Question:
What level of pain will i have after a TT? and are the procedures safe?
I am having mine 8/18/04 and i am getting nervous, i heard the incision is more painful then the Lap RNY i had?? Any info would be great...Thanks — roxxyblue72 (posted on August 12, 2004)
August 12, 2004
I think the pain level varies greatly by person. I was warned by others
who've had the surgery, and my surgeon, that it would not be an easy
surgery. I had an extended abdominoplasty, hernia repair, brachioplasty,
skin removed from the sides of my breasts, and liposuction 4 weeks ago
today. I had almost no pain (no pain meds at all--not even Tylenol--since
the day after surgery). I was able to walk the day after surgery, and to
stand up straight within three days. The areas around all the incisions
are numb, so nothing has hurt at all. I've had no infections or separation
of the incisions. I still have two drains (started with seven) that are
inconvenient, but don't hurt at all. The only complications I've had were
that I somehow popped the stitches in two of the drains and had to have
them restitched (due to the numbness I didn't feel either the stitches
popping nor having them put back in). I've also recently developed some
fluid build up in one arm, but I get that aspirated every other day, and it
doesn't look like it will be any real problem. Doc wouldn't release me to
return to work until three weeks post-op, but I could easily have gone back
to my desk job a week or week and a half sooner. I seem to have had an
especially easy time of it, but even if it had been as bad as I was set up
and prepared for, it would have been worth it. The TT has completely
changed my body image, and has allowed me to actually see the 120-pound
weight loss, I'll be able to wear pants without a tunic top, and those
straight-line sleeveless dresses that I've always liked but couldn't wear
because of both the pannus and the large arms. Don't worry too much about
after until you get there; it may not be bad at all, but even if it is, it
will be worth it. I wish you the same kind of recovery I've had.
— Vespa R.
August 12, 2004
Congrats on your upcoming TT!
I'm 3 months post op from a full TT (hip to hip) with muscle repair. I Love
It!
I never took a pain pill after surgery. Those stomach muscles were really
"Tight". I had to use a walker for the first 2 days and it took 6
weeks for me to stand straight and 8 weeks to hold my shoulders back. I
still have to hold my tummy when I snezze. lol
My incision was never an issue. No pain! It healed great and in little
time. My PS has been amazed! Eat plenty protein and drink lots of water
& rest. This is the healing diet by my PS. Due to the fact, I've been
on this diet for 14 months prior to my TT, it's why I've healed liked I
have.
All 3 of my surgeries (Lap RNY/Breast Reduction/Lift/TT) were painless/no
complications and healing was amazing.
In all 3 you will need rest/protein/water. Follow your surgeon's orders to
a "T" and you will do find.
Of course, we are all different and our pain/healing varies from one to
another. The journey is so worth it all.
The hardest thing for me was not being able to drive or exercise for weeks.
The rest was a piece of cake!
I had very little swelling and still do. I will swell by the end of the
day, espically after hard workouts.
I loved my flat tummy so much I got my belly button pierced at 3 months.
lol
Visit BreastHealthOnline.com for info on all ps surgeries.
(((HUGS)))
— Hazel S.
August 12, 2004
I guess I am the wimp. I had my abdominoplasty on 080204; still have my
drains in. I have had 2 c-sections, RNY, thyroid surgery and carpal tunnel
releases in the past. This, by far, has been the most painful and limiting
surgery I have had. My lap RNY was a breeze compared to this. I have the
hip to hip incision, and my 3cm by 13 cm diastasis recti was repaired,
along with a small umbilical hernia and the removal of 5-6 pounds of flab.
I am one to get moving as soon as possible after surgery. I was moving,
coughing , deep breathing and doing quad sets and ankle pumps as soon as I
woke up in the recovery room! Got my husband to help me walk in the halls
as soon as possible. I've been up and about everyday since I came home from
the hospital. I have taken almost all of my pain medication I got when I
came home from the hospital. I can almost stand up straight, but my back
gets painfully tired if I stand or walk for any length of time. I had
planned to go back to work after about 2 weeks off, but I think it will be
a little longer. I would have to say the abdominoplasty was far more
painful than the lap RNY. Just be prepred and ready to work through the
pain. The results are worth it!
— koogy
August 12, 2004
I am also a wimp in re: pain but I had minimal incisional pain etc. I was
very very stiff when I'd get up from a sitting position, and had to move
extremely slowly in all things. I get an occasional burning in my right
groin area if I stretch it too far, as I did, when first trying to lay down
in my bed. That was a fiasco, as I tried way too soon. (in a chair for 2
wks, tons of pillows, and a numb butt) This too passed, however, and while
I am still swollen and not quite 3 wks post op, I do not regret this at
all. Hernia repair HAD to get done, so the TT was paid for by insurance.
I am now contemplating my next 'makeover' All the best to you on a
successful procedure!
— zena X.
August 12, 2004
The responses to your question will probably vary from one extreme to the
other. All of us have different reactions to surgery, anesthesia and
post-op pain. In addition to that, "tummy tuck" procedures vary
from basic removal of excess fat and skin, to full abdominoplasty/hernia
repair/lower body lifts, which involve extensive work on the underlying
muscles. Generally, panniculectomy (removal of excess fat and skin only)
is less uncomfortable than surgeries that involve cutting/repair of muscle
structure. I had my panniculectomy and brachioplasty (armlift) done almost
three years ago. I had previously had several major abdominal area
surgeries (2 C-sections, an abd. hysterectomy and a "tradtional"
gallbladder) plus a lap RNY. I felt like the panniculectomy...anchor
incision with four post-op drains...was the most "comfortable"
surgery of all. I remember having one injection for pain right after
leaving the Recovery Room, and then took Percocet tablets for discomfort
for the next couple of days. The armlift procedure was essentially
pain-free for me. Your experience may or may not be the same....the
important thing is that you go into this process being completely informed
and prepared. Make a comprehensive list of questions, get the best
information available from your surgeon, and follow pre- and post-op
instructions to the letter....these are critical steps toward achieving the
most positive outcome possible. Best wishes on this part of your journey!
— Diana T.
August 12, 2004
I am having my abdominoplasty on 8/16. I don't understand why I am such a
wreck about this surgery. I was so calm with the RNY and my gall bladder.
I think it is the idea of such a big chunk of me being thrown away, or
maybe what I have also heard about the pain. I also am afraid that I may
have unrealistic expectations. I know I will never look like I was never
fat, but I really want the upper and lower abdomen to be pulled tight. I
also only have 3 weeks to get back in shape enough to start school in
September with my new class. I have 3 great assistants which will be a
tremendous help, but I will still have to be "on" for the 6 hours
the kids will be there. At least the first week is orientation and
preparation---no kids til I will be 4 weeks out. I am hoping for the best.
I had the lap RNY and went back after 2 1/2 weeks, and 2 other abdominal
surgeries where I was cut like a c-section and returned to work in 2 weeks.
In general I heal well, but I am so tired and stressed going into this,
that I hope it doesn't compromise my healing. I plan to follow the Dr's
orders exactly. I guess I will just continue to forge ahead and hope for
the best. Any advice is appreciated.
— Fixnmyself
August 12, 2004
Pain was the worst I've ever had after any surgery. Meds do help you to
survive it though. I'm no weinie when it comes to pain, but it was awful.
Couldn't walk upright for more than 3 weeks. But if you wanna check my pics
on my profile, you'll see that it was so worth it.
Good luck!
— Belinda W.
August 12, 2004
I am 3 weeks post-op from extensive (17 pounds) TT and hernia repair, which
looked like I was hiding 3 baseballs under my shirt, terrible hernia. I am
still in pain and on meds regularly, its still debilitatingly BAD, I still
have in one drain, which is still draining a lot. I got an infection at the
drain site and had to go on antibiotics, so that should be better soon, but
everyone is different, some people never take a pill after they leave the
hospital, I take one every 4 hours, go figure. I hate being on them,
because they kill your liver and constipate you, but no choice, really, as
I am back to work, need to be able to function as far as driving, work at a
desk job, taking care of my husband and son, life goes on, but you will do
fine! Just listen to your body and do what it tells you! Love Donna
— donnalawbabe
August 12, 2004
I had a hip to hip incision only with full muscle tightening and I also had
a Lap RNY. I can tell you the Lap RNY was the worst pain I had ever had.
The tt was very minimal pain. I was able to stand straight up the
following day. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give the tt a 3.
— Patty H.
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