Thighs and Arms

[Jean E. 95]

Hey everyone, After losing 286 lbs. I am getting ready for my first skin removal surgery in 43 days. With the busy holiday season I know the time will fly by. I still can’t believe I am at this place in under two years. SW 487. CW 201

I am having arms and thighs done first. Any advice would be welcomed. Has anyone done that? What was recovery like? I am an impatient patient and tend to push and expect allot of myself. But I need to be realistic. Just how incapacitated will I be having all 4 limbs cut on at once? I can handle pain, I just don’t do helplessness very well. So I need realism and tips please.

[Happy Sleever 32]

Omg congrats! Where do you live ? I want my arms done so bad. But I’m afraid and been researching surgeons! You are amazing!!

[Happy Sleever 32]

Wait your doctor is doing both arms and legs same time? Yikes!

[2Bsmaller18 436]

I haven't had that done but here's some advise since I am a health care worker. Set up as much as you can before hand. Get a wedge pillow so that you can sleep semi reclined. That will be easier to get in and out of bed without having to use your arms to push up. Be strict about using compression garments the doctor orders. Have things ie pots/pans sitting on the counter so you don't have to bend and reach for them. Go to the dollar store or shop Amazon and get a sponge on a stick and a reacher. I would also have a sturdy step stool so if you do need to reach something high you can stand on the step stool to avoid lifting your arms too much. Also get some button front shirts. You may want a step stool at the edge of your bed if it is high. That way you can stand against the bed and step onto the stool to get on the edge of the bed easier. If your legs are really sore you can use a long belt, scarf, or dog leash, the belt you put thru to make a tiny 10 inch waist- that's where you stick your foot thru the loop and you can use your arms to help slide your leg on the bed if needed. You could buy a leg lifter device but a belt works ok. I think it's better to have all of the modifications ready and if you don't need it great. Also if you use gallons of milk or Water, switch or have someone else pour them in smaller, lighter containers. I recommend getting the spray dry Shampoo since you won't be able to wash your hair for a while. Dove makes a good one. If you use a recliner with a lever put a piece of PVC pipe over the lever so it's easier to pull and recline the chair.

[Jean E. 95]

36 minutes ago, Happy Sleever said:

Omg congrats! Where do you live ? I want my arms done so bad. But I’m afraid and been researching surgeons! You are amazing!!

Houston. Thank you!

[Jean E. 95]

39 minutes ago, Happy Sleever said:

Wait your doctor is doing both arms and legs same time? Yikes!

Yes. There will actually be two different surgeons working on me at the same time. One for arms and one for legs.

[Jean E. 95]

36 minutes ago, 2Bsmaller18 said:

I haven't had that done but here's some advise since I am a health care worker. Set up as much as you can before hand. Get a wedge pillow so that you can sleep semi reclined. That will be easier to get in and out of bed without having to use your arms to push up. Be strict about using compression garments the doctor orders. Have things ie pots/pans sitting on the counter so you don't have to bend and reach for them. Go to the dollar store or shop Amazon and get a sponge on a stick and a reacher. I would also have a sturdy step stool so if you do need to reach something high you can stand on the step stool to avoid lifting your arms too much. Also get some button front shirts. You may want a step stool at the edge of your bed if it is high. That way you can stand against the bed and step onto the stool to get on the edge of the bed easier. If your legs are really sore you can use a long belt, scarf, or dog leash, the belt you put thru to make a tiny 10 inch waist- that's where you stick your foot thru the loop and you can use your arms to help slide your leg on the bed if needed. You could buy a leg lifter device but a belt works ok. I think it's better to have all of the modifications ready and if you don't need it great. Also if you use gallons of milk or Water, switch or have someone else pour them in smaller, lighter containers. I recommend getting the spray dry Shampoo since you won't be able to wash your hair for a while. Dove makes a good one. If you use a recliner with a lever put a piece of PVC pipe over the lever so it's easier to pull and recline the chair.

Thank you so much!

[Jazzy1125 1,010]

Congrats! I hope all goes well. That is something I want to do when I get to my goal weight.

[Liz The New Me 281]

58 minutes ago, 2Bsmaller18 said:

I haven't had that done but here's some advise since I am a health care worker. Set up as much as you can before hand. Get a wedge pillow so that you can sleep semi reclined. That will be easier to get in and out of bed without having to use your arms to push up. Be strict about using compression garments the doctor orders. Have things ie pots/pans sitting on the counter so you don't have to bend and reach for them. Go to the dollar store or shop Amazon and get a sponge on a stick and a reacher. I would also have a sturdy step stool so if you do need to reach something high you can stand on the step stool to avoid lifting your arms too much. Also get some button front shirts. You may want a step stool at the edge of your bed if it is high. That way you can stand against the bed and step onto the stool to get on the edge of the bed easier. If your legs are really sore you can use a long belt, scarf, or dog leash, the belt you put thru to make a tiny 10 inch waist- that's where you stick your foot thru the loop and you can use your arms to help slide your leg on the bed if needed. You could buy a leg lifter device but a belt works ok. I think it's better to have all of the modifications ready and if you don't need it great. Also if you use gallons of milk or Water, switch or have someone else pour them in smaller, lighter containers. I recommend getting the spray dry Shampoo since you won't be able to wash your hair for a while. Dove makes a good one. If you use a recliner with a lever put a piece of PVC pipe over the lever so it's easier to pull and recline the chair.

That is GREAT advise. Prep work is the key. You have some perfect things, that we all forget.

[Liz The New Me 281]

Congrats on your accomplishment! I'm with you on having all done at the same time. Knowing me if I just had only half I may not go back for the rest. But you will have to give yourself the time to heal. Be patient with yourself. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[sillykitty 10,774]

Following ... please update on how this goes! I'm looking to have a whole a lot of work done next year this time.

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Congrats! I would say to be patient and don't push. Only do what your doc wants. As I understand, the legs in particular are tough to heal and not rip out suture lines. And that's the last thing you want. So be compliant and don't try to overdo! Can't wait to follow! @2Bsmaller18 has some great practical tips and advice!!

[sillykitty 10,774]

One thing, I plan to rent a reclining lift chair after surgery, and will most likely live in it for a few weeks!

[Jean E. 95]

Well I am on day 3 post surgery. My friends, this ain’t no joke. The struggle is real. I was, or thought I was prepared for the pain. I was pretty well prepared for the logistics thanks to everyone on here. But I was not at all mentally prepared to be totally helpless. Sure I knew I wouldn’t be able to brush or wash my hair, but I didn’t think about other stuff like feeding myself or getting a sip of Water. I am usually the caretaker, not the patient. That part is hard for me.

My hands are so swollen that I can’t make a fist. I wasn’t prepared for that either. This is the most I have been on my phone using only my thumb.

I am glad I knocked out the worst surgery first. No regrets! Oh I will find out how much the skin weighed Friday. I am excited to find out and get these drains out! God bless you all.

[Stella S 612]

Thanks for update. Yes helpless I remember and have split the procedures. Care for yourself and follow your doc instructions.