Raising the Titanic or in Medical Terms, a Long Incision Face Lift.

Super Bowl Sunday and 5 weeks to what I like to refer to as my vanity project.
I have always known that one day I would have this procedure. My neck has not been my friend for many years now. Not for lack of me trying to find something to help it out, it never paid me back with that favour.
I have used creams since I was a young woman to counter the family tradition of the neck waddle. Then lasers in my later years. I had a CO2 laser done in the beginning of 2017 and absolutely loved the results on my face. It did make my neck look better than it did but I still have the old neck compared to my face skin, so I am booked March 6th 2018 for my surgery in Vancouver. (Canada)
I have been scouring the internet for information about what I should do before and after the surgery to make this easier on myself and my Husband, that is my hero for keeping care of me during this. I have to give the dear man props. He is taking off work to travel with me and stay in a hotel to recuperate and wait to get the staples/sutures out. I am very lucky in that department.
Back to the internet information I have found,
Bromelain- Bromelain seems to cause the body to produce substances that fight pain and swelling (inflammation). Bromelain is used for reducing swelling (inflammation), especially of the nose and sinuses, after surgery or injury.
It is recommended to start taking this 3 weeks before surgery 2 x a day 12 hours appart.
I see that it is also suggested 3 weeks before surgery to stop taking Vitamin E, Fish Oil, no herbal supplements, low carbs, lower fibre intake, no drinking.
This is my take on the information I found on multiple surgeons web sites and some real self posters. I recommend you look as well, you may find things I have not.
I read that Vitamin A+C are important to add to your diet if you are not taking enough.
One site said "You should supplement your diet before and after surgery with high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper and selenium."
I am not suggesting anyone take this. This is information I have found to look at what I am doing.
One week before, it is recommend that you reduce your sodium.
Eat veggies (I have list further down the page that is suggested for low starch veggies) I love making vegetable soup. It is an easy way to get extra veggies in your diet all of the time.
2 days before
Start taking Arnica Montana every 8 hours for 10 days,
while continuing your bromelian 2x daily every 12 hours.
This I found very interesting and am planing to incorporate in to my recovery.
Two important elements to healing are calories and protein. Extra protein to build new tissue and blood vessels, repair injured tissue to add production of cells to repair.
Normal protein, 0.8 grams per kilogram of weight. A 140 pound woman needs about 50 grams of protein a day (140 divided by 2.2 = 63.6 kilograms multiplied by 0.8).
After a surgery, increase by 1.5x to aprox.95 grams of protein.
I found this very interesting and will try to add this into my diet after the surgery.
After surgery. Foods recommended:
Protein powder with low sodium (I found a Hemp brand with no sodium) I may go for something I am more familiar with. Hemp is not in my taste palate. I will be bringing my magic bullet for shakes.
I was thinking I will try to find a low sodium bone broth. (this is something I thought of, once i was reading more about it)
Strawberries, blueberries, lemons, grapefruit, bananas, pears, tangerines. (there was more but these are what I like)
Non Starchy Vegetables- (soup)
Artichoke, asparagus, celery, tomato, bell pepper, onions, leeks, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, green beans.
Spinach, Kale, Avocado. recommended daily.
Omega 3 and fatty acids-
Salmon, sardines, tuna, Chi seeds, flax seeds, walnuts.
I had also seen that eating fattier meats are not out of the question at this time as well.
I have looked into a meal delivery service for healthy meals in Vancouver. There are a few that I am interested in. They are specific about using the healthy portioned food I would like to eat.
There is a restaurant in the hotel. I will have to find out how willing they are to cut the sodium or cut out carbs. Most places are good with that. It will be a matter of how I feel about going out. I know I am suppose to get up and start moving after 3 days. We will be on the harbour, so walking to the market should be nice adventure out.
The wedge pillow. I am getting one of those is it takes up my whole suit case. LOL! I have always wanted a motorized bed and this is as close as I am getting to it for now.
I was reading a suggestion that someone had made on this site about an extension cord, what genius and thank you. One will be in my suitcase.
I am a bit of a germaphobe so I love lysol wipes to clean the room with when I get there.
LOL I have been known to cart lysol spray as well. Once brought javex, we were driving to the hotel we were staying at. (In my defence I was going for my CO2 laser done.)
Latex gloves, Extra cloths, gauze,
Straws.
Books, magazines.
A natural laxative.
probiotic
I have an appointment with the Dr and a nurse the day before surgery. She is going to give me scar information. I also have a friend that is in the medical cosmetic industry. She has told me there is a new medical product that is coming out for scaring. When I know what it is, I will share that information with you.
I have seen a few ideas on clothing I like the idea of leggings. I normally would wear a sweater but I read that front closing shirts are the best because you do not want to be putting things over you head.
I am more of a hoody person myself. I go to the gym a lot so my wardrobe reflects my sporty side.
I can not see myself wearing a scarf unless I am dressed up. I will not be dressing up during this event.
That is all I have for now. I am not sure how all of this will all work out in real life. For me if I have it down on paper I will not keep thinking about it when I try to sleep over the next 5 weeks.
Until next time. Good night.

Feeling a little under the weather today so here I sit reading some reviews. Making a couple of comments.
Props to the people that have the courage to write their stories, let a lone put their photos up.
I know I have to do a photo or two sooner or later. Sorry, I am not there yet.
Honestly, when I look at other people that post for the lower face lift I think, that is what my face looks like. We are all seeing the same things, he jowles forming, the lax skin under the chin, and the crepey neck.
I have been known to say that is a nefarious plan that my vision is getting worse at the same think my face seems to be melting. If I look in the mirror with out my glasses I look like the person I hae known for 54 years. I put my glasses on and I am back to seeing the jowls forming, the lax skin under my chin, and the crepey neck. Vicious cycle.
Twenty seven days until go time.
I did find this on this site, its "The treatment" the first time noticing it.
“Expect to look like you went 10 rounds with the heavyweight champ right after surgery,” said Dr. Tornambe. “My facelift patients hate me for two weeks after surgery, but love me after six to eight weeks. Also, change hair style or color, or even eyeglasses after surgery to confuse friends and throw them off the scent!”
It made me chuckle because I have plans to change my hair colour and cut my hair short.
Which reminds me, make an appointment to do that.
I must get some things done now. Have a fantastic day.

Forgive me, I have no idea how that photo went upside down. I am not fixing it because I may not end up posting it. The less I look is my motto.