MM MAY 23,2012-- FTT, MR, BL, LIPO FLANKS--NEW PICS ADDED

PRE-OP VISIT

Ok, now that I have more time to sit and type, I can give more details :-)

I just completed my pre-op on Monday. I have been cleared for surgery!!! I was worried that my iron levels would be too low because I was seriously iron-deficient anemic a couple of months ago. Just in case someone else has this problem, here is what I have done to improve my iron levels:
1. I take a liquid iron supplement called pur-Absorb. I buy it over the counter in the drugstore. I was worried it would not be effective because it is only 5mg (other iron supplements are at least 45mg). However, their research showed that the increased absorption rate eliminated the need for a higher concentration. I was skeptical, but after using it for one month, my levels increased. the supplement is simply iron rich water. I mix it in a couple of ounces of orange juice.
2. I TRY to eat a serving of lean beef twice a day.
3. I eat fruit and use spinach in my salads.

My doc told me that I am a good candidate for the MM. He plans to remove all of the excess skin from my breasts during the lift. Although I don't have enough tissue left for a true "reduction," by the time he removes the excess tissue during the lift and re-shapes my breasts properly, he said I can definitely go from the D cup that I am now to a small C cup--which is what I want

Another interesting tidbit is that I will only have one drain. The nurse said I will either have a jackson pratt or a pinrose drain. My best friend (who is a nurse) says to insist on the jackson pratt because the pinrose will stink.

Included in my pre-op instruction packet are a list of foods and beverages to avoid. I found interesting that almonds, apples, apricots, blackberries, cucumbers, grapes, pickles, straweberries, and tomatoes are on the list. Apparently, these foods affect blood clotting. Does anyone have any information/experience related to this?

I will update again soon! 19 days and counting!

Ok, so my surgery was initially scheduled for 5/31. I had a timeline planned out and my To Do lists written. Then, I received excellent news that I was selected for a summer job that I wanted REALLY badly. During my pre-op visit, I had explained to the nurse that there was a possibility I would be selected for the job. When I called her with the great news, she "moved heaven and earth" to re-arrange my surgery date so I could have a full 2 week recovery before having to sit a a desk for 3 hours a day. She called me with my new surgery date at around 5pm Monday. Sooooooo.... I am having surgery in less than 12 hours!

I have completed my pre-op instructions for the day before surgery. I have all of my supplies in place. I am going to do a final "house cleaning" in the morning. And I will join the "flat side"

I am nervous, so please keep me in your prayers. I will update as soon as I can.