Halifax Tummy Tuck

As I make it further into my recovery, I will add additional posts to this series realizing that different things will be important at different stages of the recovery process.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) recovery is not short! It’s a pretty major abdominal surgery and between the muscle manipulation, repair, liposuction, skin removal, and the general trauma of a surgical procedure, my body is wiped.

These are the recovery essentials I’m loving the most right now.

My Belly Binder
My belly binder is a security blanket for my core. I actually have FIVE binders. I’m using the binder given to me by the surgical centre right now because it’s the easiest one I own. I have back-ups so I can make sure I have a clean one at all times, but I won’t change this one until my drain comes out.

Leonisa Medical USA binder x 2: This post-surgical binder is hook-and-eye which is less ideal but it gives fantastic support. I can’t wear this one until my drain is out because I need the drain to pop through the middle. I got this in beige and black.

S Abdominal binder x 2(Amazon): This velcro binder is all one panel, so it’s not as customisable as the two-panel version I received from the surgeon. I plan on using this one at bedtime when I wash my two-panel!

My Wedge Pillows
The wedge pillows have made bed comfortable. I can’t lie down flat so being propped up is critical as my head MUST be elevated per post-operative instructions. Additionally, the wedge under my knees takes a lot of pressure off! My only complaint about these is they’re a bit slippery so I find I slide down a little but it’s a minor issue.

A Walker
I haven’t needed to use my walker much but it’s a real help for getting up from lying or sitting down and for supporting my back when I’m standing. I’m quite stooped to protect the muscles and the skin (both of which feel tight AF) and this puts a lot of pressure on my back muscles. The walker takes a lot of pressure off of my muscles by giving me something to push up from.

Tray Table for Bed
I feel like a chopped-up princess eating meals on my tray in bed! I chose this particular tray because it has a space to rest/stand your phone or tablet in the back and also, it’s super inexpensive ($15). Bonus: It ensures that I’m not resting my laptop on my incision when I want to use it.

Big Ol’ Water Jug
I ordered this water jug for myself in the summer because I wanted a bigger bottle with a straw, but also one that would fit easily in my car’s cup holder. It’s been an extension of my body since it arrived but I’ve never appreciated it more than now!

It holds 40oz which means fewer trips to refill, it’s spill-proof, and it’s double-walled so it keeps your drink nice and cool. Win, win, win. Bonus: I love the colour (and I have a Classy Cards Creative sticker on it that says POWERFUL FUCKING WOMAN which is a great mood boost!)

Protein Shakes
I struggle at the best of times to get enough protein, and with a poor appetite this week, it’s not surprising it’s extra hard to get it in. Enter protein shakes poured over ice and sipped! I like the Premier Protein shakes (pre-made in little 325mL cartons) in “Caramel”, but the cappuccino ones are good too!

I get 30g of protein with only 1g of sugar just by sipping. Easy peasy. Plus: it tastes like dessert.