Tummy Tuck Prayers Requested- and advice needed !

I am having surgery August 31st. For those of you who don't know , I had gastric bypass surgery last May (5/4/04) due to health problems and have lost 140 pounds to date ( EXACTLY 1/2 of what I weighed ) ... I feel great and almost all of my health problems have virtually disappeared !(THANK GOD !!!) Due the massive weight loss I have loads of loose skin that can not be toned up with exercise and I have been getting skin fold infections so I am having a medically necessary tummy tuck done on AUGUST 31st. Now normally, it wouldn't be THAT big of a deal but I am on Coumadin daily due to the fact that I have a lupus anticoagulant factor in my bloodstream ( making me more apt to clot) and I am considered high risk for any type of surgery but especially THIS type of surgery when there is usually a large amount of trauma done to the skin and surrounding organs. I had a clot in 2001 and really do not want to have to go through that again.When I had my bypass last year , they did put a Greenfeld filter in which catches the larger clots from travelling to my lungs should I get any but still there is a chance I could get the smaller ones AND there is a chance that due to me taking Coumadin (even though I am stopping it a week ahead) that I will bleed too much.. All this to say... I could NOT have gotten through my last surgery without tons of prayers going up for me and I would GREATLY appreciate it if you could say a BIG prayer for me to help me get through the surgery safely....Tell anyone you want to ! I had friends last surgery who put me on prayer lists at church and I am such a FIRM believer in the power of prayer that I KNOW I came through that surgery but for the grace of God and the skill of my surgeon. Thanks for listening to my saga and if you want to email me for any reason ..my email addy is [email protected].. My questions are for those who have had this done or anyone who might know.. Where would be a good place to buy a nice CHEAP (read economical) support garment or binder for after the surgery ? The ones I have seen online are upwards of $90.00 ! Is there anyplace to buy used ones ? I am not picky ! LOL Also..any hints of things you WISH you had done prior to surgery to prepare or things you found usefull during the recoup period and how long before you could drive ? Thanks !!! XOXOXOXOXOOXOX Kathy

Hi Kathryn I am from Lexington too. My prayers are with you. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hello Kathy, I wish you a speedy recovery and continued good health. You have come this far on your journey and God has protected you so be confident. Verdonna

Kathy- Prayers are on the way. Be sure to keep us updated and post some pictures when you can. Congrats on your phenomenal success! Hugs, Susan

I am SO sorry ... this board totally has slipped my mind with all of the traveling, drama and kids going back to school. I see that you are having your TT tomorrow. I will be thinking of you all day. I hope to hear how you made out ASAP. I have a suggestion about the support garments. They gave me the huge velcro one...I woke up with it on. Will they be giving you one also? After the first few days....I also wore a Hanes Her Way tight bike type shorts that I found at Target for $12. It was a HUGE help with the swelling in my legs and also gave me added support along with the velcro one. Once I stopped wearing the velcro one...I continued with the bike shorts type one for weeks when ever I felt I needed the support. Give me a call if you can and I can tell you more if you would like. 843-261-9964 Take care girl and I am so happy I caught this message before you went in. HUGS... Julie S.