When will I feel normal after an abdominoplasty?

[@kam0406]

It has been 3 months for me and I’m still dealing with a bit of swelling and stiffness, soreness and numbness. My advice is to completely clear your schedule for the first month- and don’t expect to be back to normal activities at the gym for about two to three months. I was lifting weights and working out daily before surgery - and just now, at 3 months, I’m able to do my usual gym routine. Still, some days I am still a bit sore and I do have days when there is some inexplicable swelling - maybe after I’ve been lifting and bending more than usual. 3 months is a more realistic time line than what most doctors give- which is a lie! You will most likely need a few months. Also, my energy level was very low for the first 2 months. Your body was taken apart and then altered and cut! It’s major surgery and should be respected as such.

[@melh8179]

It’s nice to finally hear a surgeon be honest about this recovery.

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Thank you Mel.

[@kam0406]

This is one of the few doctors who is speaking the truth! It’s a long recovery- but totally worth it! My belly is flat and my waist is so tiny now! I’m 50 and my abs look better than I did in my 20s . The recovery is not easy- especially month one and two- but omg- it was worth it!

[@Banks040]

I’m on day 6 of recovery and I swear I’m reevaluating my life decisions 😂 This TT & lipo IS NO JOKE

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

The first one to two weeks are usually the hardest. If you have concerns it is always best to see your surgeon to discuss this.

[@ellqons7495]

Lol, how you holding up now? My guts feel so tight and weird. I still can’t feel near my pubic area. I had a full tt with lipo on 10/31

[@evaeve77]

Mee too. Day 7 for me. Today felt different, i feel exhausted

[@queenclothing9360]

Am on day 5 and feel like crap ... I can't walk upright I have no appetite I can't sleep on my sides I sleep on my back and my back hurts ... I am having nightmares throughout the night

[@AnaMartinez-kk8sx]

@@queenclothing9360 Same! I’m on day 7 and regretting it so bad! 😓 I can’t wait to feel normal again!

[@screenname2206]

I’m 4 weeks out and nights are the hardest. With that said I improve everyday but by the end of the day on hunched over again and sore. Happy to hear I’m 1/3 of the way to feeling somewhat normal.

[@TheShazam25]

Night time sucks!! That is when I'm most uncomfortable. Im 4 weeks out and I work 12 hour shifts by 5pm my abdomen is swelling up with fluid. I wear my abd binder as tight as I can. I had lipo around my sides and back. That is next level pain!! I am numb but feel pain at the same time all day. My back swells up with with lymphatic fluid. This swelling is awful. When I wear my binder it pushes fluid into my hips, butt, top of thighs and my upper back. At one point, I had such bad pitting edema down both legs but that is finally gone. Thank you Jesus!!! My abdomen is so tight. I cant wait to fast forward time and be done with all of this!! If you do this be ready to deal with some serious pain. Oh and my abdominal wound dehisced from the swelling so I have a small open wound to deal with and ended up with a blood clot in my arm and I am taking Eliquis!!! Shit happens tho. These are risks of having surgery. Next summer will be much better 😜 I keep moving on and block out the bad stuff.....this is not for the faint of heart!!! Please, just know what you are getting into and watch you tube videos about others' experiences. Good luck!! ❤

[@jenniferrodgers3689]

Thank you for being very honest about the recovery time.

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

I am glad it was helpful!

[@LidiaOliveira-s6g]

Thank you for being realistic, I had no idea this recovery was going to be this hard. This Faja is hell. I'm on my 4th week, still have drains in place, battling constipation, difficulty getting in and out of bed, feet swell. Sleep most of the day. I look forward to the 3rd Month mark. Finally a surgeon who tells us like it is.

[@thececeshow253]

I’m almost 4 weeks and I’m regretting this everyday 😢

[@02Ahandsomeguy]

Same

[@thececeshow253]

@@02Ahandsomeguy you will get there hun looking bad on this post I was so miserable I’m feeling so much better and able to fully stand. It definitely takes a lot of time and very slow at that.

[@w.shaynaiascruz5534]

Why ,?

[@thececeshow253]

@@w.shaynaiascruz5534 I couldn’t stand up straight , take a bath or use the bathroom properly because I couldn’t stretch. I’m feeling much better now and able to stand it’s a long healing journey. I learned to have patience but I was so miserable and depressed.

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

I’m glad you are getting better. It does take time. Also it varies from patient to patient and what surgical technique was used. My patients usually take 10 days to stand up straight. 2 weeks to feel reasonably well. But you will find that after 4 weeks things should improve significantly. Dr Beldholm

[@screenname2206]

Having an honest answer is helpful . The hard part is all the unanswered questions. Just knowing this is a slow recovery let’s me know things are ok and the way I feel is normal.

[@CoryDemir]

Thank you Dr. Beldhom for taking the time to explain all these. Your honesty is very well appreciated

[@MizzQueenbeby]

The best comprehensive video that provides what you might expect as time progresses; considering outcomes may vary from person to person. Thanks!

[@lovpinkdiamonds]

Thanks for the information. So now I know I will need to be home for 3 months for recovery

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Glad to be helpful!

[@MillyO628]

Thank you sooo much Dr. You're beyond incredible at giving the most detailed information. Most people here only explain the first three days and nothing beyond with such great details. You certainly have heart of a teacherAa❤

[@sandrab.garzonlmft1806]

Finally someone is honest. I was lied to, and I have regret this many times. I am almost 8 weeks post op😑 had Lipo 360 and TT and oh God my lipo incisions hurts every time I take my faja off. 😢 and when i have faja on other part hurts… this is torture…I haven’t slept well all this time… oh my 5 more weeks for me to feel better 😑😭 ugh!!!!

[@melr6235]

Thank you for this video. No one is talking about how long it takes to heal.

[@anavelasco88]

Everyone says to be 💯 recovered is a year.

[@jetset1111]

Very helpful!!! Thank you

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ttf3289]

Not a single PS ever talks about the possibility of your wife having pain for 5-6 years post op. Love your bodies, ladies!

[@Myster-Man-Channel]

So sad😢

[@courtneyjames8223]

I have a labor job I don't know how would I do my job..I'm a certified nursing assistant and pull patients all day..I don't think I can do this procedure. I might have to take 3 months off work.

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Courtney, it is best to speak with your surgeon in detail about your work requirements to ensure you take enough time off for recovery.

[@stellanorheim9342]

Am doing the same job. But am taking two weeks off, not sure hw i will do my job. But i prefer to have a positive mind, because its my life and after having been done with having kids, i should be happy as well.

[@catherineweiss1877]

12😮 months😢

[@z87295]

Do you have videos explaining why girls saying they still have swelling or bloating after the year whenever they eat? I see girls saying that it can also be painful

[@catherineweiss1877]

Im 3 weeks the sw we lling is rediculace. Im over it. Its hard so if tou so it your out for 3 months. Easy.

[@hazelnavarrete513]

I’m close to my 4 months and I still feel discomfort in my abdomen I’m not fully flat and I get bloated a lot super uncomfortable

[@wmignon]

Thank God, it’s been almost two weeks and without drains I feel 70% back to normal. I’m over the compression binder though 😮‍💨

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Thanks for sharing. You are almost there. I find that most of my patients have a turning point between week 2 and 3. Things should be getting easier for you. Dr Beldholm

[@susieausberry8635]

Thank you

[@cynthiadawn5619]

I wish someone would reply. I’ve posted on dozens of tummy tuck videos and no one replies :( I wanna know if it’s normal to still have a “fold or roll” when sitting down after a tummy tuck????? Shouldn’t I be flat even when sitting? Help someone plz reply sighs 😢

[@monageasa8721]

I just got mine 3 weeks now , my tummy very flat when i sitting or standing, you have to go to your doctor

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Cynthia, I apologize on the delay. This does depend on your skin elasticity - if this is poor it does not pull back up when sitting down. We do also have to make sure we have not pulled the skin too tight, so it is flat when sitting down, as this would be too tight and uncomfortable in a standing position. It is always best to go back to see your surgeon with any concerns you might have.

[@ellqons7495]

How long has it been since you had yours? I got mine on 10/31 and still quite swollen. However, when I sit, I’m still relatively flat

[@Sonibablaa]

You have to have some fold when sitting down otherwise you will end up looking inhuman or like you have a permenent plaster over your tummy that don’t move

[@lavjamsoflocamp]

​@@Sonibablaa😅😅😅😅

[@venustreat701]

I had a tummy tuck and he pulled too far up that my clitoris and opening from my bladder are wide open. Can they use thigh skin and put it back in the pelvic area to hide the clitoris it is causing infections

[@reginastyles2581]

WTH 😢

[@kathya.5135]

You need at least 4 months work off. Trust me

[@sujaliz1318]

I am past 2 month post op of a tummy tuck and want to get back to my routine but my dr said i dont need to do any abdominal exercises as he has tightened it to the max. I dont do any aggressive workouts but would it be ok to get back to my routine? Following some workout programs. And i feel kind of bloated at times and feel the swelling is still there. Is that normal and will it take a long time for it to go?