Here are my recommendations for after your surgery
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After 20 years of fantasizing about fixing my diastasis recti and getting rid of the loose, wrinkly and sagging skin on my belly, I finally did it.
I got a tummy tuck.
Before the procedure, I had watched countless videos on other peoples’ journey and tried to be as prepared as possible pre and post-op.
Now that I’m 9 days post-op, I want to share a few items that made (is making) my recovery more tolerable.
Electric Power Life Recliner
Prior to my surgery, I discovered that my friend’s boyfriend went through skin removal surgery in November. I had mentioned that I was thinking about getting a recliner but not wanting to spend the money on it. His advice – do it.
So I did.
I bought the Best Choice Products Electric Power Lift Recliner Massage Chair. Best. Decision. Ever.
After your tummy tuck, the doctor wants you to sleep in an elevated position. Originally, I had planned to use a sleeping wedge and extra pillows in my bed. After my husband put my new recliner together, I began to wonder why I was trying to be so cheap when I was already paying so much money on the surgery. The recliner allowed me to sleep elevated while also being comfortable. I had the best sleep in the recliner.
With muscle repair, I had to refrain from using my abs to get up. Because this recliner had a power lift, it was a GAME CHANGER. Getting up to go to the bathroom, or do whatever, was a breeze. No effort at all except for pressing the button for the recliner to slowly tilt forward to help you stand up.
Added benefit: heat and massage! Walking hunched over killed my back. I appreciated the heat and massage vibration to help relieve the back pain.
Bidet
The doctor I chose performed my surgery at the hospital which allowed me to stay at the hospital for the first two nights of my recovery.
My doctor was adamant that I pooped before I left the hospital. Bowel movements are actually a big concern after a tummy tuck. I watched a vlog where the woman almost had to go to the emergency room because she hadn’t had a bowel movement yet after her tummy tuck.
So, on day one post-op, I pooped. But, wiping? That was a painful task!
Luckily for me, I had already invested in a bidet. You know… the pandemic… the toilet paper shortage. Using the bidet made going number 2 feel a lot easier and a lot cleaner.
This is the exact model I bought and used from Amazon but they also have other models with different prices that would suit your situation and budget.
Adjustable Shower Chair
Lots of people already have a shower bench in their shower but I didn’t. If you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck, an adjustable shower chair is a must.
For that first week, standing up is a chore, especially when you can’t stand straight up.
Handheld Shower Head
This is another must-have. Having a handheld shower head made it so much easier to take a shower on my own. The one I linked is the model I have but we turned off the stationary part and only used the handheld part so that I didn’t sit in my shower chair and drown under the constant running of the water.
Also, to reach the hard-to-reach parts of my body, I used a sponge with a long handle.
Other Recommended Items
I could talk all day about all of the different items I used to help in my recovery efforts but I just wanted to showcase the things that I considered game changers.
If you want to see more of the things that I’m using, you can visit my Amazon Storefront.
