First Plastic Surgery Scheduled (Abdominoplasty) Need Veteran's Advice

I went to Dr. Michael Moses in New Orleans.  If you decide to come here let me know and I will help in whatever way I can. In San Antonio there is a Doctor Fischer who specializes in post wls plastics.  I read a lot about him and Dr. Capella in New Jersey and they seem great.  Ultimately I decided to stay close to home which I'm glad I did.

Have you checked out realself? its a plastic  surgery site with a ton of personal experiences with before and after photos. 

New Orleans is quite a bit closer for me.... I don't know why, but I read your location of LA as Los Angeles instead of Louisiana....  I also would prefer to have my work done closer to home. 

I have not checked out realself, I will do that!! Thanks!

Yes, THANK YOU!

Hearing about your experience is so very helpful. I've already got a freshette on my amazon wishlist. Would ice packs be helpful at all for swelling or does the binder insulate too well?

Congratulations on your surgeries. Please, keep us updated on your progress.

I have followed my doctor's instructions to a t.  He never mentioned ice packs so I haven't used them.

Thanks for sharing the details.  The list of must haves is very useful.  What are your needs as far as wearing compression garments at this stage?

Be as healthy as possible for the next month.  Up your protein, keep your diet clean, get your fluids in.  All that will help you heal quicker after surgery.  I had one vaginal birth, so no idea on how it measures up to a c/s.  I had LBL with BA/BL.  The first night was a blur in the hospital, but the nurses thought I was nuts when I wanted to get up and walk around but I hate being bedridden.  When I got home the next evening, I had a difficult time getting into and out of bed, but I was able to do it without help.  I slept propped up in my enormous pregnancy pillow, so I wouldn't roll over, with a pillow on top of that so I was semi-reclined.  My husband tied a rope onto the canopy portion of our bed so I could pull myself without using my abs so much (I don't like relying on people because I'm insane).  I used a cheapy walker from Amazon for the first few days because walking hunched over was hell on my lower back.  I kept myself on a strict schedule with the pain relievers and muscle relaxers because if I went over the amount of time, I was in a lot of pain.  Other than that, it really wasn't too bad.  I just rested, watched crap TV, worked a bit (I work from home), etc.  I couldn't really drive without a pretty good amount of discomfort for the first two weeks, but that was because my breasts were so sore that turning around with the seatbelt on was semi-torturous.  Good luck!

I love the rope idea! For the first week I will be at a hotel so they may frown on the idea of bolting one to the ceiling, but if I could...This brings up a very important point that I hadn't thought about.

We just moved to CA so we are sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Sounds like it may be time to invest in a tall bed frame.

Thanks!

The things that were most valuable were 1. pain medication, 2. grabber, 3. lots of pillows.  I slept on my bed, but I think a recliner would be more comfortable.  The muscle repair is going to kick you in the ass.  If you can borrow a walker, get it.  You won't need it for long, but it's surprising how much your back ends up hurting from being hunched over. 

As far as prep is concerned, have a good source of protein (shakes and bars).  Fixing meals and eating isn't going to be at the top of your priority list.  Up your vitamin C.  Take a deep breath and go for it!  The process is not fun, but the results are worth it.

Awesome. This gives me a much better picture of what is to come. It's so funny to be excited about something that is going to be painful. lol

I requested a recliner for my hotel room...maybe they'll surprise me.

Thanks!

May I ask what doctor you are going to?  I am thinking about PS as well but have not started researching docs yet.