Tummy Tuck tips from the New You perspective:
In the first week of tummy tuck surgery, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions. At this point, you may still feel swollen, sore, and tight, and your attractive new contours are not yet evident due to swelling. However, with each passing day, you’ll feel better and stronger. One of the number one pieces of advice our tummy tuck patients recommend is to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully. These guidelines will help speed up and optimize your healing and provide a positive recovery experience. Don’t listen to negative people. There is always someone out there just trying to smack you down with their negativity.
Things you should NOT do after surgery:
- No smoking
- No drinking
- Lift your kids or pets.
- Drive – the first week for sure
- Clean your house, laundry
- Weigh or measure yourself
- Try on the clothes that you think will fit
- Grocery shopping – pushing the cart and lifting the bags is harder than you think
- Gardening
- Other than walking – no exercise
- Eat processed and packaged foods. The sodium will make you swell up like the Blueberry girl in Willy Wonka. No salt. Watch your sodium intake at all times.
- No drinking soda. You do not want to put anything in your body that will cause gas and bloating.
Things you should do after surgery:
Take your pain meds as prescribed. Stay on top of the dose and take on time. For the first three days make sure you take them around the clock to stay ahead of the pain. Don’t wait until you are past the point of no return and rolling around in the bed in agony. Don’t be a hero!
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Let people take care of you.
- Massage your tummy gently. It helps circulation and feels good.
- Stay positive because this all will pass.
- Get outside and enjoy some sunshine. It will really help lift your spirits.
- Log onto RealSelf.com to chat with your friends, leave a review. All of us on here know how you are feeling so will help cheer you up if you need it.
- Range of motions, walk to prevent Pulmonary Embolism & DVT
- Keep your eye on the prize and know there is an end to the healing process.
- Be proud of yourself for taking this step to improve your life and body.
- Be patient with the healing process. It is a long haul I know but you can do it. You will have good days and bad, but it will all be worth it in the end. If you do get sad and depressed know that it is all part of the healing process. You are not crazy.
- Trust your instincts with your body. If something doesn’t feel right call your doctor right away. It never hurts to get it checked out. That is why they are there! I am sure they have heard and seen it all. I am pretty sure my doctor thinks I am a total nut! But a harmless one at that…
Just know ladies, you are not on this journey alone and it’s a process that takes time, be patience. The surgeons have done their part now it’s your own time to follow all post-operative after care instructions to ensure a smooth healing process at all times.
Remember WATER! WATER! WATER!