Like Lee, I dropped those compression garments exactly at six weeks.  I couldnt stand them!..I too have purchased shapewear as a more comfortable alternative.  I do plan on wearing something called slimming sleeves on my arms for as long as I can.  It will help keep the silicon sheets in place and provide a layer of protection for me since my incisions on my arms are sensitive to touch.  Dont bother with stage 2 garments, from what I understand they are even tighter than stage 1 and Dr. S. said it's just a way for these companies to make extra money.

Hi Lee!  I am doing well ty.  I get the slimming sleeves from legluxe, or amazon .com.  They are quite expensive though at almost $120 dollars.  But they appear to be everything that I want without the compression material or snaps, fasteners or whatever else.  I will see, they are on their way.   I will update soon. I have just been very busy with work, then I got sick with a sinus infection.  The weather here is crazy. Today it was 69 degrees! and its Feb. 1st!   My body just doesnt know what to do. Its hot here obe day then cold the next.  Hope all is well with you too.

I stayed in my compression garment for 3+ months as it felt good.  I weaned myself to every other day and then went without, but about 5-6mo out I started wearing it at night due to swelling.  I'm still wearing it at night with a sports bra.  I did get out of the bra/sleeve compression garment about 3mo as it was annoying.

Rubbing lotion into your scars will help desensitize the scars so that you'll be able to touch them and not have them react to clothes or touch.  I try to put lotion on 2x/day.

 Hi Lee,

 I haven't had plastics yet, but I use these when I workout to keep my arms from flapping around.    (After losing 205 lbs, I've got some serious flapping issues.....)  Anyway, check them out; they're inexpensive and work great!

http://www.maidenform.com/flexees/collections/wear-your-own-bra/flexees-ultimate-slimmer-arm-slimming-shrug-1466

Lauren

Thanks Lee.  It's been a lot of hard work, but SO worth it!  I've got about 15 more pounds to go, but I'm determined to get there!  I actually HAVE these sleeves in black; I got them at Kohl's a few months back for 7 bucks!  Super great clearance sale!  I checked and they don't currently have them, but you never know, they might get them again.  I'm TOTALLY going to have Dr. Sauceda do my plastics.  I'll be in Vegas to meet you all and have a consultation, and most likely will have the surgeries done in December (that's the best time for me to be off work).  I will need exactly the same procedures you had...that's why I've been following your journey and taking notes.  :) 
If I come across the sleeves in black, I'll be sure to let you know....

Take Care!

Lauren

Counting the minutes until I do not have to wear mine anymore. I bought a few cute shaper items Flexee items, but I am hoping that since I have had no swelling issues since the second week, that I will be clear of compression garments forever!