Hello!

Hi, how are you guys? I've been lurking on this board for several weeks, but couldnt post! I finally figured out how to post and I am so happy.

I am going in for a brachioplasty on Tuesday. I am so nervous, but super excited. What should I expect in terms of recovery? Will I be down for a long time? I'm taking two weeks off of work.

A little about me...I lost 100 pds, no wls. I heard about this forum from a friend who is a wls person.

Also, any good recs for a good silicone tape? My surgeon doesn't require completion garments, but I will be using tape for several weeks.

Also, how long should I expect to have limited range of motion? How long in button up shirts? How bad was the pain right after surgery?

Thanks for any words of wisdom! I probably won't be able to sleep tonight or tomorrow

I will be running hard tomorrow morning to run off some anxiety. However, Tuesday morning, I will be in surgery too early to get any last min exercise.

Oh and that reminds me, how long were you out from exercise? I exercise 5-6 times a week now and I'm going to miss that 'me time''.

Thanks!!

Hi congratulations on your weight loss - that's fab.

I had my arm lift 5 weeks ago and have blogged about it quite a lot so feel free to take a look at my blog on OH.

Whilst the surgery was uncomfortable I wouldn't say it was particularly painful - I was only on a paracetamol drip in hospital then paracetamol tablets afterwards.  I could manage to wiggle into T-shirts over my head straight away - but needed a bit of help getting them off !

2 weeks off work should be ok as long as you don't need to reach/lift etc when you go back to work - read my blog for info on re-arranging a few things around the house etc after surgery for some hints/tips. 

I'm at week 5 today and this is the first week when (apart from the swelling and slight discomfort) my range of movement is back to normal and I even slept on my side/arms last night with no discomfort.

My surgeon is quite cautious about exercise - he won't let me do any for 2 months - to be honest I'd like to start soon as I'm really missing exercise (just blogged about that too !) - but having paid for the surgery I'll be guided by him.

My surgeon uses www.newmedical.com/ for silicon - I used this on my tummy and breast - I then cut the tape up and am using on my arms.  He also recommends using Contractubex gel for massaging along the scar which I'm using - it's fairly inexpensive and seems to be doing the job - though it's difficult to know if it's this or the silicon or just my body healing.

Whilst I know you said you aren't doing compression - you might find a pair of compression arms really useful - they give support, reduce swelling and for me make me feel much comfortable.  I also think they will minimise any pulling on the scars as I don't want them to get any wider.

Good Luck with your surgery, keep in touch and let us know how you do - and enjoy your run (I'm sooo missing my runs !).

Take Care
Debbie x

I wore ACE bandages from forearm to armpit for the first month and now wear them at night.  I need to wear something to keep silione strips on - otherwise they roll down, fold up, etc.  During the day I use toddler tights (size 2-4 for me), cut off the legs and toes and slide them on my arms to hold the silicone strips down.  I didn't start using silicone till 4 weeks post op as my PS uses them for scar minimization.

I used button shirts or cotton tee type dresses that I could step in and out of.

Keep things at counter top level as reaching pulls/hurts/burns and you can "pop open" armpit incisions (I did).

I had a weight limit of 5#.  Keep a small stool for reaching in cupboards, pantry or closets.

Sleep with arms elevated on pillows.

I shave armpits at the bathroom sink using the big wall mirror and a hand mirror.  My armpit incisions are "bumpy and uneven" and I'm afraid of nicking them.  I use a deoderant that has no chemicals or perfumes.

Good luck with your surgery! I'm having a brachioplasty on Friday. I'm very nervous and excited. Hope all goes well for both of us! Keep me posted on your progress.