Thank you Dr. Gibby for making this a great experience! Making the decision to have surgery isn't easy, particularly where there is so much conflicting information on the internet. You gave me all the information I needed to make a good decision, your staff is kind and caring, and I love my results!
After extensive research on doctors in the Dallas/Ft. worth area I decided on Dr. Gibby. I like the fact that she has chosen one area which she enjoys and is very good at to limit her practice to. My husband is a veterinarian and he made the same decision years ago ( you can't be really good at all ascepts of medicine and he chose to specialize in small animal medicine and surgery). Dr .Gibby has done the same thing? I give her bedside manner a 10, her staff a 10 and her pre and after care a 10. She told me exactly what to expect so there were no surprises and although I'm writing just 4 days post-op I am 100 percent pleased. I would recommend Dr. Gibby if you are thinking about getting any lypo procedure done. I had lypo on my inner and outer thighs, knees, love handles and my upper arms.
I am a 23 year young woman. Seeing my once then body, you would think I gave birth, but I didn't. I just naturally had this shelf above and below my belly button. It was also very distinctly creased. Do you know how painful it is when your mother makes this sucking in noise as she sucks in her stomach to remind you to suck in your stomach when you physically aren’t able to as you are trying to feel confident walking out the door on a date? It’s unnerving. So out came the Cooper Clinic, Nutritionist’s, trainers, Isagenix, No carbs, No sugars, Acai berry cleanse, and other erroneous methods of losing this very distinct complication of mine. One of my breaking points was in my college years, I’m laying down on my bed, with the Ab-blaster belt in place, heart pounding while I took the suggested dosage of hydroxycut. I figured if I worked on the internal and the external at the same time I would get faster results since obviously the previously stated did not work. But, my physique wasn’t me. I didn’t love myself. I didn’t love who I saw in the mirror because I knew I was better than that. How could I expect to be loved by someone else if I not first loved myself? I went to go see my doctor who suggested that I just lypo-suction the problem area. She recommended me to Dr. Gibby and before consulting my parents I made the call.
I have been small chest for my entire life and about 10 years ago after my sister had her BA done i went for a consult. I put a $500 deposit down that was good for a year and I DIDNT DO IT! Now after 2 kids (ages 3 and 6 mos) im ready as we are done having kids. My hubby ia s totally supportive and on board. We had a consult on jan 20 and schedulecmy surgery for feb 18! I have my preop this wednesday and im having a mix of emotions! I have been reading other people's stories and decided to share my own. I am not sure how many ccs i will go but definitely wanting to fill a c cup! My biggest fears are pain management and not being able to pick up my babies for a while! Updated on 11 Feb 2016: Had my pre-op appt yesterday and all went well. My pictures were pretty consistent and based on my narrow frame my dr is thinking 300-325ccs will acheive the look I want. Will go with moderate or moderate plus Mentor memory gel silicone implants. Im a week away and getting so excited and nervous all at once! Time to fill the meds and clean the house!! Im thankful we have an adjustable bed to help with laying at an incline...i think id get frustrated with propping pillows! Heres a few wish pics i took to my appt! Updated on 18 Feb 2016: Im on the other side now! Surgery was a breeze and much less scary than anticipated. Took xanax the night before to help me sleep then got a valium right before surgery. I also took Emend prior to surgery and had NO nausea from anesthia. Expensive pill but SO wotth it for me. On the way home i was out and next i remember i was in my bed. Hubby has kept me up on my meds which is helping manage pain. Eating still not going well as my mouth still dry and nothing tastes well. I took 2 pics so far but will post more tomorrow. Updated on 19 Feb 2016: For anyone considering a BA i have to say im feeling MUCH better than i expected. I was so nervous/anxious prior to my surgery and im so happy i did it. The pain is manageable as long as i take my meds on time. Xanax has helped with relaxing my muscles. Only taking 1 tylenol3 but can take 2 if needed. So far i havent needed 2. I have been able to walk around today but can tell when i need to get back in bed to rest. Still havent taken a peek yet bc i like the way the bra is keeping me supported. I dont have a compression band across my chest like i expected. Frozen peas are also working well for swelling. If anyone has questions id be happy to answer as i was a nervous wreck the day before but now im feeling a bit silly. I know everyone has a different healing experience tho... Updated on 19 Feb 2016: Still high of course. My dr said my nipples will rise once the implants drop. I hope so! Updated on 21 Feb 2016: So im day 3 post op and my pain is ok. Im only taking my tylenol#3 as needed not every 3-4 hours like i have the past 2 days. My boobs are itching and feel real tight. Only pain is reallly around my incisions (under the dold). Im light headed and really dont like that feeling. Yesterday i took my first shower and afterwards almost passed out and i was very nauseated. Im nervous to take another shower today. Is this normal? Advice on dealing with lightheaedness? Itchiness? Updated on 25 Feb 2016: Im 1 week post op and back at work today. I had my first post op appt yesterday and they removed my stitches and gave me my first set of massage techniques (basically pushing my boobs together). I bought Silagen gel strips from my dr which is proven to help with scar healing and i posted a pic with them on my incisions (under fold). Once my stitches were removed i felt so much better and can reach arms up without a pulling sensation from the incisions. Still just a tad tight up top and get those zingers people talk about. Back at work and feelimg pretty good overall! SO GLAD I DID THIS!!! Updated on 26 Feb 2016: I am posting an update to give some advice on bras post surgery. I love the Fruit of the Loom front close bras but i had to go buy the next size up today as the one i bought was squeezing the life outta me! I do think thet shrink in the wash too. Amazon sells a 2 pack for $16-$20 but Walmart has the same 2-pack for $10.94! Walmart also had a good selection of Danskin front zip bras which I like as well. If you buy bras before surgery keep the tags and receipt bc you wont know what size you will be with swelling. Lesson learned for me but at least im only out $10 and who knows maybe they will fit when im little more squishy up top!
Hi! I'm starting the journey! In one week I will be getting a full tummy tuck with intense muscle repair and no lipo. I've got a five finger gap between my ab muscles from top to bottom. It causes me physical pain from my muscles not being able to balance the ibtraabdominal pressures and also makes me look 5 months pregnant at day's end. I'm very active and in shape. The muscle separation has prevented me from performing at my best with lack of proper core engagement. I'm excited this can be fixed! I'm dreading staying still and out of the game of life and my family (18 month old and 8 years old) for so long but am trying to focus on the long term goal and that I won't be in daily pain any more once I recover from surgery. It'll be a long recovery but at least it'll be on the road to getting better, right?! :-) So, I also have deflated breasts after nursing both kids. From the clotges outside appearance it is not apparent how bad they are but I know and I'm always having to accommodate that. I decided to get a Breast augmentation as well. I'm a size 32 around and would only measure at maybe a low B but wear a 32D due to the width needed and with padding and hiked up straps it fits best. Pre-babies, I filked this size out completely. Now I do not. There are gaps. It weighs on me. I'm getting implants to fill my deflated boobs out once again. I'm restoring my abs and my breasts. :) I'm not going any larger and so from the outside they won't really appear larger (since I wear padded bras) but I will have a lot more clothing options, swimsuit options and lingerie options!!! And most of all I will be more confident in my own skin in the bedroom with lights on! I've only told my few best friends about the Breast aug as I feel it's a really private thing for me. Last summer when enough skin would have shown that someone might have seen a difference, I was still nursing so it won't be much different! Yay! It's for me and nobody else for my case anyway. I will be getting silicone, most likely moderate, and between 250 and 275cc, max 300cc. My PS will actually be putting sizers in me once pockets are created do she can view them to pick the perfect ones for my desired look. Oh my stats! I'm 5'5.5" and 120lbs. I'd love to hear from anyone about to go through this or who has for any tips! Happy journey and thanks for reading my story! Updated on 3 Apr 2015: I am due to get Aunt Flo any day now as far as I can tell... But no show so far. I'm not pregnant but my cycles aren't steady yet since I've only had two since giving birth 19 months ago (nursing I guess?) but yeah... Last time it was 35 days, time before 33 so I bet on that range and we're cutting this close! I really really don't want to deal with that during surgery or even the first week after! Surgery is Thursday! I don't know that there's anything I can do to speed it along! How crazy is it that I want it to come?!? Geez!!! Updated on 4 Apr 2015: Just a couple before photos Updated on 4 Apr 2015: Sorry! I changed my name! Hopefully it's not difficult and I still have a couple RS buddies! Updated on 5 Apr 2015: I made 19 different freezer dinners! 25 days total since some are doubles! Surely I can cook before then but that feels good! Now I don't have to worry about MIL or my mom cooking unhealthy and/or high sodium meals. Plus I'm dairy allergic and my youngest is peanut and egg allergic and wheat intolerant so it can be complicated if you aren't used to it! I also used my freshly brewed chicken/bone broth to make myself some healing chicken noodle soup for those first few days! Feeling ready!! Updated on 7 Apr 2015: Went for my last run this morning. I'm going to miss them!! Trying to stay focused on coming back stronger with a core than can eventually engage fully. Oh and my period finally decided to show up! It's usually short but I have a feeling it won't be done in 48 hours. Here's hoping though! ;) good luck to the ladies going today!!! Updated on 8 Apr 2015: I really don't think my house was even this clean the day we moved in. Seriously. :-) Proud of myself. Nothing like a life changing, long recovery surgery to put motivation into high gear! I also took my 1.5 year old to the aquarium and enjoyed every minute of it! Updated on 9 Apr 2015: I'm home! I'd been home since 4pm but slept for pretty much the rest of the night and talked to kids when actually awake. It's 1am but I'm able to keep my eyes ile so I wanted to catch up with yalls stories and now put mine out there a bit! It went great!!! I am definitely in pain. Another RSer said it best: like a hard core and chest workout but if add in sharper pain for the core. I took a couple more before hot is that show my bobs too. I got brave and figured I would want to see the difference later so I'll post those! My surgeon had my dream Pics and my natural look desire etc and I'm happy with how I think they will turn out! I teally just wanted them restored to actually filling out my 32D bra (equivalent to 34c). She's told me her method of created the pocket for the implants during surgery and then placing sizers to look at it and achieve the look perfectly and selecting my implant off of that from size to profile! It varies so much by Breast diameter and what tissue was already there. She's told me she expected it to be between 250 and 275 with a little chance of reaching 300 even. I ended up with 255cc which makes me really happy. They are definitely swollen up top as they should be but with a button up shirt and hoody, they don't look bigger than my bras which is padded to fill out! Yay!! My MIL is here this first week to help with kids and I'm being private about the Breast aug (hubs, and 3 best friends) so it was important to me. Of course I'll fill out a sports bra more and swimsuit but last time I wore a swimsuit, I was nursing still and it was also padded! They are definitely going to be better just not having to think about padding!!! And in the bedroom! Oh I can't wait! So boobs made me happy! My TT had major muscle repair which was the only reasoni even went down this path. And I'm so glad I did! My muscle separation was confirmed at a full hands width (4 inches?) wide! That's a huge portion of my waist width as a whole. Crazy. My doc said I must have really stuck out with my little guy! Which I did! BUT because if that, even though she had no doubt I would end up with an inch vertical scar because if no loose skin above my belly button, my skin managed to stretch the whole way down!!! No vertical scar so no dealing with what could possible be a harder to heal area!!! Yay!!! She said that there was no lipo as shed executed because there wasn't anything left. And my entire tattoo is gone. She had said it may have been halfway gone, etc before but it's a clean slate. That also meals she's followed a lower line approaching my hips than shed intended too. Fine by me! I haven't felt nauseous at all which was great for the ride home and still great of course. I ate some jello yesterday, then a protein shake and about 12 raspberries. Yum! I just took my pain medicine! Haha. I'm pretty excited still!! I'm definitely not trying to be a hero about pain though. I'm tough and have a high tolerance but I do want to be able to put that energy into my kids living life around me. :) I will post more tomorrow! Here's those before photos! Updated on 9 Apr 2015: Updated on 10 Apr 2015: Here's a couple current photos of my swollen beauties :) Updated on 10 Apr 2015: I'm just 1 day post op but was wondering how many ml of drainage I should be expecting when I empty every 4-5 hours. I'm 5'5.5" and 129 lbs if that matters.. Anyone know? Also how much pain meds did yAll get? I'm taking them on time because I need them but I inly got 30 (take two at a time) so I'm going to be out by tomorrow afternoon :-/ should I be transitioning to extra strength tylenol by then? Or taking down to one pill? I have Talwin. Updated on 11 Apr 2015: My doc said I could shower at 48 hours after so I plan to tomorrow morning. She told me to take off all the dressings (nonstick guaze, Neosporin, etc) and how to reapply with new ones and CG and stuff. I have one drain. It currently looks really low and come out from below CG in the middle and I see gauze around it. I wasn't told I needed to get guaze and I wasn't told how to re-dress that. I just know not the let water hit directly on the front of me but just to let the water trickle down and what not. But I have no clue how to re- arrange the drain.? Should I have hubs go get gauze so we can match how it is currently? It's the weekend so I just figured I wouldn't call my doc if it's a simple answer. What did you do for your first shower? Thank you!! Updated on 12 Apr 2015: All bandaged up still :-) Updated on 12 Apr 2015: This is me sitting on the toilet praying for poop. Nothing seems to be happening though. Grrr. Updated on 12 Apr 2015: This is what my drain set up looks like. My panties go right over it nicely! No granny panties! Updated on 12 Apr 2015: Well I made it through the shower. My husband, poor guy, about fainted so he was no help at all. The drains were the most difficult and being hunched over of course. I think it'll only get easier. I ended up using my hubs old tie and tied it around my upper torso to hang the drain as shown in the photos. I had no chair so I was pretty much in the yoga chair pose with hands up shampooing my hair got the entire time. I know if I didn't have a strong back and legs it would not have happened. My back is starting to hurt now. Not too much longer though! When taking off the dressings for the shower I started second guessing all my instructions since I didn't receive them hands on. I questioned taking the strip above the stitches off but common sense said it would come off as soon as it got wet and also wouldn't dry thoroughly if it did stay on so I took it off. My scar looks high right now but I am very hunched over still and I know they are supposed to lower as swelling goes down and stuff. My belly button just looks a mess and I didn't get to clean it very well. Incisions from immediately pants are nothing! Ha! My boils haven't hurt much at all. They are definitely high but I'm happy that I can tell my PS didn't push it with a big size and I'm going to be very pleased with the fully restored natural for my frame look that I wanted! Here are some photos from before and after shower :-) Updated on 13 Apr 2015: I'm so uncomfortable, feeling cluster phobic, dirty, itchy, lonely and bored out if my mind. I'm going stir crazy and I really just want to poop! Maybe I should just quit eating now. :-( sorry I'm so negative. It's been a long day. Updated on 14 Apr 2015: So I took another shower because I feel so gross. My tummy looks very red to me? Does it look red to you? I still haven't specifically cleaned the incision area because I was instructed not to but redressed it with Neosporin ointment. On another note, I think I can feel my drainage tube go up and around and over my belly button? It feels like a tube. I hope that's all it is. My first post op appointment is tomorrow. I'm nervous. Updated on 16 Apr 2015: I'm beyond thrilled at this point. It's crazy how it could all change after ONE day (day 6 was my turning point at my first post op appointment). I'm sure I'm going to forget something but I'm even sitting with my laptop to type this in hopes of less typos and what not. OK. I had been concerned about the redness. It was gone as soon as I'd gotten there. I think it had been from the hot shower plus extra compression padding that I had along my incisions and belly button (apparently I was something who wasn't as "dry" and labeled an oozer (as in more bloody during surgery) so they'd put more compression on with extra padding, which I then kept doing. So phew, no infection at all! I had actually thought my scar looked like it was healing too slowly and when I'd taken bandage off my bb before shower, it had bled some so i was nervous I was healing slow but turns out i'm right on track! THEY TOOK THE STITCHES OUT! ALL OF THEM! BB, Horizontal line, and BA stitches I had underneath. I was so excited! I guess there are stitches layer after layer below the surface but it was so exciting to me that it was sealed enough they weren't worried. My biggest worry about straightening (they'd put a lot of pressure on my hubs not to let me straighten or even try to start until day 5 because I'm smaller and thus tighter) was to rip my incision right open. I guess I did good! I had very little drainage in my one drain. (I really feel for you with more than one. I couldn't stand the one!) They told me the areas I showed them was indeed the drain wrapping around the front of my tummy. (You could feel it and press down to see it - gross!) It was very irritating to me but she said it was probably hitting some nerves which isn't uncommon, so you get random pains from it. So, if you haven't gotten yours out yet, there is hope! It reduced so much pain for me! Not to mention the exit point that was just extremely sensitive and right in my pubic area (where the white pads always were in the photos). So huge things! Drain out! Stitches out! I felt like I turned a huge corner. Then she asked how i was straightening and I said a little better but i was slightly worried. She said not to be, etc and that I was right on where I needed to be but not to be afraid of it at this point. It won't undo anything. It's just for my comfort now. So anyway, I got the silicone strips to put over the scars (not the bb) and no padding or anything on top of that and a nonstick pad on my bb and then put the binder back on. Only NOW it could go tighter and/or flat putting even pressure along my skin. Before I had so much padding that it creating gaps from the padding to the skin above. I now realize how much better this is! She said I could have stopped the padding after there was no oozing but I didn't remember. Oh well! So much better and now I can stand up soooo much straighter - not completely straight but she said by next week at my next appointment I probably will be! And she said as I feel comfortable I can make my way to the bed. I'm not ready yet but that's exciting. I LOVE sleeping with my hubs and that's been really hard. I know I won't be able to cuddle the same yet but that's ok. The drain pulling out did NOT feel very good. Not horrible though. It probably felt worse since it was already irritating me so much though. I was supposed to be doing these deep breaths but as soon as she started pulling I held my breath for dear life. LOL Hubs didn't hold my hand or anything as he couldn't even be near me the whole time since he's faintish around blood. Ugh. It was quick though and so much better after. :) I took pain medicine before the ride there and the drain pull after what Flab2Flat had said! I felt great all day from that. I didn't take anymore meds until near bedtime! Not even tylenol. And I'd only taken a half dose of the narcotic. Today I just had the extra strength tylenol and I"m doing good. I'm feeling so good that I'm going to lunch with a friend! :) I put a skirt on and stuff and hope I don't look too hunched over. My boobs are pretty much a secret (even MIL doesn't know who is here right now) but this friend does know. I just don't want this transition time to make it look obvious.I have a bunch of photos I will put up too. I took them today after my shower. (WHICH WAS SOOO MUCH EASIER) I even could turn around! ha! Can you tell I hit a turning point!?!! I'm sure I'll get annoyed with the slow process still but for now I'm still thrilled! Oh and my swelling isn't a ton! My waistline and even where it used to be the biggest part of my waist, are exactly the same measurement as before. :) So as swelling goes down and I stand straighter, woohoo! I had assumed it'd be bigger from swelling because I didn't have a whole lot coming off. So that's fun! OK If I think of more, I'll let you know! Ask any questions! I will post pics later! :) Updated on 16 Apr 2015: Photos! Updated on 16 Apr 2015: 1 week photos Updated on 16 Apr 2015: 1 week photos Updated on 16 Apr 2015: Also I forgot to say that I'm one f those who are OCD about weighing everyday but I'm the exact same weight fluctuating a pound both ways just like normal so that's cool! And my dimensions around my waistline (at the different points) are also identical - as I straighten and swelling goes down that will get better! Yay! Updated on 16 Apr 2015: My doc said to at minimum wear the binder a few more days but that if I want to wear my "skinny" clothes and am comfortable I could move into spanx. I'm not sure I'm ready but just thought I'd see if anyone had any favorites? Updated on 20 Apr 2015: 10 days post op photos on TT scar and bruise process Updated on 20 Apr 2015: I apparently measured wrong before. Well I'm still the same. Later I measured and thought id lost but not so. I wasn't comparing areas that time. My dimensions were about the same. But I put shorts on that did not have an elastic waistband and they would not close. Close but just short. So that was frustrating. I know I'm not 100% straight since I still feel the pull at my straightest so I thought haha I will measure my height and see if there's even a difference. Wow! More than I expected! I measure at 5'3" when I'm 5'5.5"!!! I guess I'm still compacted some and some swelling. I weigh 3 lbs less than before surgery too. My implants were about a lb or less and taken off of me from TT was less than a on so PS said those would cancel out and had told me right after that not to be alarmed if I gained from surgery because of swelling. So I'm lower so that's got to be something, right?!? I'm sure my muscles have relaxed some but so far my legs are still defined like they were. I can't imagine a weight difference in muscle and fat being that big that quickly. I'm so overanalyzibg I know but I'm so impatient that I just want good news to hold onto. My spanx that I ordered should arrive soon and I was hoping I could wear more. Looks like maxi skirts and running shorts still. And dresses maybe? (If I can hide my boobs as they are still high and since mom doesn't know and is here helping out). Does anyone know if when you wear the spanx you might swell more than when wearing the binder wrap? Anyone experience this yet? Thanks ladies! I hope all is well! Updated on 20 Apr 2015: I am a little sad. I kept telling myself that as I straighten up my scar would appear lower but everything I'm reading is saying otherwise now. My tattoo was completely removed and it was low and the line drawn for incision was low. But while I knew my scar would not be below my panty line (I wear them very low) or even my usual bikini (which is also low but only tanning by myself in backyard), it appears that my whole pubic line has gone up. :( I was expecting a vertical scar in the middle because I didn't have enough skin and that would help keep my horizontal scar low. Coming out she told me we didn't need the vertical scar and I was excited and that the entire tattoo was removed rather than just part which I thought was cool too thinking she was able to stretch my skin lower? But I feel like it looks like really just my lower skin was stretched up to compensate that. :( I didn't really bikinis before so I know it'll look flat in my one piece and under clothes but I'm bummed because I did wear tankinis and now not only will the scar show but my pubic hair will! I shave but not perfectly. And I'm already shirt waisted so I feel like it just got cut in half moving my pubic line up. I thought it'd appear lower as I stretched to standing upward but from what I'm reading, scars don't usually drop when there's more tension coming from up top. Maybe since there was tension in both directions it won't rise more as I straighten? :( at 11 days is it too early to really tell? I tried lining up my photos... Updated on 20 Apr 2015: Well one of my spanx got here!! I can fit in my bigger shorts! Yay! I'm washing the binder and wearing these under my workout shorts for the rest of the day and we'll see how I feel. The tag ended up saying they were light support for this one but I got the smallest size so hopefully that helps. So far so good. I just feel so unprotected! Haha Updated on 21 Apr 2015: Photos : 12 days post op Updated on 24 Apr 2015: Hi everyone! I just thought I'd give a quick update! I saw my PS (Dr. Dianne Gibby - she's awesome!) two days ago for my two week check up. It went great! She suggested wearing spanx to have more overall compression because my binder was allowing for more swelling in my pubis area. I'd worn spanx once before that since she has already given me permission. I got a couple and then went to Target and got the sub spanx company assets which is half the price! I wish I'd gone there first! I'm wearing lots of maxi skirts and feeling very comfortable going out and walking and living all day. I can drive now too! What what! I do notice that by the end of the day my swelling increases a lot! But laying down does the trick! It always looks best in the morning. It's still swollen in the morning but it looks pretty good! My scars are perfectly flat (even though you'll see the strip indents in the photo - there's also binder imprints because I slept in that). Anyway each day is getting better and better! I've been walking at least a couple miles a day too! :) oh and I've been using TruLemon packers in my water to help with water retention. I used them when I was pregnant and they are awesome without the chemicals of "Lemon juice" from the store and without the ability of having nonstop fresh lemons :-) happy healing! Photos will be posted next! Updated on 24 Apr 2015: 2 weeks post op photos! Boobs are looking normal and bruising is going down. Swelling is pretty steady... Updated on 30 Apr 2015: I'm doing great! I've been doing everything normal minus working out and lifting my kid but this week I'm going to start mindfully picking him up (22 lbs). My swelling is much worse at night though I do think it's getting better. I've been wearing spanx during the day and binder at night. I've been doing my breast massages and continuing the scar strips. Two weeks done with those and still using the originals! I'm sleeping on my side now too. I feel like I'm starting to connect my muscles - like engaging them without intending too and then realizing I just used my abs and it didn't hurt. :) I see my doc on Monday for my 4 week follow up a couple days early because I have a conflict on our normal day. Excited to be told I can gradually build to running again!!! That'd be cool! Here are some updated photos! Still swollen (though more in evening as these photos were taken in the morning) and still have lines from the cg/binder since I took photos after taking it off :-) Oh and I wore my normal jeans the other day!!! All day!!! It was crazy! Haha Updated on 7 May 2015: I had my 4 week appointment the other day. She said I'm doing great. I'm to continue inplant massages and scar treatment but was told to take the strips off for a couple days and then start up again. I've been cleared to normal activities like picking up my kid, doing the deed and anything else just making sure to listen to my body. I've started lifting my 19 month old more, and did my hubs that night..we've been doing everything but already though so it was awesome. It's amazing what some confidence does! Wow. I'm just back to my pre baby size but he married me when my first was 5 so he actually never saw that. So this is fun :) it's my birthday today too! Woohoo! We went out to get dessert and wine at Cheesecake Factory (I get their bowl of strawberries because I'm allergic to dairy) and the waiter gave me a shot! I guess he didn't realize how I don't drink often! Lol it was good though :) here are some pics but I don't know that much has changed. Oh and I'm going to wean off compression at night if I feel ok :) I haven't tried yet but have been wearing spanx type stuff. Happy healing!! Updated on 8 May 2015: Swell photos! 4 weeks - happy it's not quite as uncomfortable now though! Updated on 11 May 2015: I ran 2 miles! It felt good! No pain. I could feel I hadn't ran for four weeks though! Haha it felt strangely like I did running at the end of my pregnancy: bigger boobs, legs seemed heavy (compared to carrying more weight when pregnant?) and I wasn't engaging my core. Haha. Yay! Success! I'm so excited! I went yesterday. Updated on 22 May 2015: I skipped a week but it seemed like not much had changed, just progressively getting better. I've been doing my massages and my MUTU and Tuppler TVA ab strengthening exercises. I feel amazing. This last week has been a huge turning point I think. I don't even think about my boobs or tummy at all during the day! I'm just wearing spanx type thong panties that go almost to bra line, some are lower (designed for lower tummy control) and I haven't noticed any increase in swelling. I've been rough housing with my kids on the ground and having a blast. I've even taken the bob running stroller out with my 20 month old! Oh and I'm on my period and no extra swelling either! I'm pretty much fitting in ALL of my clothes from pre-surgery. None of the jeans irritate my incision or anything. I am officially allowed to wear underwire but haven't tried yet. Most of my bras have padding (minus three) and I really need one that is a nude color so before investing I want to wait another week probably. I don't have any without padding that are nude. Unfortunately I have 3 brand new bras that have padding (which make them not fit) that are 32D which I think will still be my size or 32DD (which is my non underwire one I have on right now, it's black.) Anyway! YAY! I'm still doing my scar treatment, for another two weeks I think and then will see. My scar is actually a white line in some areas!! It seems like the skin around the scar is darker still but I suppose that will fade too and I expect the scar to get more red before it gets better again (at least that is my understanding, that it gets worse in color again before it gets better). YAY! I'll post pics in a few. My implants are still dropping...but that's ok! :) Happy healing! Updated on 22 May 2015: Feeling great! Updated on 7 Jun 2015: The photos are only of my tummy. My breasts haven't dropped and don't look different. Doc says it will take time but it's better to go slow than fast. I had my appointment last Wednesday and am no longer using scar strips and am no longer using a binder during the day or night. I'm wearing all my normal clothes (I was hesitant about jeans shorts without the cushion between the scar and shorts but all is well!). I'm running 3 mornings a week at 4+ miles. I've only done 4 runs so far and holy moly 6-7 weeks off does a number. I'm not back to my normal pace but it's not my torso that bothers me. I think it's just getting back in shape. I've been fighting an ear infection too so that might also be part of it. I'm going to start lap swims once or twice a week this week also. I was given the no restrictions green light also and feel great!!!
New here. Almost 30 year old mom (end of Dec) of two beautiful babes. One is almost 5 yo and the other is 2.5. I breastfed my son for 18m and my dd is actually still nursing currently at 2.5yo. We are in the process of gently weaning and once finished Mommy wants her boobs back! Before kids I was a barely B, when nursing my largest size was full C (LOVED THEM) and now, 48 months total of breastfeeding I am a very deflated, no upper pole, B cup. I'm 5'8 weigh 132. B cup hoping for full C (or maybe even small D, sigh, the greed already.) Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Looking through some old pics, trying to find likes and don't likes with my breast size changes over the years of nursing. Updated on 21 Dec 2013: I now have consults scheduled with the two PS I'm interested in. Monday February 3rd was the first day one office had available, and since they are five minutes from each other and an hour from my house, I scheduled them on the same day. Feb. 3rd 10am- Dr. Gibby 1:45pm- Dr. Rohrich Updated on 3 Jan 2014: Sick as a dog today with what I hope is just a horrible sinus infection and not the flu. Earlier today I realized it's January 3rd, which means ONE month until my two consults! :) Updated on 6 Jan 2014: I can't bring myself to go to the explant discussions. Is that bad? Not wanting to face the reality of what could/has happened to others? Updated on 6 Jan 2014: Today my husband found some old pictures of me from when my daughter was only 9mo and I was much fuller (nursing). Man I miss the volume, especially the upper pole I once had. My hope is to return to the full C I was whens she was a newborn. Updated on 9 Jan 2014: After 6 weeks of a gentle weaning process, my 2.5 year old daughter and I have closed the total 49 month chapter of my life that was breastfeeding. It was wonderful, no regrets, but I am also now happy to have my body back to myself. Today marks one week of weaning. I went bra shopping last night, seeing as how I've been nursing so long I had no regular bras, only nursing bras. I'm sad to say I no longer am a B cup, I now only fill up an A cup. Honestly it just solidified my wanting breast augmentation. Ill only be an A cup for a few months. Updated on 21 Jan 2014: I just found out my grandma will be in town the first three weeks of March! My mom will be on Spring Break (hs counselor) the 2nd week of March. I'm in the post-weaning wait process, PS rcmd 12 weeks post nursing to allow your breasts to return to non-lactating state. 12 weeks would be the 3rd week of March. I'm going to ask at my consult (feb 3rd) if they would do BA at 10 weeks instead of 12. That would mean I would have much more help taking care of me and my two kiddos (almost 5 & 2.5) Of course if they say the results wouldn't be as good, or ssomething similar, I'll wait. I'm hoping, that since we were extended breastfeeding, and I wasn't making a huge amount of milk, that perhaps that shaves off some of the wait time. I guess I'll find out on Feb.3rd, which is so close, yet so far away. Thankfully I have my son's bday party and a mini winter vacation to keep my mind preoccupied for the next few days. Updated on 29 Jan 2014: 5 days until my two consults. Hoping to decide which PS and make surgery appt after 2nd consult. I'm afraid I will think of more questions AFTER my consults. Here is my list so far: Method for muscle separation? Technique for dissecting implant pocket? Cautery or blunt dissection? How long in recovery? 380cc? Same or different cc's ? Will nipples become more uneven? Bottoming out? Rippling? Capsular contraction? Symmastia? rate of encapsulation? Post-op complications? $$$? What questions am I forgetting? Is it Monday yet? Updated on 31 Jan 2014: Woohoo only the weekend stands between me and my two consults. I'm petting the finishing touches on my wish pics to take to PS. Updated on 3 Feb 2014: I had two consults today and I scheduledmy surgery date today! Friday March 7th is the big day, pre-op two weeks from now, Feb 19th. I had consults with Dr. Gibby and Dr. Rohrich, chose Dr. Gibby, LOVED HER! So, 4 weeks to make to do lists and prep,llet the fun begin! Updated on 11 Feb 2014: Pre-op is in 8 days. My homework from consult is to find more ps pics (ss opposed to selfies) that have the same beginning shape as mine so that I can see a more true possible outcome. Also, I received my Pre-Op packet in the mail a few days ago and I'm almost finished reading through all of the paperwork. Next up is to make a list of things to do, and things to buy! I'm getting nervous thinking about the minutes before surgery, especially the iv. That part scares the crap out of me. Updated on 17 Feb 2014: Even though my surgery date is 3 weeks earlier than I thought it'd be, I'm still having trouble waiting. The more I think about my BA, the more time I spend on here, the slower life feels. Pre-Op is in 2 days, and then surgery is 2 weeks +2days after that. I have plenty of things to do this week, and week of surgery will be spent cleaning. Next week is the week I think is going to crawl by. Part of me is secretly hoping that at my pre-op in two days they magically tell me there's been a cancellation and can I come in tomorrow for surgery. Ahh, a girl can dream. Updated on 23 Feb 2014: Pre-op went well, nothing terribly exciting. Signed my life away, had pictures taken of my breasts, went over more like and don't like pics I brought. Got a run down of how long to expect surgery to last and in office recovery. Now just have to wait it out. I was pleasantly surprised when filling my prescriptions that they only came out to be around $67 for all four. I was expecting around $200. Went ahead and bought stool softener, gauze pads,(ps rcmd) non-adherent dressing(ps rcmd), silicon scar sheets, bendy straws, polysporin ointment (ps rcmd). Still need to buy the danskin front closure bra from Wal-Mart, along with low sodium soup, crackers, 7-up. Bought my arm rest pillow the other day since I've read great reviews about those. Just found out that my parents are taking my kids camping the weekend of my surgery so that will be something really fun for them to do while I'm recovering. Alright, I'm tired and rambling. 12 more days :) Is it here yet? Updated on 2 Mar 2014: Grrr, just wrote this long post on my phone only for it to get erased. Quick version: *Can't believe I'm actually doing this! *Bought all supplies except for front closure bra and fruit. *In case I haven't mentioned: Saline, around 350cc, under muscle, breast fold incision. Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Holy [RS bleep] tomorrow is my BA! Sorry ladies, but the reality of this has just hit me. I've been so busy planning and cleaning that I haven't really stopped to let myself get nervous, until now. Time for the xanax they said I could take before bed. Leave here at 7am, he+ drive depending on traffic, need to be there at 9am. Is this real life? Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Only had enough energy to try on one shirt for before and afters. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: All done. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: All done done and home. Keep passing asleep with my mouth wide open. Trying to post picture. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: Pictures aren't cooperating with me. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: Pictures aren't cooperating with me. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: Hoping I don't fall asleep too many times trying to write this. Took a xanax last night, didn't help still woke up multiple times a night. Alarm set for 640, woke up at 630. We had to leave at 7am, appointment was at 9am. Arrived 30 minutes early. At about 9:10 they called me back, hubby stayed in waiting room for a few minutes. They had me pee in a cup for pregnancy test, weighed me, took blood pressure, then had me take a valium, and 2 pills for nausea. Soon after I changed into the surgery gown, and my husband came into the room. He and I waited and talked, laughed (the valium was nice as previously I was freaking out). Finally Dr. Gibby came in, made her markings and asked if I had any other questions. I didn't, so she said she would see me soon. Next the anesthesiologist came in, talked about using the lidocaine to make the IV less painful (TOTALLY WORKED) and made sure I didn't eat or drink after midnight. A little later, the nurse came in, I put on my hair net, and she asked if I was ready. We all walked out of the room, my husband headed for the lobby, the nurse and I headed for the OR. Next I climbed onto a super warm bed, had the IV put in, leg compression machine on my calves, and next thing I know I woke up in the recovery room! WOW! I felt tons of pressure on my chest, but not super real pain. About 30 minutes (or an hour) later they wheeled me to the truck and my husband drove me home. He said I was super annoying (in a loving way) and kept asking all of the same questions over and over. He laughed, but said it got old fast. Throughout the afternoon I would try to text my friends, falling asleep at least twice during each text. As soon as I would fall asleep, I would wake up about 15 min later. Never sleeping for any large amount of time. Weird. Anyhoo, keeping up with meds, have only fallen asleep once during this message, and still feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest. Or like I had an intense chest workout, and my milk is coming in all in the same day. My husband said he asked the PS what cc's she used (had planned for somewhere around 350cc but I knew she would make the final decision in the OR based on my pictures. Turns out she used (according to my husband) 440 and 450cc. I told her I wanted to err on the side of a bit too big, and fit into a large c, small D. We shall see. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: 130am, and holy cow, the tightness! Woke up 20 minutes before my pain meds alarm went off. Went ahead and took 2 vicodin. I'll reassess at 430 and decide 1 v, 2 v, or 1 v + 1 xanax. Currently feels like two elephant sitting on my chest. Poor hubby is doing such a great job taking care of me. Even has to pull my pants up and down to pee. Updated on 8 Mar 2014: Its Morning Boob Somewhere. Ugh I've been sleeping off and on all day, and each time I wake up my boobs are stiff. Kinda like when you're pregnant and have morning sickness that really lasts all day. Appetite still great, had biscuit and bacon for lunch, arbys cheddar melt for lunch, crackers and cheese for snack, and about to have one of my prepared freezer meals of Poppy Seed Chicken for dinner. Had a nice nap and still drifting off typing this. Updated on 8 Mar 2014: Hubby took pic for me. Post-Op day 1 Updated on 8 Mar 2014: Dr. Gibby just called to check on me and see how I was doing. She said to call her with any questions or concerns. Love her and feel so confident with her as my PS! Oh another note, I feel constantly hungry. Hubby asked if I wanted a little 9pm snack, so I sent him back to Arbys for the same thing I ate at lunch. Weird bc we never go to Arbys but its the only thing that sounded appealing. Oh well, I'm chugging water like no ones business so I'm not concerned about salt intake. Updated on 9 Mar 2014: Finally showered tonight. Actually I stood there while my husband washed me. Still took every ounce of energy I had. So tired and sore now. Updated on 11 Mar 2014: Well I was suppose to have childcare lined up for today, but things fell through a bit. My 5yr and 2.5yo are pretty self sufficient when they want to be, so I'm managing. Hubby got all snacks, breakfasts, lunches, everything all pre-made and laid out on the counter and fridge. He's planning on taking off Thursday, but just couldn't today, so he did everything he could do ahead of time. Great guy I tell ya. So yesterday I took half a pain pill every 4 hours, last night I took a full pain pill every 3 hours (really wanted a GOOD night sleep) and today I'm trying out one extra strength Tylenol every 4 hours. So far so good. I'm still feeling super pressure and tightness. Can't say that I've been in real pain this whole time, just LOTS of heaviness and pressure at the worst of it. I'm still not sure when I should start trying to move my arms around more. My instructions said keep arm movement to a minimum for the first 48hrs, not sure past that. Bc this is SPring Break, my first post-op appointment won't be until Monday which will be 10 days post-op. I'm fine with that, I've read enough stories on here to not be super concerned with anything. Still sleeping upright in the recliner in our bedroom, although now I'm able to slightly turn to one side or the other. Haven't been brave enough to try laying down flat. Last night I took the surgical bra off for about 30 minutes to free the ladies. PS said I can wear it, or a sports bra, or no bra, doesn't matter, just no underwire. The surgical bra had been cutting into my underarms a bit so I thought perhaps the Danskin sports bra I bought would feel better. The surgical bra is a 36C set on the loosest hook. The sports bra is 36D and felt like I was going to explode it was so tight. No idea what all that means, but I put the surgical bra back on and sucked it up. Yesterday I had one very small bowel movement, but I'm still super crazy bloated and really need to go. I'm sure it doesn't help that since I got out of surgery I've been super hungry and have been eating a lot. Hmm, what else, I feel like I'm blabbering on and on. I'm doing my best to not pick up anything too heavy, kids understand they have to hug me very carefully and slowly. I got my hand caught behind my daughter this morning and hurt my armpit muscle pretty bad for about a minute or two, but it feels ok now. I still have crazy frankenboob, my husband thinks it's hilarious. Good thing I prepared him for what recovery looks like. Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Boobie Blues have set in. Thoughts like "will I ever feel normal again, without tightness and heaviness alllll the time?" "will I ever sleep on my stomach again?" "Were little boobs really so bad?" I know in reality these are silly questions, and that in a few weeks I will re-read this and laugh, but right now, as I'm laying here heavy chested, trying to get comfortable upright in a recliner just feet away from my once comfy bed, I want to cry. Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Picture Update 5 days post-op. Crazy boobs. Updated on 13 Mar 2014: Today has been so much better, crazy the difference ONE DAY can make. I woke up with WAY LESS pressure, and for once didn't feel like my breastbone was going to crack open. I'm still sore, for sure, but man the heaviness is so much less. I also noticed they don't seem to look as crazy today. Not sure if that is swelling going down or boobs dropping the tiniest bit. Either way, I'll take it!!! Answered prayers! :) Updated on 16 Mar 2014: So one week and a few days post-op. Feeling pretty good. Much better than this time a week ago. Sleeping is still a pain, so I've still been sleeping in the recliner. I feel like in the recliner I have more support when I turn slightly and also like being able to quickly adjust how reclined I am. I tried two nights in a row days 6&7 to sleep in my bed slightly propped up with two pillows and about two hours later moved to the recliner bc I was uncomfortable. Time heals all wounds..even from a BA. Actually the difficult part ids still taking things easy even though I'm feeling better each day. I want to pick up my kids, wrestle with them, ride my bike, exercise, HAVE SEX, but all of these are off limits at least 2 more weeks. Tomorrow is my first post-op, a few days later than normal so Dr.Gibby could enjoy spring break with her kids :) I'm eager to start massages that I'm sure she'll give me and also hear how she thinks I'm healing up. Updated on 23 Mar 2014: 2 weeks (and 2 days) post-op. Feeling great! Still have a slightly limited range of motion, and still taking it very easy for another 2 weeks per doctor's orders. No heavy lifting, no exercising, just protecting the investment and avoiding causing a bleed until 4 weeks post-op. My breasts are getting (a little) softer every day, I'm currently still doing my first set of massage exercises that I was given at my 1 week post-op which is pushing my breasts together as close as possible, holding for ten seconds, and releasing. Ten times, twice a day. I go back this Wednesday for my 2 week post-op appt and will be given a different massage exercise to do. Starting today I no longer need to put polysporin on the incisions and cover with dressings. I will now begin the scar treatment. I have purchased ScarAway silicone sheets, I'm to wear those as much as possible for 4 weeks I believe, or longer if I desire. I'll probably try to do 8 weeks. Yesterday as I was looking at my incisions I noticed my right breast has a small Mondor's Cord. Thanks to this website I know what they are, and didn't freak out. I'll mention it to my PS on Wednesday at my appt, if it is still there. Sleeping is getting better. Sometimes I sleep in the bed, other times the recliner. I am now able to sleep on my sides, with a pillow behind me for support, a pillow between my knees (leftover habit from pregnancy days) and a pillow in front of the breast that is touching the bed, for my top hand/arm to rest on, bc it is uncomfortable for my arm to lay on top of my top breast. Most days that I do sleep on my sides, I wake up with breasts feeling rock hard and very sore. Not fun. I guess you just have to decide if the comfort of sleeping on your side is work the sore boobs in the morning. Sometimes it is, and when it isn't, I sleep in the recliner. I will post picture separately for fear of losing this entry, real self can be finicky sometimes. :) Updated on 30 Mar 2014: 3 weeks (+2days). I had my 2 week post-op last Wednesday, PS said everything is looking great. She said what I thought was a mondor's cord was just internal stitching, dont worry about it. She gave me another massage exercise to do morning and night in addition to the firstone. These massages are done to keep the pocket wide and open so that the implant has lots of room to move around and movement would look natural, and also, a wide open pocket helps drastically cut down on the chances of capsular contracture. So now in addition to my squeezing in massage, I'm also now pushing up my implants. PS said once I hit the 4 week mark I can slowly get back into exercise and activities. 5 more days!! I still wake up a bit sore from sleeping on my sides. Updated on 5 Apr 2014: Forgot to add 3 week pics Updated on 5 May 2014: Holy cow 8 weeks have passed already! Time flies when you have great boobs! This past Wednesday I went back for my 8 week check up, Dr. Gibby said I look perfect and I don't have to go back for 6 months! I still do my exercises just a few times a day, just to keep the pocket wide. My husband and I are both still a little shocked at how soft my boobs are, and he says it has really boosted my confidence in the bedroom. :) When I used to read on here about women saying "I forget I have them" I thought there was no way I would ever get to that point, but thankfully I have! My SIL asked me today if I were to do it all over again would I? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!! I love my new ladies and would do it again in a heartbeat! Updated on 5 May 2014: One more Before and After. Before and After (8wks) My assymetry is nearly non-existent thanks to Dr. Gibby, my AMAZING PS!!!
I am scheduled for BA July 19th. I am getting very excited yet also nervous! My Pre Op is July 10th where we will go over size, meds, take pictures and finalize payment. I have always wanted BA because of my small size and after two children I am 36 almost A. I wear the best VS bra there is, but I still don't fill it and I am always pulling it down. 25 Days and counting! Updated on 29 Jun 2013: Ok... I'm finally posting the REAL me pictures... I am not even an "A" cup! I just turned 48 am 5'8 and 138lbs. I have had 2 children and nursed them both. I'm hoping to be more proportioned and have a natural look! Will keep yawl posted! Updated on 3 Jul 2013: Ok... 16 days until my surgery and I am getting a littler nervous! My pre-op is scheduled for July 10th... My husband is going to go with me. Not sure if he can go in, but want him to be able to be as informed as possible since he will be taking care of me. I bought us baseball game tickets for our anniversary which the game is the week after my surgery and the day after my post op. I'm nervous it will be too hot as its a day game and I may get too sweaty. My ps said it may not be a good idea as my insition may be affected... Any way... Will keep yawl posted! Updated on 10 Jul 2013: This morning was my pre-op! It went well! My hubby came with me so he could have as much information as he could since he is taking care of me afterwards. My ps and I didn't discuss actual size, but we went over pictures and she has a good idea of what I am looking for. I'm hoping they won't be too small. My hubby dropped off my RX at the pharmacy and ill pick those up when they are ready. I missed my EKG appointment so I have to go back tomorrow morning. My BP was high in the office today, even though I took my RX. I'm sure it's because I had coffee and was so nervous. Updated on 12 Jul 2013: I can't believe it's only 1 week till my surgery!! I'm getting everything done to prepare! Got my hair done last night and will be getting the house cleaned next week so I won't be stressed and my husband won't have to do anything. EKG was yesterday and all is well! Just counting down now! It's all I seem to think about! Kind of nervous what my co-workers will think hen I come back with boobs. I know it doesn't matter what they think but still... Updated on 16 Jul 2013: I only have three days to go! I'm getting nervous about the surgery but excited! So glad my husband is going to be with me! Have my scrips, I layed out what I'm gonna wear that day and did some house work over the weekend. Gonna have a maid service come clean the floors, my kitchen and the bathrooms really good the day before. Hubby is traveling for work and I'm working later hours this week as we have someone out on vacation. With it to have the house clean so I won't stress about it! Updated on 20 Jul 2013: Ok.. its 7:30am and its almost 24 hours since my surgery. I arrived at the Dr. offic at 7:45 where I was checked in (made sure several times why I was there and what type of implant I was getting - silicone or sailine). I was weighed, BP was taken and I had to take a pregnancy test to to be sure. I was then given a Xanax, something for my tummy and something else which I dont remember.. LOL. Then, I changed into the surgical gown, had a beautiful net put on my hair (hubby was still with me at this point and took a video) and then Dr. Gibby came in and marked my breasts. Once my husband left and I was ready I made it to the surgical room. When I laid down, they removed my gown from the top to my waist and put these compression wraps on my calfs that would squeeze my legs to keep my cirulation and imitate walking. My anestesiologist started to put my iv in my arm but when she put it in it hurt and she said it was swelling so she moved it to my hand. MUCH BETTER... She said "I am going to give you a margarita, I make a great margarita." A few minutes later I started to feel pretty good and said "I love margaritas and I can feel it." and that was it was starting to kick in and that is all I remember. Next the nurse was waking me up and having me take some pain medication and spoon fed me ice with sprite and I got to eat some crackers. They told me my husband was on his way to pick me up and he came in and was with me while I was trying to wake up before going to get the car. Man was I TIRED.. I felt like I was going to get sick a couple of times but I didnt! YAY! I really didnt want to get sick. I had a bra on which they told me was basically just to hold my gauze in place as they didnt use tape which could cause scaring. The nurse helped me get dressed and wheeled me out to the car. I was first wheeled thru an area where it was all medical staff, then I was out where there were regular people. At that time she said "keep your eyes open"... I tried but man it was so hard. I got in the car and slept on the ride home.. I had a pretty rough day of it. Once I would take a pain med, I was out like a light! I moved to the couch a couple of times but I could not get up by myself and being on the couch wasnt as comfortable as the bed. I didnt seem to have much problem resting propped up. It seemed like everytime I would get up and move from one place to the other I would shake uncontrolably and was SO cold. I had a rough night.. My husband set a timer of when to get up and give me my pain meds and my antibiotic. I also took Xanax with my pain meds when I went to bed. At 1:30am I woke up to go pee and take my meds and when I got up to head to the bathroom, I was shaking so bad. My whole body.... It hurt my chest a lot and it made it very hard to pee. When I got back tot he bed.. still shaking, I was in a lot of pain!!!!! I took my meds and covered up and finally stopped shaking.. cried! :(... Got up every 4 hours to take my pain meds and xanax and slept surprisingly well. This morning I am like a new person. My implants are of course sitting high and really tight but I am sitting up in bed with and ice pack on my chest. I was able to get myself sitting up and am able to move my arms pretty good. I had to losen my bra a little to help with pain and after yesterday I am feeling much better. The test will be moving out into the living room or just getting up and moving around which I had a tough time of yesterday. Here is an updated picture. Will be able to shower tomorrow so once I take my bra off, I'll post a new one. Not the best picture as we dont have a lot of lights on but you can see how high they are sitting. More later! Updated on 20 Jul 2013: Updated on 22 Jul 2013: I know its only been 3 days since my surgery but I sure wish they would drop already... I have the typical riding high, tight and odd shaped breasts at this early stage. Am finding that morning time is the toughest as I am so tight. I am taking it as easy as I can. God Bless my husband! What a trooper. It has been a little overwhelming for him to take care of every need I have, plus the house, my son and the animals... But he is doing a GREAT JOB!! My butt is feeling tired and sore from trying to stay and sleep in an upright position as I cant sleep on my side. I can turn slightly but my breasts hurt when I do that. Should be getting my massages to do when I go see my Dr. on Wednesday for my post op and hoping to go to the Rangers vs Yankees game on Thursday if I can handle it. I just have to be patient and as another woman said "listen to my body"... Updated on 24 Jul 2013: Today was my post op. Finally found out that I received 380cc in my left breast (Lita) and 385 in my right (Rita).. LOL... I am doing great today. Havent taken my Pain meds or anything today. I had a rough day yesterday after my shower. It was a work out and I was only down to 2 Vicodin and was worried if I took them I wouldnt have anything to help me sleep and that is what I needed the most!! Sleep is so important and its hard to stay sleeping upright every night. Though my back didnt bother me, my butt did.. ugh!! After my shower I got so emotional and even worried that my breasts were too large, especially not aware of how many cc's I was getting. I cried and became anxious.. Now I know why they gave me the Xanax. Helps so much... I got my stiches out today! I only had 3 on each side. I got a scar management gel sheeting which I peel off the backing, place it on my scar and reuse it after each shower until it either doesnt stick anymore or falls apart. This will help my scar become more soft and straight with zero bumps or lumps. Healing / compression strip.....Highly recommended!! Got out and shopped for sports bra that I can wear to work because there is no way I could wear a regular bra right now and when I am ready I'm gonna shop for some great sexy bra's. I feel great about my choice and Love Dr. Gibby!! Will post pics later. Updated on 24 Jul 2013: Updated on 25 Jul 2013: I have gained a few lbs with the constipation as well as trying to relax and heal and I ate.... Sue me... LOL! I'll br back on track ASAP! Updated on 27 Jul 2013: I am feeling really great. Still have limits on what I can do as far as house work etc. I slept great last night. Best nights sleep so far and I am pretty much off my pain medication. I am sleeping almost totally either flat on my back and I can sleep slightly on my side as long as I am propted up. When I took my shower yesterday and was drying off, I accidentally rubbed my left incision site with the towel and it hurt like crazy. Both incision sites are really sore now too. My husband and I are both motorcycle riders and I have my own bike but knew I wouldnt be able to ride for at least 6 weeks but thought I could ride with my husband yesterday.. NO WAY.. too bouncy and we just rode to the grocery store and back... THAT was painful. I guess no riding even as passanger for a few weeks.. My ladies are both feeling more soft and I feel they have gone down a little weather its swelling or they have dropped some or both.. ?? I am doing my first massages or exercises at least twice a day by pushing lightly by breasts together towards each other, counting to 10 and releasing... doing 10 sets of 10. If I can do it more often, I do. Drove to breakfast yesterday and feel I can drive this coming up week when I go back to work.. Updated on 30 Jul 2013: Today is my second day back to work and I feel pretty good. Can't walk as fast as I normally do an taking a shower is still hard. Mostly when I raise my hands to wash my hair, my insicion sites pull and hurt. They are super sore too! I can't wear my surgical bra as its too small. I wore a less supportive bra yesterday to work and my boobs ached so I out on my sports bra when I got home and slept in that. I get more support. My shoulders and neck area are tight too. I knew that may happen but I know it will go away with time. I keep getting pains in my insicion sites and its so sore below them. I have the gel strips on and they look to be healing very nicely just so painful. I have been doing my breast excersizes by pushing together and go for my next follow up next Tuesday where I think they will give me excersizes to so pushing up but I'm nervous about that with my insicion sites being so sore. Anyone had that issue? Updated on 2 Aug 2013: Today I feel great! Almost back to my 100% self. My pain is virtually gone. I do have some sharp pains in my left breast when it moves a certain way. I was able to actually sleep flat last night and even some on my side!!! Yay! My incision sites are almost not even noticeable (have kept on the silastic gel strips. They are awesome! My sites are still tender and hard but know that will go away in time. I still feel muscle twinges when I use my arms a certain way but no pain. I am pushing them together everyday, several times a day with no issues and they can almost touch each other. Should get new massages to do next follow up which is Tuesday. My breasts have home down a lot as far as swelling and they don't look so odd shaped anymore!! Love them! Will post updated pics soon! Updated on 16 Aug 2013: Sorry it’s been a while since my last update. It’s been over 1 week since my 2nd post op visit and it went really well. I was given pushing up massages to do now so I am doing both up and together twice a day, but I also do them at my desk at work if I can. The more the better she said. Also, I am now able to sleep pretty comfortably on my sides which helps push them together so that’s a plus. I have gained weight and I know some of it is from the implants themselves but the 2 weeks after my surgery I ate like a pig! I got the ok to start doing low impact workout and walked last night which felt great! My husband is going to get me an elliptical so I can start really working out and I am so excited about it. I am posting a picture that I took last night. I think they look great and my husband loves them too!! Big plus!! My incisions look really good and I am now on my second set of gel strips so they last a long time and really help the scaring. I still have big bumps under there but that should eventually go away. I still have to be careful doing certain things with my arms like pushing or pulling like when cleaning dishes or the house etc. But I feel great and am really happy I did this.. now just lose a few pounds! Until Next Time!! Updated on 12 Feb 2014: I am finally posting an update. It is now 7 months after surgery and I am very happy with my results. My right breast seems a little smaller than my left but it hasnt totally dropped yet. I had less breast tissue and that breast was smaller so Dr. Gibby put about 5 cc's more saline in so she told me it would take longer to drop. I go for a follow up I think in April or May. This was the best decision I have ever made. !!
According to your photos, you appear to be a good candidate for abdominal contouring with liposuction. Your photos do not show a lot of skin laxity, but of course, the best procedure for you to achieve the goals you desire can be determined at the time of your initial consultation when your surgeon has the opportunity to examine you and evaluate the degree of skin laxity.
Although it would take a physical exam to determine which procedure would be best for you, it appears that liposuction would be a good option according to the photos you have submitted. You may also choose to contour additional areas at the same time. Have you been able to resume your physical activities and working out with your personal trainer since your injury? Although I do not require patients to be at their optimal weight when performing body contouring surgery, it is always beneficial to be on a good healthful eating and exercise program to complement your surgical results.
As long as you have completed your development, which most women have done by age 18, the most important issue is that you are mature enough to make an informed decision regarding implants. Research this issue thoroughly, and choose a surgeon that answers all your questions regarding this procedure as well as the maintenance issues involved. Your surgeon should also be thoughtful and helpful in your decision about the proper implant that will help you achieve your goals.
There are several factors involved in choosing the implant that will best help you achieve your goals. Obviously, the most important, is the volume of the implant, but your surgeon must also match that volume with your existing breast volume and rib cage, or base of breast, measurements. For the same volume (in your case you are suggesting 700 cc's) you should select an implant that also mirrors your rib cage measurements. A moderate profile implant will have a wider base and slightly less projection than a high profile implant. A high profile implant, because of it's narrow base and more projection, will achieve the best aesthetic results in a patient with a narrow rib cage, or base of breast, measurements. Your surgeon can determine the best profile for you at the time of your initial consultation.
To obtain the best cosmetic result, you are a good candidate for a combined abdominoplasty and liposculpture produre. This would address all issues involved: skin laxity, localized adiposity and muscle relaxation which is tightened with this procedure. Many women get disappointed because weight loss typically makes the skin laxity look worse, all of which can be tightened at the time you elect to have the procedure. Congratulations on your weight loss!
