Newbie Checking In To Say Hello

This board was recommended to me by my BFF *****cently had PS. She looks so great that I had to reconsider and now I am going to have my gross skin taken care of.  I had RNY Nov 13th 2007 and lost 147 lbs.  I think we all have a mental image, or fantasy of how we will look with the weight finally gone and then we are left with a pleasing number on the scale and success under our belt only to look in the mirror and be grossed out all over again by the end results.  It truly is an emotional rollercoaster.
On Sept. 23rd I am having breast reduction with shaping & lipo sculpting. Before my surgery I was 284 lbs and a 46DDD. I am now 38DD but still have alot of skin that pops out over the sides of my bra, not to mention the cantelopes are now zucchini's! UGH!
I am also having an extended abdominoplasty with lipo to my back & flanks.
I am excited and scared at the same time and would welcome any comments about your worries pre-surgial and input on your pain levels and recovery.  Thank you.  Jeanine

Hi Jeanine,

Nice to meet you and congratulations on your wonderful weight loss.  I had my RNY Nov 5 2007

I had my first round of plastic surgery June 29th of this year. I had an anchor cut tummy tuck with a breast lift.  I am going for a check up this coming thursday and if everything checks out I am booking to have my arms done in september.  They say i'm healing wonderful and there is just a faint line.  I am very happy with my results and looking forward to my arms not waving back at me in the mirror. 

What doctor are you going with?  Best wishes on your plastic surgery

Wendy

Thank you Wendy.  I went with the Williams Center of Plastic Surgery Specialist, Dr. Alain Polynice in Latham NY.  He is awesome and a true artist in body sculpting. I can't wait to see the end results. He says the area of my breasts he is working on (sides) will also eliminate much of my arm bat wings.  I hope so because they are truly UGLY!!  If not, I will do lipo on them later.  Glad to hear you are doing well and happy with the outcome. That's always good to hear.  Thanks again for being so welcoming.  Jeanine

GLAD TO SEE YOU ON THIS BOARD. THEY ARE REAL NICE PEOPLE AND VERY HELPFUL. I HAVEN'T HAD MY TT YET, BUT I SEE MY DOC  THIS MONDAY AND WILL GET A DATE THEN. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING RID OF THE SKIN ALSO. GOOD LUCK TO YOU. VICK

I will appreciate any help or advice given. I'll bet you are excited about getting a date soon.  Keep me updated on your upcoming surgery and results. Best of luck to you also.   Jeanine

Hi and welcome.  Great bunch of folks here, you'll learn a lot and get a whole bunch of support!!
Keep posting.....

I like your quote....it is sooooooo true!   Thank you for the welcome and I will post through my journey. Right now I'm in the nervous Nellie stage.  I have total confidence in my doctor, but the unknown is always a bit scary. I welcome any suggestions or tips that made your comfort once you got home easier to handle, and knowing when too much is being done BEFORE I've done it.
I tend to be on the go and energetic, so I don't want to over do and risk a back slide.  Jeanine

Hello again,
I tend to over do myself.  I'm not good at "rest and relaxation".  But I force myself to.  A couple of years ago I thought I felt fine after surgery and started doing my normal day-to-day chores...well I should have listened to the dr so know I really do force myself to not do too much.  Right now I'm 1 week out from aggressive lipo and was told no exercise for 2 weeks, after that I can do some walking......I'm so tempted to get on the treadmill tomorrow but really don't want to make the swelling worse than it already is.

I cook plenty of meals and freeze them in individual portions so it's easy for me or anyone who visits to just reheat.  I make sure everything like all the laundry is done, I vacuum the whole house the day, clean all the bathrooms before surgery, I pay all the bills, mow the lawn etc, etc....this way I have nothing to worry about for at least a week and normally stretch it to 2 weeks.  After 2 weeks I'm ok to do a small load of laundry (not heavy towels or sheets), depending on the surgery I might be able to change the sheets by myself, if not I wait for help..  DO NOT VACUUM.  I found that to be one of the worst things to do especially after my brachioplasty and anything to do with the stomach.  Sweeping the tile floor ok but then you can't bend down to scoop it up.  I just bought once of those Swifer vacs...I use the broom and then vac it up...very light and easy.

Depending on the procedure you are having you will want to get a Toilet Seat Riser (for the LBL and TL) also get "freshette" so you can pee standing up.  Yes it really helps!

Before and after surgery make sure you are getting plenty of protein....lots and lots of it.
After surgery I try to drink extra water

Best thing I can tell you is after any cutting is to take your pain meds on schedule even if you don't think you need them.....at least for the first 2-3 days...then see if you can cut back.  ...don't be a hero and wait for the pain to hit before taking them.

LISTEN to your body and follow Dr's orders.

Hope that helps.......
Ruth

Awesome advice, than you!  Yes I am very diligent about my protein since my WLS, and will continue with that being the focus as always. OK, no vacuuming (DH will do it) and I have no problem with letting the dust bunnies accumulate for a few weeks if thats what it takes to heal properly.
Luckily I have a BFF that has been through this and will scold me if I'm over doing.
The treadmill be damned. LOL  Even Curves can wait 4-6 weeks.
You take it easy yourself, OK?  I am fortunate to have a wonderful DH who will take very good care of me, as he has in the past with other surgery recovery.  Jeanine

Sounds like you'll have no trouble with recovery.  A supportive DH is wonderful.  My SO (significant other) is actually very good....he does a great job taking over with the food, does all the shopping and will vacuum or sweep if I ask....he's not big on laundry but it can wait for me.  He has been very supportive with all my surgeries over the past 20 yrs and even does a good job with wound care!! 

We are lucky ladies!!

Best wishes on your journey......
TTFN
Ruth