35yoa Single Mom Standard Tummy Tuck + Breast Lift + Augment (Full C) - Sacramento, CA

Today starts my last week of work before my surgery. I'll have six weeks off to insure a good recovery. Part of me hopes I don't need the full six weeks but the idea of having six weeks OFF is very appealing.

I still feel ready; keeping myself busy with things that make me feel good. I've been doing some nesting around the house. I want all those piddley things done so as I am laying there, not able to move, the piddley thing isn't on my mind. I've made a list of movies I want to see/rent, I'll buy some magazines next week and maybe hit the craft store for an easy craft I can do in my lap. Maybe I'll take up knitting? I saw some cool easy "beginner's" knitting things at Michael's. I've got to go to Wal Mart for the toilet seat riser and shower seat. Lowe's for the removable showerhead and to the grocery store for some easy snacks and freezer meals. Prescriptions need to be filled.

My Mom is going to be with me for the day of and days to follow so I am going to grab some of her favorite things for the fridge. I'm also going to make her a "Waiting Kit" (she insists on staying in the waiting room during my 6+hr surgery which made me feel kinda' taken care of) with magazines, snacks, water and an iTunes card to keep her busy. I think I'm going to get a "beginner's" knitting thing for her too? My close girlfriend will be with me for the weekend so next week I'll grab a few things for her too. I'm looking forward to getting caught up with her.

My son is going to be with his Dad for a week after the surgery. I'm pretty sure I'll be ready for him to be home after a week. Plus I have a nanny (who is awesome) and sisters and friends that can help out. He is seven so he can do a lot on his own. I've talked to him about getting my "tummy fixed" after he commented on it being "all flabby" so he knows I'm going to have a surgery. He also knows the hospital bed is coming so I think he has been prepped as much as he needs to be. would prefer all the drains be removed before he comes home so it's not all bloody and gross looking. Bottom line, I can play it by ear, his Dad and I are on good terms so give or take a few days would be fine.

Has anyone had to pay the anesthesiologist more after the surgery?

I had my pre-op appointment yesterday. Here’s the blow-by-blow:

The Medical Assistant (MA) reviewed some paperwork with me and I signed a few forms. She took my blood pressure and listened to my lungs. The doctor came in and we went over my questions (see the list below). He did a breast and abdominal exam and gave me three prescriptions (norco, muscle relaxer and an antibiotic). We talked again about my breast size (no bigger than a “full C” I will reiterate this again in the day of surgery) and the appointment was pretty much over. If this sounded short and sweet, it really was. I think maybe I was in there for 15mins? I left the exam room, got my “doctor’s note” for work, asked a few more questions and was on my way.

Here were my questions and answers.

Q: Nipple sensation.
A: Typically not a problem; we talked about it a little and I felt satisfied with the response.

Q: Would like a second compression garment.
A: No need to buy another one. I already get two. Great!

Q: Shaving (pubic). Do I need to go completely bare or do my regular “style”?
A: Regular style is just fine.

Q: Ok to continue to take my birth control?
A: Yes.

Q: Ok to continue to take my regular daily vitamins (Women’s One-a-Day multi, ProBiotics One-a-Day and Biotin)?
A: Yes.

Q: I purchased Arnica and Bromelain. Could/should I take them both?
A: Suggested I take the Arnica not Bromelain; he didn’t know much about the Bromelain. Didn’t think it was a problem if I took them both (I’m going to research this a little more).

Q: Any suggestions regarding the constipation issue?
A: Suggested a stool softener and product similar to MiraLAX. Also GasX.

Q: Will they call my person picking me up when surgery is over? (There is a $150 fee if the person picking me up is not on time)
A: Once surgery is over, a staff member will call and advise what time to be at the facility to pick me up.
(My mom is my “person” she is going to take me and wait in the waiting area while I’m in surgery. She isn’t planning on leaving the site other than for a bite to eat or something. This made me feel really good … I really didn’t think she’d wait there all day. The surgery is like 7hrs long. I think I’m going to make her a little “waiting kit” as a thank you gift for being there for me.)

When I had gastric bypass I recovered very well. I really didn't experience ANY problems except constipation. I'm confident this was due to the change in diet but mostly because I was not drinking enough water. I took ONE dose of the prescription medication so I know it wasn't because of the drugs (like some say). It was simply because I was not drinking enough water.

I was so constipated. It was horrible. Thanks to that experience" I have these lovely hemorrhoids that make an appearance every now at then (yeah, that's hot .. not) and a weird fear of becoming constipated again.

So, of course, I plan on drinking as much water as humanly possible but not really knowing what the pain will be like, will I get enough water into my system? I have Miralax (liquid), a stool softener and the One-a-Day Tru-Biotics (umm this was expensive, almost $25 for a small bottle) to aid in my cozy pooh experience.

My question to you? Any tips/suggestions to insure a cozy poo besides the methods I've listed here?

Thanks!