Congrats on the weightloss! I recently made this list for another poster, about what I found helpful after my LBL with auto-augmentation. I'm 6 1/2 weeks post op currently.

The things I found really important:

• Power recliner (I rented this and it cost about $400 for the month). I only used it for a week but the daily price made it worth it to rent for a month.
• A lanyard to hang my drains on while I was up moving around/showering
• A shower chair, I used this only for the first week, but it was needed
• For the first 8 days when I was in a binder (vs surgical garment), I used these surgical dressings
• Easy protein sources: For me, that was RTD protein shakes, and whole fat greek yogurt. I didn't eat much else at first. Oh and Ben & Jerry's ice cream just to get some calories.
• Plenty of pillows for behind your back and under your knees as you won't be able to lay flat at first.
• My Purple seat cushion. My butt hurt more than anything else! This was especially invaluable for my 8+ hour ride home.
• Tylenol for once I stopped narcotics
• PJ pants (in a larger size) and large t-shirts (I had no issues wearing pants right away)
• A loofa for when it's time to start gently scrubbing off the glue
• Tank tops for under the surgical garment. I wore those to stop rubbing on the incision for weeks 2-4

I'm using Dr. Katzen in CA. I hope you get your wish too!

Hi all,

I had a combination brachioplasty/mastopexy on 2/16 and so next week will mark the four week mark with my compression sleeves which is what was recommended by my surgeon. When I first started wearing them I was anxiously awaiting the day when I could stop but now that it is getting closer I am thinking about how I would like to keep wearing them longer as they provide a sense of safety and security.

Did anyone have a similar experience? Did you phase them out between days/nights over time? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

-K

check realself.com

I would think there would be some in the Detroit area. A lot of people have recommended looking for someone who does a boatload of these. Better yet, someone who specializes in body contouring for massive weight loss patients.

My tube socks aren't filled with anything. Luck you with your marbles! You don't need to justify wanting to feel normal to anyone. This is reconstructive surgery, not cosmetic...

As to compression garments in May in Atlanta, I can't speak to that. But I suffer in heat and humidity, so I'd probably be uncomfortable with no compression garments!