prepping for LBL and BL - advice?

I lost 125 lbs. over 2-1/2 years following lap-band surgery.  I have been stable at 140 lbs. for 6 months now and am scheduled for a lower body lift and breast lift later this month.

I am planning to rent (for 1 month) a medical recliner for my recovery, and am stocking up on frozen peas as ice packs.  I heard that epsom salt baths are good for swelling (once cleared for bathing), and I was wondering if anyone could offer any other practical advice for prep or recovery?

Thanks,
Krisa

Congrats on your weigth loss and setting the date for ps. I would suggest:

Starting now, increase your protein intake. I upped mine to 150 g a day starting at 3 wks preop to 4 months postop. This really helps your body to heal.

Exercise more now than you ever have. Strengthen your quads and legs to make getting up easier. Focus on more cardio to have your lungs and heart in the best shape they can be in for surgery. Strengthen your core to help things heal quicker.

I also recommend a shower chair for your first few showers, at least. The first time you take off that compression garment in the shower can make you feel woozy and you don't want to faint.

I had a good, quick recovery from my lbl, ba/bl. However, not everyone does. Don't hesitate to call your surgeon if you have any problems. Likewise, stay on top of your pain meds and don't try to grit your teeth through it until it is really bad.

After surgery, don't skimp on calories, even though you probably won't feel much like eating. Your body needs that extra fuel to heal.

All the best to you!

Shelly,

I followed your advice and man, I have been amazed and my surgeon, too! once I got that pesky last drain out, life is good! I kept waiting for that horrible pain and regret to hit but it never did.

Thank you so very much!

Leslie

Leslie,

That is WONDERFUL!!! I am so happy for you! It really does work. I think hitting the gym should be an integral part of any preop protocol.

Keep up the good work- it only gets better!
Shelly

Heck yeah! He was amazed at my muscle tone and the decent recovery makes all that running and training sooo worth it (more than it already was!)

I've been back in the gym since i was a little over 2 weeks out -- even though i am only cleared for walking -- hope to get that changed when I go see him today.

I am such a happy camper

It really is the best investment you can make in yourself preplastics. I, too, was able to start limited cardio and weights at 2 wks out and when i was able to start running again, could only do a quarter mile a day, increasing by a quarter mile each week. Now at 6 months out, I am training for a half marathon and feel terrific.

It seems like it took forever to get back up there, and I pestered my surgeon regularly about increasing everything, but it finally happened. Patience pays off.

Congrats on your great outcome! 

I've done 3 half marathons and after the experiences and tweaking, I finally realized that as long as I am faithful to that weekly long run, one 4-5 miler mid-week and one 3-miler that I will be ok. To me, getting that nutrition right is the hardest part.

Congratulations on the half -- you will cry when you cross that finish line!

Thanks for the great advice! It seems obvious now that you've detailed why it works / is so important, but no one else has mentioned the value of focusing on pre-op exercise.  Will definitely up my protein and workouts for the next 4 weeks toget ready.

Congrats on your great results too!
Kris

I was told not to use ice packs because it inhibited the blood supply which is necessary for healing. Definitely check with your surgeon before putting ice on any areas post surgery,

My lift chair was the best thing! Sure I could have done without out but it made it much easier. Make sure you take stool softeners and increase your protein before and after surgery. And yes being in shape is an added bonus to help with your recovery. My dr also didn't recommend ice packs because of the numbness you will be feeling. Be sure to check with your dr just to be sure.

Here are some other things you might find helpful:

Lanyard to pin your drains on when you shower.

grabber (to pick up things that fall on the floor)

extra pillows

bath wipes to help you feel clean just in case you aren't allowed to shower right away

extra garment to change into while your dirty one gets washed

I also used a neck pillow to sleep in my recliner. I never had used one before but it really helped to my surprise.

Good luck!