BL/BA and LBL in 5 Days!

So I decided to go for it and do both the LBL and BL/BA together. I found a great doctor and I was going to have surgery in January but he had a cancellation this Thursday, so I figured I would go for it, so I could recover and get back to work faster. I will be missing Christmas and New Year's recovering, but I figure I can start my year off right with my new body.

Now that I'm going in so soon, I'm really nervous about pain, death, etc. I've had lot's of great advice on here, but I was wondering if anyone had any last minute words of wisdom or things I should get before I go to the doctors? Will my appetite be normal after or should I get protein drinks to keep my strength up if I don't feel like eating? Any other random things I should know or get? Also, how did people manage there fears before surgery? Any help would be great! Thanks!

I just had my final consult today with my PS. I am doing the BL/BA and extended TT with lateral thigh lift and lipo. I have to get all my meds filled this week. My doctor prescribed some xantax..cause I was a nervous wreck today.. I had my clinical strength deodrant and was stiill sweating like I was running a marathon..

PS wants to have me drink protein shakes and high protein meals this week and at least 6 weeks post surgery.. for healing etc..They said start with liquid diet after surgery..

I have lots of fear but I wouldnt be human if I wasnt scared..

Michelle

At about day 4-5 your thinking, man I feel pretty good. It's a lie or trick. Yesterday I was thinking easy least, so I leave the house at 7:30, go to Target, convenience store for coffee and gas, then Sams Wholesale Club, then Walmart, back to convenience store for more coffee, then Sonic Driven and Panera Bread for my Wife's lunch, take to Wife's work. I get home at 1:00 pm and start preparing meal for supper. Our youngest Daughter,Husband,and Grandson are coming for Dinner, she was going for a DNC today after losing pregnancy. I really want it to be special. Marinade Filet's,, steamed Carrot's, Brocoli and Cheese Sauce, Sweet Potato's, Bacon wrapped Shrimp orderves. I didn't get off my feet until 7:30. I didn't think the rules applied to me... They do. I was suppose to get my drains removed today!!! Flow had been right at 30.cc's each. My first flow empty this morning was 60 each, 40 and 50 at 2:00pm will see what 8pm brings. DON't OVER DUE IT!!! I feel worse than you can imagine. I had a LBL and Mini Thigh Lift crescent cut in the groin crease. The surgery, if your not nauseated is not that bad. I can't imagine dry heaving for 6 hrs. which leads me to this. I made my PS understand that I get horrible nausea. He wrote me a script for EMEND 40mg, 1 pill taken 3 hrs before surgery, it's what they give Chemo patient's, he said I would get a Scop. Patch (placed behind the ear) for nausea. The most important thing though is when your anesthesiologist comes in, very quickly and firmly grab him by the Balls. Let's make a deal. You don't make me sick and I won't remove these, I'm sure you would like to keep them. He was agreeable to that, gave me Zofran and it was great!!! No Nausea. First time after Apx. 10 surgeries. Those 3 things really work. One other thing. DONT OVER DUE IT..

Steve

One more thing, take a family picture. Show it to your PS and Anesthesiologist. Let them know your not just another case. And it helps distract you prior to your procedure. Let it happen. In just a moment this whole thing will be a distant memory. But your new body is going to be around for a long time!!!! All you guy's are going to do great!!!

Steve

I wasn't very hungry after my lbl but when I needed a bite I would load up on proteins so the shakes sound like a good idea. Get laxatives! As soon as I'm on pain meds by bowels go off on vacation somewhere and that pressure really adds to the discomfort when you're already swollen. I really like the Dulcolax suppositories because they work the best.
For swelling and discomfort my surgeon told me to use hot compresses- I was using home made ones but then ordered one from MediBeads and I love it. The heat really helped me stay more comfortable. I also cut out as much salt from my diet as I could and made sure to get up and move around... even if it was a lap in my hall after getting up to pee at night.
Because of my swelling and placement of the drains it was uncomfortable for me to wear pants (even yoga pants or sweat pants) for about two weeks so I bought some huge shirt/ moo moos because they are simple to put on and loose fitting so they don't bind.
I kept a little organizer next to my bed full of stuff that I used every day- chapstick, lotion, vitamin c drops, tissues, wet wipes, mints etc. and any meds I take on a regular basis or may need post surgery like extra strength Tylenol and Tylenol pm. (that way I wouldnt have to yell for help or get up every time i needed something simple).
REST. Do anything you can do to calm yourself. The week or two before my surgery I had the schedule from hell and I was anxious but on top of that had so many things to get done I would just not sleep and cry because I was so stressed. The day of surgery I found myself really calm and not anxious at all but I'm not sure why. After surgery I just slept all the time so definitely make sure not to over work yourself and have someone around to help.

 Congrats to you I had the same procedures two years ago at first I wondered what had I done it took such a long time to feel normal agai over a year but now I couldn't be happier and it was totally worth it. I too was scared to death totally normal I think my appetite was the same after maybe just the first day or two I wasn't really hungry I'm sure you are going to do awesome sometimes it's better to have it moved it up less time to fret about it or talk yourself out of it both of my surgeries my sleeve and my plastics both got moved up on me and it was a blessing cuz I might have talked myself out of it if I had more time. Best wishes to you your going to love it 

good luck to you!  Isn't your vsg surgeon from Mills/Peninsula?  I am pretty sure he is in the same office as mine was.  So are you having a Penninsula PS do your work?  WHo are you having?  I have mine in Jan...can't wait!  the best of luck to you!

Patty

I'm going to Dr. Behmand. I believe you recommended him and he was AMAZING! He really was so honest. Told me what I needed and what I didn't. His staff was so friendly and I just feel really safe with him. Thank you all for your advice and I'm hoping for a speedy and not to painful recovery. I will keep you all updated. When is your surgery? I did have surgery with Dr. Sanchez, but Dr. Wetter is now my doctor. They are both amazing too!

I love Dr. Behmand too!!  I do remember telling you about him now..I forget who I recommend him too.  I have seen his work on an OH friend and he did an incredible job.Did you check out other docs too?  I did not..after seeing his work and meeting him, I knew that he was who I wanted..really did like him.    So are you staying one night at John Muir?  I am having my surgery on Jan 11th..go for my preop on Dec 29th...so excited, I can't wait! 
I would love to hear all about your experience after.  I hope your journey is smooth and not too painful...but if it is, just take the drugs and remember one day at a time...each day will get better.

good luck!

Patty

 I checked out other docs, but was sold when I first met him. He was amazing. I check in the morning of the 22nd and I am spending 1 night at John Muir. I will keep you updated on my journey. That you for all your kind words and I hope your journey goes smoothly as well.