Pre-op appointment and instructions...

My pre-op appointment was yesterday, April 25, 2011.  While walking into the facility, I said to my husband, "Oh man, the next time I am walking into this place, I won't be leaving the same person... terrified!" He put his arm around me and said I'd be fine, I'm tougher than I know =)

Without further ado.... here's the news:

Some good, some bad.  Bad news first... I have to drink the GoLYTELY bowel prep 72 hours prior to surgery, and then have a low residue diet up until then =/  At first I was told I would not have to do this because I'm not having liposuction or muscle tightening, but apparently doc changed his mind.  My tattoo (tramp stamp), upon further measurements, might not be fully removed... Also, I had decided (after MUCH deliberation) that I wanted to go with a full C cup versus a D....well, unless I want some serious scarring and potentially odd looking breasts, I have to go with the D.  Not so bad, just a little worried they will still sag or be lopsided.  I need to quit worrying!

Good news is with the high profile silicone 500cc implants, I won't have to get any other incision except for around the areola.  Not sure they will be lifted enough to look natural...? but hey, I trust his judgment.  More good news is that I confronted him with a story from one of his past patients who had difficulties and he was very open to explaining the issues involved and how his business and technique has changed since then.  He also explained that he will give me very specific instructions on how to handle recovery & his cell number if I have any questions.... so I feel more comfortable.  Prescription pain pill for recovery? PERCOCET. Thank you Lord! I was worried he'd give me something like Tylenol 3 since I cannot handle any vicodin lol 

The next 17 days are going to FLY by... I have so much to get ready around the house. I want to clean everything, prepare my "recovery station" and have everything ready to go for the morning of the 13th.

My basic instructions 10 days prior:

• stop taking all herbal supplements (talk to Dr about other meds you are taking)
• fill all prescriptions and bring them with you to surgery
• take vitamin C 500mg & zinc 50mg daily
• begin drinking protein shakes (I recommend Jillian Michael's chocolate powder shakes)
• set up a "recovery station" where you have:

1. bottled water & straws
2. prescription medication from Dr
3. pillows
4. heating pad
5. lotion
6. wet wipes (preferrably antibacterial)
7. phone & charger
8. laptop & charger
9. blankets & extra pillows
10. crackers and pail w/plastic bags for nausea =/
11. flashlight
12. camera
13. mirror
14. thermometer

72 hours prior:

• Start GoLYTELY prep
• Low residue diet and clear liquids (basically I can eat eggs, fish, chicken, vegetable & fruit juice with no pulp, breads (with less than 1 gm of dietary fiber-includes pasta, chips, crackers & cereal), white rice, and broth based soups strained
• wash with antibacterial soap (dial)
• remove nail polish & all jewelry (so I don't forget to leave it at home!)
• pack hospital bag in case (toothbrush, deodorant, brush, contact case, extra undies, etc.)

I guess there's not much to do other than the things listed above.... I keep thinking how WEIRD it's going to be, having this huge operation and then an hour after waking up, being able to walk out of the office? WTF?! I hope I really am as tough as my husband likes to believe =/ 

Found an excellent blog from "Kimmers25" which discusses everything from preparation, emotions, physical pain, recovery, etc. of a tummy tuck.  http://www.realself.com/forum/month-month-diary-post-tummy-tuck Just wish I could find a body lift blog... it'd be so helpful because I have so many questions!!!

Some tips I have stolen from the internet about preparing for surgery...

• rub olive oil on the areas where incisions are going to be made to prepare the skin http://www.tummy-tucks.org/tummy-tuck-scars/
• for men... but hey, whatever =)  http://www.tummytuckformen.com/tummy_tuck_tips.html
• reduce salt intake before AND definitely after surgery http://www.cpmc.org/learning/documents/sodiumdiet.pdf
• supplements!!  My dr specifically recommended 500mg of vitamin C, 50mg of zinc and 1-2 protein shakes PRIOR to surgery and triple this after surgery (not the protein shakes)... http://www.healthy-vitamin-choice.com/supplements-for-surgery.html  as for Vitamin E, though, he explained that I should NOT take this prior because it can cause additional bleeding and I'm having a very long operation. Talk with your doctor before starting any supplements!

I'm sure I'll have more to add to this list but it's bed time =)