Arm Lift After Major Weight Loss - Austin, TX

Had my two week follow up today and things are going well. Doctor seemed please with the progress. The nasty elbow from two weeks ago is gone, and the only noticeable swelling I have left is at both elbows, and a little under the arm pits. Week 1 was pretty rough with soreness, uncomfortableness and not being able to do anything for myself in regards to dressing or washing my hair. Range of motion started steadily improving aftet a week, and by the end of week 2 I can do most any task within reason. Started back with my almost daily walking routine yesterday, and doctor cleared me to do other exercise, even weight bearing, but I think I will give myself a little mote time...I just don't feel ready. The large manuka honey pads at CVS have been worth every penny in helping to heal my incisions. I am going to switch over to a combo of Embrace scar solutions for the incision ony forearm and biocorneum for the rest of my incisions. Doctor will see me back in the office in a month.

Finally was able to shower, and there was no pain, just range of motion is still pretty limited as the stitches are very tight. I knew going in that the stitches would be tight, but until you experience it you have no idea. The worst of the tightness is in the incision in my arm pit. Day 5 was overall fine. No pain, just discomfort. Need help getting dressed as I cannot hook or unhook my bra. I would recommend buying a few front closure bras to anyone getting this surgery. Brusing and swelling look much improved, and using the manuka honey has already made a difference in the closing of the wounds. I am going to get my hair washed and blown out today as I don't think my range of motion is there yet to wash and dry and style my hair. Was able to work all day at my home desk job and was able to do a few additional very light chores today like putting the dishes away and loading the dishwasher slowly and gently.

Let me preface these pics by saying that all my life I have bruised extremely easily, yet I am not anemic. So please keep this in mind when looking at the gruesomeness below. Took my bandages off this morning to change the dressing. Left inner elbow is still swollen and oozing, but there is no pain, no heat, no infection. Received my compression garment from Make Me Heal, and it already feels better on than the gauze and Ace bandages. I am planning have husband drive me to CVS tonight to stock up on gauze and manuka honey. Still having intestinal upset, and I think the Bromelain is the culprit. I don't remember if I mentioned this in my previous posts, but despite losing almost 100 lbs, I only lost an inch from each arm. My arms prior to surgery measured 16" and immediately post surgery with gauze and tape, I measured 12".