all the way around. I'm expecting major pain. I'll have two pain pumps, one in front one in back. I have a bottle of Vicodin at home in case I need it. I'm sure I'll get a script of something.

I know it won't be easy. Anyone expecting no pain and an easy time is in denial. If it turns out easier than expected, cool! But it's best to be prepared for the worst.

I can't imagine the pain of being cut all the way around. I'm sure it'll be crazy pain. But I'm ready. Took me 4 years to get my head where I'm ready and I am.

Thanks again to everyone who shares experiences, photos, ideas, tips. It is so much appreciated!

Oh I feel your pain!!!!  I had my tummy tuck on 2/26  and I knew there would be pain with the muscle tightening.  My brain knew that, I had done my research, had a previous open hysterectomy so of course I knew about abdominal surgery pain.  HA!  HA HA HA!!!   Oh to go back to that sweet sweet ignorance.   The incision is completely numb, no pain there.   The breast augmentation/lift/implants-a little sore but really, not hardly any pain at all.   The tummy tuck?   Oh my sweet baby j, it hurts like a mother, I've never felt anything like it...and the abdominal muscle cramps that go with it are the worst.  I swear last night it was like a charlie horse in my stomach...I'm kind of hoping they count as sit ups and that it will somehow translate into me having a six-pack!!!

I will say this, for as much pain as there is, I can't stop looking at my flat stomach.  It's flat!   Never in my entire life did I ever think I'd have a flat tummy and when the muscle cramps are bad, I have a tight flat tummy.   Yes I fully realize this makes me completely sick in the head.   Completely and totally   

It hurts but it is so worth it just to have all that skin gone, the flat is nice but I would be just as happy if it was just not as much skin.