Tummy tuck????

Just wondering if anyone out there has had a tummy tuck, and if they have any advice for a qick and comfortable recovery. I am having one in 11 days and was wondering how to be the best prepared. If you have any advice, comments, or anything, please e mail me.... [email protected] Amanda

You should check out the Plastic Surgery Forum--lots of information there. 

I had one 5 days ago.  I found the pain to be much less than that of the bariatric surgery which was laproscopic.  I did use the pain meds for the first few days and still do at night.  However, I will probably discontinue that in the next day or so. Since I did have lapriscopic surgery for the first go around,  I didn't have to deal with incision care or staples. My biggest issue is trying to not overdo things.  Have friends/family who can do the stretching and bending for you.  Make sure you have the pain meds ahead of time and make sure they give you some kind of nausea med.  I was a bit queasy after the surgery and the compazine helped out.  I only needed to take it once or twice.

Thank you for all your advice and if you think of anything else that might help I would totally appreciate. I am starting to get a little nervous.... I guess that's normal.

My balloon has been burst on the subject.  I have been keeping pictures of all my skin breakdowns.  The surgeon I chose said I had to wait until 18 mths post op.  I have lost 160lbs.  My apt was in April and we just found out my husbands' insurance changes May1 to an HDHP.  They cover norhting related to WLS.  We have to pay outof pocket the first 4000$.  We had Anthem and they were wonderful and they would cover the panni removal but not the full Tummy Tuck.  So it doesn't look like I will be finishing my journey.  But I still look great fully dressed, and I am sure I will find a bathing suit.  I really didn't want to wear a swim dress again this year.  I am in a size 6-8 jeans and a small to med top but my panni slips out legs of my suit so I have to wear a skit and my legs are bad just at the top.  I was told when they would pull up the skin for the panni removal it would take care of some of my legs. Oh well maybe down the road I'll win the lottery.   Good Luck to you.  Post alot of pictures. Jane

You should try to buy your own insurance through atena. They covered it no questions asked. You might pay more in co pay and other stuff but at least you won't have to cover the cost of the surgery. Don't give up!!!! There is always a way to make it work!

Go back to your doctor and tell them you are loosing your good insurance and want to do it before May 1. That should be close enough or try another doctor. Mine went to all lengths to get my insurance to cover my tt and never even considered not doing it and I was only 14 months out. Diona

Amanda, Hi, I had a tummy tuck last week Wednesday (March 14th) I am home recovering and the best advice I have is to remember to get up and walk around as much as you can.  I have been using the pain pills that were perscribed to me every day...but I don't really think it is because of the pain of the incisions.  I think it is from my back pain.  I love sleeping in my bed, and it has been pretty hard to sleep on the reclining love seat.  This is quite a pain in my back!  (pun intended)  I find that walking around helps to relieve the pain and pressure off my back.  I am excited about seeing the results of my surgeon's work tomorrow when I go to my first post-op appointment.  This is when they will remove the gauze and drainage tubes.  Seeing my new belly button is also something that I am looking forward to!  The other advice that I have is to keep everything you need close by.  (pain meds, antibitoics, lip balm, tylenol, bottled water, kleenex, remote control, telephone,sugar free hard candies) the table next to me is full of things that are within my reach and that is perfect!!  Good luck with your surgery, it is fun to take this next step!  And remember to get plenty of rest...that is always good for healing.

I had mine (anchor)  with hernia  repair 11 days ago and am doing fine.  I had an overnight in the hospital.  I slept in the recliner 2 nights when I got home.  I took pain pills for a week****il I had my 3 drains removed).  I had my house ready and food prepared.  A friend brought me home from the hosp, but I've taken care of myself since.  Good luck----lots of water and protein before and after.

Hi!  I just had a tummy tuck with muscle repair, as well as a breast lift, on January 10.  The incision itself was not painful, and believe it or not, the breasts didn't even really hurt.  What hurt like #*@! was the muscle repair.  I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but let me tell you, that was something else.  I had had a c-section with my twins with complications, and that was NOTHING compared to this!  I think that if you are simply having the TT, I'm sure it is painful and recovery is hard, but when they mess with the muscle.......oh boy.  Now.....I only had 5 days "off" from my life, after that it was back to taking care of my 5 y/o twins, running them to school, playdates etc.  My words of wisdom are DON'T OVERDO IT!!!!  You will swell and be hunched over if you do (actually, you will swell and be hunched over even if you don't, but it is worse if you do overdo it!)  Luckily, the time goes by pretty quickly, and when you start seeing your new tummy, it will all be worth it.  Also, the pain is managable, with the exception of coughing and trying to get out of bed (I didn't do a recliner at all, so I struggled with the ins and outs of our bed).  Also be aware that as with all major surgeries, there may be a time shortly after surgery that you will get the "blues".  It does go away, and you will start to feel human again....mentally and physically.  I love my new tummy and perky breasts (even with the scars), but now I am up 8 pounds......all of which went into my butt and thighs!  I went from a size 12 to wearing stretch pants.....I can barely squeeze into a size 14!  You really have to be pretty sedentary for several weeks...short walks, but nothing strenuous, and, you will swell for up to a year, and that is normal.  There is another site that has a message board for TT called tuckthattummy.com, and I have gotten a lot of advice and info from the gals there.  Best of luck, and take it easy!! Jana