Question:
How will go to the bathroom after I have thigh and butt lift?

I am going to be having an outer thigh and butt lift/skin removal performed in a couple of weeks. I was wondering how in the world will I go to the bathroom, and how will I sleep? I hope some of you can give me some advice. Thanks in advance.    — sheron H. (posted on April 12, 2003)

April 12, 2003
I just had a belt lipodectomy<sp?> in the last week and I was not able to poop for 4 days. That might be from the morphine. However i slept real well. Now off morphine poop well but don't sleep too good. Ain't life a bit$% ?? Good Lux
   — Robert L.

April 12, 2003
Hi, Sheron. I just had a thigh/buttocks lift on March 10th and I admit sleeping and going to the bathroom were difficult for a time. The incisions are on your back/butt and there is no way to avoid laying on them. Couple that with the fact that because of loss of padding, I was already experiencing pain when sitting. The doctor suggested a recliner, but I thought I would be fine with using a bunch of pillows to keep me upright like when I had my tummy tuck, but it didn't work. Even though I was zonked on pain meds, I woke up every few hours or so having to adjust my position because my butt would be sore. At one point, I tried to sleep on my stomach with a bunch of pillows, but I still had the drains in and the drains would leak where they were entering my body. After about two/three weeks, I was able to sleep on my side. As to going to the bathroom, it was hard to sit on the toilet and when I urinated, I would stand and stoop over the seat. When I did have to sit down, I would cushion my behind with my hands. A padded seat is a must, even though it still hurt with that. The only thing I can say is that it improves with time. After 2/3 weeks, I was able to sleep on my side again (with a pillow between my knees). So the three things I would suggest are (1) recliner (2) padded toilet seat (3) PERCOCET (or other narcotic pain reliever). Best of luck!
   — Lisa N M.