Lymphedema after Brachioplasty?

One of the things that drove me to RNY was a fear of developing lymphedema-- I knew so many MO people who had it and it seemed so difficult to bear. I have very very large arms, proportionately, and will probably pursue brachioplasty to reduce the mass. Is there anyone here who has had brachioplasty and developed lymphedema after? How has it effected you, and is this avoidable? Thanks.

You need to thoroughly research and ask questions of a prospective surgeon, to make sure he knows how to do lipo without damaging the lymph nodes.  This is true also of a thigh lift. 

I don't have it and it's avoidable.  If you're not squeamish, google Aly and Cram.  Once you hit their website watch the brachioplasty webcast.  It takes some time because you are watching an actual surgery. Here's how they do it.  Most of the lymph circulation runs runs right down that line in the middle of your inner arm.  Lipo there or place an incision there and you could have big problems.  They put their incision more towards the back of the arm and use the armpit zplasty to tighten up the pit from 2 directions.  It can get rid of the banana roll too.  Cool technique and it also gets rid of exactly the loose skin we need to lose.  Their patients turn out great. Wish I could use them but it's 12K!