360 degree LBL scheduled for 2/14:

Hi Everyone! I'm new here and am looking for some advise/tips/suggestions. I'm going to have a total body lift on 2/14. This will include the pannectomy, butt lift, and fleur de lis (for the upper abdomen). I've been told to expect 4 drains. I'll be in the hospital for 2 days.

What advise do you have for me? I'm really concerned about the pain.

Thanks!!

I'll be 7 days post op tomorrow from a total body lift, but no fleur de lis. I stopped narcotics two days ago and have been taking 1,000mg of Tylenol every 6 hours. I have continued Zofran because it helps to keep my appetite up and make sure I can consume lots of protein. I'm also taking Valium before bed to help with sleep. The worst of the pain has been my butt/tailbone and pretty much no position is comfortable. The power recliner I rented was very useful for the first 4-5 days. I can now get up/down without any issues from most places. I still need some assistance if I'm laying in bed. I went back to sleeping in bed at night 5. Other Than the literal pain in the butt I have very little pain.

It's been helpful to have easy protein sources on hand. I've been mostly eating whole fat Greek yogurt, nuts, protein bars, chicken breast and other meat (as someone cooks it for dinner).

Thank you for replying. Thankfully, my husband will be with me and will handle meal prep etc. I've stocked up on various protein powders so that he can add them to smoothies for me, and/or soups and stuff.

I have lots of Zofran & Phenergan on hand, so that will be helpful. No Valium though ... which narcotic did you have?

I don't have access to a recliner, but am going to sleep in the guest room bed, which is firmer than our bed.

My doctor prescribes Oxy for pain and Valium for muscle tightness. He told me I wouldn't understand the difference between the pain until after surgery. The Oxy helps incision pain and the Valium helps an over all tightness/fatigue in your muscles (more than than just your abs).

The first days when I was taking both are pretty much a blur. I actually functioned pretty well, but now looking back I don't remember very much of it - just clips of things along the way.

Bed is very hard to get into/out of even when propped on a bunch of pillows at first. I hope you have a chair you can hang out in during the day at least, even if it doesn't recline).

Erin, Thanks for sharing your experience. I am going for a consultation to see Dr Michaels in April. I have chatted privately with Gwen and NY Mom. After seeing Dr. Michaels work I felt no other Dr would do (I live in CT). We are taking out kids to D.C. To see the White House and monuments and scheduled my consultation. Long time coming... my RNY in 2008! Everything concealed beautifully in clothing lol but not on the beach etc!!! Hopefully I will meet up with Gwen in D.C. She was gracious to offer. My husband is still waiting on White House tour appt. And asked me to wait a bit to make any plans. But Dr Michaels is set and it better not be a conflict!

i am glad you are feeling better day by day! The tail bone pain sound like something that will take time. I broke mine when my daughter was born and it took time to heal. I never would have guessed the LBL would do that.

I'm not from D.C. either. I'm actually from upstate NY (about an hour south of Ottawa). I see Dr. M tomorrow morning and then we'll make the 10 hour drive home. I had originally planned to fly home on Saturday but I'm feeling plenty well enough to ride in the car.

I was very scared for this surgery, but it's been SO much easier than I had imagined it would be.

Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean about the scary part. I did not consider it until I stumbled nto the plastic surgery and read people like Gwen, NYMom and another person. Inspired me to consider.

how many days did you stay? I figure we make a second trip after my consultation and my husband and girls (16 and 14) can have fun and come back and check on me! I grew up in NY but in White Plains and Cross River (near Katonah). My sister lives in Averill Park which is upstate.

i am glad you are feeling well and have a good trip home!! Congratulations for having it over!!!!

I planned on staying just shy of 2 weeks, but I feel well enough I'm on my way home today (day 8). I will return in 3-5 weeks for a follow up.

Have a safe drive! It will be good to get home and this behind you! Must feel really good!

Just reading this post. Just an FYI, I returned home on Day 8 as well.