Question:
Tummy tuck after care...?

I will be having a tummy tuck April 5th. My doctor says I should wear a "supportive garment" for a certain amount of time afterwards. I was thinking he meant a binder, but now I think that's not really a garment. To all of you who have already had this procedure, panniculectomy or abdominoplasty, what did you use afterward? Also, would you please share with me & everyone who will see this later, any helpful hints or procedures you discovered. I mean, ANYTHING at all that will help us. Thanks a lot!    — Kathy W. (posted on March 17, 2002)

March 16, 2002
I had to wear the binder they put on in the hospital for three weeks. Then I had to wear a girdle that was like tight underwear that went up under my for three months. The only time I took it off was to shower. I had a panni.
   — Helen C.

March 17, 2002
I had my panniculectomy on 2-14 I was sent home with a binder just like the one I had with my RNY. I wore that 2 weeks after that my surgeon said it was optional. I came home with 4 drains and a new belly button the first 2 drains were removed at first postop visit the last 2 stayed in another week. He removed 1/2 of my staples first visit which by the way was 5 days after surgery. The next week he removed the remainder of the staples and stiches I had both. My only problem has been the belly button it has drained alot and did become infected. I am still nursing that and will go back tomorrow to have him look at it again. My incision has healed wonderfully and it goes around the back on both sides about 4 inches. Good luck on your upcoming surgery.
   — susan V.

March 17, 2002
Kathy - I had always thought the support garment was mandatory, and was quite surprised when my plastic surgeon did not want me to wear one. So, I didn't deal with any of that. I had a breast lift at the same time, and wore a soft support bra, but nothing for the abdominoplasty / hernia repair recovery. I thought it was a good thing - because I was pretty miserable battling the drains and would not have wanted to battle an undergarment as well! Helpful hints? For me, this surgery was much worse than the original WLS. So, my hints are: take your pain medication regularly and sleep in the recliner (again, I had such a hard time juggling those damned drains that the recliner was just wonderful - kept me in one place).
   — kateseidel