From371to184's Journal, 11 March 2019

Surgery is scary, no doubt. I’m 4 DPO from my abdominoplasty and it’s not bad at all. My understanding is that muscle repair is what hurts the most and not actual incision. Not sure if you’re having MR as well and if you’re incision is vertical or horizontal (or both). My tip is to keep on top of your meds and if you’re getting surgery in hospital they take care of it. I did mine in a clinic so have to control my own meds. Not everyone recovers super easily but it’s worth it. You will feel so much better without your extra skin. You’ve came so far!!! This will be life changing. I wish you luck “surgery brother” Keep us updated!!! 

@Swedishblondie - your insights are valuable, thanks. Doc said it'll be an extended abdominoplasty with a low, hip-to-hip scar and NO intramuscular work. Doing it through the VA, so they're gonna have me inpatient for one overnight. Appreciate you, my "surgical sister"! ;)  

I had a severe diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) both above and below my navel. It was so egregious that my intestines were pushing through the gap and I could watch them writhe and twist as they lay just under my skin. It was gnarly. It was so bad that my insurance paid for my tummy tuck (I hate, hate hate calling it a tummy tuck because that sounds so cutesy and it was NOT a cutesy surgery AT ALL.) I had extreme muscle repair. My surgery took almost seven hours. I read the surgical notes and I was basically skinned like a rabbit and flayed open like a fish. My skin was pulled up to my ribcage and my muscles lashed back together from just below my sternum all the way down to my pubis. The notes stated it was very intensive and reconstructive in nature. I did have some skin removed but that was nothing. The muscle repair was insane. About four months after the first surgery, I had a revision to take a bit more skin. That surgery (the revision) was absolutely a breeze and the worst part was the drain, which was nothing really. Anyway, if you're not having extreme muscle repair, the surgery should be pretty easy. Good luck!  

@Cindyanne1 - sounds like you've been run through the ringer, sorry to hear that; appreciate the... encouragement. 

From371, i will be thinking about you and sending you the good vibes tomorrow! i am sure many others will too! Be sure to let us know when you are up and around.  

You've been under a lot of stress at work. All the best with your surgeries. Don't rush going back to work. Take time to recover mentally and physically. 

Muscle repair is the most difficult part of recovery. I’ll find out tomorrow how doc really fixed me up. My pain is up n down my abs so I know he messed with them. I also had hernia repair. It’s most def not cutesty to remove 13 lb skin lol 

Good luck. 

From371, I hope the surgery goes well and that you have a speedy recovery! I had abdominal lipo many years ago, and the worst was the fluid drain (which leaked at night), and pulls/strains on my core muscles. I expect they will want you to wear a compression garment - get an extra so you can change out to a clean one. 

Good luck w/ the surgery!! You are going to be just fine! Have a wonderful day sir! 

@Jengetfit123 - will do, count on it; @J Gunny - might have to change my cell though, the office has it (LOL!) Ooo, @Swedishblondie - 13 lbs?!?! Yikes! Don't do anything stupid, sister, okay? @Gz9gig - yeah, forgot to ask about what captures the drainage - thanks for the heads-up; @Mrs Rancor and @Fishingwidow, my thanks and appreciation! 

371to184: Sorry I can't think of an alternative. for men but this is just my two cents worth for the ladies. I had a drainage tube after surgery with that bulb attached to catch drainage. My biggest problem was finding someplace to secure that hose and bulb. Not saying this will work for a man but for any gals out there. I confiscated a few pair of hubby's jockey undershorts and found the wide elastic more comfortable around my swollen belly. I tucked the drainage equipment into the front middle, uhmm, "pocket" of the men's underwear and it stayed in place. No shifting or irritation.  

Good suggestion, Blue - my post-surgery compression garment had a velcro strap and a little pocket. But at night, fluid would fill the bulb while I slept, then overflow. I think overnight I should have put it into a baggie with something to absorb overflow. 

Wowee- looking great 👍