Question:
I am scheduled for hernia repair and abdominoplasty tomorrow.

Anybody that's been there have any words of wisdom or advice for me? I am very nervous, but also excited. Any tips, tricks, etc. to make my experience better? Lesa 264/142 open rny 9-30-02    — Lesa H. (posted on December 4, 2003)

December 4, 2003
Hi Lesa, I am a little over 2 weeks out from my Abdominoplasty and am doing pretty well. The pain is not as bad as the open RNY but I think the soreness lasts longer with this surgery. I still can't drive, not until monday and they removed the drains this past Monday and said I still have to be very careful and not do very much for another week. No lifting for 6 weeks. Once the drains are removed, we risk that empty area filling with fluid, and we have to prevent that from happening so less activity the better. Otherwise, it was well worth it! When I look in the mirror I can not believe the change even with the swelling. It is truly amazing. Good Luck! Open RNY 9/30/2000 - 310lbs down to 145.
   — EMN

December 4, 2003
Yes. (1) Take the stool softener when they offer it to you - I didn't, and it was totally stupid. I should have. What a doof I was! (2) Don't let yourself get behind in keeping up with the pain meds. It's ugly when you have to play catch up - and so not worth the effort, when all it takes ia admitting you're beginning to know that you need some more! You don't have to prove that you're tough - again, my own stupidity at play here! (3) The more you walk, the sooner you'll be better. (4) Drink water like it's going out of style. (5) Be prepared for hair loss again - I was surprised, but I guess I shouldn't have been - I had it with my c-section, too. Hope that helps! You'll be in my prayers! dina
   — Dina McBride

December 4, 2003
I had my tt/mr/br 1 year ago on the 2nd. of this month and I also had a buttlift early this march, the last poster prety much said it, take it easy and don't try to exercise until the doctor clears you to do so, or you will swell up like balloon,, walking is good for getting rid of excess fluid and wear your binder!!!!! 270/160/110pds
   — bikerchic

December 7, 2003
I had gastric bypass surgery in Dec. of 2001. I had a hernia repair and a panniculectomy in August of this year. For me the pain from the hernia repair was much worse than the skin removal. Keep on top of your pain meds.
   — Melinda B.