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 ;-)

I got a small refund. I think $600-$800.

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!

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!!!

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.