Day 1 post op LBL in review

Perhaps some pre-ops made find some of this helpful...

I had a full LBL with fat transfer and muscle repair. In recovery and overnight I was comfortable for the most part. Getting up to pee the first time was hell - so tight and pulling. Yoga for my legs pre-op really helped build leg strength which is so necessary post op as you won't be using your core.

I was worried about nausea but meds took care of that and meds took care of the pain.

I had a shower 24 hrs post op with the help of my husband and mom. This was horrible at first. I got super dizzy, thought I was going to pass out, felt like I was going to vomit and I urinated uncontrollably just while taking bandages off. As soon as the episode started I sat down and rested and took my pain pills and slowed right down. After about 20 mins I resumed with no problem and the shower felt great. In my opinion a shower seat or chair outside your shower is a must.

I get up a min every 2 hours to walk to prevent blood clots. Even if it hurts and I don't want to I do it anyway. I cannot get up from my recliner without help from my hubby. Actually without a support person(s) this would be really difficult.

Lastly, resting and following the instructions of your medical team is crucial.

From what I can see so far - even with all the swelling - I'm so happy!

Looking forward to day 2...

Thanks so much for sharing! I'm planning to stay as long as I can at the recovery place since I don't have the husband or mom to help me. It's the relying on others part I'm having the most trouble planning for.

That part will be difficult but perhaps they can arrange home care for you

Good luck and keep us posted

I required help for the first 5 days. I can't imagine having done that part alone. Jon helped get me food (I probably wouldn't have bothered to eat otherwise), managed my med schedule, helped me shower, and helped me get in/out of bed. Not to mention just fetching things for me (charging cable, drinks, etc). I didn't move much during that time beyond getting up to use the bathroom. By one week out I was showering alone and could go up/down the stairs to get basic food items and sit at the dinner table (we were staying in my friend's very cushy basement).

I'm thinking of trying to stay 5 nights at the recovery place instead of the 2 the doctor suggests. I have friends who can come and help me in a pinch once I'm home, but I hate to ask anyone to come be my full time nursemaid.