Question:
I am suppose to get my tummy tuck friday. What can I expect as far as pain, and will

Does the doctor also do lipo along with the tummy tuck? I just want to get some advice on this. I am nervous, they said I will just be in the hospital overnight is that normal?Thanks for all your answers! Beth    — Elizabeth C. (posted on April 28, 2003)

April 28, 2003
I just had my Extended TT, breastlift and Brachioplasty on March 31st. The pain wasn't that bad but I also didn't have alot of stomach tightening done. Scale of 1-10, I was a 3 in that department. Probably because I never had kids. A friend of mine had it done a week after me (she's had kids)and had alot of tightening done and she said it was more painful than the WLS. All depends. I spent on nite after 9 hours of surgery so thats normal. AS for the lipo, this has to be brought up to your surgeon. I'm surprised he hasn't mentioned if he is or not. Mine included it. Another surgeon another friend of mine used didn't and she doesn't have that great of results in my opinion. Looks like a 'blob' of fat on her flanks. Definately call your PS to find out.
   — Kris T.

April 28, 2003
I had a tt and lower body lift on 4/4 and it hurt for about 5 days. The Dr gave me pain killers and I didn't care ;). I think that it is not as painful as my WLS. In less tha 1 month I feel pretty good. Have gone for walks and driven my car. You are in better shape than your first operation so you heal faster. It's well worth it. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

April 28, 2003
Elizabeth - I highly recommend you get yourself signed up for the Yahoo Group for WLS patients who are either going through, or have already gone through, reconstructive plastic surgery. It's located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ossg-plasticsurgery/ They have been very supportive and informative to me. Pending insurance approval, I am scheduled for an extended abdominoplasty (TT) and brachioplasty (arms) on June 30th. Best wishes to you on a speedy recovery! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -123lbs.
   — Anna L.