Question:
Should I be doing more - post TT?
I had my abdominoplasty a week ago and apparently my recovery expectations were WAY too high! I thought I'd be taking advantage of labor day sales this weekend and returning to work on Tues. Ha-ha!! How long before you could stand up straight and walk for awhile? Should I be pushing myself to do more other than taking it easy till it doesn't hurt? My surgeon's post-op instructions were "use common sense". Any tips you can give me to speed things along would be greatly appreciated! — jen41766 (posted on August 31, 2003)
August 31, 2003
I am hoping to have a TT, or at least a panni soon, so I'm not speakig from
personal exerience. When I had another plastic surgery preop the initial
woman I spoke to had had a TT recently, and she was still hunched over and
in pain. I didn't ask her exactly how long ago she had it, but I assumed
it was a couple of weeks since she was already back to work. I think
you're doing right to take it easy while you're still having pain. Sorry
you're not doing as well as you expected, but I heard the TT is a very
painful surgery and I'm not surprised you're still in pain. It'll probably
be better soon, and then it'll be a distant memory and you'll have the flat
stomach to enjoy. Best of luck. Sherry
— sherry hedgecock
August 31, 2003
It was about a month before I was able to walk normally but,
was still fatigued for another month. I had a breast reduction at the same
time though and had considerable difficulty sleeping.
— LLinderman
August 31, 2003
I was hunched over for 2 weeks and then had to remind myself (or my family
did!) to stand up straight as it sort of became habit, plus the tightness.
Mine was very extensive but I didn't even feel like DRIVING until week 5
and I was instructed to not do any type of exercise (incl. sex) for 8-9
weeks. So take it easy, as soon as your body is ready to do more you'll
feel a ton better and be antsy to go out and do that shopping. I remember
that week 5 well. I had been home almost all the time except for trips to
the doctor for recheck (I'm diabetic) and then all the sudden I was ready
to go. I got in the car, took my little girl and drove 1 1/2 up the river,
took my pants off and went wading. I finally came back to life!
— Shelly S.
September 2, 2003
I had my estended TT, brachiplasty and a breastlift on March 31st. On my
TT, I didn't have alot of muscle tightening since I had never had kids and
my muscles were in great shape. My Dr said that I was 'built' and on a
scale of 1-10, I was a 3 for the degree of muscle tightening. I was
standing fairly straight by 2 weeks and didn't have a whole lot of pain
throughout the whole thing. A GF of mine had hers a week later by the same
Dr. and she said her's hurt more than her WLS surgery. She had alot of
tightening done so that is the difference. She was off work longer than me
(I was back to work and driving at 2 weeks). So again, everybody is
different. Just take it SLOW and don't push yourself!!
— Kris T.
September 5, 2003
I was able to stand up straight the next day after surgery. I didn't want
to walk a marathon or anything but I was able to walk with no problems. I
would say it took me a couple of weeks to feel normal. My doctor said no
exercise for 6 weeks. I followed his advice and I had no problems.
— Patty H.
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