Lost weight: ~100#. Tall: 5'11. Large framed. I'm an anomaly amongst women; a freak and I love it! :) Tummy Tuck in 2013. Phase II=Breasts, Arms, and more lipo. Breast lift/augment is under separate review. This review is specific to the arms. Cost associated with this review is estimated portion for the arms; cost savings by combining procedures. Decided to stay with Dr. Obaid; he rocked my TT. Hoping he'll also rock my arms! I've researched, lurked, planned, and asked many questions. Now....now it's time to let go and fall. This review is intended to capture the ins and outs of arm lift recovery for tall women who have lost weight. I share to help; hopefully. Thank you for following/ supporting. July 3rd is the day. Let's get this party started! Cheers all. :)

Questions I asked at Pre-Op Appt last week:

General -
1. Estimated duration of surgery: 5-6 hours
2. Anesthesiologist & Assistant Dr. names: Couple. Will know day before surgery.
3. What should I expect when awakened in recovery: Shouldn’t have much pain. Will feel like elephant is on chest. Arms and chest will be in compression garments. Recovery can take a couple of hours before released.
4. What compression will I be sent home in: Bra and sleeve. Contour MD.
5. First bandage change: No bandages. Just compression.
6. Start cleaning incisions/ shower: 48 hours. Don’t scrub incisions; lightly wipe and pat dry.
7. Frequency of post-op appointments: 1-week; 3-weeks; 6-weeks; 2-month; 3-month…then tbd.
8. Multi-Vitamin/ B12/ C/ D3/ >100 g Protein (miss anything?): Nope. That’s everything.

RE Arm Lift-
1. Will there be incisions in armpit: No.
2. Extended? How far: Yes. Elbow (no ‘J’ incision) along back of arm, down side of chest.
3. Drains: No drains.
4. Stitching plan? (concerned about opening): Two layers of internal sutures.
5. Tape/Glue on incisions: Glue over incisions. Lasts multiple weeks. Do not pick off.
6. What, if any, impact to lymph nodes: No nodes will be removed. Aside from normal swelling, no impact.
7. What should I expect insofar as symmetry: In OR sit me up and look at different angles before closing.
8. Sports compression sleeves ok? If so, when start: Will be sent home with sleeves, but can use athletic sleeves as well. Immediately.
9. Restrictions on use of deodorant: None on day of surgery. No incision in armpit, so no restriction during recovery.
10. Recommended exercises/ massages: Will explain, demonstrate during post-op appointments.

My Shopping List:

Baby Wipes
Vitamins (Multi, D3, B12, C)
Milk of Magnesia
Gatorade
Coconut water
Pineapple juice
Pomegranate juice
Apricots in water
Broth soups (low sodium)
Protein Powder
Chicken
Spinach
Almonds
Unsalted whole grain crackers

Compression + Scar + Healing Gear:
Sports Arm Compression Sleeves
Tummy wrap
Front Zip Sport Bras
Front Button Night gown/ house robe
Silicone Sheeting (order after 1st post-op apt)
Silicone Lotion (purchase from PS at 2nd post-op apt)

So, less than 24 hrs away from surgery. :) Is it an oddity that I'm frequently going to my mirror posing, grabbing, assessing, studying my arms and chest? I think I've become obsessed. Things running through my mind:
>will my elbows be stiff?
>how will the incisions heal? will they open?
>will my silhouette change to what I want?
>how immobile will I be? (I'm alone, without help)

Lots to do today. Work wrap-up, groceries, clean, laundry, set up recovering space/ recliner/supplies, schedule taxi for early pick-up, then sleep (ha!).

Bought some compression gloves yesterday. Knit gloves designed to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Don't know if they'll work, but hey, why not try. Worried about swelling. Also have another pair of compression sleeves in case I need them. Don't know if those will work either, as Doc advised me that he intends to extend the incision down the side of my chest. I'm concerned that the sleeves might irritate the incision line at the shoulder. I might have to cave and purchase one of those long sleeved/ vest deals that are all-in-one. I guess I'll hold off until the two-week mark to make that decision.

Well, guess I've done all I can do to prepare. In the end, I have to trust the skill of others while I'm completely passed out on the table, and my body to cooperate. Gawwd. I hope this journey is pleasant! I'll roll with it if it isn't, but [RS bleep], would like a bone for something not too difficult for a change. ha!

Will vow to post some before pics tonight. Not sure whether I'll make it online tomorrow after I get home, but will try.

Wish me luck! :D