Question:
Tummy tuck post op appetite? I can hardly eat, is this normal?

HI there.. I'm almost three weeks post op from an anchor incision tummy tuck and hernia repair. I'm recovering nicely for the most part, except for some excess fluid -- but that's not my issue. I have some appetite, but I can't eat much at all. Its almost like month one or two post op from my GBP surgery. Is this normal? They took 11 pounds off me, but I've lost an additional 15 as well. I'm ok with it, sort of, but for the first time in my life I'm a little concerned. I'm a pound from a goal I never thought I'd get to. Thoughts? Thanks! Lisa 372-166 today!    — Lisa C. (posted on November 24, 2003)

November 24, 2003
Hi Lisa, I am only 1 week post op anchor panniculectomy and was having he exact same thoughts. My post surgery appetite is almost back to normal but I cannot eat as much as before the TT. I was also thinking like about 2 mos WLS post-op. I am very excited about this though. Hope to lose more. I was hoping my pouch shrunk up a little from not eating for a few days. Are you wearing a binder? I think that is the real reason for less appetite and filling faster. It's keeping everything compressed. My friend who is an RN had this surgery too and said it's the binder. I also had 11 pounds of skin removed. Good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery. 348/205/192 - Janet
   — Janet S.

November 24, 2003
I am 6 days out from my abdominalplasty, and besides a bit sore, I am doing very well. I had 12lbs of skin removed and am wearing a binder with 2 drains. I do think the binder helps with the pressure of feeling full. I don't mind it, but I do have to make myself eat. When I do think I am hungry it does not take much for it to pass. I thought this surgery would be more painfull, but other than the soreness and beautiful colors I have all over...it's been ok=) Take Care. Open RNY down 170lbs since 9/30/2002.
   — EMN

November 24, 2003
I thought 2 crackers with PB was a full meal! I remember that time very well. I had the extensive abdominoplasty, in which they completely rebuilt my muscle structure. By the time all that swelled, and then the skin part swelled, I don't think there was much room for an EMPTY pouch, let alone a full one. I did overshoot goal, but it didn't last. Within a few weeks I could eat as I had before the TT.
   — vitalady

December 1, 2003
Hi. If you had your muscles tightened (especially if you ae in a girdle or binder), then there is less room on the inside, and your hopefully you are now pleasingly smaller on the outside! Intestinal gas can be a problem that causes early satiety, as well as constipation from postop narcotics. All temporary.
   — DrL