BL/Brachioplasty getting close. Have tons of questions... need input :)

 I have my pre-op appointment for my BL and extended brachioplasty tomorrow... eeek!!! I have tons of questions for the nurse, but wanted to get y'all's input on these things as well.  

Can I shave my underarms before surgery? How long til I can shave and wear deodorant again'? Would roll on or spray deodorant work best at first?  Should I take laxatives the day of surgery, the day after surgery or wait longer?  Should I use a mild stool softener or just go ahead and use a stronger laxative to start with (I tend to get pretty constipated on a regular basis and the thought that surgery can make it worse is scaring me).  Should I use diuretics after surgery to help throw off the extra water?  How long til I can wear compression garments on my arms?  Where is the best place to get these garments... what kinds are best?  When can I start scar treatment?

Sorry for so many questions... I really appreciate any input you may have to give me of your experiences... Thanks!

Most of your questions are surgeon-specific.
Write them down and ask at your appt.

BL/Brachio scheduled for 12/14.
My preop appt was last week.

Mine does not want hair removal done by me prior to surgery.
Leaves small nicks that bacteria can get in.

I did not ask about shaving and deo but I will...not really worried about it.

I take Miralax daily. I will not interupt that routine.

Mine does not want diuretics used post-op...at all.

Mine does not like compression.

For my abdomen, he did not want scar treatments started until after my 6 wek visit.
Not sure about the arms. I need to check with him.
 

I took a stool softener (not a laxative) starting 2 days before the surgery. I continued to take the stool softener for as long as I was taking the pain medications, and added in a little bit of milk of magnesia a few times just to keep things rolling. Stool softeners (docusate sodium) keep the stuff that's already in your bowel from turning into hard boulders. Laxatives are what actually tell your body it's time to go. You can take the stool softener for a while if you feel you need it, it shouldn't cause problems. You have to be more careful about laxatives. Use them if you need them but do it sparingly and only as long as you need them. 

Diuretics, unless prescribed by your doc, are a big no-no. They can totally throw off your electrolyte balance. If you find yourself swelling, drink more water, limit your sodium intake, and don't move around too much. Some swelling is inevitable. I gained a whopping 18lb after my TT. It all slowly fell off over the next 2 weeks. The medications will make you hold onto water. Just let your body take care of it in its own time. Be sure to watch for swelling in your legs and ankles though, if it's uneven or painful or red, get yourself checked out for a blood clot. 

You can get all sorts of fancy expensive compression garments on websites like makemeheal but honestly I've heard a lot of people who liked using ACE bandages because they could vary the level and location of compression. 

It's gonna be a pain in the butt to wash your hair so I recommend getting some dry shampoo, the spray-on kind made by Batiste is super cheap and works better than brands that are twice as expensive. If you're brunette buy the brunette version, otherwise buy the blonde. You just spray it on, tousle your hair, and the grease is gone. I ordered mine off amazon. 

Do not shave pre-op and don't worry about it post-op. If you're incision goes down your armpit, much of your underarm will be removed so I'm not sure it produces as much sweat after that anyway. I don't think I shaved or wore deodorant for at least 3-4 months. I washed daily so I do not think I "stunk". My mother would have told me if I did (she has no filter). 

Laura