Preparing for upcoming Brachioplasty/Breast lift

Hi everyone!  I have been following posts on here for  while as I researched plastics and now my time is here!  Rouund 1 on Jan 18th- just 6 more days!!!

From what I have read on here I will be...
 
-Starting stool sfteners today (what did you guys use colace capsules, miralax, both -I sometimes struggle with constipaction since my RNY and I am terriied of it being worse after prolonged time with pain medication as I am also doing abdominoplasty about a month later and then thigh lift after that...

-Going to prep protein shakes, I figure if i combine all of the powder ingredients I use in ziploc baggies all I'll have to do is add them to milk/syrups and blend.

-Prepare some food that can be frozen

-Organize items I'll need often at counter height to make everything more accessible.   

-I don't have a recliner, but I will using those big pillows wit the arms (I think they're called husband pillows?) so that i sleep in an elevated position.  I'd like to get a recliner prior to the ower body plastics though.

-I've been doing 2 protein shakes/day for a couple weeks now, think I should increase that this week/during recovery?

Any other suggestions?  Thanks in advance for the advice, I've really appreciated all of the info you all share on this board. 

Have some ice packs that you can put on your arms to help with swelling. (I did this for my arms but not my LBL)
-Super soft long sleeve or elbow length t-shirts (these will be handy after the arm lift and to wear under your binder after the LBL) I wore them iside out so the seams were on the outside.
-Benadryl. Pains meds can make you itchy. When the incisions start to heal they get itchy too.
-Loosen the caps on things like bottled water and jars before the arm list so you don't have to strain to get them open.

I had my arim and breast lift done at the same time.  I know many surgeons require a super support bra but mine did not. Putting ona bra can be challenging due to the arm lift.  I bought some bandeau style bras and pulled them from the feet all the way up.

I'm excited for you!  If I think of more, I will post it.

I had brachio/breast lift on Nov 18th -- so, about 8 weeks post op

I was given 2 very soft, front-close bras that are great.
I also purchased some Fruit of the Loom cotton/spandex front-close bras at Walmart (they don't have a cup size -- just a band size -- I recommend 1 to 2 sizes bigger than normal).
Those are nice to wear and easy to get on.

I second the suggestion for ice packs -- I have the rectangular packs that go in the freezer, and the wraps --- got them at Walmart or Walgreens --like you use to wrap around a knee injury ---- I wrap them around my upper arms.  When I put my arms down to my sides, the icepacks work on them and also work on the breast incisions that extend towards my back.

I bought some "Cuddle Under" long-sleeved shirts (got them cheap at Ross) and I wore them right next to my skin -- then the front close bra -- then my regular clothes.

Best of luck!!!

I went home the day of my surgery withl bandages from below my elbow up to my shoulder and had to keep them on until the next day so I used straws to be able to drink.  My throat was sore for the first few days from the tube they put in your throat during surgery so having popsicles, smoothies during that time helped my throat.  Having a car that's easy to get in and out of helps.  I took miralax and it worked great.  Good luck!

I had issues with keeping the silicon strips on my arm scars at first. My surgeon's office suggested using 6 inch ace bandages, but I didn't want to make my arms that stiff. I found that using a pair of trouser socks with the toes cut open works very well. Slide the cuff up to your armpit, and roll the toe edge to just under your elbow. Hides nicely under shirts, keeps the silicon in place, and allows your arms to move easily.

Thanks so much for the great tips ladies!  I'll pick up these items this weekend.  Surgery in just 3 more days ahhh so excited!!

I am having brachioplasty on Feb 10.  I have a preop this Thursday, Feb 3 and hope to find out what tips my surgeon's office has for me.  All of your tips were very helpful.  Please keep  me in your thoughts as I am very nervous about having another sugery.  Thanks again for all the tips I've seen on here.

good luck on your upcoming surgery, I wish you an uneventful procedure and speedy recovery.

Thank you!  And how are you doing since your surgery? I hope all is well.

I am ok, I have swelling which is putting pressure on the incisions and causing some discomfort but nothing major. My surgeon said the swelling is not severe and not due to fluid accumulation so no need for drains.  The recovery has been easier than I expected, pain meds have made any post-op pain very manageable.