I had gastric bypass in 2001. Lost 125lbs.I have quite a bit of excess skin, but my arms bother me the most. Consulted with 4 plastic surgeons before chosing mine. He didn't rush our consult, his before and after arm lift pics were the best, he had performed an arm lift in the last 6 months, and his staff was wonderful. He was voted the best PS in Lancaster County for at least the last 6 years.
Surgery was performed at a hospital out patient. Surgery took about 3 hours.
Came out of anesthesia fine. Arms were wrapped with ace bandage, and it feels so tight. Went home with 2 drains.
Only took pain meds 2 days. Drinking 48oz+ water a day, cut out salt, added grilled chicken, fruit, protein puddings and shakes.
Doctor put my in 5 days Ceftin.
I had my husband measure on the 4 th day and my arms are 2 inches less in circumference. Had my post op visit Monday (post op 4 days), still draining too much so no drain removal. He unwrapped my arms and I was pleased with how much smaller they were, but not prepared for how barbaric the scar looks. I can't even imagine that this scar will heal flat and lighter.... but I am trusting the PS and the process.
At day 7 post op, I am still draining quite a bit and hoping for drain removal 11 days post op. My arm pit scar also took on a weird look to it.
My forearms are very swollen and tingling and kinda hurt when I lean on them. Can't raise my arm up much, and I walk like a zombie.
My advice -a recliner chair is necessary. I tried on the couch with pillows and sitting up in the bed and was so uncomfortable.
Have button down shirts ( I bought some at Goodwill and borrowed some of my husband's) on hand.
Larger yoga pants or pajamas.
Medical tape. I taped pads and socks under my armpits cause the rubbing was driving me crazy.
Big thick dense pillows, I am using 2.
I ice on 20 minutes, and off. Probably only icing every 1-2 hours, not every 40 minutes like I have read.
My PS doesn't allow a shower before drain removal, so it's been 7 days so far. I have sponge bathed, but eewww lol, it's not the same.
Updated on 2 May 2016:
Saw the doctor today. The CRNP removed 1 drain, put bacitracin on it and a band aid. OMG, did the drain removal HURT and burn!!
Doctor came in and He looked at my arms and arm pits. I have an appt. next Monday to hopefully remove the 2nd drain. I can shower tomorrow. He put white compression stocking (the ones that go on your legs in the hospital) on my arms, this is what he uses (not compression garments). He does put them from arm pit to wrist.
Now that the compression stockings are on, my scar scabs are starting to leak a little from the putting on of the compression stockings.
I am keeping gauze taped under neath my arm pits due to the pain of them rubbing skin on skin.
Updated on 9 May 2016:
Had a post op visit with PS today. Right side drain still in (drainIng 30ml in 24 hour period). Also might have a possible under the skin infection (area is hot and red). PS gave me Ceftin antibiotic for possible infection and go back in one week for possible drain removal. Arms still hurt, arm pits really hurt. Still have limited mobility. I am heading back to work tomorrow.
Updated on 12 May 2016:
Yesterday, the hot red skin was on both arms. Called Doc, had an appt. for this morning. Woke up this morning and the red was better, but my drain (which is still in and draining 40ml a day) started to hiss and my bulb wouldn't stay vacuum packed. No fever.
Saw Doc, keeping me on the Ceftin as he feels it's helping, red and hot is gone...just red. Put bacatracin in my arm pit area (which is not an infection, but some weird opening), and he is not worried about it. I do have a small round wound (under a scar) that I thought nothing of, he says if it opens or has puss he wants to culture it-uuggghhh. Next appt. is Monday, hoping to get drain out then. I will try and get pics of these problem areas. Still wearing compression garment.
Updated on 13 May 2016:
Hole under right arm, Bacatracin and gauze on it. New, smallet compression sleeves came today. They feel great.