Question:
Do I need help at home after abdominoplasty?

I'm having an abdominoplasty (full muscle tightening, etc.) with pannus removal on Sept. 5th. My husband will be off from work the day of the surgery and the day I get home, but that's it. Will I need someone to help me that first week? What, if any preparations should I make in advance? I'd like to hear how long recovery was, what I should expect as far as being able to move, pain, etc. I'm excited, but a little scared, and want to be prepared as best as possible. Thanks, Lisa :)    — Lisa F. (posted on July 25, 2001)

July 25, 2001
Hi Lisa, I had surgery 2 weeks ago. I had abdominoplasty, breast reduction & hernia repair. So that's a little more than you will be having. I had surgery on a Thursday & my husband took off the Wed before surgery and the whole next week. Everyone's recovery will vary, but for me, a 44 year old house wife, I need the help! I was instructed not to drive or push a vaccuum or mop. I can't lift anything over 5#'s, which is almost everything. Even a gallon of milk seems too heavy. My little boys lift the laundry in to the machine for me and take it out. I can fold the clothes. I wish I would have set up a house keeper to come once a week for a month or so before I went into surgery. I am in the process of doing that now, because I just can't clean. I had my husband buy me some Lean Cuisine's for my dinner--I certainly dont have energy to cook! He cooks for himself & the boys. Recovery really isn't as bad as WLS, just seems to be longer. I'm still taking pain medication in the am & pm. For WLS, I only took pain meds for 4 days postop. I'm hoping at the end of a month, I'll be pretty much healed & a lot of the swelling gone. I really want my energy back & am looking forward to walking & getting active again!! So I would get a housekeeper & some TV dinners... Hope this helps....
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 8, 2003
I know this answer is too late for you, but for anyone else looking for an answer...I give a resounding YES. Two weeks ago today, I had a TT, BL and my arms done, and I'm just starting to be able to do little things for myself. There is no way I can cook, clean or even straighten up my house. Like the other poster. I am going to be looking for a house cleaner today. Even feeding the cats is a big chore for me. I've always been very independant - and since losing all the weight - very active, and this has been very hard for me. I orginally planned on having my Mom stay with me for 3-4 days. That turned into a week (I sent her home after that since at her age, taking care of me and my home was getting to be too much for her). At that point, my daughter came home from college for three days to help. I had planned on returning to work this week, but needed to stay home. Get all the help you can. You'll need it.
   — Cyndie K.

December 30, 2003
Yes...count on needing help at least the first week on a daily basis. By 2 weeks most patients are self-sufficient. Your spouse/significant other/caregiver will definitely earn their halo the first week and will be musch appreciated!
   — DrL

August 28, 2004
You will definitely need help for at least 3-4 days. Please amke arrangements so that you can rest and eat right. No sodium and not a lot of moving around. Both can lead to excessive swelling/edema that takes months to disipate. Good luck, DN
   — DianeN

September 10, 2004
My husband was a saint. He saw how hard I worked to get this surgery approved. He took 2 weeks off from work to help me out. There is nothing more he could possibly done for me unless he could have chewd my food and gone to the bathroom for me. When we first came into the house and I couldn't bathe til the next day, he ran and got the shampoo and a towel and helped me wash my hair in the kitchen sink. I was all bent over anyway so it wasn't bad. He waited on me, helping me with the shower for the first time, and brought me all my meals for the first 2 days so I didn't have to walk on the steps. He also really tried to keep up with the housework and claims to have a new appreciation for all the stuff I do. This has been the greatest thing for me, to have that attention and assistance, almost was great as the result of the surgery itself. I was much more able to get around by the middle of the second week. I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op now, and am back at work. he is still helping with the housework and laundry, and my son helps with the dishes and food shopping when needed.
   — Fixnmyself