I haven't had any problems, past the skin rash the first weeks out, and the scars are healing really well.
Monday, August 25, 2008
One month since surgery
Well, It's been one month since my surgery, and I have to say, all in all I am happy.
I haven't had any problems, past the skin rash the first weeks out, and the scars are healing really well.
I haven't had any problems, past the skin rash the first weeks out, and the scars are healing really well.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
3 weeks later
The girls are doing well. Other than the occasional twinge or "jolt" from my left side, I am back to normal. I go tomorrow for another check up. Should be the last one for a while!
I love the new look and everyone that knows me from before the surgery thinks its dramatic!!
Let me know what you think....
I love the new look and everyone that knows me from before the surgery thinks its dramatic!!
Let me know what you think....
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Post Op appointment
Well, Dr H is a proud man, with reason. My boobs look FABULOUS! LOL
The post op was much self boasting by him and torture for me. I've had stitches removed before, but Damn...having them taken out of soft, swollen, sensitive aerolas s.u.c.k.
There is a small concern with the "zit/blister" I popped last week. Seems the area is not healing and he, when I described it (damn myself for not taking a frickin picture) doesn't think it was a normal pimple. Based on the size and the goo that came out, he wasn't liking it. I should have called him and let him drain/exam it, but whatever. He took a culture of the area and we will see next week what it ends up being.
My money is on zit.
Until then, I get to drive again *woo hoo* and basically go to normal (bra, no gauze except on sore spot and showering as normal) and I will see him again on Tuesday. The no lifting/exercising/swimming/straining thing is still in effect, and I guess I understand it, even if my house is going to shit with me not able to do anything.
Personally, I am feeling great. My nipples are super sensitive, but not in the sexy woo hoo way, but the keep your damn hands off me way. It hurts on the left side at the T (where the sore is) and that is it. My right boob is business as usual. Even let Hubby have some "curious time" there last night. Hehehe.
The post op was much self boasting by him and torture for me. I've had stitches removed before, but Damn...having them taken out of soft, swollen, sensitive aerolas s.u.c.k.
There is a small concern with the "zit/blister" I popped last week. Seems the area is not healing and he, when I described it (damn myself for not taking a frickin picture) doesn't think it was a normal pimple. Based on the size and the goo that came out, he wasn't liking it. I should have called him and let him drain/exam it, but whatever. He took a culture of the area and we will see next week what it ends up being.
My money is on zit.
Until then, I get to drive again *woo hoo* and basically go to normal (bra, no gauze except on sore spot and showering as normal) and I will see him again on Tuesday. The no lifting/exercising/swimming/straining thing is still in effect, and I guess I understand it, even if my house is going to shit with me not able to do anything.
Personally, I am feeling great. My nipples are super sensitive, but not in the sexy woo hoo way, but the keep your damn hands off me way. It hurts on the left side at the T (where the sore is) and that is it. My right boob is business as usual. Even let Hubby have some "curious time" there last night. Hehehe.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Week One Pictures
As you can see, I am healing really well. They are starting to settle, so the cone/pyramid effect is gone now, which makes me very happy. I am getting used to the tube top thing I have to wear, and I am curious if I should try a strapless shirt in the future, now that I don't have the weight of the world on my shoulders.....
Sunday, July 27, 2008
It's been 1 week....
And the girls are doing great! After a VERY rough weekend, I can honestly say, I am recovering better than expected.
Yesterday, my best friend from High School brought her kids up and stayed all day and overnight. I was awake a whole 12 hours! I know that sounds stupid, but for me this week, it is amazing! I also went the whole day with no pain pills (wanting to stay awake) and it wasn't unbearable. Sucked, but wasn't unbearable.
Last night, she volunteered to change my dressings, since Hubby was out of town for the night, and she discovered a huge mass not on the stitches, but on the breast itself. She said it was white and looked like it could pop. Needless to say, I was concerned. Hubby checked it first thing this morning, and yeah, it was gross. It was a pimple the size of my pinky nail. Gross. It was really super white, I guess from the ointment I have to keep on them. Well, I took a deep breath and ran my finger across it, cleaning it out. So far, it hasn't come back. Not a big deal, I guess, but scary as hell, since no one thought to mention big ol zits popping up during the recovery.
I got up the nerve today to get dressed and go out. We needed groceries and I needed to blow off the stink of recovery. I intentionally got dressed in a "going out" outfit instead of a "grocery shopping" outfit. I can't describe how great my blouse fit! It is one of those that has a band that runs under the boob and ties behind you. When I bought it, I always had to adjust the band from across my nipples to below the boob. Today - swish - it fit perfectly!! My first real life evidence that the girls are the right size!! I looked S.E.X.Y. LOL
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm didn't get me all the way through the shopping trip, and I have to say vomiting from pain in a Kroger bathroom is exactly as bad as it sounds. I got home, got back into my jammies and went straight for the pain killers and my pillow.
3 hours later, I am feeling fine again. The girls have been hanging out under the sheet, no dressing, no compression pads, just out in the air with some frozen green beans for company. The cold felt great and so did the rest.
I goto the doctor for my check up and removal of the staples on Thursday. I will take 1 week pictures tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the well wishes! I really appreciate all the love and support I've gotten this week. My friends and family have made all the difference in my recovery!
Peace and Love~~~~
Yesterday, my best friend from High School brought her kids up and stayed all day and overnight. I was awake a whole 12 hours! I know that sounds stupid, but for me this week, it is amazing! I also went the whole day with no pain pills (wanting to stay awake) and it wasn't unbearable. Sucked, but wasn't unbearable.
Last night, she volunteered to change my dressings, since Hubby was out of town for the night, and she discovered a huge mass not on the stitches, but on the breast itself. She said it was white and looked like it could pop. Needless to say, I was concerned. Hubby checked it first thing this morning, and yeah, it was gross. It was a pimple the size of my pinky nail. Gross. It was really super white, I guess from the ointment I have to keep on them. Well, I took a deep breath and ran my finger across it, cleaning it out. So far, it hasn't come back. Not a big deal, I guess, but scary as hell, since no one thought to mention big ol zits popping up during the recovery.
I got up the nerve today to get dressed and go out. We needed groceries and I needed to blow off the stink of recovery. I intentionally got dressed in a "going out" outfit instead of a "grocery shopping" outfit. I can't describe how great my blouse fit! It is one of those that has a band that runs under the boob and ties behind you. When I bought it, I always had to adjust the band from across my nipples to below the boob. Today - swish - it fit perfectly!! My first real life evidence that the girls are the right size!! I looked S.E.X.Y. LOL
Unfortunately, my enthusiasm didn't get me all the way through the shopping trip, and I have to say vomiting from pain in a Kroger bathroom is exactly as bad as it sounds. I got home, got back into my jammies and went straight for the pain killers and my pillow.
3 hours later, I am feeling fine again. The girls have been hanging out under the sheet, no dressing, no compression pads, just out in the air with some frozen green beans for company. The cold felt great and so did the rest.
I goto the doctor for my check up and removal of the staples on Thursday. I will take 1 week pictures tomorrow.
Thanks again for all the well wishes! I really appreciate all the love and support I've gotten this week. My friends and family have made all the difference in my recovery!
Peace and Love~~~~
Friday, July 25, 2008
Day 5 Update
Hey there! Well, I am at day 5 -
Today was that miracle turn around day where I wanted to be up and moving. Maybe it is because my Mom came up to stay with me today. Maybe it's because the kids were finally understanding they couldn't bounce on me and I was able to sit up for a longer period of time without sabotage from the tricycle motors! Maybe it was the new bras in the mail.
Regardless of the why, I felt great today. I got up around 10:30am and stayed up until around 1pm. That was a long time for me. Then, I was up again at 4pm and I am still up!
Mom made her world famous meatloaf and mashed taters, so I am gonna eat like there is no tomorrow before taking my next pain pill.
As far as my recovery, I would say I'm doing pretty well. There is very little drainage today. When we changed my dressing last night, the stitches looked really good. There is no infection and the bruising that came up on day 3 is almost gone.
Emotionally, I am very tired. They are misshapen and sore, so I spend a lot of time imagining the worst, which I know isn't good. They are smaller than I anticipated, and I'm afraid they will keep the weird cone shape. Now, all the research I've done, I know that gravity will take over as they heal and they will fall into a good, natural shape. I am just worried until then. Also, the bra's I bought were D/DD and they fit fine. I am afraid that when the swelling goes down, they will be a C/D which to me is tooooooooo smaalllllllll!!! Positively speaking, that will only push me to lose more weight, so that they will be proportional again.
My family loves the new look and my Mom, who is the most important opinion I have, thinks they are amazing. Hubby cups them and says there is enough to play with, LOL, so that is a positive from him as well.
Guess I have to calm my brain, and wait and see. Trust the doctor and my decisions. I didn't go into this lightly, and I won't let some self doubt knock me off track.
Thanks to all the well wishes and positive comments. It means a lot that all my friends are standing behind me. I love that there are so many of you that want it done now after seeing my process.
Feel free to ask any questions. I am an open book!!
Peace and Love~~
Today was that miracle turn around day where I wanted to be up and moving. Maybe it is because my Mom came up to stay with me today. Maybe it's because the kids were finally understanding they couldn't bounce on me and I was able to sit up for a longer period of time without sabotage from the tricycle motors! Maybe it was the new bras in the mail.
Regardless of the why, I felt great today. I got up around 10:30am and stayed up until around 1pm. That was a long time for me. Then, I was up again at 4pm and I am still up!
Mom made her world famous meatloaf and mashed taters, so I am gonna eat like there is no tomorrow before taking my next pain pill.
As far as my recovery, I would say I'm doing pretty well. There is very little drainage today. When we changed my dressing last night, the stitches looked really good. There is no infection and the bruising that came up on day 3 is almost gone.
Emotionally, I am very tired. They are misshapen and sore, so I spend a lot of time imagining the worst, which I know isn't good. They are smaller than I anticipated, and I'm afraid they will keep the weird cone shape. Now, all the research I've done, I know that gravity will take over as they heal and they will fall into a good, natural shape. I am just worried until then. Also, the bra's I bought were D/DD and they fit fine. I am afraid that when the swelling goes down, they will be a C/D which to me is tooooooooo smaalllllllll!!! Positively speaking, that will only push me to lose more weight, so that they will be proportional again.
My family loves the new look and my Mom, who is the most important opinion I have, thinks they are amazing. Hubby cups them and says there is enough to play with, LOL, so that is a positive from him as well.
Guess I have to calm my brain, and wait and see. Trust the doctor and my decisions. I didn't go into this lightly, and I won't let some self doubt knock me off track.
Thanks to all the well wishes and positive comments. It means a lot that all my friends are standing behind me. I love that there are so many of you that want it done now after seeing my process.
Feel free to ask any questions. I am an open book!!
Peace and Love~~
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day Three Update
Today sucked. I slept most of it. Bruising has set in, just a bit. Mostly at the T of the incisions. Feeling the tightness and itchiness something crazy. It's 5:30 and it's the first time I have been up for more than 30 minutes, and I am already ready for bed again.
The best part of today - Babygirl has "boo-boo's on her boobies too!" so she insisted on bandages. LOL Enjoy.
The best part of today - Babygirl has "boo-boo's on her boobies too!" so she insisted on bandages. LOL Enjoy.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day Two Update
Much more sore today. Sugars are still in the 300's fasting which I think is adding to it. Up for about 30 minutes so far with breakfast and checking various emails, and I am already ready for a nap...
...and a Vicodin.
No bruising so far, stitches look good, although I think it's like a horror movie autopsy. Big and thick.
Pics will be posted today as well. Before and afters. If you have a weak stomach or know me and don't wanna see my boobs, this is your warning.
Off to my pillows.
Peace and love~~
...and a Vicodin.
No bruising so far, stitches look good, although I think it's like a horror movie autopsy. Big and thick.
Pics will be posted today as well. Before and afters. If you have a weak stomach or know me and don't wanna see my boobs, this is your warning.
Off to my pillows.
Peace and love~~
Monday, July 21, 2008
Video explaining surgery technique
From: 4:09 minutes to 6:20 minutes explains the actual surgerical technique that was used for me, in case you wondered.
Also, in comparison, she sad 350 cc/g off of each - I had 827cc/g from the right and 785cc/g from left. Waaaaay more, folks.
Surgery Day!
Last night, my friend Renee came down from Flint to spend the night - one last night of relaxation eating ice cream and watching Law and Order before going under the knife. We went to bed at 1am, but I couldn't sleep until around 2am, because of nerves. James Patterson helped soothe me to sleep.
This morning, Renee and I got up at 5am, in order to be out the door by 5:45am. We tried to stop at Burger King in order to get Renee some breakfast, but we were there before the opening crew arrived! Nothing says you shouldn't be up this early like the Manager unlocking the doors when you arrive!
6am saw us at the surgical office, so that we could complete the final paperwork. I went into the back, and began to get prepped for the surgery. The staff was great - Nurse Kim made us laugh, distracting from the tense situation. The anesthesiologist was an old guy with no bedside manner. Renee pointed out most of his patients are asleep, so yeah, no bed side manner needed. Kim kept layering me with warm blankets and it was driving me nuts. They had a blanket that was plastic and had hollow tubes. They hooked a hair dryer like machine up and it pumped hot air through the coils. VERY warm. Ugh.
The only truly bad thing. My blood sugars were out of control, which caused much concern. For those in the know, my fasting was 261... not good. (Normal is 80-110)
They hooked me up to the IVs, Dr Hitzmen came in a drew on me like my 2 yr old on a stolen marker Picasso spree, and we were set! They wheeled me in, and put the gas mask over my mouth. Five deep breaths later, I woke up to my husband at my side, and my friend laughing in the background. I refused to wake up. The nurse was making cute little comments about it and got everyone laughing (well, except me. I went back to sleep....five more minutes!)
An hour and a half after getting wheeled into recovery, though, we went home, and I went to bed.
To everyone's enjoyment, I was comfortably stoned for several hours. Some comments that I've been told I said were:
~ "It tastes like I've been licking a beach ball" (because of the air hose I was intubated with).
~ "I feel like I have a mouthful of gerbils" (cottonmouth so bad my lips were sticking to my teeth! Ugh).
~ "I feel like I just got my tits chopped off" (in response to "How are you feeling?").
~ "You're cooking me like a chicken" (in response to the heated blankets used at the surgery clinic).
Weirdest thing, I think, about this day: I know I'm not supposed to be lifting my arms yet, but when I try to lift at the elbow (to cup my boobs) , my arms instinctively stop at where my boobs used to be, instead of where they are now. Odd. Now I have to retrain my elbows. Not everyday, someone can say that!
Things to expect if you are going for a bilateral reduction with Mammaplasty (Boob job):
~ Not pain, but annoying itchiness. No scratchy!!
~ Instant relief on shoulders and neck.
~ Coughing and Deep Breathing (which is recommended) doesn't hurt like you would expect it to.
~ Up and moving as soon as the wooziness from the drugs wore off. I just want to move around.
~ A great nursing staff makes ALL the difference.
~ Trust your Doctor: He may not do what you want, but he knows what you really need. I went in with the hopes/expectations of a D/DD cup. I think, with making them beautiful, I will end up with C/D cups. Not what I wanted, but definitely what I needed. They look like they will be perky and amazing. There is a dramatic difference for sure.
Oh, and the instant 8lb weight loss isn't bad either!
If you have any questions that I haven't covered here, feel free to ask. There will be more details as my recovery progresses.
This morning, Renee and I got up at 5am, in order to be out the door by 5:45am. We tried to stop at Burger King in order to get Renee some breakfast, but we were there before the opening crew arrived! Nothing says you shouldn't be up this early like the Manager unlocking the doors when you arrive!
6am saw us at the surgical office, so that we could complete the final paperwork. I went into the back, and began to get prepped for the surgery. The staff was great - Nurse Kim made us laugh, distracting from the tense situation. The anesthesiologist was an old guy with no bedside manner. Renee pointed out most of his patients are asleep, so yeah, no bed side manner needed. Kim kept layering me with warm blankets and it was driving me nuts. They had a blanket that was plastic and had hollow tubes. They hooked a hair dryer like machine up and it pumped hot air through the coils. VERY warm. Ugh.
The only truly bad thing. My blood sugars were out of control, which caused much concern. For those in the know, my fasting was 261... not good. (Normal is 80-110)
They hooked me up to the IVs, Dr Hitzmen came in a drew on me like my 2 yr old on a stolen marker Picasso spree, and we were set! They wheeled me in, and put the gas mask over my mouth. Five deep breaths later, I woke up to my husband at my side, and my friend laughing in the background. I refused to wake up. The nurse was making cute little comments about it and got everyone laughing (well, except me. I went back to sleep....five more minutes!)
An hour and a half after getting wheeled into recovery, though, we went home, and I went to bed.
To everyone's enjoyment, I was comfortably stoned for several hours. Some comments that I've been told I said were:
~ "It tastes like I've been licking a beach ball" (because of the air hose I was intubated with).
~ "I feel like I have a mouthful of gerbils" (cottonmouth so bad my lips were sticking to my teeth! Ugh).
~ "I feel like I just got my tits chopped off" (in response to "How are you feeling?").
~ "You're cooking me like a chicken" (in response to the heated blankets used at the surgery clinic).
Weirdest thing, I think, about this day: I know I'm not supposed to be lifting my arms yet, but when I try to lift at the elbow (to cup my boobs) , my arms instinctively stop at where my boobs used to be, instead of where they are now. Odd. Now I have to retrain my elbows. Not everyday, someone can say that!
Things to expect if you are going for a bilateral reduction with Mammaplasty (Boob job):
~ Not pain, but annoying itchiness. No scratchy!!
~ Instant relief on shoulders and neck.
~ Coughing and Deep Breathing (which is recommended) doesn't hurt like you would expect it to.
~ Up and moving as soon as the wooziness from the drugs wore off. I just want to move around.
~ A great nursing staff makes ALL the difference.
~ Trust your Doctor: He may not do what you want, but he knows what you really need. I went in with the hopes/expectations of a D/DD cup. I think, with making them beautiful, I will end up with C/D cups. Not what I wanted, but definitely what I needed. They look like they will be perky and amazing. There is a dramatic difference for sure.
Oh, and the instant 8lb weight loss isn't bad either!
If you have any questions that I haven't covered here, feel free to ask. There will be more details as my recovery progresses.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wondering what I should look like?
Everyone is wondering what the girls will look like afterward. The best I have been able to find (size wise) is this. Click.
Obviously, my skin tone will be different, but the sizes match pretty well.
I got the call from the dr today to do my registration. I am all papered up and ready to go. The doctor prescribed a high power anti nausea pill, since I will be under for almost 4 hours. One pill = $60. Thank goodness my insurance covers it - for $20! One pill. Re-dick-ah-lous!
Well, This is the final days of prep. I have most of the house cleaned and ready for the Moms. I just need to leave a few small things for them, so they feel productive. Honestly, I just want the kids fed, changed and entertained. Cleaning is not necessary, but I know they will do it anyway, cause they are awesome like that.
Thankfully, I only have a week with the shuffling parade of parents.
Obviously, my skin tone will be different, but the sizes match pretty well.
I got the call from the dr today to do my registration. I am all papered up and ready to go. The doctor prescribed a high power anti nausea pill, since I will be under for almost 4 hours. One pill = $60. Thank goodness my insurance covers it - for $20! One pill. Re-dick-ah-lous!
Well, This is the final days of prep. I have most of the house cleaned and ready for the Moms. I just need to leave a few small things for them, so they feel productive. Honestly, I just want the kids fed, changed and entertained. Cleaning is not necessary, but I know they will do it anyway, cause they are awesome like that.
Thankfully, I only have a week with the shuffling parade of parents.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
12 days...
~
I am starting to get nervous about the surgery. Not that I don't think I will be ok. I believe that I will be just fine.
It's just the thought of being under the knife again after last year. It really takes a lot mentally out of a person to be so vulnerable so often.
I guess I will have to take solice in the fact that I can get the super uber yummy bras once the beasts are tamed!!
LOL
Peace and Love~
I am starting to get nervous about the surgery. Not that I don't think I will be ok. I believe that I will be just fine.
It's just the thought of being under the knife again after last year. It really takes a lot mentally out of a person to be so vulnerable so often.
I guess I will have to take solice in the fact that I can get the super uber yummy bras once the beasts are tamed!!
LOL
Peace and Love~
Friday, June 20, 2008
Pre Op Appointment
This morning I had my pre op appointment with the doctor. Hubby went with me , and we went over the pre and post instructions with him. We have everything set, and I am just waiting for July 21st to come now.
I have to admit, I am a little concerned. He claimed he can't guarentee cup size, but I will be "proportional". He said he thinks I will be a "D" or so, which is what I want, but I want a "D" more close to a "DD" than a "C".
Sigh. I guess I just have to wait and see. It's about the health, not the aesthetics's at this point. Besides, when I lose the boobs, I am going full tilt into walking/jogging/running (my ultimate goal), and it will be great to have the little boobs to work with.
I have to admit, I am a little concerned. He claimed he can't guarentee cup size, but I will be "proportional". He said he thinks I will be a "D" or so, which is what I want, but I want a "D" more close to a "DD" than a "C".
Sigh. I guess I just have to wait and see. It's about the health, not the aesthetics's at this point. Besides, when I lose the boobs, I am going full tilt into walking/jogging/running (my ultimate goal), and it will be great to have the little boobs to work with.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Here we go!
2 years ago, I decided to I really needed to get my breasts reduced. I have always been a heavy girl and my boobs were proportional. In highschool I topped out at 42DD. When I gave birth to my first daughter, I ended up with 46F. After the birth of my second daughter, 12 years later, I was at a very ugly saggy 46G cup. They sweat, the break out, they are just not attractive to anyone (except my husband).
I went in for my consultation back then, but had to put it off due to more urgent health matters. Now, I am healthy and ready to go! I went back to the same doctor, and we are ready to proceed.
I found out today, that my insurance company approved the surgery, which is a blessing, because there is no way I could do it without their help. So, away we go.
Due to scheduling conflicts, I am not scheduled until July 21, 2008. I will keep this updated up to and throughout the procedure.
I want to warn you, dear reader, there will be pictures. This is to document the process for anyone out there considering the same thing. I want my experience to help someone out there, if I can.
Check back - the next update will be June 19,2008 - my Pre-Op appointment.
I went in for my consultation back then, but had to put it off due to more urgent health matters. Now, I am healthy and ready to go! I went back to the same doctor, and we are ready to proceed.
I found out today, that my insurance company approved the surgery, which is a blessing, because there is no way I could do it without their help. So, away we go.
Due to scheduling conflicts, I am not scheduled until July 21, 2008. I will keep this updated up to and throughout the procedure.
I want to warn you, dear reader, there will be pictures. This is to document the process for anyone out there considering the same thing. I want my experience to help someone out there, if I can.
Check back - the next update will be June 19,2008 - my Pre-Op appointment.
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