Stephan L. Ralston, MD (retired)

I've been tiny my I entire life. I have been anywhere between a double a cup any 32 B at the most and that's VS size. I grew up with my mom being lingerie model and having implants my entire life so my view on how I should look growing up was obviously skewed. The day I turned 18 I wanted to get the surgery but decided to wait. Finally at 24 I found the right doctor had the right photos and before and after ideas thanks to this awesome website. Wanting the natural look but wanting to fill out a bathing suit, backless shirt, and not play the disappearing act when the bombshell bra came off. Dr. Ralston gave me exactly that! Going back-and-forth on my sizers he decided 400 CC would be a good fit... I looked at the pictures of the Sizer's for two months on my friend and was concerned it would be too big as I did not want everyone to know. The morning of my surgery I expressed my concerns stated I wanted to be on the big side of natural. He addressed my concerns and when I got out of surgery I ended up getting 350 CC and 375 CC It's honestly an up-and-down of emotions that nobody can really be ready for regardless of how many reviews you read. I had to go to back to work within 48 hours of my surgery so I relied on the muscle relaxers and pain killers to keep me going. It's very difficult to be an independent person and not be able to go to the bathroom by yourself or feed yourself. Then the next month you look at these rockhard torpedoes of boobs and think you made a terrible mistake. They are swollen and they hurt and being stomach sleeper it made my life a living hell. Three months into it I broke down and told my other half I made a terrible mistake and thought I was going to be in this pain for the rest of my life. also, being an athletic person it really messes with you not being able to go to the gym. I went from 123 pounds to 152 pounds in six months. This created even more problems for me. At first they seemed way too big to me. Then as they deflated after you get used to them for being attached to you for year when they go away it makes you sad and you contemplate if you should've gone bigger. I say this now being a 32 double D and overflowing the cup at that. I have the same problem was finding shirts and bras for my tiny frame but now for opposite reasons of the spectrum.... two years later, they have now dropped and fluffed and settled in size. Overall I am very happy with them after the swelling has gone down the volume loss did make me sad, but the suppleness makes up for it leaps and bounds. Despite the hell you have to go through, I would do it again in a heartbeat but would be more mentally ready of the long-term pain I did not anticipate. I feel I am proportionate, I feel much more confident, but I definitely did not understand cup sizes and their connotations as I wouldn't have ever thought a DD would look proportionate

I had a procedure done by Dr. Ralston, and he was amazing. But what was even cooler is that his staff was 100% invested in my recovery. I was out of state and coukd send pictures of my incisions when I had questions and they were so great with responding!

I am scheduled for a tummy tuck in Utah on October 7th and I cant wait!!! I am 5'6" I weigh 160 and in better shape now than I was in my 30's. I have always been thin and kept active (somewhat) my whole life. After the birth of my kids, who weighed 9lbs and 10lbs, I just would workout a bit and lose the weight pretty easy. I never however had a lot of muscle, I was an old school cardio queen! It wasn't until 2013 after I had my ovaries removed, my oldest son went into the Air Force, and my father passed away that I went into a deep depression, didn't do anything active and put on 50 lbs! Whew. That was a rough time for me and my family. It took me a year to get my self back to normal and have a V8 moment of "wtf did you do to yourself! ?" It was then I hired a personal trainer and climbed my way out of that depression and back to ME!! I found me again! A kickass, funny, beautiful, in shape lean muscle packing woman! I love lifting weights and I now work for the same personal trainer I hired!! I teach fitness classes that consist of line dancing and dance cardio! I am also studying fir my NASM CPT certification! I know first hand what it's like to gain the weight, and struggle to lose it!!! Finally I am ready to have my tummy tuck! I have lost my weight and am still sculpting my body but my tummy is skin and it hangs and pooches and I HATE IT!!! I just want it gone. I will meet the dr in Utah this weekend and see of he suggests any lipo of flanks or just tummy tuck! I am jacked!!! Did I mention my niece is coming up from cali and having hers done at the same time??? Yes! Someone to heal with. I'm thankful I found this place and hope to connect with you all. I will post some before pics and chat later! Updated on 20 Aug 2015: I leave in the morning for a weekend getaway that ends with my face to face consultation with Dr Ralston. I cant wait to get away and chill. My youngest and last son leaves for college on Sept 25th and we got him all signed up for the dorms today. I've been wicked wicked emotional all day over it. I had to teach fitness class tonight which im thankful for as I need some cardio to release some of this emotion. OKAY.... enough of that..... I have my consult Monday the 24th at 3:30pm. I just want him to say, oh ya you will have great results and this will turn out great! Otherwise I may throat punch him...ahahhhahhah just kidding....I think! LOL Anyway, my Ma, and 2 older sisters are coming and we are going to shop and hit some flea markets and just relax. They have a pool and workout room at the hotel so I will be keeping up with my training also while im gone. Well,have a great weekend everyone and I will update after my consult!!! Updated on 24 Aug 2015: Well, we made it to Utah Friday afternoon! My nephew was there on tdy from Florida, he is in the Air Force. We got to meet up, go to lunch and dinner and do some shopping! It was a great visit. We hadn't seen him for a couple of years so it was amazing. We got some rest and then Saturday we did more shopping and checked out Ogden. What a gorgeous area. Sunday we went to Park City and they have a huge street market with vendors and food, this was my favorite! Amazing deals and so so pretty! My Ma, me and sisters are always having a good time. We like to just live life, joke, laugh, sing, dance, and we are stand up comics always out doing one another. Never a dull moment. We had a blast! Today I finally had my face to face with Dr. I was so excited and nervous. I had butterflies LOL!! The nurse Linda was so nice and sweet. Answered all my questions I had. She explained everything in detail before Dr came in. When Dr Ralston came in my first impression was the feeling of peace and calm. He was so nice and made me at ease. Explained things to me again. Looked at my tummy and said I would have good results, so I didn't have to throat punch him, hahahah!!!! I am going to do lipo of the flank areas to help enhance the results and make everything balance out better. Normally on its own it is 2500k but with the tummy tuck he gives a 500 dollar discount. So 8000k total now for TT, muscle repair tightening, and lipo of flanks! I just felt better knowing it would look better with the lipo. He said I'm at great weight and had me Kay down to make sure I had enough skin to pull tight without a 2" vertical stitch (which would cause scar) above vaginal area. He's pretty sure he won't need to do that. I am okay if he does. I am not looking to wear a string bikini. I will opt for boy cut bottoms and bikini top of I choose to wear one. I just want to be able to lay on my side and spoon with my husband and have him run my belly without feeling a handful of DOUGH! We have been married for 23 1/2 years and he has seen every inch of me but I still cringe when he gets near my stomach! I hate that he has to touch it with all that skin. Or (TMI) when we are intimate and I am on all fours, my tummy hangs like a combo of pizza dough, taffy , and deflated water balloons! It's so distracting to me and I'm wicked self conscious grrrrrrr! So, I am about 6-7 weeks out from what seems like a surgery I've waited forever for. I am nervous, anxious, and excited. I just want good results and a good recovery. I will follow his orders to a T!!! I am a good patient and want the best outcome. If he says stand on one leg, play with your left breast and sing Yankee Doodle dandee once a day to help your recovery., hell yeah I will be singing that [RS bleep] and grabbing my boob with pride! Hahahahahah okay. I'm tired I think...... I shall sign off for now and here are a few photos from our getaway. Chat soon friends. Updated on 4 Sep 2015: Just thought I'd write an update about what I'm doing to keep busy before surgery! My youngest son graduated last year and is headed off to college. It's just an hour away but he is my baby and we are pretty close. He has my crazy personality and I am going to MISS him being here every night. We laugh at the same stupid crap! He is all registered, and just need to wait for move in day on the 25th of Seorwmber. So, to prepare for when he is gone and to keep busy between that and surgery day I have increased my workout regimen at the gym and really tightened up my nutrition. As I mentioned previously in my review I have worked hard in the gym for about 20 months and have lost about 40lbs! I have allowed a treat meal once a week since starting my training but for the last few weeks I've indulged a bit more and more so I have stopped that quick! Went back to the basics and just eating really clean but cut out all starches, grains, and no treat meals for 2 weeks! I feel better too! Although I did detox a couple of days from all the cramp food I was indulging in. My workouts have been so much more efficient as well! I have been KILLIN' it in the gym. Doing box jumps and hanging reverse ab crunches that I never thought possible..... Makes me SMILE BIG! I love lifting heavy and I love what it's done for my body composition! So the first week I shed 3.5lbs and that was rewarding. Although I'm sure some of that was water weight from eating crappy about half was probably fat loss and I'm totally jacked about that!!! Slow and steady is the way to keep it off! No quick fixes or you will ruin your metabolism and regain weight with even more along with it! Been there done that bought the tshirt!! HAHA SO I will continue to be a beast in the gym and I also work there too and teach fitness classes twice a week. I LOVE it so much. It's a workout but it's a getaway for me. We line dance with choreography I do and I love every second of it. It is very rewarding to see a group of people dancing to your collaborations. I am also studying for my Personal Training certification. I will then teach classes and be a personal trainer. My dream job!!! I love love what I do! I just wish I would have started sooner. So while I am recovering from surgery I will be reviewing all information I've studied and take my test at about 3 to 4 weeks out! Then hopefully I pass and by the time I am 6 weeks post op I can return ready to train clients. Fingers crossed everything falls into place and works out! Well for now I am going to go watch some football! College football team is playing shortly. Boise State Broncos!!! Have a good night ;) Updated on 4 Sep 2015: I wanted to add pic of me watching game. It wouldn't let me edit and add LOL! So here I am sporting my Broncos #ibleedblue Updated on 13 Sep 2015: Well, my great niece is 6yrs old and on a cheer squad. so so cute I might add. My niece is their cheer coach. She called my and asked if I would choreograph a dance for the team and of course I said YES!!! I love to scream and yell, and I live to dance! I decided to compose some simple steps to Uptown Funk, as every kid I know loves that song.... including this BIG KID. The ages on the team range from 4 through 10yrs. the older kids got this down in like 2 run throughs and the younger ones took a lonnnnngggger time. However in the end they KILLED IT! So, on Saturday we marched out on that 50 yard line and we did our little ditty, yes I said WE!!! THIS Momma, Mimi, wife, 45yr old woman got out there and led those littles and I ROCKED IT..... well in their eyes I did!!! I have lived in this town for over 25 years and everyone knows that "Donna" is outgoing and doesn't give a [RS bleep] about being the center of attention, so it was all fun! and for the record I DID ROCK THAT SHIZ!!! So as we leave the field, the girls were all hooting and hollering and looking all cute and I on the other hand was sweating BALLZZZZ, the sun was hot beaming down on me, and I have ZERO hormones left and the sweat was rolling its way down my back, I mean there was no glistening this [RS bleep] was POURING!!! If I had balls they would be officially soup,,,,,,ball fricken soup..... I was still pretty, just sayin!!! hahhaha so I leave you with that visual.. I had a blast and I will be back down there next weekend to do it again. Its those moments in life I treasure. I will wait in anticipation for my granddaughter to be 4 and I will help her team too... (minus the ball sweat) oh and by then I will have a flat tummy YEAH ME. I will add a few pictures because it wont let me upload a video. I will keep trying though. They were adorable. Until my next adventure xoxoxo Updated on 13 Sep 2015: Updated on 17 Sep 2015: I just received the packet that outlines everything for surgery today. I just finished reading them all!!! WHEW!!! Holy shiz balls! I just wanna throw up! Like I want this TT and lipo so much but this just made it so very real and all the complications listed, I literally feel like I have some of them NOW!!!!! I'm a freak AHHHHHH!!!! Like omg maybe my legs feel weird, I may have a blood clot right now,,,,or I could be anemic as we speak cuz I'm really tired, and my head hurts so I maybe I have a tumor and can't have surgery, OR I have a cut and I don't think it's healing fast so does that mean I won't heal fast and I will get necrosis and I will have an opened wound and it will be horrible and it won't be worth any of what I'm about to do!!!!!!! I would google it but I know I will find out that my arm needs amputated by the time that search is done!!!! I need to hit the hay! Sleep and have nightmares about that paperwork! Like just tell me to sign it. I don't want a list of [RS bleep] that can happen!!! THANKS A LOT!!!! Updated on 20 Sep 2015: Needed a weekend getaway to calm some nerves. So, since it was our Ma's birthday we took her 3hra away to a gambling town and spent the night! Holy crap! Let me just say,,,,HOLY SMOKE!!! I feel like I smoked a carton of cigarettes. I sounded like Marge Simpson last night! I kept putting sanitizer under my nose so I could smell that instead. Oh I used to be a smoker and I don't have a problem with people who choose to smoke but that casino was UP IN SMOKE like cheech and Chong! For real! Except I don't get a contact high! Otherwise I probably would of been happy Hahahahhahaha!!! We did have a blast. My ma and sisters and I can have a good time in a Walmart! I love them. Here are a few pictures to showcase our weekend. Updated on 20 Sep 2015: Why didn't they post!??? Now they are upside down grrrrrr Updated on 29 Sep 2015: So I'm a bundle of nerves,,,,oh yes I am!!! My tummy is full of butterflies and I feel that if I sneeze I may shoot a salad out my butt due to the nerves making a feeling of "diarrhea salad" mmmmm there is a visual for all of YOU!!!! Anyway, my son is all loved in to his dorm, the hubs is in Kentucky on business and I am studying for my CPT and I have a class tomorrow that I have to attend for cpr and aed! This way it is done befor surgery and hopefully I can take my exam while I am recovering and pass and start my own business journey! I will be starting classes under my business name "Fit Body Fitness" and after I am certified as personal trainer I will do group training as well. I am so excited! I just want to heal well, be Flat, and no major complications!!! I miss my son, he has struggled being away and that's made my heart break for him. So a LOT of stress. I need to relax but I don't know how. Hahahah anyway, just thought I'd share my anxiety I'm having. My niece will be here in 5 days!!!!! Maybe that will help me feel better. Knowing I have someone to go through this with does help and she is one of my best friends too! We will be sexy flat tummy [RS bleep] together SOON!!!!! I did feel good today. I got out of my gym clothes, put on some makeup, did my hair, and went and had lunch with my son! Here is a pic of me heading to see him!!! Sometimes ya just have to make yourself up and feel PRETTY!!! I was still secretly hoping I didn't sneeze,,,,,,LOL!!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Well, today consisted of going by my Ma's house and trying out her new recliners she bought for me and my niece to recover in!!! She needed them but got them now for us to be comfortable after surgery as well! She is an amazing woman!!! They are wicked nice!!! Big comfy and recline all the way back! I took a pic of me smiling as I'm sure that won't be happening after surgery so I thought I'd document that shiz NOW! Hahahahah Next I went and had my blood work drawn! That was quick and easy! It took longer to drive to the hospital than it did to get the vial withdrawn! So now I wait for my dr to tell me all is clear and that we are good to go for surgery!!!! I still have wicked butterflies in my stomach. It's so crazy. I cannot stop them. Well I'm headed out the door to go see my son at the dorms again. He had some fundraising to do and I have to go drop off the funds from businesses here that donated!!! Hope all is well with everyone. I'm so damn nervous!!!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Just a quick update! Spoke to the doctor office and the blood work was faxed, received, and OKAYED!!! Whew! So glad! So now I really am all systems go for next Wednesday! Omgoodness. My tummy has a million butterflies. I just want everything to go smooth. I'm a wreck! I can't wait for my niece to get here on Saturday so I can feel better and have someone next to me that gets how I am feeling!!! Okay okay I need to go look up more pics of Tummy Tucks before and afters LOL!!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Okay so I've made an update 3x in like an HOUR!!!! WTH???!!!! I am a bundle of nerves and just need to chat apparently! So I decided to go with my original fitness business name "BE FIT TRAINING" I just like it better and I like the logo I designed and well don't judge me,,,, you don't know my life!!!!! Hahahahah!!! So this way it's fitness classes and bootcamp classes and I can do group personal training too! I want to offer this lifestyle I have been given to others at a reasonable rate and I obviously want to make money, but I'm doing this as a side business and I want everyone to be able to afford it! So that's what I am going to do. Offer competitive rates and use my awesome CHARM and outgoing personality to get people to want to workout with me and bust a MOVE to awesome music and lose weight while doing it!!! It's a win win people! Okay so I am attaching a pic of my logo for the business. I will leave everyone alone for the evening. MAYBE!!!! ;) Updated on 1 Oct 2015: Updated on 3 Oct 2015: So my niece finally got here tonight!!! I am so excited and feel so so much better!!! We gave my sister and my mom their gifts! They loved them. My sister and my Ma bought us MATCHING old school "housecoats" in different colors!!! LOL!!! We were dying laughing as they remind us of My Ma's era. So we did a mini photo session to let y'all see how SEXY we are in these things.....and did I mention they have POCKETS,,,,,I mean come on people....these are seriously the BOMB! HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA Anyway I bought me and my niece matching sexy undies, some cute tube socks, and I bought her a tote and she bought me a new crossover purse and a wicked cute dress for after surgery!!!! It was like Christmas. My sister and Ma bought me new cute swim boy shorts and dress too! So enjoy our little photo shoot! Hahahah Updated on 5 Oct 2015: We are here y'all!!! We made it and will be headed in to Doctor for my niece finally appointment before she has her surgery tomorrow morning! Mine is Wednesday morning and we are SHITTING our brains out.....literally!!!! Excitement and nervousness is all setting in! We will keep y'all updated. Xoxoxoxo Updated on 5 Oct 2015: Well we went and seen Dr Ralston today! My niece had her appointment for consult/pre op and I went back with her for extra questions I had. Ya know, the typical "just make me flat ok!?, you'll make me flat right!?", " so like I will be flat and not poochy down here (as I grab my lower pooch fat for the dr) right!?" He was totally impressed I think by how much skin I could grab with my tiny delicate beautiful hands (LOL)!!!! Oh then I said "hey, show me exactly where you will be liposuctioning my flanks, ok!?" I didn't give him time to really respond before I stood up in the middle of the room and tugged my shorts down a bit to show him my LOOOVEEE(ewwww) handles,,,,,and he circled the area, which was larger than I had anticipated, with his finger and I then was like,,,,,,,HELL TO THE YA!!! That was all with my inner voice however as the room was full. I was so excited inside. He did use the words "this area will be reduced " yep he said REDUCED!!!! I like that word! Better than PROTRUDE....which I cannot stand and that's what they do now! So it was a success. We received our post op instructions verbally, we received our prescriptions that we filled tonight and GUESS WHAT!???? I asked the nurse if I gave her my phone during surgery if she would take pics with it of myself at the different stages,,,,, she said,,, YES OF COURSE! So I will get before pics, pics what he removes with measurements, I want pic of skin up and muscle repair if possible, and pic of me all sutured up before my garment is put on! I'm excited to see all that after. I think it will be cool to have. Anyway. I am nervous. But I do feel better after seeing him today. He is so patient and kind and explains everything so well! The nurse was so amazing also. No sugar coating [RS bleep]!!! She said, it's going to hurt, and well that's that!!! Hahahah I'm not going to lie she said. I tell the truth. It will hurt but it's totally doable! So I will post an update here on my niece tomorrow. We head in for hers at 9am!!!! Chat later girls Xoxooxxo AHHHHHHH!!!! Updated on 6 Oct 2015: Hey all just a quick update to let y'all know that my niece Nola2727 has made it to the flat side!!!! We are just waiting to follow her over to the rehabilitation center where she will stay for 24hrs before heading back to Idaho and recovering at my Ma's house!!! I seen pics from the doctor of the work her dos and all I can say is OMG!!!! She is FLAT and tight!!! He said he has exceeded his own expectations and she will LOVE her results! Thanks for all the prayers and love for her. I go in tomorrow. My update may take a few days as I won't have anyone to post for me, LOL!!! Thanks everyone. Xoxoox Updated on 6 Oct 2015: So I have one more sleep everyone! I can't believe it. I'm here now in the recovery center looking at my niece in her hospital bed all doped up on morphine! I've already met all the nurses and cna's I will have tomorrow when I am here. That's so weird. She said it just feels like there is a ton of weight on her abdomen! She was a bit emotional but that was because she said it was all just overwhelming and then her drugs kicked in and she is officially DROOLING down her shoulder! Lol. She looks so amazing. I can't even say enough how great her results are going to be. I am so excited and happy for her! So here are a few fun pics of me outside Dr Ralston office this afternoon! He is so warm and really cares about his work! He was so JACKED to show us my niece's pics! Seriously so amazing. Updated on 7 Oct 2015: I am laying here in hotel bed. Hubs is snoring and I am hoping I don't cough and shoot nervous salad diarrhea on his back and legs! HAHAHAHHA I'm anxious., excited., nervous., and just want to start healing! The after recover place we go to for 24 hrs is a rehab/nursing home type place. They are under staffed so that worries me a bit! They a re wicked nice and all but [RS bleep] they took their time getting nola2727 her meds and antibiotics and her compression cuffs for her legs were [RS bleep]! So My sister ripped their ASS and well they have been like princesses and er docs when she needs something. Now the run with their hair flying back Hahahaha so she told them my sister will be here today and you better not make her wait for [RS bleep] or I will be back! I may get gifts out of this people hahah anyway I'm going to go now. I'm nervous and anxious and I just want it to hurry the hell up and be over,., get up.,., heal and be flat and happy! I will post in a few days when I have my wits about me. Xooxo Updated on 7 Oct 2015: Updated on 7 Oct 2015: Well my surgery has been postponed :/ I have irregular heart beats and my heart was skipping beats like every other beat. So, I AM not going to risk dying and neither is Dr Ralston, obviously! I'm sad and disappointed but I want to walk out of the operating room not in an ambulance headed to the ER for a failed heart. So now I go see a cardiologist and get him to sign off that I'm ok to be under anethesia and I can come back and have the surgery. Just thought I'd give a quick update to all of you girls. I know you all would be waiting to hear! Xoxoxoox Updated on 7 Oct 2015: So...2years ago I seen a cardiologist for my heart. It would skip beats etc. I had an ekg,., echocardiogram., and a sonogram of the heart. Everything was good and healthy. The cardiologist told me it was healthy and that it was just what my heart did! So., I went about my business and never thought of it again. This morning while I was being hooked up the anethesia doc was very concerned as it kept skipping every other beat, then it was only every four, but then would go back to every other! He was just nervous and didn't want to continue without me re visiting my cardiologist I seen 2 years ago and getting a clearance and a 2 thumbs up for surgery! So that is what I am doing. I go tomorrow at 11. See what they say and go from there. Dr Ralston office gave me the print out of the ekg this morning for them to look at and if it's a go and normal than they will fax Dr Ralston and sign off of clearance to do my surgery. If it we will treat what they find, get it better and then do surgery. So I will be able to have it but later! So either in 2 weeks or later. Fingers crossed its normal and ok to proceed. Keep me in your prayers tonight please!!!! Love you all for the support. Xoxoxoox Updated on 8 Oct 2015: So I went in and had the cardiologist and they read the heart monitor output that the anethesiologist printed for me. Their response was "please tell me they did not stop your surgery because of this" so ya! I have benign pvc's! My heart doesn't skip a beat but fires early on every other beat. So it still pumps blood it just doesn't fill up all the way before it does this. They did a new EKG and it showed the same thing and nothing worrysome! They also did an echocardiogram just to send so my plastic surgeon can see that my heart is structurally fine. So the cardiologist will read that today and write a realease for surgery as long as the echo looks good. Everything else looked great. So that's where we are at right now. I have scheduled a new surgery date but I don't want to jinx anything so I'm not going to let everyone know. I know I know probably stupid but I just don't want to go through another let down just in case. I will let everyone know when I have the 100% clear! Right now it looks good. 75% good to go. Just waiting on the echo results tomorrow. Thanks everyone for all your love and prayers. Please keep them coming xoxoxox Updated on 12 Oct 2015: Well I spoke to my cardiologist and my echocardiogram was fine and normal! So they are prepping the results and letter to send to my plastic surgeon....clearing me for surgery! I will speak to my plastic surgeon after they review the test results with their anethesiologist and see if that is enough for them. My cardiologist said they won't run a stress test due to the fact my echocardiogram was normal. It showed normal blood flow and structure of my heart. If my plastic surgeon wants me to have one they will have to order it in order for them to run it! So., my heart is good. Now it's up to my PS to say okay let's do it. The cardiologist was a little confused after all these tests they want more but we shall see! I do know that when I head down its a 100% go for surgery and I want the green light before I make that trip again. So let's hope they say okay! It's so confusing to the cardiologist why it wouldn't be enough!? We have looked at my heart every which way! If they want a stress test ran I'm fine with it., I just want to get it done asap. So that's where I sit. I hope all goes well. My niece Nola2727 is doing amazing. She is tiring easily but seriously looks so good! Walking hunched but still getting around great. Her tummy looks amazing! I seen it yesterday. Im looking forward to being that flat! Thanks everyone for your sweet comments and support! Please keep my in your thoughts that this can be a go and all goes well! Xoxoxo Updated on 13 Oct 2015: Well Dr Ralston office called me and confirmed that the anesthesiologist was good and comfortable with all my tests. One request....NO caffeine. I haven't had any since last Friday! And wow what a headache I had the first day. I guess caffeine makes pvc's more frequent so I gave that up. Lots of water and I have caffeine free diet on hand if I get a craving. I have been back on my iron pills. 1/2 dose because my belly can't handle a full pill. So far that is working well. So now I just need to prepare myself mentally again and get this done. I do have a date :) I just will keep that secret until after I'm out of surgery I will let y'all know. I'm excited and just trying to be calm. I'm not as stressed as I was last time. I think I just am grateful everything is ok and it's a go. So I will be chatting later. Thanks everyone for the support. Keep the prayers and good vibes coming please. :) xoxoxox Updated on 21 Oct 2015: Just wanted everyone to know I am now FLAT FLAT!!!! I am out of it but wanted to YELL it from the rooftops. I will post more later! Updated on 22 Oct 2015: Thanks all for your live and support. Here are a couple pics with my CG on. But holy shiz balls I'm flat. So exciting. Updated on 27 Oct 2015: I am one week post op and doing better daily. I am getting my drains out tonight. My friend who is an RN is coming iver and doing that for me. Whew. One less thing to worry about. I finally had a bm also! I know prob tmi but I was like good grief how long can [RS bleep] stay inside me! My goodness I was getting nervous. My belly looks amazing. Flat and tight. My first glimpse I just cried because I couldn't believe how amazing it was even with the swelling. Yes the swelling.,,,,,I am more swollen on my flank area from the lipo. Is anyone else noticing that!? I know I just had major surgery and it's only been a week but when do you start to see a reduction in swelling back there!? I am so excited to see the end result I'm getting antsy hahaha!!! I did it. I actually had a tummy tuck. I have wanted this for so long I'm still in awe that it's done. I'm so glad I did it. I just want to see that swelling around my hips and back go down to appreciate it all! Patient! Patient! So what else????......hmmmmmm I took off my garment and changed all my dressing and got rid of a lot too WOW I was extremely exhausted from it all. Like I needed a nap. Lol. I also went outside and walked up to the corner and I couldn't wait to sit down for a break. I worked out before and I wonder how people who don't workout get through this with out being dead tired! I will post a side by side of my tummy from before surgery vs 5days PO. It was right before I took out my belly button plug. What a difference. I will post tomorrow everyone. Thanks for all your support xoxoxoox Updated on 27 Oct 2015: I had my drains pulled tonight! Yay! My girlfriend who is an RN comes out and checks on me and she came out and visited me and pulled my drains also! So now one less thing to worry about and one step closer to full on healing! Let me just say this,,,,I had a salad for dinner and it was AMAZEBALLS!!! Like I made sweet mouth love to that lettuce mix with mushrooms, boiled eggs, onions, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, and a bit of ranch dressing! OMG I want more now. The only other thing than can top that salad is the amazing feeling I have right now from the ice bag that is on my Va jay jay.......oh wow.....ice on the vagina...... Feels SO AMAZING!!!!!! I have been having a burning sensation on my right side by incision and it is so annoying! This ice is the answer Whoop! Okay. Going to try and sleep. Until next time my faithful TT sisters. Xoxoxox Updated on 30 Oct 2015: Well., I am back home now. I was recovering at my Ma's house because the hubs was out of town on business. I'm sleeping on my couch in the living room and the hubs is staying in the room next to me which is our TV room. This couch is so comfy and firm and makes my back feel better. I'm now noticing my hips are so sore to touch. Almost like if you catch it on the corner of the counter "yowza ". My girlfriend the RN came out this morning and took out my belly button stitches and we got me in the shower! Oh sweet mother of all things orgasmic!!!!! It was amazing! I literally just sat there at first and let the hand held shower head water run down my flat ass sexy belly onto my cute ass Va jay jay!!! Yep you heard me. I looked down and was able to see my vagina, without holding in my skin hang flap [RS bleep] that I hated for so long! It was glorious! Before I entered the shower I stood naked in the mirror looking at my reflection, even through the swelling, and I thought HOT DAMN YOU SEXY [RS bleep]! Hahah Nah.....well......yah kinda but not in a conceded selfish way, it was in a Holy [RS bleep] this is what my belly was suppose to look like so it matched the rest of my body! I've worked my ass of in the gym and in the kitchen with my nutrition and that skin, and those pucker scars just didn't go with the rest of me. I HAD to have the skin removed as you can't lose skin and I am so so happy I made the choice to do this! So., after I lusted after myself and wanted to throw myself on the floor and have sex with myself., I did have the shower and washed my hair and proceeded to get out,,,,,,, OUCH!!!! I was out of my garment for probably an hour and i was more swollen and so raw and vulnerable feeling. It was scary. We finally stuffed me back in to my new garment and I am on the couch ready for a nap! That felt so good but damn it was so exhausting hahah Later my daughter in laws sister gets married so I am going to attempt to go to the wedding., give a kiss., and head home., I will have had a FULL day!!! My granddaughter is the flower girl. She is 17months and beautiful so I wanted to see her too. I will add some comparison pics and I will check in after a few days. Xoxoxoxo Updated on 4 Nov 2015: 2 weeks already! I am doing much better. Standing up more but still have a slight hunch. I'm itchy from healing and my hump back from lipo has gone down significantly but I am still so swollen. My belly button is so cute. I like how it turned out. It's numb which is weird to touch and the area around it is too. My skin is starting to get dry I think that is from the healing process as well. I try and unzip and unhook the garment once on the morning and at night to itch and to rub my body for about 5 min. It feels good. I do like it when I zip back up though. I feel safe. I wonder if I will ever feel good out of this thing!? Hmmmmm I've gone out a few times with my Ma and hubs. It is nice to get out and then I'm so exhausted when I get home. I am scheduled to resume fitness classes in 3 weeks. Wow! I hope I can. It makes me nervous thinking of twisting and turning and shaking my hips. Right now there is NO WAY! Anyway., I woke up feeling good and thought hey let's try on some bikini bottoms. I paired them with a cute sports bra. I was FLOORED! I haven't worn a bikini since I was 19 maybe 21! I couldn't believe it. So exciting. I loved what I seen in the mirror. I hope everything keeps getting better and better as the swelling goes down. I did notice at the ends of my scar it is a bit weird like but I can't have everything I guess. So here are a couple photos. And a pic of me before I started This weight loss journey and a pic of me now! Enjoy! Xoxoxo Updated on 10 Nov 2015: I have reached the 3 week PO mark! I am doing much better. Getting around better also. My skin is so sensitive almost like a sunburn and tight too! I also have noticed certain spots internally where it's like a pulling sensation. I compare it to when I was pregnant and my kids would move inside me. It's weird. I have been undoing my garment and taking breaks of being without it on in the evening. It's nice. I ice my belly and then get back in it! I will be glad to be done with it altogether. It can be a bit annoying. The side hooks dig in to my skin so I have feminine pads there to cushion it. Lol. My personal body armor! Hahaha. I went out and drove for the first time and dos some shopping. I was gone with my Ma for about 3 hrs. I was wicked swollen when I got home. I looked in the mirror expecting a horrendous view but my reflection wasn't bad but BOY did I feel stuffed. Like a damn leftover in the garment. I am also sleeping on my side on the couch. That is so amazing too. I can't wait to be in bed with the hubs. I will prob wait another week. Just to be safe. I wore a tight fitting dress to town also and it was so cute. No saggy protruding pooch tummy and I was HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY about that. I love being flat. I am excited to start working out. I hope I can do cardio after next week and lift weights after 6 weeks. I will ease into it. 30 minute sessions and listen to my body. I just miss it. And I NEED it. I feel weird not working out. It's been 5 weeks so far. Ugh. I'm going to be slow moving that first workout. Oh well. I will have muscle memory and soon be kicking ass. Here are a couple of pics. O will post in another week. Until then my TT sisters xoxoxoox Updated on 18 Nov 2015: What a turning point when you hit 4 weeks. I do feel so much better and getting back to normal. I drive and getting out on shopping and errand adventures. It does wipe me out and I need a nap sometimes but it's good to get out. I've enjoyed putting on some old clothes that were too tight due to my skin pooch and that's so exciting!!!! I love seeing my body., abs., how I've always envisioned them to be. I NEED to start working out. I have been eating crappy too! But I should be able to start next week so I will start kicking ass again! I did go today to Walmart with my Ma for some groceries and I decided to venture without my garment. I have been taking breaks at night for several hours from it and have done fine. Well..... It was HORRIBLE. I have a pulling internally on right side and it was killing me. Then I could literally feel the swelling start., so as we were checking out i crouched down to take a rest., when I went to stand I got a wicked sharp pulling and pain up my side. I literally cried on the spot! It just kicked my ass! So., my poor ma felt bad and was trying to ouch 2 carts and loading grocery bags! Now she is 78yrs young and very active but I usually do all that for her so I felt horrible. She is such an amazing woman. I love her so much. She takes such good care of me and my family. She is a giver. The godmother (aka godfather the movie) we call her. She means everything to us and her opinion and her presence in our life means the world to us all! She is just incredible. So anyway I hated watching her having to do all that for me. So I am now home with my garment on and chilling on couch WHEW! Feels good. Here are some pics of me in some of my clothes., panties., and my legging outfit today! Feels good to be FLAT!!!! Updated on 2 Dec 2015: So I am 6 weeks PO!!! Say whaaaaa!!!! I am starting to feel like normal again. I am able to drive, sleep on my side and roll to my other side, lift my granddaughter, and I started weight lifting workouts this week! I was a bit sore after so I am only doing 3x a week as my abs were tender but it's a start! I am also out of my compression garment all together! I do wear a long soft cami next to my skin as it is still so sensitive and that helps. If I have jeans on I tuck it in so the jeans don't rub against my scar and irritate it! Other than that I am good and gearing up for Christmas! The hubs and I had a date night over night in a hotel and went and watched Kevin Hart live! He is HILARIOUS! Love him! I did wear my garment for this due to all the laughing and I'm glad I did! Hahahah I will add some photos! Thanks girls. I will update next week or so and see how I'm adapting to the workouts! Xoxoxoox

After dreaming about implants since high school I finally decided to look into it. I had a friend that went to Dr ralston a few years ago and absolutely loved him and the whole staff. I called and went to a FREE consultation and everything was very well explained. They went over and beyond to answer any and all questions I had and not only let me know the good things about getting a ba they also made sure I fully understood the risks, and what could happen. Which I loved that they were so boldly honest!!! Most places want to get you in get your money. I did not feel like that at all with Dr ralston and his staff! After ba I called multiple times with questions, concerns as I had never had this done before and wasn't really sure what was normal and what was not. They were so nice and answered and reassured me everything was fine! Post op appt. Dr ralston came in took his time with me answered any and all questions I had!!! I would recommend this dr to anyone!!!! Loved my experience!! And new boobies!!!

I wanted new breasts for 16 years. The first surgeon I saw in Seattle told me when I was 20 years old (and saggy even then) to wait until I have children then get new breasts. I'm glad followed his advice but he retired a few years ago. I saw another doctor in Seattle for another consult last year. She was very expensive. My friend told me about Dr. Ralston in Ogden Utah that had done her friend's breasts. I checked his medical license- clear. I read reviews- all good. I questioned why his price was cheaper. It's because he has a good heart and wants surgery to be affordable. He even gave me a discount for being a nurse. Even with airfare, hotel, and other travel expenses I saved over $3K. Dr. Ralston and his office are friendly but at the same time professional. When I got scared right before surgery and almost cancelled they had the anesthesiologist talk to me. As a nurse I can tell when medical staff cares, they care. As a woman, I love my new look and it hasn't even been two weeks post op. Updated on 4 May 2015: Waiting for my implants to drop. I have amazing cleavage right now because they are still pretty high. Had my stitches around my areoles taken out by my boyfriend who is a medic. No issues there, barely a noticeable scar and it will fade. I think one thing that helped with pain control post op was instead of taking 1-2 tablets of Percocet every four to six hours, I took a half tablet every two to three hours. It kept my pain level at a constant low and I didn't have to wait for the pain to come down. I'm going bikini shopping as soon these implants drop. This pic is nine days after surgery and I was really excited about my surgical results. Sorry I didn't post it sooner I've been busy???? Updated on 10 May 2015: I have a painful cordlike area under my right breast on my rib cage when I extend my right arm slightly. When I rest I don't notice it. Possibly a pulled muscle? My bf said he had something similar after a hernia repair and that it eventually went away. Anyone else experience this? I have anchor incisions. Updated on 11 May 2015: I'm told that area on my right rib cage is a surgery 'band' and will go away. I can massage it and make it go away faster. Updated on 7 Jun 2015: My implants feel very real, the size is in proportion to my body. Dr. Ralston did a good job deciding my implant size. My incisions under my breasts itch at times- my only complaint. I wish I had done this surgery sooner. I feel much more confident and feminine now.

My advice is be sure you are ready. Its a healing process that can take awhile. Follow doctors advice. Im an active person and its been a struggle to be patient. I thought after two week Id be good to go. Patients! Patient! Good luck on your journey and remember you are not alone. Feel your emotions!

I can NOT stress enough how pleased I am with not only my surgery but also the care that has been given along the way. I had a breast reduction and lift. Dr Ralston and his staff were dead on with the results I was looking for. They answered every question at my consultation, the day of surgery, and every day after. My follow up was so pleasant. Never did I wait in the waiting room my than 5 minutes. I hope you READ this post. I am a 43 year old woman who did her research. At the end of the day chose Dr Ralston. And he did not let me down. If ever I decide to have anything else done, I will use him. Not even have a second opinion. Thank you staff for making this a wonderful experience!!!

Dr Ralston in Ogden UT was so amazing. His staff is so warm and caring and do whatever they can to help and answer your questions. I was very impressed with Dr Ralston's confidence which in turn made me extremely comfortable with the process. I am so happy with the results already and it has only been a month. They still have more healing to do but I am so excited. Dr Ralston was always there to answer any questions I had and always returned my calls. Such a great experience!

After 2 kids and losing weight, I lost everything in my chest area. They looked like deflated water balloons hanging off of my chest. I needed help! Dr. Ralston and his staff are extremely knowledgable and very professional in what they do! They answered all of our questions and explained things to my husband and I that we never thought of before. They are honest, friendly and I could not be happier with my choice and I will continue to share them with those I come in contact with! Updated on 18 Mar 2014: I'm 6, almost 7 weeks, post full breast lift and augmentation and I'm almost completely healed. I have been extremely happy with the results and you have no idea how awesome that makes me feel! After having nothing for years and waking up with perky breasts now, I only regret not doing it sooner! Their office staff is so good to check in with me and make sure I'm healing and doing well. The little things they do, matter most! They have exceptional customer service and Dr. Ralston is a boob genius! :) Feeling like a real woman again. Thank you Dr. Ralston & staff!

I nursed my two boys for one year. Went to Dr. Ralston and he did an amazing job!! I will go back and get other work done..... I recommend him to everyone! He is the best! He and his staff were very friendly. He answered all my questions and was very knowledgable. I thought his prices were very reasonable. I did a lot of research on the doctor and have never heard a bad thing about him. He was highly recommended.