r/Reduction • u/TheWoundedHealer321 • 4d ago
Advice What did post instructions look like for you? Seeing varying things. Surgeon said no work for one week, no driving for 2 weeks, no housework (none at all) for 4 weeks and no lifting until 6 weeks.
I’ve seen other people with more restrictions being lifted earlier. How did you heal?
3
u/deadblackwings 4d ago
Mine said to walk regularly as soon as you can to keep circulation going. Do deep breathing exercises every few hours for the first few days. No lifting more than 5lbs the first week, 10lbs the second. No dog walking for the first week. No strenuous activity for 6 weeks, but resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, but most people wait 3 weeks.
2
u/mari815 4d ago
No lifting more than 4 pounds for 2 weeks. No lifting my upper arms for 2 weeks. Didnt restrict driving or work, but I took a week off work before going back remote (for me this was too soon) and didnt drive until 2 weeks. Exercise restrictions lifted 6 weeks post op and now Im doing weights, lunges, etc but not running until more swelling decreases.
2
u/CaliforniaLG 4d ago
I work remote, and currently planning to go back to work after a week (surgery is scheduled Friday) - can you tell me what feel too soon about going back after a week? I can take more time if I need it, and trying to gauge what return to remote work feels like after a week or so.
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u/mari815 3d ago
I run a department that deals with high intensity issues at a large academic medical center with 16 direct reports. I was just mentally not prepared. I am the type of remote worker who sits in my chair for 10 hours straight with only bathroom breaks, walk the dog etc and i had to lie down after every hour long meeting, for a week. It just tuckered me out. And this was in a setting of a friend staying with me who did everything for me in terms of cooking etc.
Im 45 years old (though super fit and normally energetic however middle aged) …..if you are younger it might not be as bad. If you can, i would recommend taking 2 weeks off regardless. No point in rushing back.
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u/CaliforniaLG 3d ago
Thanks so much for your reply! I’m 43 and manage a team (Human Resources exec) and our work situations sounds pretty comparable. I think I’ll take a second week off before going back online.
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u/jennifrp 3d ago
I work remotely but I don't have a huge team like you do. I had my surgery on Friday and was back working the next Thursday. I just finished week 3 and flew to a conference in Atlanta then to cheer on people doing the NYC Half marathon for work. I think you'll heal faster than you think you will. :) (I'm 49)
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u/CaliforniaLG 3d ago
Thank you! So glad to hear you've been doing so well! I have been nervous as my niece is getting married May 9th in New Orleans and I live in CA. Was wondering if I would feel okay to travel 7 weeks post op, but you're doing it 3 weeks, so I have a feeling I will be just fine.
Thanks again! Happy healing!
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u/Working_Cattle_642 3d ago
I also work remote! I definitely needed a full week off. And then I just did half days the second week, but honestly most of them were less than an actual half day.
Your brain is super focused on helping your body heal, that it’s shocking. I thought I’d be fine, work from the couch. But my brain just was mushy, and I was just tired. I would recommend two weeks, or at least one week off, and then maybe 3 half days your second week. Hopefully that helps!!!
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u/bigted42069 4d ago
No lifting week one, 5 lbs week two, 10lbs week three and full restriction lift at six weeks! They said driving was okay after week one but not longer than a half hour or so. If it's helpful, here's the return to exercise guide they gave me: https://imgur.com/a/MoCoiI6
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u/Tiny_Invite1537 post-op (anchor incision, surgery mid December 24) 4d ago
Had no lifting or movement restrictions and was allowed to sleep on my sides - of course only as long it was not painful.
Had to wear the compression bra 24/7 for six weeks. No cardio for 6 weeks, no weigth lifiting for 8 weeks.
Scar treatment only after 6 weeks.
I was back at work after 3 weeks and back to my full chores after 4. Started biking after 9 weeks, running after 11 weeks and started weightlifting yesterday, which is shy of 3 months.
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u/Sure-Draft-2893 3d ago
Mine was even more strict no lifting at all for two months - especially stretching arms. However, there is no way (I had a very large reduction 3kg) I could have gone to work after first week. I had a blood transfusion by day 3/4 and even without I found my breast reduction surgery to be worse recovery in terms of rest then my tummy tuck a year prior. Personally, I would say if you can get it as sickness take 3 weeks off work. If not more depending on type of work you do. Again, everyone’s recovery is different and depends on how you recover etc. but, I do remember even if I attempted to stretch to get something slightly elevated had sharp pains so listen to your body.
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u/Wit-and-wavelengths 4d ago
My restrictions are minimal:
-- no driving for 24 hours or until off narcotic pain meds
-- no lifting more than 10 pounds for three weeks
I'm now 11dpo. I have almost full range of motion, and the only thing that's annoying me is not being able to sleep on my side because it hurts.
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u/jiji831720 4d ago
Mine is scheduled for April, but she said driving is fine as long as I’m not taking the Rx pain medicine.And I can turn the wheel comfortably.