Preparing for Surgery

sounds like you're well-prepared. having all that help will make it a breeze for you. all sorts of mothers survive emergency caesareans and manage households and new babies without any help at all. since this is a scheduled, simple, elective procedure and you've got all this time to clean, prepare meals, stock up AND you have post-op help, i'm sure you'll be fine.
i don't understand why anyone would choose to have cosmetic surgery if it 'terrifies' them, though.
khairete
S.

Is this the boob job you were asking about last month? I only ask because advice for elective surgery is a lot different than when it is forced by injury.

I have never had the tummy tuck but have had friends do it. They said the biggest thing they weren't prepared for was how tight they make their stomach muscles. I forgot the whole story but pretty much they couldn't straighten their backs for a bit.

I had a hysterectomy last year and my best advice is this: 2 days after I got home I felt really good and I was tired of laying around so I vacuumed. Big big mistake. That set me back big time. You may be surprised how good you feel after a few days and may be tempted to do more than you should. Don't do it. Also, have lots of movies and shows ready to watch. I had trouble sleeping after every surgery I have ever had, so don't be afraid to ask your dr about that. I wish I had asked for something to help me sleep. When you lay around and rest all day, sleeping at night can sometimes be a challenge. Ask friends for help. Good luck and I wish you a speedy recovery.

I hope that your surgery goes well.

You sound well prepared in theory. But I will sincerely implore you to limit the deep cleaning, pet bathing kind of things. Hire a pet groomer or a neighbor kid (there are mobile pet groomers that bring their van to your house), and relax on the deep cleaning. Before surgery, you want to be rested, and you don't want to over-tire yourself and maybe get sick. It's important to go into major surgery in as healthy a condition as possible. If you over-do, you might be more vulnerable to colds and viruses, and that could even delay your surgery. Running around trying to buy and wrap every gift, prepare every meal, and stock every cupboard and closet will possibly tire you out beyond what you can handle. Go into the surgery with a relaxed mind and a rested body, and that will make a difference in your recovery.

I had to have my abdomen repaired after my kids. For me it wasn't about having excess skin removed - it was my abdominal muscles never came close to going back together.

I'm not going to lie - it was painful. I'd had C-sections and no comparison. However, you take the drugs they give you, you get a great triangular wedge shaped pillow (god love my husband for finding me one) and you rest up. For me, I'd say 4 days and I was fine.

I didn't make huge plans or freeze meals. My mom did come to stay and help out, but she and my husband are pros. They just ran the house. The kids came in and hung out with me and I just watched tv in a drugged stupor.

Wishing you luck and a speedy recovery! I never had surgery either until this year and I have had two major surgeries in the last 9 months. The first time around I was terrified of the anesthesia. The second time around I had no fear of the surgery itself but dreaded the recovery, especially the first 3-4 weeks.

The only advice I have is that this too shall pass and you may want to have your girlfriends scheduled to come over and assist you. (Cooking, cleaning and baby care)
I am recovering from major leg surgery (docs surgically broke my tibia and drilled holes in my femur bone and some other stuff) I greatly underestimated the emotional toll this would take on me. It is really hard but my full recovery is estimated to be 18 months. I would not wish this on anyone. I count myself extremely lucky though that my husband works from home, my oldest drives and I have the best girlfriends ever.

I had two c-sections. The recovery on the planned c-section wasn't that bad at all (harder on the emergency because of all the labor too). Anyway, your ideas so far sound really good. If you have a few friends that are willing to help out, maybe have 2-3 friends bring dinner each week so you don't have to worry about cooking at all. Even with freezer meals, it's still more work than if someone just swings by at 5:30 with a meal ready to go. Our moms club helps organize things like this and I know a lot of churches do too.

Buy a couple of new toys that you think your kids will really love, and that can keep them occupied for a long time without needing your assistance. I know it's right before Christmas, but trust me, you will want them occupied when you first come home, too.

Record a bunch of your favorite shows and movies in advance if you have a DVR so you've got a lot waiting for you - you'll spend a lot of time just lying/sitting on the couch resting, so it'll be nice to have some shows to look forward to.

Even with a four week recovery, you'll likely be able to move around pretty easily after the first few days, at least that is true with a c-section. You probably can't lift your son for awhile though, so think of a safe place for him to nap if you're not able to manage the crib.

Good luck and take care. I'm sure it will be fine!

Having had 15 abdominal surgeries I am well versed. It would help to know if it is open surgery, robotic surgery or laparoscopic surgery. My very worst surgery , which surprised me, because I thought would be a breeze was having my kidney out. Cut from front all the way to back. I was shocked that it took three weeks before I could drive and function normally. The abdominal surgeries are much easier. You will be surprised that after a few days you will be up and managing to get around. I could be more of a help if I know how surgery will be performed.

You will need, most of all, to have help with your child. They will want you, know there is something wrong and want to comfort you. They will cry and cry and cry for you and beg to be picked up and snuggled and loved on.

You won't be able to do this. If you use those tummy muscles before they're mended back together you run the risk of ripping open and it all falling out, tearing the tissue on the inside and even perhaps creating a hernia. There are more things that can happen for sure.

So that is the main thing you need to do. Walk the amount of time they recommend, sit or be vertical the rest of the time.