POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
almost 11 months post
ORIGINAL POST
Hello to all the brave ladies! First and...
WORTH IT$9,000
Hello to all the brave ladies!
First and foremost "thanks" to so many of you for poring out your hearts and sharing your most intimate thoughts and emotions. You've been great and your stories have given me courage and inspiration to move forward with this live changing decision.
I turned 40 in May and that's when the decision was finalized. Now I wait.....I'm scared, excited, worried, and a little overwhelmed and wish I could just speed up time....
I have a few concerns and thought I'd ask the experts; you.
My pre-op is coming up soon, it's scheduled for Friday, October 16th - are there any specific questions I should ask my PS at that point? I've only met him once before, during my FREE initial evaluation. I was really nervous then and I'm sure I'll feel similarly this time around. I mean, who wants to let it all hang out in front of a strange man.....right? Certainly I may not ask all the right questions, so I'm counting on your guidance.
I've also read many of you talk about purchasing a post surgical bra. Several recommend; Annette Seamless Brest Surgery Bra, it's pricey, but is it worth it? Others mention purchasing a simple "sports" bra from Wal*Mart. Any suggestions on this topic?
Also, my biggest wonder - WHAT SIZE bra do I purchase? Since I'll be getting a reduction do I go with the size of my "new boobs", or do I purchase the post surgery brazier to match my actual current size? I keep pondering about this...
One more curious thought: What is you advice on purchasing/using healing supplements and vitamin kits. How about ARNICA Oil, a natural supplement which supposed to reduce bruising after surgery - have any of you used? And if so, what were the results.
I also have a some what of a "dumb" question, but I'm going to ask it anyways. I've been extremely lucky never to have to have been hospitalized > so, what does one bring with them for an overnight stay during this type of surgery?
Thanks in advance for any advice offered,
Aga
No pictures available at the moment, but I promise to do a couple of uploads this weekend so you can all see the before, then after results! o:)
agab511's provider
UPDATED FROM agab511
16 days pre
Hello everyone! I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov...
Hello everyone! I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov 2nd and getting more nervous by each day. I'm scared of what they will look like, but am mostly concerned about the recovery and the time it'll take until I'm able to move around comfortably again. I'm taking 3 weeks off from work - but will this be sufficient amount of time? I'd really hate to call in requesting additional time off - no one knows about my procedure and I'd like to keep it that way.
Still haven't had the chance to upload a few photos, but will try to do so this weekend.
Still haven't had the chance to upload a few photos, but will try to do so this weekend.
Replies (7)
October 18, 2012
Aga: I understand your fears - I'm there too and I'm know all these gals here have been too. I'm schedule for this coming Fri - 1.5 days! Ask your surgeon at the preop all the details you can think of - look at photos, discuss size, discuss what kind of technique he uses, to lipo or not, to have drains or not, expected complications and how to handle them. My surgeon wanted me to buy a sports bra that zips in the front and crosses in the back by UnderArmour - $50. And I also purchased a surgical bra from "Makemeheal.com" with hooks in the front and adjustable straps 2" band - the gals here recommended it - its very comfy only $25 (i think). I am going to take the Arnica Montana under tongue dissolvable that Texxxan describes and see how it works. Best wishes on your preop and keep us posted. This is a great place to express yourself and feel supported through all your fears and ups and downs.
October 19, 2012
Hi there,
First and for-most BEST OF LUCK tomorrow! Many of us will be thinking of your adventure. I'll mention you in my prayer this evening. Sweet dreams ...
...Please write as soon as you can to let all of us those, "still waiting sols," know your experience.
Thank you for so many suggestions, I'll certainly jot them down to make sure I don't forget to ask.
October 19, 2012
3 weeks, depending on your job, is probably fine. I am also not telling anyone and just went back today at 2 weeks. It was obvious to everyone that I was not 100% but I just told them I was a little under the weather. Also my recovery has been much slower than other people's, so I think with three weeks you should be okay. As far as the bra goes, I am still mostly wearing the one they sent me home with which is a jobst surgical vest. They are really spendy though. When I wash it I wear a Marena 2" band surgical bra which I like but it is a little less comfortable.
October 19, 2012
Why was your recovery much slower than others? Did you have complications? Or are you just a "slow" healer? Did your colleague notice a difference in your appearance? I don't remember where I read, but someone claimed to have looked 20-30 lb's lighter after BS-wonder if that's true. Are you having any difficulties driving a car?
October 23, 2012
I am just a really slower healer, everyone in my family is. No complications so far *knock on wood*. My period started on day 10 which also didn't help matters because I hear it's painful the first time after surgery no matter what but that early on definitely knocked me for a loop. My coworkers haven't noticed a thing except that I seem a little under the weather, although I have been wearing those soft cups that go inside bikini tops for a small amount of padding since I got back (it's a busy office and possible that someone could collide with me) so I have been making the change in my appearance a bit more gradual. I think I appear thinner even factoring in a fair amount of stomach bloating due to all the excess fluid from my chest draining down. I can't speak to the driving thing yet, I am only just now comfortable riding in a car without hugging a pillow to my chest so I haven't gotten behind the wheel yet. But like I said, I am a slow healer so I am sure you will do much better!
October 23, 2012
Ohhh, sorry to hear about the extra obstacle - us woman always have to put up with so much more than man do! Hang in there, time will heal all wounds. You've come so far it'll only get better from now on! Be well and I wish you a speedy recovery. o:)
October 19, 2012
My surgeon gave ne a surgucal bra he had me mive inti a sports bra after 48 hiurs i biught a lot of different brss in my current band size and ine bandbsize up most sports brasvi found were in l and xl vs cup size i generally went with the xl im 2 weeks tomorrow whatever didnt in the past week i returned i eas lucky to be able to lift my arms to put on bras with no closure i also have a leading kady and a fruit of the loom with front closure i find that the barely thete sports bras have acwider band which helps avoid irritation where the incisions are and are great fir sleeping i didnt stay in the hospital but i wore a mans oxford button down shirt capri sweats and flip flops so i didnt have to worry about bending down to tie shoes or put on socks soirry about typos im on my nook
UPDATED FROM agab511
14 days pre
As the countdown continues; 2 weeks to go (exactly...
As the countdown continues; 2 weeks to go (exactly 2 weeks). Completed my blood work this afternoon - it's starting to feel more real now.....
Replies (9)
October 19, 2012
Hey! I'm in the same boat as you, scared, nervous, more scared! My surgeon didn't mention a darn thing about purchasing a surgical bra, so I did end up buying one on my own, it's a compression bra to help with any swelling ill have. It came in sizes small-xlarge, and it's adjustable so hopefully I can make it work. I know some ps just send you home in something. In terms of time off, I've booked 2 weeks off! The nurses told me I should be feeling relatively ok after the first week, but no heavy lifting or reaching for 4-6 weeks. I'm not going to worry about buying any arnica stuff..maybe I'm too cheap haha. I did get some gauze pads, button up shirts, and extra pillows to prepare for my surgery though. Here's to hoping we hit a time warp and don't have to put up with anymore waiting!!! Lets get this over with!
October 20, 2012
LOL, LOL, LOL Yah, my Doctors office hasn't been poring out info either.... Luckily since I've been reading about this ordeal for months I feel like I have a OK understanding of what's about to happen.... I did just get some paperwork from them that says "a bra" will be provided....
I am wondering about something; I've read that you should not have nail polish on when going in for surgery - WHY, does anyone know what's that all about? I don't want my toes looking "funky"....
What about deodorant, can I put it on on the morning of my surgery?
October 20, 2012
lol I feel like I've got MOST of my information from this site instead of from my surgeon! haha! I just so happen to be a respiratory therapy student, the reason you shouldn't wear nail polish on your fingers is because they place a pulse oximeter on one of your fingers during surgery (it shines an infrared light through your finger and measures the amount of oxygen you have in your blood!). If you're wearing nail polish it is difficult for the light to shine through your nail bed, so it can give inaccurate readings. You technically only need 1 finger free from polish, but of course you'd look pretty ridiculous like that hahaha! it's a pretty important measurement during surgery. The guidelines include measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature must be available if needed. hope that helped! it's so interesting to know whats being measured and how they do it!
October 20, 2012
oh, in addition...you can probably wear toe polish! even if you showed up with a full set of finger polish they have little cotton swabs with nail polish remover so they could just take it off the one finger nail. I saw alot of women in for day surgery and most of them had their toes painted! they usually use the index or middle finger to put the little monitor on!
October 20, 2012
Yay site is fixed. I wanted to say I to go back and forth.one day I wished it was that day and next minute I cringe and think I won't go through with it.!! I'm sure you and I will both do fantastic and we both will be thrilled with results!!!!. Good luck.xoxo
October 20, 2012
Hey fellow Texan!! I'm also scheduled for November 2!!! I am so nervous too!! We have come to the right place for all of our questions! I can't wait to hear how your surgery goes! :)
October 20, 2012
Wow, where are you having yours done? Mine is at Valley View in Dallas. Did you buy bra's? Are you taking any natural supplements for faster healing? I don't know what to do, if I should...I've been reading mixed suggestions, some say to take, other claim it's not worth it. I'm having my preOP on Tue - I'll ask then.....
Replies (7)