Long overdue update BR/BL and Arm lift

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to post a quick update and again thank everyone who shared information with me. My computer died the day before surgery hence the delayed update.

I had surgery on 6.23.10 and returned to work on 7.26.10. I am glad I took 4 weeks off as I was not up to returning to work before that.
Surgery went went really well and so far I am pleased with my results. My arms were 24 inches around before surgery and measured 14 inches today. They are still swollen so I am not sure what size they will end up being. My arms hurt a lot. I am glad that so many people were willing to share their experiences so I knew that it could go either way for me.

The br/bl went well and the pain was minimal, more uncomfortable than painful. I went from a 32G to a 32B. It is so weird to have small breasts it still shocks me when I look in the mirror. They sit up high and are perky. They do not have the fullness in the upper part but I am okay with that for now. They look like normal breasts to me. I am so glad I did this. It has made a huge difference for me. My shoulders, neck and back aren't killing me anymore and I am off all pain meds. at about 10 weeks out I should start physical therapy again for my rotor cuff and bicep tendon and my doctor thinks that we will have much better results this time around.

Again thanks everyone and if you have any questions please ask and I will do my best to answer. I have before and after pics which I will post once I get computer repaired.

Ole

Hi Ole!!
I'm so glad u updated, I've been thinking of u and how everything went!  I am so happy to hear you are recovering well and already back to work. :)
I have some questions if you don't mind answering.

Did you have your operation as outpatient and how long was it?
How long were you on pain meds?
Do you think you really needed the month off before returning to work?
Do you have to wear special compression garments for your arms?
I have alot of skin below my armpit. How far down does your arm incision go from your underarm or does it stop at the armpit?
Do you think in your opinion, having an implant at the same time as the lift/reduction would be too much or bearable as far as pain?

Sorry for so many questions but if I haven't told you already, I'm having some work myself done in Nov.  I'm getting a TT w/MR, BL/BR w/Aug, and an arm lift.  I'm having it all done at once and having it done out of state so I'm a little concerned about being on a flight for 5hrs a week post surgery. Dr. said it would be fine and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain but just trying to "guess-tamate" lol.  I'm really anxious:)
When do you plan on having your tummy tuck?
Were you able to get TDI for the time you were out?
OMG more questions...lol  sorry.

Well, I hope you're able to make support group this weekend if you don't have to work. It would be super awesome to see you!!!  Otherwise, thanks for taking the time to read and answer all this and I'm sure we'll be in touch.

So happy for you and CONGRATS!!!
~viki

Hi Viki,

I am so excited for you! November is right around the corner! Where are you going, California and which plastic surgeon are you using? You are so brave to get it all done at once, I'm a wuss. I tried to pm you but I am having trouble with OH. So let me do my best to answer your questions.

Did you have your operation as outpatient and how long was it?
Not outpatient, I was admitted and the operation took about 5 hours and I stayed in the hospital 2 nights.
How long were you on pain meds?
I was on pain meds for 3 weeks but that was partially due to pre-existing shoulder, back, and neck pain which was aggravated by having to sleep on my back.
Do you think you really needed the month off before returning to work?
I needed the month, not sure why but I was really exhausted the first two weeks, taking multiple naps during the day and if I was out of bed and mobile for more than 4 hours my arms swelled so much that I could not bend them at the elbow. They still swell now but not as bad, by lunch both
Do you have to wear special compression garments for your arms?
I did not have any compression for my arms, only a binder for my breasts.
I have alot of skin below my armpit. How far down does your arm incision go from your underarm or does it stop at the armpit?
The arm incision starts below my elbow and goes thru the armpit and down my side to my bra line. I am so glad all the skin on the sides is gone!
Do you think in your opinion, having an implant at the same time as the lift/reduction would be too much or bearable as far as pain? I know that others have done both lift and augmentation at the same time and said it wasn't so bad, so I think it's doable.
When do you plan on having your tummy tuck?
I am planning on spring of next year since I am all out of vacation and sick leave for this year.
Were you able to get TDI for the time you were out?
Yes my doctor filled out the forms for me and it wasn't a problem.

I hope to see you on Saturday at support group and I am so excited about your upcoming surgery!

Take care,
Ole

Thank you so much for answering all my questions so thoroughly!!

I'm having my surgery done in California by Dr. Katzen.  He came highly recommended and his specialty is PS on WLS patients. He also did some time at Queens and has colleagues there who he will be referring me to upon my return.

I'm a little concerned about travelling so soon after surgery (I fly back 5days post op) with all those drains!  I'm assuming I'll have one on each arm, and probably 2 for the tummy! Ugh!  How long did you have your drains in?
It must be really nice to have slim arms and all that bra line extra skin removed! I can't believe how much they took off!
Have you gotten used to the new upper body yet?  Do you know how much in weight he took off?

Well I hope to see you Satuday and we can catch up!

Take Care Ole!!

Hello pinkshrimp,
I was reading your post. We are in the same boat. I am scheduled to have a :

*lower body lift
*breast augmentation with breast lift
*full upper arm brachioplasty

My surgery is scheduled for December 15th. I live in Las Vegas and have found a WONDERFUL surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico. I had my lapband done there last year.

I have 18 days off of work, and go back to work on the 19th day.

Marianne

Congratulations Marianne!

We certainly are in the same boat! How exciting!!  woohoo!!

I was looking into using Dr. Sauceda in Mexico.  I know it is so much more inexpensive there.  What drew me the most about going out of the country was the after care and how much more assistance is provided.  I know with Dr. S there was a nurse that came to help change, wash and assist you daily!  It's going to be hard for me now since I'll only have the support for about a week then I'm on my own.

I'll definitely be posting my journey as the time gets closer.  You should check out this website tummytucktalk.ning.com there is tons of information and a great support system there specifically for plastic surgery.

~viki