It's Finally Happening! - Beverly Hills, CA

This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. To be perfectly honest, I thought I was going to have only positive things to say. The truth is that getting plastic surgery, no matter how positive the experience might be, is tough. My doctor has been amazing. The procedure went well, my results are excellent. But, somehow, it didn’t make me feel prettier, didn’t give me the confidence I thought it would, and didn’t “magically” fix any of my problems. I realized that I had to find that inner peace, that confidence within myself so that the surgery results could reach full potential. Immediately after my surgery, I felt great. I saw the results immediately, even when I was still in pain. I can say it was everything I thought it would be and better. As the weeks went by, I really got a feeling of the “normal” life I had been craving. I no longer needed to wear a padded bra or suck in my tummy. People on the streets would approach me and tell me I look amazing – people I didn’t even know – At work, my surgery was a silent rumor, I could tell some wanted to ask, but nobody really made a big deal out of it. I wore clothes that didn’t show my breasts too much. I was already used to do that anyway. In fact, I just recently started wearing more fitted, lower cut blouses that still look professional. I still get compliments on my BA, they look “natural” to the extent a 32DD (sometimes DDD) can look “natural” on a 110 lb. frame. The point is, they don’t look like stripper/[RS bleep] star balloons. I can still wear a nice business suit and look work-appropriate. Although the BA gets all the attention, I am most happy with my TT, especially my new belly button. Because of the stretched muscles and poor quality skin, my belly button had disappeared long time ago. Dr. J “made” a new belly button, I was so happy when I finally got to see what it looked like. I now feel “normal” although I am a little self-conscious about the TT scar, which goes from side to side of my tummy (not all the way around, thank goodness!!) But, at the end of the day, the scar doesn’t bother me more than the stretch mark, loose skin, etc. mess I had before the TT. Also, as time goes by, the scar is becoming less evident, which has me very optimistic as time goes by.
If I had to do it all again, I would probably have taken my time to recover. Although I do not feel like I pushed myself too much, I could have rested a little bit more. As for my surgeon, I could never be thankful enough for the miracle work he did.

My procedure was this Monday, so I am one day post-op. I didn't think it was possible, but I like and trust my doctor so much more. His bedside manner is second to none! When I arrived to the surgery place, he came over to check on me, take pictures and do the markings. He said "this may take a while, but I am very peculiar with my markings and I want to make sure everything is perfect" My answer? Take all the time you need!!!!
He started taking pictures, and when he started marking, I started talking to him, and told him I talk when I am nervous. He said "why are you nervous? Don't worry, everything is going to be ok" His words and his demeanor were so soothing. I felt I was in good hands. Before he left the room, he touched my shoulder looked at me in the eyes and said "you're going to be just fine" The nurse came in a few minutes later and started the IV, and got me all ready for the operating room.
Next thing I remember is waking up to his voice, telling me how great the surgery went and asking me how I felt. I decided to stay at Serenity (more of that later, so worth it!), so they (paramedics I assume?) came to pick me up and took me to my room at Serenity. This morning, Dr. J came to Serenity, he treated me like a good old friend with this comforting attitude, told me again everything he did and reinforced how great my results are going to be. After they made sure I was ok to talk around and felt ok, the hubby picked me up and off we went back home. The two plus hour ride home didn't seem too bad. I am home now feeling surprisingly good. I am calm and in pain, but not as bad as I thought it would be.

Ok so with the surgery date so close (this coming Monday), I feel a bit less anxious but still a little nervous. The surgery date from the consultation appointment was only 12 days apart. That gave me just enough time to get all the lab work, and prepare for the surgery without any margin for error. I got my lab work done through my health insurance provider. It was a pain in the rear but I got it done and everything went fine. I also did some more research, read some reviews on this site and talked to people at my job that had the same procedure done. I got a robe, slippers, and anything else anyone said I may need, I don't want my husband to have to rush at the last minute. He'll have his hands full with me while I am recovering!