12 Days to LBL, TT, and Thigh Lift -- HELP!!!

Help!!!

I was planning on doing these surgeries in April, so figured I had plenty of time to prepare.  But as things have happened, I'm now scheduled for the surgeries in less than two weeks.  Yikes!  I'm really in the dark about how to prepare myself, what to bring, what to watch out for, what kind of pain I can anticipate, what I can figure being able to do or not.

I've lost 220 pounds.  I'll be going to Dr. Agha in Newport Beach.  He'll be doing a lower body lift, tummy tuck, butt lift, mons lift and all sorts of thigh-plasty.

What should I do/bring/expect? 

Thanks and Happy Holidays!!!

Julie

Congrats on your weight loss and getting your plastics date.  As you know, Dr. Rabkin likes us to be on vitamin K prior to any surgery.  They'll have your last labs, so call his office and get a script.  While you're on the phone ask if they suggest you double up on your multivitamin and vitamin C prior, as well as any other advice they may have.  You'll probably want to double up on the protein afterwards for healing.  Shakes can help get that done.  Take chapstick with you.  Also, ask for stool softeners as soon as you can speak.  Don't be suprised if it takes four or five days to see results from those!
You're having a lot of lower body work done, but thankfully you'll have your arms to help you out when getting up and down or dressing. 
I hope the surgery and recovery go well for you. 
Happy Holidays,
Cindy

Thank you, Cindy, for the great advice.  Is the chapstick for lips or something else?

I've asked the doc about a vitamin K scrip, but he hasn't written one yet.  I'm probably going to double up (or more) on my Vitamin K here.  I'm doing three bariatric multivits a day and have upped the protein.  Will be buying Colace stool softener -- I was really worried about the stool thing (still am) because I can get cramping if I eat sugar.  I seem to be addicted to sugar (ugh!!!).

Have you done any of this surgery?  What was the healing like?

Julie

Chapstick is for dry lips and the first thing I'd reach for when I woke! 
I've had lbl, arms, breast, face lift, eyes, and thighs done in four different surgeries over the last year.  I had my thighs done five weeks ago.  Like Roxxy, I also used maxi pads on my thighs instead of gauze - I think they are easier to change and more absorbent.  I took my pain meds regularly to stay ahead of the pain.  There will be swelling - some days better than others, but follow your doc's instructions and you'll do fine.  
Post when you can and let us know how it goes! 

The toilet seat riser was a big benefit to me when I had my thighs done. It really helped to alleviate so much stretching and bending. Flushable wet wipes come in handy as well. I also used my shower stool very early on. You tend to get a little woozy when you take off all of the compression to shower and I felt a lot safer sitting down.

I made sure I had some pre-made meals available...high protein stuff. Things that were easy to grab and warm up (chili), noodleless lasagna or lots of tuna, chicken, egg salad that i could snack on. I also drank extra protein shakes.

Have stool softeners/laxatives on hand and benedryl. Sometimes the pain meds and the antibiotics will cause you some itching and the benedryl helps combat that. Your pain should be easily managed with your pain meds. Just make sure to stay on a schedule and if they don't provide enough relief you might need to try a different one. They tried a new one on me after one of my procedures and it just didn't work well for me. Once I switched to my usual one I was fine.

Many of us are more comfortable sleeping in a recliner in the early stages. Othesr prefer their bed and propped with lots of pillows. You'll just have to see where you are most comfortable. You will want to avoid salt and any foods that might trigger gas. You don't want to add to your swelling. Drink lots of fluids and sleep as much as you can. You do most of your healing while asleep. When you're awake move around and walk and pedal your feet while sitting....all to help avoid blood clots.

I wish the best for you and look forward to your updates. You are going to LOVE your new body!

Thank you, Renee.  Excellent suggestions.  I'd never considered a toilet seat riser!  What a great idea.  I'll definitely get one of those.  (In fact, I'll order it right now.)   Shower stool is a good idea, too.

I'll definitely have to keep away from the sugar because of the gas and cramping.  I hope I can do that. 

I have to remember that in the end, I'm going to love how I look.  Right now I'm tripping about the pain and huge incisions.

Cheers,
Julie

Hi there
I had my TT and medial thigh lift on Dec 14th.  The pain is managable with the meds you will be on so don't worry to much about that.  The thighs were the worst pain for me. My left leg started bleeding about 2 hrs. after I was out of recovery so they had to apply pressure and ice it stopped but I had to have a blood transfusion cuz my hemoglobin was so low.  I'm fine now. I've been using the thick sanitary pads instead of the gauze....less expensive and absorbs blood better...hopefully you won't need them.   I don't feel much in my tummy right now.  I'm loving the results already!!  Make sure you have good support system at home you will need alot of help.  Good luck:-)
Rox

Hi Julie,
I wanted to reach out to you because I was scheduled to have the same surgery with Dr.Agha on the 10th of January. I unfortunately had to cancel due to some money issues but will have the surgery next year. I had my breast redone and they look amazing he lifted and reattached to the muscle to give a nice lift. It was all done with my own tissue. He lifted my upper abs into my breast.
I have to say he is one of the BEST surgeons I have ever seen. I was hoping if you dont mind to follow you through your process. I saw you live in Palo Alto. I live in Napa so our you staying in the recovery suites for 3 weeks our our you planning on coming home sooner. I know they wanted me to stay down there for awhile so I was curious what you were going to do. You will look amazing I'm sure of it. He is nothing but a perfectionist and fabulous at what he does. I can't wait to see if you don't mind. Take some before pics which I'm sure you were already planning.
Shireen and his staff are so great they will help you in any way. I would think you would be on his special protein that he recommends before and after surgery. I will tell you get chocolate after awhile the vanilla made me gag :( I don't know if you know Ms. Shell but she went to Dr.A too so she may be able to help with any questions you might have. I know the toilet riser is a must.

Good luck girlie,
Chrissy

Hi Chrissy,

I'm sorry you had to postpone your surgery, but I'm glad you're going to be going to Dr. Agha.  I agree that he's one of the very best, and I'm blessed to be able to do this.

I will be more than happy to let you know how it goes.  I'm scared but will suck it up and do my best.

Will definitely get the toilet riser!

Julie