A tummy tuck is after all a surgical procedure and you are bound to experience a level of swelling during the recovery period. Sometimes, if this swelling is not dealt with in the right manner, it can persist for a long time after the surgery. In order to help reduce swelling after a tummy tuck, there are certain things that you have to do.
For one, make it a point to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Each glass should be at least 8 ounces. It is wrong of you to think that drinking water will lead to a bloated stomach. On the contrary, it is painkillers that cause constipation and this is turn can lead to tightness of the muscles. Water will help ease your bowel movements and reduce swelling after tummy tuck.
Revamp your diet and make sure that you consume a lesser amount of salt. The sodium in salt leads to water retention and thereby a sense of being bloated. Steer clear from junk food and fast food especially all that is processed and packaged. Stick to a fresh food diet.
Stay away from coffee. Caffeine leads to water retention and this is not good for the swelling after a tummy tuck. Just like pregnant mothers make use of massage therapists to ease the aches and pains post delivery, so to you can make use of some massage therapy. You will however, have to consult with your doctor. If you do go in for such massage therapies, be sure not to lie down on your stomach and ask the therapist to stay away from the abdominal area and the stitches. The massage will aid in getting your blood flowing and this is good as it will prevent water retention or blood clots and thereby reduce swelling after tummy tuck.
thank you i am having problems with swelling not much after care support from my doctor had surgery 3 weeks ago first week back to work swelling very scary
I am 6 weeks post op and I am concerned with the amount os swelling I still have. Also between my breasts a couple inches down there’s an indention and some odd feeling tiny bump that feels sharp..any idea what that could be? And how long does the selling last?
I am 7 months post opt and I am still so swollen. I can’t even enjoy my new tummy because my stomach swells after every meal. I drink plenty of water and I don’t drink coffee. Has anyone had this problem and what did you do to get rid of the swelling?
I’m 3 months post op and my abdomen is larger than when I started
i am 3 weeks post op. and i feel im fat, i dn know if this is swelling or i need diet. i started to eat less because of this, any ideas?
how can i make my scar gets less obvious? fade more? any ideas
Love my tummy tuck! However, I am 7 weeks out, and experiencing swelling. I was flat and beautiful at 4 weeks. I have NOT returned to my regular workout routine, and I’ve been careful what I eat…. Can I do pilates? Should I go back to wearing my girdle full time? I don’t want to look like I’m 3 months pregnant. HELP!
May 9th I had my TT & stomach muscles sewn back together again. Looks great. Ouch though on the stomach muscles–who knew you used them to blow your nose or cough? I contacted my Naturopathic Dr. and got Arnica (for swelling) and a Surgical Healing supplement within days of my surgery–healing is going great & swelling is really going down. I also take Iron & Vit. C (Iron needs C to work in the body). Also, the very top supplement on my list is Vit. D (5,000 iu daily). I walked 1 mile starting the day after my surgery & daily there on, no other forms of exercise (No ballet/ pilates/ weight lifting). Drink lots of H2O. Eat fresh fruits, a lot of vegies and fiber filled foods & rest when need to. Still wearing girdle & will be for next 6 weeks. I am looking forward to doing my castor oil pack for my scar starting next week (again Naturopathic Dr.). On a side note it is really cool to pull in the abs and have them both move together and side by side no less. Good luck. Hope the supplement ideas help.
I’m 9 months post op and I still swell after every meal too….so annoying. I’m afraid to wear a bikini out if two minutes later I’ll swell up and look like I’m 5 months preggo!
ok here is what I’m doing: make two cups of arnica tea at night then I’ll put them with one gallon regular water and that’s what I’ll drink in 24 hours (I drink water at night I’m used to) and of course wearing all 24 hours my girdle (marena are great) specially design for this so get at least 3 of them will be great, now at the beggining you’ll feel it so tight then you’ll notice it will feel big for you so you can get the next small size or saw it on the back to reduce the size I promise it will work, also the kitocell gel is great!! to help reduce swollen and erase promise erase the scar, mine was from right side to left at lumbar (back) this means in my body only 1/4 was not opened, since I had an hernia and the doctor took care of both things at the same time
Im almost three months post op from a tummy tuck and breast lift! Breast look great and so does my stomach except i feel within an hour of taking my girdle off i feel prego! im back to all activites but i really want to help the swelling go away faster. I drink nothing but water and a little milk. And im not big on salt. Pleae help me im glad the sag is gone but i dont want to look prego and hour after i put on my swim suit!
Hi, had my tummy tuck on the 11 May 2011. I have lots of swelling still, however my wound is taking forever to close, so I have restricted myself from too much movement. All the best to you guys out there. Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Hi I had a tummy tuck on april 15/2011 and still get very swallen
what really helps me is my gridle and working out try to do only cardio im scare of doing seat ups!!!!!! good luck everyone!!!
I am one year post op tummy tuck & thrilled! I had swelling for 6 months ESP after walking. The swelling has gone but still after particularly active days or drinking soda/sweets I have a bit of fullness above my belly button. Wearing spanx on active days seems to help as it holds my muscles in and my posture is better! I am so happy to see scars faded & my clothes fit so nicely!
I had my tummy tuck May 4th. Great experience, never had any pain at all…seriously. My surgeon and his team are amazing. Since surgery I go to see them twice a week still and it’s now 8 weeks. Their care is incredible. I had a lot of fluid build up and a seroma that had to be aspirated twice weekly. I finally thought maybe I’m not getting enough compression. So I went to of all places Wal Mart (I’d already bought many different ones from Target and Nordstroms) and got different shapewear that starts mid thighs and stays all the way up to bra line without constantly having to pull & tug up. I still add in the 1/4″ foam and also a tighter binder that I had when I threw my back out. I wear it all at same time, even to bed. It’s all working great and in 6 days the seroma is gone and fluids are being absorbed into body as it should. I’m still having swelling issues and weigh 1 pound more than I did at surgery, my jeans still aren’t fitting except one pair, so that gets frustrating. I joined the gym & am doing the Arc trainer & strength/circuit training with weight machines 3 to 4 days a week. Also drinking 8 glasses of water daily, lots of veggies/salads, high protein like chicken & usual daily vitamins and supplements. My trainer said perhaps using ice packs wrapped in a towel on hips & sides occasionally could help w/the swelling. Other than all that I have a flat tummy for the first time in my life and I am giddy everyday when I wake up. … now if this swelling would just stop already. Surgeon said he wants me 100% happy and wants to get rid of any fluid if it remains and will open me up again if necessary to do that. I really don’t want to start all over again.
I had my tt with lipo on March 17th. For the last month I’ve been working out about 4-5 days a week during 30-45 mins on the elypitcal and working to tone my thighs, arms, legs. I’m still swollen in my upper abs and on my sides (dog ears). I am happy with my results, but expected so much more. I don’t go back to the doctor until my 6 month checkup in September. I hope to look a little better and hopefully my swelling has went down as well. BTW, i tried not to eat more than 1200 calories a day.
Patti,
What do you mean you use 1/4″ foam? I have a seroma on top of my bb and it doesn’t let my tummy look flat. That big bump is being drained but it won’t go away. Please help
Had TT 3 wks ago…….get all the swelling and have a seroma aspirated maybe twice a wk,feeling a bit depressed as cannot wear the trousers I was able to button up prior to surgery!Will be happy when the end result is fully effective!
Hi my names samina I’ve jus had a tummy tuck on the 29th June 2011 so its almost a month, after reading the comments feel a lot better I thought I was the only one going through the pain and swelling. I have been going through a lot of pain therefore I am taking stronge pain killers that work. I do have good days and bad days, I suppose this is all the healing process, at the end of the day it is a major surgery, last night did not get any sleep been awake most of the night. My surgery took 5 hours instead of the 3 hours that the doctor said it would take. I wish everyone to have a speedy recovery all the best.
After loosing 140 lbs I had a TT and Lipo April 5, 2011 and July 26 was my four month mark. I am intensely swollen on either side of my abdomen and it feels uncomfortable especially if I roll onto my left side while sleeping. My surgeon recommended 10 – 12 treatments of post-operative endermologie for treatment of swelling of which I have had 10 so far to no avail. I will try the Arnica tea.
Hello Ladies I had my surgery on June 19 2011 and I could not stand the girdle at all every time I would try to put it on my bottom part would hurt because it put presure on it so I went a week without wearing it I had my drains on and now Im wearing it for the past 24 hrs and its awesome it made a big difference to wait my bottom was bruce but now is much better my daughter rubbed arnica ointment on me 2 days ago and it made all the difference I had my uncle bring me arnica tea from
Tijuana I start taking it tomorrow I also stopped taking my meds the last 24 and Im doing pretty good I drove today local and that was good too I did recover for that first week nothing but organic healthy food I also had a hospital bed available if not try a reclyner they work good too well good luck hope this was helpfull
hi,
just got tt done on the 15th july.got it done after lot of apprehensions and searching on net as we all do but it has left me wondering whether things will get normal anytime soon ! Reading all comments does help but i weigh the same as i was and with all the uneven bloating around the abdomen looks ugly. the navel seems to be shrinking evyday ??? is that so and my doctor recoomended aloe vera gel for application ,any suggestions
I had a TT surgery 11 days ago (July 21st) and my 2nd post-op doctor visit this morning. I was told pre-op and during both post-op visits that most of the swelling shall go down in the first 3 months but that the entire swelling will not dissipate until 9-12 months post-op. I had my last pain pill on day 9 and haven’t taken any over the counter meds in 24 hours — I am virtually pain-free (even slept on my side last night – yay!) and walking near-straight up, but will wait to start exercising for another 2 wks.
Now, I’m sure everyone blogging is a tough gal or you wouldn’t have gone through this procedure =). Everyone’s recovery time is different because our bodies are all different. But just for consideration only, some points that I believe personally have helped my recovery include:
1. drink lots of water, move around to keep BMs regular, and eat right (what many have already suggested),
2. serious rest 2 wks post op (no house cleaning, no cooking, no driving, nothing the first 14 days post-op),
3. having gone through 2 c-sections, I had a point of reference for pain, swelling and the need to rest; Plus, I had 4 drains I managed religiously for the 5 days they were in. I still have swelling, of course, but was told that I am not even 50% down at this point (given only 11 days) but my swelling I think is very mild,
4. wearing the girdle 24-7; love it, love it, love it … I feel so safe and the compression keeps the swelling to a minimum; I went to a smaller sized girdle after 9 days, and finally,
5. I was in fairly good shape prior to the surgery (could keep up with my 5 & 10 yr old and play tennis)
While I walk each day, I do not over do it and I used a cane until day 8 which I think helped greatly.
So, I think gals who have never had a c-section (let alone 2!!) to evaluate their pain and swelling comparatively, are older perhaps (I’m 44), haven’t been taking it easy the very first 2-3 wks post-op, and perhaps didn’t have 1-2 nights in the hospital post-op followed by an outstanding support system the following 2 wks, may be behind in their healing process . Just a thought — I know everyone is extremely smart and bright on this blog … but just a few things to consider as about 1 wk after surgery I look and feel great I believe I think due largely due to the scenario above.
Oh … and I had lipo as well across my hips, tummy and abs
I had a full tummy tuck and partial hysterectomy 3 weeks ago. My swelling it’s bad at all. I take zinc, and vitamin C and I also drink herbal tea to reduce swelling. My biggest concern is that my belly button looks ugly. Like a horizontal slit. Hope it gets better in time. Been sitting around a lot and it’s driving me crazy to not be able to get to the gym. But I think I am doing very well.
July 8th and a full lower body lift with no lipo. I must say wasn’t as bad as I thought but rough for sure. I noticed an amazing improvement from day one. I must say it is odd having an incision all the around my body, it is pencil thin though. I was amazed by that. I also think the pain pump and derma bond made a huge difference. The drains were rough , had those removed at 2 weeks. My main problem was I had to be re- hospitalized for 3 days due to an impaction. Due to pain meds, not enough food, I’m a vegan and not enough water. So I highly recommend plenty of water and high fiber foods. I wear girdle 24/7. I love it. Makes me feel safer for sure. I still get really swollen at times especially after walking. I also notice if I’m out too long I star hunching over a bit. Which I’m sure is normal. My surgery was almost 6 hours. I can gladly say now it was worth it. It was rough but the results even when I’m swollen are amazing. I can now look in the mirror and like what I see as opposed to feeling disgusting. I lost 130 lbs becoming vegan and carrying all of the extra skin made me still feel so fat. I swore I wasn’t going to weigh myself for 2 months,that didn’t last. I weighed at one month and was down lower then before surgery. I will now wait another month as I’m trying to let go of my scale obsession:) It is such a great feeling how different my clothes fit. Also when the wind blows I don’t have to worry about my clothes sucking to my stomach , as it is now flat. I have nothing to hide. I know everyday it will get better. I also know that I’m thankful and grateful to my surgeon Dr. Sylvia Rotemberg at the Cleveland clinic. She and her staff provided such wonderful care of me and did a fantastic job . I also have such a great support system at home. I thank god for my daughter who helped me everyday and still is. She even drained my drains 3 times a day. My 21 year old angel. God I love her and am thankful to my whole family. pardon any typos . I wish well to all, we all are strong women
im14 post op and from tt procedure and my lower belly is still very swollen ,its starting to worry me, i drink 100 oz. of water and have been walking about 2 hours a day . any sugjestions anyone?
I had a TT in Mexico on July 8th. I had wonderful care and a fantastic doctor. I live in Atlanta but my brother was getting married down there, so I gave it a shot.
After the first few days, I felt great!!!!!! I have always felt great since I’ve had the surgery. This is where the problem lies. Because we FEEL great, we think we can go about as normal.
The reason I even found this site is because I also am having significant swelling and totally understand where some of you say that you begin flat and then an hour later feel 3 months pregnant!
I can press on my stomach on one side, and just like a water bed it waves and swishes to the other side. Very wierd!
I have the arnica cream that I got in MX. The Marena girdles are great and so are the silicone foam pads. I also am needing to go down a size in the girdle. The tighter the better!
Thanks for all the comments. They have really helped ease my mind.
I had TT, lipo and augmentation in Colombia, Jul 8th. I was in surgery for 6 hrs and I’m so glad I read this blog. I’ve worn a girdle that covers mid thigh to chest 24/7 since my procedure and had it sized down the day before I left. It helps tremendously. I had a back injury prior to the surgery so I was concerned about having more back pain, but this girdle I bought in Colombia is the best thing I’ve ever used! I drank a mixture of diced cucumber and club soda everyday after b-fast the first 2 wks, drank chamomile tea at night (which helped to relax me so I could sleep), ate a high fiber diet and had 10 massages with calendula cream. I stayed in Colombia for 3 wks post op to get some much needed support. It was a wonderful experience. Now I’m back in the states and have had some swelling but after reading the blog I understand it’s entirely due to my diet since I’ve returned. My pre-op clothes are fitting a tiny bit big but I wear them because they’re comfortable. I’ve placed a small marble in my belly button and taped it to keep it in place and my surgeon told me to wear it for 6 mos. It helps to keep the nice round shape of your new belly button. I’m very happy with the results.
Okay. I had my tummy tuck lyposuction 1 year almost to the day. But I have been doing nothing that is suggested. I am going back in on the 5th to reopen as i also had to have the dead skin removed, and was put on vacuum suction for two weeks. I am ok.
I am thankful that this information is available.I have the swelling and now I know what the problem might be, I will try the no salt, no coffee, no life, only water.I must, as this swollen tightness is not comfortable at all.
I had my TT and breast augmentation on July 15. I’ve been very discouraged these last few days. I feel so fat. I feel like my belly sicks out like i’m prego and I can’t wear the the pants and shorts i use to wear, well I can but my luv handles hang over and it looks terrible. I hope this is all just some swelling and not how I’m goin to look forever. If it is then i went thur alot of pain and depression for not a very good out come. someone plz give me some encouraging words of advice before i crack!!
Hi all! Had a tummytuck on July 25th and Wow! It was a crazy experience. Also had a scar revision on the breast reduction I had 20 years ago. LOVE my perky little boobies and I’m super happy I chose not to get implants. One is still bigger than the other which is a bit of a bummer but for turning 40 next year I am thrilled to be in little bandeau tops with such cute boobies. The night of the surgery was a hellish experience…spent it in a hotel room three hours away from home with two people who didn’t get along or agree what was best for me. It was all mismanaged and I vomited a whole bunch which was terrifying. The doc said I was seperated an entire 12 inches from side to side and had a gaping umbillical hernia. He pulled the muscles back together and used mesh to strengthen it all. He claims that the vomiting couldn’t pull his work apart. About 24 hours after the surgery I noticed a huge bulge just under my breasts in the middle of my upper abdomen. When I showed the doc his face flashed a bummed out look for a split second and then he composed himself. He said there was a chance he wasn’t able to get up high enough to attach the muscles way up there since I was so ridiculously torn apart. (Three big babies in a small abdomen). He said we won’t know for a long while because we have to wait for all the swelling to go down. He said it’s not a hernia issue, only a “might always have a huge bulge” issue. That’s a bummer for sure but I guess I just have to wait and see what happens. He said to fix it would be another surgery with another doctor so I guess I’ll have to get more details on that next visit. I’ve been wearing a spanx 24/7 and binding that with an abdominal binder but now I’m wondering if that’s sorta choking the fluid up into that bulge area. Having some swelling now near the incision over my hip bone only on one side which seems to be increasing so I hope it’s not going to get all crazy! Drove for the first time today and went into two stores and the bank. My shopping cart drove like hell so I ended up pulling it behind me. Super sore tonight and that huge bulge made me start Googling so I found this site. Jen, don’t crack honey! This healing process takes an entire year! Forget your presurgery clothes! Go to one of those stores where the teenagers shop and buy a handfull of long dresses that have no waist (better yet, stay home and shop online! Try Alloy.com) Women are hormonal creatures so we tend to have mood swings regardless of being stuck in a recliner for weeks on end with nothing to do but contemplate but our sorry postop state! I never noticed how big my butt was until I put these spanx on and since I’m only cleared to walk 10 minutes twice a day, it looks like I’m stuck with it until I have fully healed and can hit the gym. Give yourself a hug and a smile in the mirror and remind yourself how lucky you are that you were able to have your surgery and say a little prayer for all the poor women in the world who are not as fortunate as we are!
Thank you all for posting here. I just had lipo on my neck, cheeks and joules. I was searching for info on how to get swelling down after lipo. My TT is scheduled for the end of October and I am so glad that I didn’t do them together. I am going to try the Arnica teas and ointment. Thanks again and best of luck in your recovery. Hopefully this will help me prepare for my surgery.
Hi, am 2 wks post op TT feeling great , made it through with just tylenol, do have some swelling around the hip area and feel bloated below the breast line…Dr. is adamant about that binder , but was wondering if I need to wear it while sleeping seeing many different thoughts on this subject, did have reconstruction of ab muscles…any thoughts
Had TT Aug 26th. I am also 2 week post op. Only 5 ft tall, short torso and this bloating below the breasts is absolute claustrophobic! Have not been able to sleep lying down without xanax. Not allowed pain meds anymore. Dr. ordered me such a small binder that it takes 2-3 people to get me in it. I hate it. I can’t breathe and they tell me I have to wear it or else it was all for nothing. I also have giant stretch marks on my belly that just popped up because I swelled so bad! My dr is very rude if I don’t do what she tells me. I try, but I can’t live like this. What should I do? I am not wearing the compression garment like she is telling me to. I get major panic attacks. Somebody help!
Hi, had my TT and lipo on 8-19-2011 almost 4 wk post-op and I have been so swollen that if you pluck me my stomach would burst. I am now iceing constantly which has provided me some relief. Thanks for the ups on the arnica tea and cream, I’ll give those a try. Also, my stomach looks deformed from the swelling and I can feel pockets that are lumpy. Does anyone know what that is or is it still the swelling?
I am 5 month post surgery and I almost bought a pregnancy test today!!!!! I seriously need to wear my spanxs 24/7 not just 8 hours. Tea I will try too. I have lumps on my incision too. I feel good but better two months ago. I think I am doing too much and not resting like before. Swelling hurts and is depressing. But think about how u looked before. Take out a before bikini pic ( if u even have one) and go put a sexy matching outfit. Look in the mirror. Then say damn I do look good. And remember time will shrink. Lol.
I had my tt, muscle repair and liposuction on 8/24. Went back to work in retail last week. By the end of the day I am so swollen. I walk quite a lot at work and figure this is why all the swelling. I haven’t seen any help from the Arnica tablets the doctor gave me. Might try the tea. The swelling is so uncomfortable at times I wish I hadn’t had the surgery. I am glad to hear that others are having the same problem.
Like Michelle, I had TT on 8/26. Michelle, sorry to hear you can not wear your binder. I returned to work and bought one that is confortable, does the job and looks great with your clothes. The best thing is that you can use it for ever. It is Miraclesuit shapewear style 2742. I bought an extra large for the days I am more swollen and a large for the days I feel less swollen. Lorraine, how many massages did you get post op? I already had five and they help a lot with the swelling and lumps. Hope this helps.
Hi Fellow Swellies!
I had my surgery on 7/27/11 and I swear for over three years I wanted this TT. I had the “Mommy MakeOver” ….blah blah…I just wanted to get rid of this sag.
I am 5′7″ and was down to 135-138lbs. I had the Mommy saggy tum and my once Full DD bgreast finally deflated at around 30 years old. I was actually happy at first to have smaller breast.
Anyway, I was a good little patient and quit smoking cold turkey on 6/10/11. Thus, gaining about 10lbs and and weight about 148 day of surgery. Well, I come home and step on the scare and I was 12lbs heavier!!! Swell HELL in full affect.
I was too happy to stress the first week about the swelling. I was so in love with my new breast! But when it was time to try clothes on or all the 27/28 jeans I just wore last winter. NONE FIT!
My thighs are still swollen. I understand the tummy, but the thighs….I went up two pants sizes and started a new job 11 days after my surgery. I have the spanx, I am drinking water….I think this surgery just requires patience.
We should not torture ourselves so soon after this. Not too mention a flat anything is certainly better than a saggy something. I am just writing to add to the list of newbies who are struggling as well. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this…
Good luck everyone!!
Hi I am in need of someone to talk to, I had my tummy tuck July 22, 2011. My recover was great. I weight in at 179 and now I am 185lbs. I had the weightloss surgery June 1, 2009. The lowest that I have gotten was 170lbs. I need help in losing ten pounds. I am now starting to eat chip and candy. I have to get back on track. After the tummy tuck I have lots of swelling in mid section. What can I do.
email me. Jlawbuszz@gmail.com
Hi everyone, had my tummy tuck and breast lift on Sept 1st, 2011. I am still very swollen, have been very depressed over this. I look like spongebob, my whole midsection is very boxy looking, my butt looks super flat now, I have major fat back. I don’t h ave that hour glass figure like I expected. My pubic area is HUGE, I have this huge ball there, it’s gross. My Dr says it will go down in a few months. A few months? Are you serious? I still can’t get into any of my pre surgery clothes. I have lost 10 lbs so why can I still not get into clothes? I can tell my stomach is a little flatter but it is much wider. I don’t know what to do. My breast are uneven and I got a 300 cc implant for upper pole fullness, well I don’t have this either. I love my Dr but and very disappointed, I pray every day I will eventually see the results I hoped for.
This is Rose again. Oh Cheri…please be patient. I had my TT a week before you did and I am still swollen too. I am better in the morning but as the day progresses the swelling goes south and the pubic area gets the worst of it. You are not alone. My doctors also says it will get better as we heal. Are you drinking enough water? wearing your band? Are you getting massages? I am on my 10th and it really helps. I am also having a lot of pinapple as it helps with the swelling naturally. One side swells more than the other and this too is normal. Maybe that is why your breasts look uneven. Just take care of yourself and do not despair.
Seriously everyone its been 7 weeks after tummy tuck and I still feel I cant breath. I am so swollen and sore and hard. My whole being has gone down the tubes. Depressed, sore, upset easy from the chronic pain. Naproxen has not helped like emergency told me. No pain killers including Morphine ever worked and finally just recently started gettin some shut eye. I am so swollen and in pain and cannot stand this anymore. I now have regrets. I also had lipo on inner and outer thighs and flanks at the same time and just falling apart. I walk like im 75 instead of 45. Someone please help. I thought I had an allergy or something but as I just read, we are all going through this. Going back to bed !
Hi ladies! I am 7 weeks postop and happy with results but am SO swollen still. Everyday belly starts out flat but by the end of the day I look prego! I heard it takes time to heal.. we shall see. I hope this was all worth it. At least its nice to know I am not alone.
2 weeks TT. I feel fantastic. Minimal swelling. Only doing walking. I normally train 12 hours a week. Swimming, dirt bike, weights, core, body resistance, boxing. I’m eating well as usual fresh fruits and veggies. No pain meds. Lots of vit d, c, biotin, b12. I feel like I could run a marathon. But I’m doing as doc says.
I am so so happy with my abs. I had hernia, torn muscle, jacked up navel… just a mess. I also have fibromylgia (constant pain)…so I have an appreciation for discomfort. BUT I look and feel like a million dollars. Doc says because of my conditioning. Oh yes…. I’m 55, had 2 – 10lb babies.30 and 37 years old.
This little swelling and stiffness I’ll take it. I wear my compression garmet ALL THE TIME. I ordered another one. LOVE IT!
Hi everyone, I live in the UK and had my tummy tuck 3 weeks ago today! I feel really good and hardly had any pain but I am a little concerned not only am I too suffering with all the swelling, but by the end of the day I go back to walking a little hunched. I was told by my surgeon I would be walking straight after a week! I’m starting to feel like I’m never going to walk straight again! I feel like a little old lady! I’m not sure if this is due to swelling or just a habit thing now or maybe even the binder restricting me? I’m getting really bad back ache from this! Still I’m seeing surgeon tonight so hopefully she will clarify.
Hi all………oh what experiences you all have…..well am in the same position as you all but thank God you’ve all gave me some sort of courage…..I too have a TT in 2009 and believe it or not am still having terrible swelling and hardness of the tummy. I went to see a surgeon in my home town seen that I didn’t ave my TT done where am living any how after I went to see the surgeon they did an xray and advise that am avin fluid build up that would need to be drain so I get it drain right away just to ease the discomfort I was having from the hardness and swelling in my tummy, the procedure was tht the surgeon insert a needle in my tummy and pulls out the container of the needle full with fluid……which really helps because I could feel the difference in my tummy it was loosen and not as tender and hard as before…..but how unfortunate abt less than a mn\th the same prob reoccur so I decided to go back to my original surgeon that had done my TT…..well after I get there and share my experience with the surgeon he decided to do another xray then he schedule me for a drainage the following day……how unfortunate again the night before my surgery I got sick with fever and a bad cold so the morning I call the nurse that was on duty and inform her tht am not well and have high fever she was in shock and couldn’t believe anyways she contacted the surgeon and inform him abt the fever and right away the surgeon and his team of nurses rush to my room and did a test and inform me tht i wont be able to do the surgery to have the fluid drain…..well I did understand all that and know that it wasn’t their fault and nothing can be done until am healthy…….so I ended up leaving their country and return to the caribbean where am living without gettin the problem solve so until now am still living with the fluid and my swollen tummy as hard as rock especially when am having my monthly…..am now tryin to save some money to schedule another trip to go and see the surgeon to have this problem solve so I can live happily because am really concern abt my health because I know that this isn’t healthy for me…..January 2012 would be a year since I went to get the problem sorted when I take sick and never get it done so hopefully early next year I have enough money and can take a trip to go and have this build up fluid drained…
Hello again. I am writing to share some encouraging words. My TT was 7/27/11. Like all of you I am swollen, from thighs to knees STILL. Boobs aren’t as crooked, they are ever so slowlydropping in place. I CAN stand straight up…all the fears I had are slowly fading. I wanted this surgery, so I am hoping that the swelling will be gone in time.
I read dispair in another post. I was really sad a few weeks ago. But we adjust…accept what is…I have been applying my coco butter to my scars..works wonders!
I too feel wider…boxy…Back fatty…all these things there were there before my new tum and ta’s. I am really just trying not to obsess. Seems to be helping. I am thankful forall that IS NOT happening. Life could be worst…sounds cliche, I know. But this isn’t the end of the world.
I looked at my thighs today in disgust…the swelling is just so damn annoying. Other than that, I can deal with a crooked tata and sticker nipples. I swear I feel like my areolas are stick ons and my tum is going to fly up like a window shade.
Lol, just laugh…we all did this because we wanted to. That’s my mantra. Time….time…time. It’s still new and fresh.
Good luck everyone
Please be aware of people who mention that they need money. This is not a forum for financial problems only to give each other information based on our experiences. Happy to report that swelling is almost gone. I am on week 10-11. Do not despair relief comes to you eventually. Best to all you.
Week 4. I am so so sad for some posters here. My surgeon has and recommends a massage person on staff. She specializes in cosmetic surgery massage. She pushes out fluid, meds, etc. When I get off her table I run to the restroom. She knows how to touch knead push without any pain. I usually fall asleep. Maybe massage would help