9/22/06 - Plastic Surgery Tips

I find my mobility is much greater than it was after the gastric bypass. That being said, it isn't easy getting around. I cannot stand straight yet, so hat is taking a toll on my back. My biggest complaint is that I can't sleep well, I'd give almost anything for a great night's sleep.

• If you don't have a recliner, I would recommend renting one. I rented one, and it has been wonderful. I am able to get into and out of it by myself and I've been sleeping in it for the most part. The last couple of nights I've been trying the couch to see if I could get some better sleep that way.
• I would recommend having things within reach so you don't have a lot of bending or reaching to do. I'm lucky that my husband is self-employed, so he can work out his own schedule. From the time I came home from the hospital, he has gone to his office for a few hours a day. As longs as he leaves me what I need high enough so I don't have to bend, I am fine.
• Another recommendation is some nice comfy clothes. I wore my old 3x sweatpants and t-shirt to the hospital. That was perfect for coming home because that was lots of room for me and the drains. Don't forget to think about what you are going to wear when you are ready to get out and about (i.e., back to work). I didn't think that far ahead and had to find comfy clothes quickly.
• One thing that caught me by surprise was my reduced appetite after the surgery. In fact, I wouldn't say my capacity to eat has yet returned to pre-plastic surgery levels. (It is almost like the early days after my gastric bypass surgery.) I don't know if it is due having surgery, the muscle repair or the binder or a combination; but I have found my capacity to eat to be less than half of what it was previously. I have started supplementing with protein shakes to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need for recovery.
• Another tip, from my ps, is to wear a t-shirt under the binder. This has definitely eased some of the discomfort of the binder. I also have placed a think gauze pad at the top of the binder when my incision is which helps alleviate the pressure there.