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on 9/20/18 8:09 pm
I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy a year and a half ago, 6 months after getting sleeved. It was not planned and not fun. I had fleur de lis abdominoplasty three weeks ago. Planned, but still not fun. I have to agree with almost everything said: hysterectomy first, then probably 6 months to get over the severe swelly belly and really heal up before going another round. My laparo hyst was super easy (compared to my c-sections) and I healed up really well, but at 6 months post sleeve, I felt like I had barely healed from the last round. I cannot even imagine trying to fly somewhere 2 weeks after my hysterectomy, not to mention major surgery. (As an aside, my plastic surgeon won't even do a body lift the same time as abdominoplasty, due to the spike in complications and blood transfusions after the 6 hr mark. (http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/body-contouring-after-ma ssive-weight-loss-can-procedures-be-combined). I'm kind of shocked your plastics guy is so non-chalant about it. Is this just way, way outside of his expertise?)
The incisions on a laparo hyst look super small, but there's about a millionty little stitches in there. They have to take out a major structural support part that's attached all over the place and completely seal everything off. That kind of thing takes a long time to completely heal up from and you really don't want to mess with parts where your insides and outsides meet. Not to mention losing your uterus is quite a shock to the system; I kept my ovaries (apparently fallopian tubes are now considered the bad part?) and they still freaked out for a few months. Definite hormone roller coaster until it finally settled out about three months later.
It sounds like you already have a lot planned on the plastic surgery front. I would listen to the GYN surgeon; she's the one who knows how long you really need to wait before another surgery. (Also, if you have *any* problems post hysterectomy, find a good pelvic floor PT.)
on 9/20/18 7:18 pm
I'm sure there are more comprehensive answers out there, but I'm currently recovering from fleur de lis abdominoplasty and scoured the interwebs for such a list. I realized while recovering this is my *fifth* abdominal surgery (including two c-sections and a lapro hysterectomy) and I would have found most of these things helpful for all of them. Having said that, my newest incisions run from between my breasts to just above my pubic bone and from outside hip to outside hip. In addition to the muscle repair and skin tightening they did. So some of this might be total overkill for you.
- electric recliner, preferably with independent head and foot controls and lift chair capability (I stopped using the lift during week two, but man was it nice. They should hand those things out to all abdominal surgery patients.)
- some pillows and blankets for sleeping in said recliner; I used a moibus neck pillow for sleeping, kept another pillow under my knees for comfort, and kept a third pillow handy to throw over my incisions when a cat came to visit; emergency incision inspector paws are extremely painful.
- walker with seat, amazing for the drugged up, hunched over stagger to the toilet; also a nice high seat at the table or for doing laps in the hallway. (At three weeks only the cats are using it for "Whee! A hangry seat that rolls when I jump up on it to yell at you!"
- toilet seat riser, which I really wish I had been able to use with the ab repair; standard toilets are a looooong way down.
- ice blankets; mine says CoreProducts Soft Comfort and is a huge ice pack with a soft cover and has been awesome for incision pain and swelling. I have two and swap them out.
- RTD protein drinks/protein water/hydration drinks/bone broth/hot tea and a big old water bottle. Post surgery you have to keep your protein up and stay hydrated.
- warm, non-skid slippers/shoes because you're not bending over to put on socks or tie shoes. (I finally got the wool lined birkenstock clogs I've been coveting and they are amazing. Sometimes I sleep in them. In the recliner.)
- the afore-mentioned cotton tank (or in my case quick dry cami with shelf bra) to go under your binder so you're not a literal hot mess.
- button in the front nightgowns mean not having to pull things over your head; cheap Amazon swing dresses mean no pants and no waistband pressing on your incision.
- dry shampoo and camping type bath wipes are great if you have drains and can't shower for a few days.
- I like arnica gel for the parts of the abdomen that are NOT covered in stitches.
- books, movies, knitting, video games, or something else to keep you entertained and off your feet after the pain meds end and you start feeling a little better.
- small bedside table/chair/tv tray to hold all the stuff; a battery and cables to charge it; and a small notebook and pen so people can help you log your meds properly - never, never get behind on pain meds.
I hope it goes amazing for you ;-)
Wow - that's awesome! I'd like to get some of that! Thanks for the information! Was that because surgery didn't take as long as estimated?
I got a small refund. I think $600-$800.
VSG: 1/17/17
5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145
Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish
LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18
Quick question, how long did it take for your insurance to give an approval?

1wk post op CW: 169| BW: 261| SW: 251,
It wasn't until after my 6th surgery, 8th tattoo, and God only knows how many bandaids, that a doctor informed me that I was allergic to adhesives. I always itched like crazy, had rashes, and heat at the site of adhesives, but always thought it was related to healing -- you know the old adage -- its gonna get worse before it gets better! HA!
At any rate, now that I know -- and ALWAYS tell anyone who might ever consider sticking anything onto my skin, my life has been much more comfortable. :)
All that is to say that I concur with whomever above (I can't remember if it was Emily or Gwen) said to be sure to mention it to your surgeon. Why add to your discomfort unnecessarily?
Good luck with your surgery -- I'm scheduled for some work in early November!
For my breasts and arms, I never once wondered why I did it to myself. Even with my legs, when I had minor complications, I still never wondered why. I knew exactly why and never lost sight of that. It's definitely not a given.
If you have an allergy to surgery tape, discuss that with your surgeon so they can use something else. Otherwise, ask about benadryl.
I have no idea what you're talking about with the bride of Frankenstein.
I have zero issues with my scars. Even where they're more noticeable on my legs due to the complications I had. They're scars. Shrug. People have them and they're a part of life. No longer having skin that impedes my movement is super awesome.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Hmmm that's a good question! Because I had my breast lift at the same time as my lower body lift, I had ZERO pain in my breasts. And then my arm lift was maybe six months later and I was totally fine with no pain as well. The only pain I had was the abdominal muscle tightening which you aren't having, so hopefully you won't be in a lot of pain!
I knew that as time went by I would forget all the stuff I feared, did to prepare, felt afterwards, etc...so I put together a document. If you are interested it's here in Word: here
I really only thought "omg I will die, what have I done" on my first night home when I fell asleep after taking a pain pill and didn't set an alarm to get up 4 hours later and take another pill...instead I woke up maybe 5 or 6 hours later and my abdominal muscles hurt so much I was gasping to breathe. My mom was staying with me to take care of me and I was begging her to call 911 lol. I mean, I don't know what I thought an ambulance would do, but she just placated me, gave me a few pretzels to get something in my stomach, gave me a painkiller with some water, and hushed me until I fell back asleep. Ha!
My scars are honestly pale and amazing. Each body is different so that's no guarantee, but overall, I look good in clothes, in a bathing suit, and even out of clothes, so I couldn't be happier.
Good luck!!!
Oh funny - he recommended a LBL and breast for me, based on what my problem areas were in my mind. I was deadset against arms due to visible scars. But once my body was fixed, my arms were more noticeable so I went for the arms. And the scars are hardly visible! My thighs are a hot mess but *****ally sees them? Too many people have had complications with thigh lifts so I decided I won't ever fix those. My butt was raised with the LBL, but hopefully your extended tummy tuck will take care of you and make you happy with your results! I know you will be in great hands so GOOD LUC****ep us posted! It's normal to be terrified :) But you will come out on the other end just fine and once you heal and the swelling goes down, you will be in shock and awe of your body!
I'm excited but spinning inside like the tazmanian devil. Last batch of questions.
at what day did you hit the wall and wonder why on earth you did this to yourself?
I know it happens. I won't be able to move my arms so hitting the wall in frustration won't be allowed.
for the arm lifts, what did you do when the itching becomes unbearable? Surgery tape makes me itch.
Last question for the BL-did you have dreams that the bride of Frankestine would look better than your girls do? I know the bra sling, and areola stitches will be a sight.
Absolute last question for all-any regrets for your surgery due to the scars? unknown obstacles?
Got my shopping list, and a quick visit to my hubby then home to scrub the floors.