I promised that I would come back and tell you about my Tummy Tuck and Lipo, so here I am. I’m one day shy of 2 weeks in today.
I guess everyone is different, but the lipo was a walk in the park compared to the tummy tuck in terms of healing and pain. I would do lipo again if I needed to, but hope to have a one and one tuck!
The Surgery
I can’t speak for every doctor, but it’s clear that most surgeons use their office vs the hospital for cosmetic procedures these days. And it was fine, except that the discharge process was a bit different in that I had to bring in my own meds (the prescriptions I had filled). If you have this done, make sure that you bring your meds, or you have to wait until you get home for pain medication!
Recovery
They got me up and I was straight out the door. I remember going home and being put in the bed, but for about 2 days I don’t remember much else. They sent me with a catheter too, which came out the next day. But I didn’t drink much liquid after because I didn’t want to get up and pee. I had to obviously, so I finally did. It was all clearly painful, but due to Percocet and Flexeril, I didn’t much care!
I went for a follow up appointment on the second day, and they removed my compression garments and redressed my wounds. I had not had meds since 3am that morning and didn’t take any more, but it took me another 3 days to “sober up.” I felt pretty crummy that Monday (day 5 post op) and was very sore.
By sore, let me clarify. The lipo sore was different and was/is more like a bruise if I stretched too far or pressed too hard on those areas. Probably the same soreness as being in an accident if I had to guess. But the tummy tuck was/is very tight. They stretch the skin and it tightens you, and while it starts out numb over time the nerves wake up. So lots of uncomfortable aches and pains with my midsection that are ongoing.
I also had taken a lot of Colace (stool softener). Constipation from narcotics wasn’t an option as you aren’t supposed to strain or push too hard. But it made my stool so soft for so many days, all I did was push to get it out! I’m guessing that I haven’t done any damage, but it remains on my mind. I also developed a cough within the last 3 days, which I think is congestion from both being intubated and the laying in bed for so long. I’m not sure what i could have done differently, but take it under advisement. Anyway, the coughing has me holding my stomach each time to avoid blowing my stitches or stretching the muscle or tearing it. I’m pretty sure I’m ok, but I’m also OCD. So there’s that.
I was also sent home with two drains, presumably from the tummy tuck and not the lipo. I got the first drain out after 1 week, but do not get the second out until week 2 appointment (from the time of this writing, tomorrow). It is very uncomfortable and I’m ready for it to be out. I think the compression garment will be much more palatable after it comes out.
You aren’t supposed to remove the garments, and they have a large pee/poop hole in them. So far so good, but I’m sure I’m peeing on it at least some. I’ve washed it once so far, mostly because it feels very odd to remove it. And remember I’m OCD about the whole thing. Thankfully I only leave to go to the doctor and have had zero visitors. I have read that some take it down to poop, but there are tons of hooks on both sides and also zippers. And I need my stomach compressed to poop. The whole thing feels weird, but my stomach is flat!
Also, I’m a hot sleeper, and these garments are burning me up! I have one from my knees to under my breasts and a second past my elbows and on my torso, down to meet the other one. I have a sleep number bed which makes that the no-brainer for me to sleep in (you have to prop up, and back sleeping for awhile), otherwise I’d have done my husband a favor and slept in the other room. I’m freezing him to death with the A/C plus fan.
I am also NOT a back sleeper! It hurts my neck and gives me a headache. I cannot explain the mechanics to you so just trust me. I did buy one of those travel pillows (horseshoe) and it has helped some, but I finally just ordered some cervical pillow from Amazon. It will be here tomorrow. Better late than never. I’ve woken up with a headache during the night consistently for over a week.
My doctor also told me last week to start walking. So I’m getting out at least once a day and doing a short neighborhood walk in my pajama bottoms and a hoodie to cover my drains. I move slow but am mobile!
I can’t yet wear underwear. Too constricting. And I don’t very much like that personally so giving you a heads up if that’s an issue for you.
To summarize, I’m on day 13 post op, and still very sore in my midsection. Things are healing but that also means nerves waking up and feeling pains I may not have had the day before. Lots of burning areas (not severe, just uncomfortable), pains when my abdomen firms up for any reason (pushing, coughing, etc.). And lots of itching where incisions are healing.
The compression garments will need to be worn for at least another 4 weeks, maybe longer. The shape/weight loss won’t manifest for awhile either. I’m not yet at the stage where I will see result, or be able to exercise to maintain the results. But I have changed my eating habits.
If you have the means and want a tummy tuck, don’t wait. I suspect the first two weeks are the hardest because it’s getting better every day. I’m glad I did it, and will post more of this journey later <3
