How to sleep with belt lipectomy?

Ok, so many people have issues sleeping with a tummy tuck. I'm going to have a belt lipectomy, cut all the way around with 4 tubes. How do you sleep then? Will I have to sleep standing up!?

That was one of the things that had me hesitating before I had the LBL done - how the heck do you deal with an incision that goes all the way around your body!  My PS gave me a look and said - "the incision is nothing.  It's the muscle tightening that'll kill you." (or words to that effect). 

He was right.  I was put in a compression garment immediately after surgery.  It cushions the incision line.  The incision is also numb, so you don't feel anything.  I had 4 drains, but they all came out of my mons area.  So laying on my back was perfectly comfortable.  Within a week, the incision line was closed.

But, oh! the muscle tightening!  Spasms randomly happening - and for goodness sake, don't cough, sneeze, or laugh!  I was fine as long as I was laying or sitting still, but the minute you have to move, you definitely know that things have been tightened.

Thanks. I figure I'll be on the couch with a zillion pillows for several weeks. You know, my PS never mentioned muscle tightening. I hear it a lot. It's on my list of questions to ask for my pre-op appointment.

Pillows are definitely a must.  You'll need a few to elevate your legs, a few to elevate your head, and a few to tuck around your body so you can shift pressure points.  Get a neck roll/travel pillow - invaluable.

Muscle tightening - I bet he's planning on doing it, and just hasn't mentioned it.  Unless you're really lucky and haven't separated your abdominal muscles!  And confirm that he's lifting your mons area as well. 

DEFINITELY lifting the mons. It's a must!

mine said i won't need much muscle tightening. i haven't had kids which i know does a ton of damage to the muscle so that may be why

I slept on my back on my mom's adjustable bed. Some people rent electric recliners. It was nice being able to get in and out of bed myself by day 3.

http://www.reclinerrentals.com/Rates-Availability.php 

I strongly suggest sleeping in a recliner. Electric is best as you don't need to use your legs in/decline. I had a table next to me with all my stuff. I also got a grabber do I didn't have to reach.

Good luck

I had LBL in November. I tried the recliner-HATED IT.  Could not get comfy.  I stayed on the couch propped with lots of pillows in a semi-seated position for the first couple weeks-then I went back to the bed in a semi-lounging position with lots of pillows to make a "nest".

The incision was nothing.........the muscle tightening......HELLO!  that is where the pain was.  I'm 5 months out now and STILL have some random spasms (not painful) and I'm having a hard time with all core exercises....it is as if I'd never worked those muscles before!

TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Just asked and I WILL be getting muscle tightening. Yikes! I should be glad, right? But at least you all are helping me be prepared. I have two months. Guess I need to start doing sit-ups now!