What to expect

I am getting ready to book my surgery date for LBL & BA.  I will do arm lift & thigh lift in a separate procedure.  I have met with a different surgeon for my facelift etc. and can do that either before the LBL, etc. or afer all the other surgeries.  I have two questions...1) I understand there is a lot of swelling.  Did you keep some of your old "fat" clothes (sweats, big shirts) in order to be comfortable?  How long before you were back in your pre-surgery clothes?  2) How close to the time of surgery do you need to do all your labs and make sure they are within range?  Thanks in advance for your input. 

My LBL is 21 days away - here's what I've learned so far.  I've read that there is a lot of swelling and to anticipate not fitting in smaller clothes for a while.  A friend just had a TT and she also experienced a lot of swelling.  As far as tests/labs since I am over 50 I was required not only to have the lab work done but also a current EKG.  The tests needed to be done within 4 weeks of my surgery date.  Hope this helps and good luck!

I had TT and BA and Lipo 6 weeks ago.  I am just now fitting into my pre-surgery clothes, even though the scale says I am 15 pounds lighter then surgery day.  The swelling and new shape of your body take time to adjust.  I'm not sure if I'll be in smaller clothes eventually, but that doesn't matter.  I like the way my pre-surgery clothes fit me now.  You should make sure you have comfortable sweats for after, since your incision areas will be sore and you will be swollen.

I was told that my labs needed to be within 7 days of my surgery.  I had them done (including and EKG) the week before.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for your replies.  I was cleaning out closets and wanted to make sure I didn't give away things I would need.  About the labs...if you are having surgeries 3-6 months apart, do you have to go through the whole battery of tests each time or just the blood tests?  I am over 50 and was told to have a mammogram, chest x-ray, and EKG before the LBL & BA but not sure if I have to have the chest x-ray, EKG for arm lift, thigh lift and facelift.  I understand the blood tests because they can change quickly but the other tests are expensive and hard to schedule.  I was told by my PCP that it varied by surgeon.