tummy tuck info needed!! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Disappearing Diva · 11-05-2006, 07:18 PM

Hi all,..I am more of a lurker on this site,..but need some advice, and knwo this is the place to come!! I am having my tummy tuck in December (anchor style,..form breast bone to pubic bone,..then to each hip). I am just wondering what to expect as far as pain (generally speaking, as I know everyone is different,..but I want YOUR expirence!!) Also what to expect afetr wards,..as christmas is 10 days after my surgery!! Nto too mention I am travellign 12 horus by car to the place to have my surgery,..so will be on the road for quite awhile!! Any advice on what I am about to go through would be GREATLY appreiciated!!

Mavisavis · 11-05-2006, 07:35 PM

Hey Erin......I just had a TT, breast augmentation and chin lift on Oct 11th. I am not sure what type my TT was, except that it cut under my pannus and extended around to the back. I did mine as an outpatient....and honestly, don't remember the ride home.

Do you have the 12 hour trip that same day? I found the pain to be bearable, but just uncomfortable. I actually, at first, found the chin to be the worst part....but then it healed quicker than the rest. I was off pain meds in about 5 days and switched to tylenol and tylenol PM. I was able to drive after 10 days, although maybe without the chin it could have been earlier. I felt I couldn't turn and look for veering traffic well enough. I was able to go out for short periods at about a week, and went to Karaoke at 10 days (but I sat a lot). I thought it was overall easier than the bypass....maybe because it didn't have the same blah feeling of the innards being reorganized.....maybe because it had more immediate results....maybe because my whole lifestyle wasn't changed and leaving me frustrated.....I'm not sure. It did take me a little longer to be physically upbeat with the plastics. You'll do fine and they'll make sure you have meds! Good luck, and for the record....I am sooooo happy I did mine.

lealphachienne · 11-05-2006, 09:23 PM

Hmmm, I'm not the best example...I almost died......but hey, there's risks to everything you do....I was out for 3 months with complications and such...not really pain, just crap...I think it really only hurt for 3 days, but I alsohad stairs to navigate and had no one to help me out around the house. I flew torugh WLS with no problems and more than made up for it with a TT and breast aug.

Blueyz · 11-05-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disappearing Diva

Hi all,..I am more of a lurker on this site,..but need some advice, and knwo this is the place to come!! I am having my tummy tuck in December (anchor style,..form breast bone to pubic bone,..then to each hip). I am just wondering what to expect as far as pain (generally speaking, as I know everyone is different,..but I want YOUR expirence!!) Also what to expect afetr wards,..as christmas is 10 days after my surgery!! Nto too mention I am travellign 12 horus by car to the place to have my surgery,..so will be on the road for quite awhile!! Any advice on what I am about to go through would be GREATLY appreiciated!!

The vertical incision is rougher than the horizontal incision. I had the vertical opened so many times and the horizontal from hip to hip twice. My PS surgeon says that the vertical is against the law of gravity and harder to take. Linea Alba..is the line of vertical cutting.
You will be ok..make sure they give you a binder and have pain meds ready for the long ride. Maybe they can give you a shot of Demerol with Phenegran before you leave and then have some meds with you that you can take orally. You don't want to be in pain when you are on that long drive. Bring some really squishy soft pillows and a blanket in case you have the chills from the anesthesia. I had so many surgeries and the worst for me pain wise was wls. Everyone is different though..some had worse experiences and complications with TT. I had hernia repairs with mine and still feel that it was bearable. Good luck...I hope your ride is safe and pain free.

Mavisavis · 11-06-2006, 03:47 AM

Ok, now reading Marie and Dale's responses....first off Marie is absolutely correct. There are risks with any of this and you just have to know it can happen. But Marie is also very hot and looks awesome.

But everyone will have a different experience. Most people DO say the TT is worse than the bypass. I'm just weird...and they were so different it's hard to compare. Now after reading Dale's I realized...duh....I had horizontal. So, I don't know what the vertical would feel like. Just a question to any of you.............what makes them decide one over the other?

lealphachienne · 11-06-2006, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavisavis

Ok, now reading Marie and Dale's responses....first off Marie is absolutely correct. There are risks with any of this and you just have to know it can happen. But Marie is also very hot and looks awesome.

But everyone will have a different experience. Most people DO say the TT is worse than the bypass. I'm just weird...and they were so different it's hard to compare. Now after reading Dale's I realized...duh....I had horizontal. So, I don't know what the vertical would feel like. Just a question to any of you.............what makes them decide one over the other?

Depends on current scar location and where the skinhangs...the inverted T or vertical is often done if you have a loo back flap....it pulls the skin together like a corset.

Mavisavis · 11-06-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lealphachienne

Depends on current scar location and where the skinhangs...the inverted T or vertical is often done if you have a loo back flap....it pulls the skin together like a corset.

Oh, ok......I guess mine was more excess in the love handle region and pannus....so that makes sense. Thanks Marie.

LisaBoston · 11-06-2006, 02:14 PM

Hey girlfriend...you will be in the hospital for 4 days after surgery, thus you shouldn't decide about travelling until you are ready to come home. I know you had some issues with the RNY and all the strictures....so why not play it by ear and see how you feel afterwards? I would think a plane ride from Calgary would be ok, its just the 3hr road travel in the winter from Hat to Calgary that would be the issue? Are you considering driving all the way? Ugghhh.... I wouldnt' travel the roads that time of year and if you fly, you could actually go on your own.

I am so impressed with your success....you have inspired me all the way along...stop in here more often - you have so much to contribute to others!

Disappearing Diva · 11-06-2006, 02:24 PM

WWW!! Thanks Lisa!! I wish I coudl have spent more tiem on these boards,..I DO love watchign the topics,..but have been SO busy with the kids!! But HEY!! Coem December,..its back to ME TIME as I prepare for this surgery,..adn jsut relax while I heal!! I CAN'T Wait!! Life has gotten SO BUSY with all of this newfound energy,..I barely have time to BREATH some days!! I REALLY don't know how I managed to chase these three rug rats around (aged 6,5,&4) when I was so overweight!! I STILL sweat bullets when I need to bath them!! UGH!!

Anyway,...thanks for the info!! I did however book my flights today. I am flying to Calgary, then takign the shuttle to the HAT,..and vis versa on Day4. (My surgery is Thursday,..so I will be flyign home Sunday. We will see how it goes!! Wish me luck!! I will be SO RELIEVED to have this "apron" gone!! Althopugh I must admit,..I will miss it somewhat,..as disgusting as it sounds!! It's kinda "grown" on me! Sorta like a reminder of all that I have accomplished you know? Oh well,..I will enjoy not needing my "spanx" anymore!! (Its holdign in my water ballon gut now)