Pre-Op tell me what you wish you knew b4 going in

 Hi, everyone.  I'm elated to have found a board just for people of color. I had so many worries that I didn't think my White friends would understand. I am going back to my surgeon in a few weeks and he will give me a surgery date then.  Until then, I have time to explore, research, change my mind, prepare for surgery, and/or purchase the right items for post-surgery.  I'm doing the support groups. 
My major concern is healing time. I don't have a stressful job but I hear some people go back 1-8 weeks after surgery.  I just started a new job and I pay my own bills. I don't want to jeopardize my job but while they are paying for it, I want to have the surgery during this time. Although I know everyone is different, what is your average healing time and when did you return to work? I also have keloid prone skin. My doctor mentioned filling my scar with saline solution but I've also read about saline skin patches. Has anyone had these concerns? 
Please feel free to tell me in details how your surgery went and also what you feel I should know before going in. 
Thanks so much. I appreciate this. 

Hey there!!!  Welcome to the board and congrats on stepping into a change that will mean EVERYTHING

As for time off work - I took 4 weeks - it was the max allowed and it was well worth it.  While i felt physically okay after about 2, I needed the extra time to learn the 'new me' - meaning adjusting to the eating.  When I did go back to work, it was difficult - I was surprised at how my habits were so automatic for me. 

I always tell everyone to take all you can without getting fired lol.  As for scars - my surgeon didn't use sutures to close, but liquid stitches - I never had a probem.  I've had two plastic surgeries and the one in which the doctor used stitches was the scar that was raised and crappy.

Hope that helps - good luck to you and don't be a stranger!!!