tummy tuck/brachio advice needed

Hi Everyone,
  I am scheduled to have a hernia repair, tummy tuck and arms done on may 27th.  I am so excited and nervous all at the same time as I am sure many of you can relate.  My question to everyone is what should I expect?  I am really completely unsure what to expect or what I should be doing to prepare for this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  I am also going to post on the plastics msg board but it does not get as much traffic as the DS board.

Thanks again,
Lori

I saw you had your DS in August and was just wondering what made you decide to have a tummy tuck and your arms done so soon? Have you reached goal weight?

I was just curious because at my support group meeting they told me to wait at least 2 years and have my weight stabilized for at least 6 months.

Hello,
  Well, it is a long story if you are not familiar with me..lol.  Many people on here know my story.  I had RNY about 8 years ago and regained my wt.  In 2009 I had a "revision" done which totally screwed me up, but I did lose wt.  In August I was officially revised to the true DS. So, the surgery done in Aug was purely for my health and not to lose wt.  I am at about 165# and would like to be at 140# but I my wt has not budged since Sept so I think this is where I am going to be staying. I didn't plan on doing ps now but the hernia hurried that along as I don't want to have to take all that different time off of work as well as I couldn't take that much time off. 

I have heard / read that you should 'protein load' so that you will heal faster.  Makes sense.  Also LOOK at your own labs beforehand and make sure everything is good.

Good luck,
Michele

Thanks Michele, good idea!

 With a hernia repair combined with a tummy tuck you are going to be extremely tight and sore. Your arms will be of no use to you for pushing yourself up from laying or sitting. You should try to strengthen your legs as much as you can. Increasing protein is a plus and making sure your iron numbers are good is also very important.

Thanks so much for your reply.  It didn't even dawn on me about the arms being used for support, your right won't be any use.  I think my protein intake is pretty good but I do need to bump up the iron.

Thanks again,
Lori

 PLease also make sure that your vitamin k levels are in the high end of the normal range because vitamin k is very important for clotting factor and surgery involves blood, many people do not take vit k into account when preparing for any invasive procedure! :D

Oh thank you, wouldn't have thought of that!

I increased my protein to 175-200g before and after surgery.  I started 4-6 weeks before surgery.  Also, Dr S said no Vit E for 15 days before surgery.  I chose to pick up the MakeMeHeal vitamins w/o E.  My ferritin really dropped after my PS.  The rest of my iron numbers are ok, I also had low potassium.

I did the slide up and down the wall with my legs.  I'm short, so I didn't have too many problems getting down to the toilet seat.