I am a 22 year old mom who has had larger breast since I was about 10 years old. Anyway, saw Dr.Mast about a month ago for the first consultation and as of yesterday, I had my breast reduction. Everyone at the clinic was Absolutly amazing and helpful & did a great job on the surgery! I'm not even that sore at all! Dr.Mast did a phenomal Job.
After going through all of my twenties and half of my thirties hating what pregnancy had done to my body, I finally had a Mommy Make-over! The surgeries were done by Bruce Mast in Gainesville, FL. I would like to highly recommend him to anyone in the area who is considering any type of plastic/reconstructive surgery. Going into the consultation, I assumed I needed a full tummy tuck because of what just about every plastic surgeon says about how mini tummy tucks are rarely indicated in women who have had children. Dr. Mast advised me that I was indeed the perfect candidate for a mini. I was reluctant to believe him, but 3 weeks post-op, could not be happier that I listened to him! I absolutely love the results! And my breasts have never been so perky and full! The man is truly an artist! Updated on 5 May 2016: Here are a few pre and post-op pics. The side by side photo is pre-op and 4 days post-op. The other two are 4.5 weeks post-op.
After losing 240 pounds through diet and exercise over 2 years, and completely changing my life to insure my weight loss was permanent by becoming a personal trainer and nutrition coach, I had done all I could with exercise to tighten and tone the skin left hanging around when I went from a 61 inch waist to a 27 inch waist. I had 3 consultations with 3 different plastic surgeons, and felt the most comfortable with Dr Bruce Mast in Gainesville, Florida and underwent the lower body lift in May 2014. I was quite surprised at how minimal the pain was, considering I had the incision that went all the way around me to lift the buttocks, outer thighs, pubic lift and tummy tuck. My surgery was performed at an outpatient center, and I went in to surgery at 7:00 am, and was out by 1:00 pm, and home by 4:00 pm. I had two drains left in place that were emptied twice a day but there wasn't a lot to empty thankfully, and the drains were removed within my first week postop. I had a problem with swelling in my legs and abdomen after I decided to be up on my feet day 3 after surgery to show off how good I felt, which landed me in compression stockings and bed rest for a week, but after that I was allowed to slowly resume working back into my normal routine. I ran for the first time 3 weeks after surgery and began working back into my full training routine. The only complaint I have is the stretching feeling in the new belly button but its slowly becoming less obviously sensitive as I continue working it. Its great to finally wear low rise pants without the muffin top effect from the lose skin! Updated on 17 Jul 2014: First picture is before I lost weight. Second picture is 4 days post op and you could see I was quite swollen. Third picture is 2 weeks post op with swelling going down and last picture is close up at 6 weeks post op. Updated on 8 Nov 2014: I'm 6 months post op since I had my lower body lift done. I did end up having bilateral brachioplasty and breast augmentation done 8 weeks after my lower body lift, so my recovery period was extended before I was released to resume physical activity. My surgeon is very pleased with my progress and the fading of my scar. I've been rubbing it twice daily with coconut oil mixed into Eucerin lotion, and it's fading nicely. I've resumed my full time position as a personal trainer and boot camp instructor, back to running 17 miles per week, muscle training, cross training and no pain or swelling. I still wear compression when I am weight training but otherwise I am completely out of compression garments. I still have some numbness along my incision but overall it has been well worth it to rid myself of the 33 inches of skin that hung around me. I couldn't have ask for a better surgeon to finish my last leg of my weight loss journey! Updated on 8 Nov 2014: Updated on 5 Feb 2015: I am still wearing my compression when I am exercising because otherwise I notice that I will swell, and that bothers me, but I run, do cross training, weight lifting, absolutely no problems physically, and in fact I believe the skin removal gives me the confidence to not be awkward with jumps or movements that would make it flop around. My surgeon is very pleased with my results but is recommending we do a revision right above the pubic line to get me perfectly flat as I so desire. Updated on 21 Oct 2015: It's hard to believe it's been almost 18 months since my body lift. I am still uncomfortable showing my belly uncovered, but yes it looks much better than it did before I had the surgery. I have no problems, no numbness, no swelling. I train 6 days a week without any problems and love how I don't have to tuck loose skin into my pants anymore! Updated on 17 Jan 2016: Here I am, almost 2 years after having the lower body lift, and 18 months after having the bilateral brachioplasty and breast augmentation, and I'm still getting used to the reflection in the mirror. I was given an opportunity to compete in an amateur fitness figure competition in October 2015 and I could finally look in the mirror and say "I WAS PROUD!" That was harder to do than all the pounds lost, all the weight loss maintained, and the rehabilitation after surgery to regain ALL my strength and definition. The most priceless moment for me was hearing not that I was beautiful but that I was one of the strongest and most inspiring people that any of the competitors or judges had met. Short story long is that 6 years ago, I set a goal JUST to weigh less than 350 pounds by my 30th birthday, but a higher power said "Don't settle for just good enough, be better than just okay, motivate and inspire those who say I can't to believe they can because they WILL after they see YOU DID IT!", and I did it; I am maintaining around 145 pounds, getting to share this journey and turn the nonbelievers into doers movers and shakers. Thank you for all the encouragement, may you all have nothing but blessings and prosperity moving and shaking into 2016! Here are my favorite pictures from October!
Hi all. Love this site. I'm 59 years old and finally going to do this! I've never liked, I mean always HATED, being big. I can relate to the comments and lack of eye contact experienced by so many others on this blog. The physical discomforts didn't kick in until after menopause. I grew from a D to a DD. Not enough for insurance to pay but enough for me to say it's time! The hardest part is the guilt about this possibly being selfish. Other people live with so many thing so much worse. My husband is being understanding but he doesn't really understand. He is afraid of the surgery and I feel guilty putting him through it. I just want it over! I know I sound a little down but I'm actually very excited (and a bit scared). I have a 19 year old daughter who would also like a reduction in a few years. (Get this-She's adopted and Asian!) I'm hoping that watching me go through this will help her in some way. My pre-op is tomorrow and surgery is on June 23rd. I'm not brave enough to post pictures. Thank you to those who are brave enough. It really helps knowing what to expect. (Knowing me, I'd do something wrong and end up posting them on my FB page! ) Will update as things progress.. Updated on 19 Jun 2014: My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 23rd. Crazy thoughts are going through my head. I can't believe I'm really doing this. I'm trying to do things that I won't be able to do for a while- swimming, kayaking, tubing down a river, exercising etc. I will miss those and other things I like to do. I have to remind myself that liking to do these things is one of the reasons I'm going through with this. My husband and I hope to retire soon and when we do we plan on spending as much time on our boat as we can. I don't want to have to wear a bra under my swimsuit! Yuck! I have learned so much from the wonderful ladies on this blog. Thank you all. Wish me luck. Updated on 28 Jun 2014: It's been 5 days and I'm feeling great! So glad I did this. Updated on 4 Jul 2014: I look and feel better everyday. No regrets!
Overall, extremely happy with my outcome. Needed scar revision but not a big deal. Dr. Mast can sometimes seem "business-like" and forthright but will slow down and spend lots of time with you if you tell him that is what you need. He knows what he is doing and will not try to sell you on something you do not need or want. The office is fantastic. I put 8000 as price but I really don't remember; it was a deal at any price. I finally was able to feel "back to normal." Highly recommend the surgery and him.
My c-section scars were so deep that my son in law said I had a frass.( a front ass) I've always hated my boobs from the day I got them. They were never perky, just droopy and mushie. I'm officially through menopause so it's time to start my life over. This last phase of my life will be my best. I had my TT and BR w lift Monday 11/05-12 this is day 6. So far I love my results. My boobs seem bigger than I wanted but my PC says they are swollen. I hope he is right. Before the surgery I was thinking how bad could the surgery be, after all I've had 2 c-sections, OMG no way can I compare that with this. Maybe it was the lipo or MR but it hurts like hell. I couldn't take the pain meds because they would cause me to stop breathing. My Dr finally found something that worked for me. (Tylenol 3) after day 2 I could sleep. Thank you Jesus! Oh yea then yesterday day 5 I had my first BM, that was worse than both c-sections,TT,BR , Lipo, and MR . I hope I never go through that again. I'm on the throne thinking to my self I've made it through this major surgery to die taking a dump. LOL! Over all I love the outcome and I would do it all over in a heartbeat. I would however had ate less before surgery and taken MOM from day ONE! Updated on 12 Nov 2012: Hi girls, this is day seven PO. I am feeling so much better. I went walking about a mile, the fresh air was nice. I still can't stand completely straight, which pulls on my lower back but I could tolerate the walk just fine. My appetite is coming back and the funny thing is I'm craving good wholesome foods like veggies without salt and sweet potatoes. I have no desire for fried fatty foods. It's feeling good to heal. Does anyone know how tight I should wear my cg? I've read conflicting things. I've been able to go longer periods without my pain meds. That's a good thing. I'll post more pictures later, everyday my body is looking more like I wanted. The day of surgery I weighed 148 this morning I was 141lbs. Happy healing everyone! Updated on 15 Nov 2012: Hi everyone. It's day 10 PO I've added some new pictures now that I have my pain pump and drains out. They were taken out on the 13th. I woke up Monday with a terrible headache with n/v. Lasted 2 days, Thank God that is gone. PS doesn't think it was related to the surgery or meds,since it was so far out. Just a fluke I guess. My heart goes out to all those that had vomiting because of the anesthesia. I'm feeling better today. I can almost stand completely straight. I'm sleeping flat now But I still can't sleep on my sides, the drain sites are still very tender. ( I'm a side sleeper) So that's something to look forward to. I feel swollen and puffy today, probably from too much salt. I'm backing off that. My energy is getting better every day. I can't wait to start working out again. Happy healing everyone! Updated on 20 Nov 2012: Hi RealSelf sisters, just came back from my two week PS visit. He says everything is looking good. He says I can start pulling the glue off the incisions. Ouch,! That hurts but it sure looks good under there. I'm pulling it off a little at a time because it is so painful but when it all off I will post those pictures. I've posted today's pictures so you can see how the bruising and swelling is better. I'm standing a lot straighter as well. Just to recap Day of surgery11-5-12 Had BR, with lift, TT With MR and Lipo. went in at 7am, surgery at 9am , woke up in recovery around 230, walk semi- hunched to my car was driven home. Whet to bed , got up only to pee and take meds. Day1PO I walked on my TM for 6minutes, walk to my mailbox, out to the garden lite stuff like that. Day2 PO I walked a little more each day on my TM , ate as close to raw foods as I could. ( I read from several sources it would promote healing. ) Day 3 to day 15 has been pretty much the same with the exception of adding more time to my cardio and adding the elliptical and leg curl and extension machine to my routine. I have been able to do more around the house as well, example, housework, laundry, cooking, taking care of the animals ( there are 5 dogs, 2 cats, 1 lion head rabbit, 1 guinea pig, 3parakeets, 1 cockatoo , 2 bob whites quail, duck, geese,chickens guinea hens and fish) . I was only able to take Tylenol 3 and diazepam for muscles cramps. Which I took mostly to sleep. Today is day 15 PO and I feel really good. My incisions are a little more painful today my PS says that's a good thing because it means that the nerves are repairing. He say that I can stop wearing my bra at night, that should cut down on some of the irritation. I am still very happy with Dr Mast he did a very good job. Happy healing!!! Updated on 20 Nov 2012: Does anyone know why my pictures are posting sideways? Updated on 23 Nov 2012: Hello ladies, I want to post today to let you know how important it is to not over do it after a TT. This is day 18 PO. I've been gradually adding to my cardio, i was eating vegetarian, my swelling was down, I was feeling fantastic. Wanted my house all pretty for thanksgiving so I could not resist shampooing my carpets. Which of course involved moving furniture. Well I woke up thanksgiving morning in swell hell and hurting all over. Ive been miserable every since. When I'm over this I will go back to my low impact cardio, lite housework, with plenty of rest. I have learned my lesson. I knew after about 30 minutes that I was way over doing things, but I just kept going. Learn from my stupidity sisters, listen to your bodies. Happy healing. Updated on 1 Dec 2012: Hi everyone. I am feeling better. That cleaning the carpet mistake set me back at least a week. My abdomen from my breast bone to my incision line has a raw feeling. It is hard to explain but it feels like a bad sun burn. It hurts for my clothes to touch the skin. Is anyone experiencing this. I ask my PS but he just looked at me with a stumped look on his face and said " maybe you are more sensitive than other women. It would help to know someone is going through this. Not that I wish this on anyone, but if someone is please let me know. I thought it was because I'm over 50. I've been searching this site and haven't found anyone with this symptoms. Help. Updated on 21 Dec 2012: I want to update to my age group especially since we seem to be healing a little slower. I was able to go back to work at 5 weeks. I spent my lunch breaks laying on my patients stretcher because I get fatigued about every 4 hours. Everyday I felt stronger and had more energy than the day before. On my days off I walked 2 miles. At first it was at a turtles pace , but I got faster as time passed. Today at 7 wks PO, I was able to run a mile then power walk a mile with my German Shepard, (she was so happy to have me back. ), Clean my entire house and clean the filters on my fish ponds. ( I took a 15 min power nap in between all that. ) My energy is back about 80%. I'm able to walk 95% straight now which makes my back happy. Like everyone else here, I'm flat first thing in the morning, then as the day goes on I get more swollen. By 8:00 at night my breast and tummy is so swollen and hypersensitive that it is hard to tolerate my clothes touching my skin. If I have a high sodium day it's worse , so I try to stay away from salty foods. Every now and then I get a stabbing pain through my breast or abdomen, it normally will last about 5 seconds. Very painful. I've noticed if I over eat in the evening the swelling, tightness and hypersensitivity is worst. In spite of all I have gone though on this wild journey, I love the way I look and feel. I feel young and beautiful! I would not hesitate to do it again. I have no regrets:-) Merry Christmas everyone. I will be praying for our new sisters. Merry Christmas to all my realself pre and post op sisters. I am praying for your quick recovery,
I'm 33 years old and after a 90+ lb weight loss, I was left with loose saggy skin all over my body. I did a lot of soul searching and knew that to be truly happy with myself, I'd need to get rid of the skin. The scars will fade but the skin was not going away. After 4 consults, I chose the best doctor in the area. He is doing my surgeries in 2 stages. The first stage is the LBL and lipo of the outer thighs (no matter how much I exercise, the fat pockets on my thighs wouldn't go away). The 2nd stage will be over labor day - arm lift, thigh lift, and breast lift. Here's my experience so far with the LBL. I showed up yesterday at the office at 7:30. After passing all the test - BP, pregnancy test, etc, the PS came in and marked my body. I was in the OR by 8:30. The nurses gave me a sponge bath of warmed up brown goo (can't remember what its called) then off to la la land I went. I woke up around 1 p.m. I was vre y groggy and disoriented for awhile. Oh and I was in PAIN, oh my, it was the worst pain I have ever felt. The nurse told me they removed 7.5 lbs of skin - craziness because I didn't think I had that much and skin doesn't weigh that much. By 3:30 p.m., I was in a wheelchair on my way home. My mom was with me and I'm very thankful that she is a nurse. After making it up 3 flights of stairs, yes I live in a 3rd floor walk up. I crashed in a reclining chair. The positive is that they sent me home with the foley - I was upset at first but now I think it's the best thing ever. I'm sleeping a little at a time and taking meds every 4 hours. My first post op appt is on Thursday - super excited to see myself without the compression garment. I'll post pics at a later time. Updated on 18 May 2012: Day 3 PO it's amazing how much I've healed in the past couple of days. I'm getting around so much better although still taking my pain meds every 4 hours and still very sedentary. I'm walking around every 3 hours as I have that staying in one position for too long isn't good. Had my first post op appt yesterday and saw my incision for the time, pretty scary looking. No complications, I will post pics as soon as I'm on my laptop. Updated on 18 May 2012: I can't believe it's the end of day 3 PO already. I am moving around much better. I went for a walk to get the mail and road in the car to the store (stayed in the car obviously). Showering was interesting today - felt good but wow, I was tired afterwards. I rinsed out my compression garment. It took forever to dry and the swelling got really bad. I think I'm going to purchase a 2nd garment. The p.s. nurse advise that it shouldn't go into the dryer and it took 4 hours to dry, even in front of a fan. I'm using ice packs religiously, they seem to help. The itch of not doing anything is starting to kick in. I went from being really productive to barely doing anything at all - and not being able to do much because I'm so tired. Oh well, guess I should try to enjoy it. I posted some pics from day 2 at the docs office. The belly button position at first caused some concern but as soon as I stood up, it was centered. I guess I'm just more swollen on one side. Updated on 19 May 2012: Well, I gave up on simply using miralax and took exlax this morning. I was really trying to hold out but I couldn't wait another day. I'm really curious about what my weight will be once all the swelling is down. The nurse said she weighed the skin and it was 7.5 lbs. Since surgery my weight is down 8 lbs but I'm swollen and look like I'm 3 months pregnant. I'd love to be down another 10 lbs once the fluid is out of me. Guess I will need to wait and see. To all those getting a LBL or even a tt, I'd recommend buying a 2nd compression garment. The p.s. gives you one but they take forever to dry. I found one on eBay - marena- for half the retail cost. Updated on 21 May 2012: Tomorrow I will go in for my one week post op appt. I'm hoping to have 2 out of the 4 drains removed. I'm also going to ask about getting a copy of the ps's pre op pics. So I've read a lot of comments about "swell hell" and i can say I've definitely experienced it. Most of the time, my tummy is hard and round. So far, no issues with the incision. It's healing fine. I use panty liners to cover the incision, best idea ever. My butt looks funny but I was told to expect that for awhile. Not a lot has changed, I'm resting and still sleeping in my reclining chair. Showering and rebandaging everything each day is a chore and usually is followed by a long nap. I have another week off of work so I feel I will be okay to return by then. Updated on 22 May 2012: I had my one week post op appt today. Everything looks good so far. They took out 3 out of 4 drains -- yay! The removal of the drains hurt a little more than expected. It was a very weird feeling. I no longer have to bandage the incision anymore too. Next appt with the p.s. is in one week. Updated on 25 May 2012: Not a whole lot to report. I'm feeling good, walking - well, taking a casual stroll - 3 times a day for 30 mins. I feel much better when I'm not sedentary for long periods of times as my body stiffens up and aches. Back to the doctor on the 29th.
I'm quite new to all this, I'm having my initial consultation March 7 2012 for a tummy tuck, I'm quite nervous. I had considered surgery ever since i had my first child, i have 6 kids in total..I'm feeling quite lonely about my decision for the lack of support of my husband friends and family. I'm quite scared about having this done but I feel so bad every time i look int he mirror.
I have lost 130 lbs from my highest weight from gastric sleeve surgery and now I am left with quite a bit of excess skin on my breast and stomach. I have been at my goal weight since March and have surgery scheduled for 11/21/16 with Dr. Bruce Mast. He specializes in extreme weight loss patients and will be performing a fleur de lis abdominoplasty along with breast lift. Updated on 20 Nov 2016: Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. I'm supposed to be there at 6:45 am. I've stocked up on some Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and protein drinks for easily accessible protein. I also have lunch for the week in the freezer. Surgery is outpatient so once I'm good to travel I'll be heading to my parent's house for recovery away from my dogs. My grandmother and husband will be helping me for two weeks until my incisions are closed and I can come back home. Here are before pics I took today. This bra is a 36DD, what I estimate I'll end up in once all the loose skin is removed from my breasts. I really hope the surgeon is able to take care of that bit that spills over the side of my bra. Updated on 22 Nov 2016: Surgery is done. It isn't a cakewalk but it isn't too bad. It mostly feels like I've been punched in the gut and every four hours I wake up from the pain of my incisions burning. Then I take more pills and fall asleep. My boobs were so perky when I woke up I had to drink Gatorade from the side with a straw! Yay! I won't be able to see anything until tomorrow at my post op appointment. The anesthesiologist did a fantastic job. I've always gotten nauseous and thrown up from surgery and I had zero nausea this time. So so happy with that. Updated on 23 Nov 2016: Finished my post op visit and got to see my body under all the gauze and binders. My boobies are SO cute!!!! They're very high and perky. They told me they are swollen and will begin to drop in a few months to give a more natural look. But right now I'm enjoying looking like a Barbie doll. I still have nipple sensation so that is great. I have such a flat tummy but lots of swelling in my lady parts. She said that is very normal and will all go down in a few weeks to months. Next appointment is on Monday when I'll get my drains out. ???????? Updated on 25 Nov 2016: I've gotten a little more independent. I can now go to the bathroom by myself. My husband bought a suppository and it scared my intestines so bad I pooped on my own ???????? Woo hoo!! Incisions are looking good but I am experiencing the dreaded "swell hell", especially on my right side. My drains have decreased quite a bit. I'm so ready to get them out on Monday. I didn't sleep well last night because my compression garment was pressing a safety pin into my skin so at 4:00 am I took my garment off to inspect it and found the culprit. I ended up moving the safety pins to my underwear and covering my entire body in sanitary pads then putting the garment back on. Problem solved! ???? Updated on 28 Nov 2016: I got 3 of my 4 drains removed. Hurt like hell for 5 seconds each time. I'll get the last one out when it is draining less than 20cc. She also told me to start taking breaks from my compression gear to help the fluid disperse. She said I could walk up to 1/4 mile each day. Yay! Updated on 30 Nov 2016: I've been off all pain medicine since 7 days post op. I'm not sleeping as well BUT I'm finally going poop so I'll take the trade off. I noticed a weird indentation on my vertical incision today. Posted a question here about it since I won't see my surgeon for over two weeks. I also have a little dog ear on the right hip but I know that may go away with swelling or can be easily corrected. Swelling comes and goes. I'm still pretty swollen, especially on the left where the one remaining drain is. It measured 25cc again this morning so I don't know when it will ever go down. Boobs are looking great but very bruised. I still have sensation in both nipples. The incisions look good and are healing well. Updated on 1 Dec 2016: Last drain is OUT! ???????? Geez, it was REALLY starting to irritate me. Updated on 2 Dec 2016: I got my last drain out yesterday. SO happy about that. It was starting to make me miserable since I went off pain meds Monday. I also noticed when I got home later I had bled through my shirt a little. My tape is beginning to wear off in some areas and on my vertical incision just below my belly button is a small area that bled. So I took a shower with soap and water, dried off, put on some antibiotic ointment and gauze. This morning I removed the gauze. It had bled through about half of the gauze but not to the outside. I replaced it with a new piece of gauze but no more ointment since they said it is best to keep the incisions dry until they heal completely. I really really hope I don't have any others open. I know this is on the area with the most tension so I'm being extra careful not to put any extra tension there as it heals. Updated on 2 Dec 2016: I'm getting flatter every day! So exciting. Updated on 6 Dec 2016: This bruise will not heal! I called the PS's office and they said it is fine since it isn't red and I don't have a fever. Just a deep bruise that refuses to change color. Updated on 7 Dec 2016: Feeling ok. Just tired. Updated on 13 Dec 2016: The stupid glue is FINALLY starting to come off so I can see my incisions underneath. It looks good! Updated on 15 Dec 2016: 3 1/2 weeks and the tape finally came off! My boobs are super itchy and sensitive right now from the exposed new skin. Updated on 16 Dec 2016: Follow up appointment went well. I had no lipo, just muscle repair and skin removal. He said I could stop wearing my compression garment but must continue wearing some form of bra with no underwire. Time to do a little shopping! Updated on 20 Dec 2016: I woke up with pain (not horrible, just knew something was up) with my left breast so I went to inspect and noticed a tiny pin-sized opening at my t-junction. I put some Neosporin on it until I can call the doctor. ???? Updated on 21 Dec 2016: This area below my belly button has not changed at all over two weeks. I hope I'm doing all I can to help it along. No leaking or warmness, it's just yellow. Updated on 23 Jan 2017: Mostly all issues are resolved at nine weeks with the exception of my tummy T-junction which still has a lot of hard scar tissue. I continue to massage and hopefully it will soften in the next few months. Now that everything else is mostly healed I wish I could have a little more taken from the vertical area. I may consider a revision. I would also really like to have my arms done in conjunction with removing my excess side back skin. Surgery #2? I'll have to discuss with the surgeon and see what he says. Updated on 27 Jan 2017:
Well my surgery is booked, paid for, and in just over a week. I am 21(almost 22) year old Pre-Law student and me and my fiancé have been together since I was 16. I never thought I'd be a mom honestly, and boy would I have missed out. It's nothing I ever imagined and everything I never knew I needed. This did come with a price though. I have a stomach that looks like it went through a woodchopper and skin that hangs and I have to wear loose fitting or heigh waisted clothing to hide . Not to mention intense boob drooping from nursing my son for a year. I want to be invited to the beach by my peers and not be ashamed of the looks I get when someone sees me with out my well planned out attire. Updated on 27 Feb 2016: My surgery is less than two days away. I have gone through some serious emotional copping from nervous to terrified to excited and back again! I'm so excited and terrified all at the same time. I'm also very stressed trying to get all my school work and work work done before I take time off of both for this. Next week is spring break and I have some planned time off from work for recovery. I think it'll be nice to sit around and relax for the first time in forever just as long as my recovery is not to bad. Anyone have any suggestions on how to best prepare for what is to come!? Love to hear about how others coped/prepared. <3 Updated on 1 Mar 2016: I am in so much pain! I do not have drains so I am lucky there but holy hell I can barley walk and need helping going to the bathroom. I am uncomfortable sitting in the sam spot since yesterday I can't sleep for extended periods with out waking up. The pain medicine helps but makes me feel loopy which I hate. ughh and I haven't even seen my ladies or my tt yet because they have me wrapped very tight. Luckily I'm very excited to go to my first post op appt. tomorrow where my doctor will change my tape and i'll get my first peek, not to mention I'll get out of the house because I am going stir crazy in here already! As for the actual operation the staff was fantastic. They helped me through all of my questions and nerves especially my surgeon. My loved ones told me that after words the doctor took the time to sit with them and answer all of their questions on how to best help me recover. We were all very happy with the bedside manor of the surgeon and the entire staff at the hospital. I will update you tommrow on how it looks and hopefully they will let me sneak a couple photos before they wrap me back up to share. In the mean time anyone have any suggestions on how to stay/ sleep comfortably I'm exhausted and so is my fiancé since he has been sleeping in the living room with me. :-(. Updated on 2 Mar 2016: So I was very excited to get out of the house today but I think I may have overdone it. I had a mild anxiety attack once back home. I went with my mom to take my son to school and thence went home for a bit then off to my doctors appointment. I got to see the scare and they replaced my gauze and put a strap on me over my chest which is very uncomfortable and leaving marks under my arms. They also told me I could shower so when I went home I felt like I was on a roll so I decided to go ahead and clean up. This was more challenging then I had imagined and once frustrated I gave up with mostly clean. My mother then proceeded to try and help me get into my compression garnet that they said to put on once I was home. I still have a pain pump attached to my leg so this proved to be another very difficult task that it is very tight. I tried it on pre surgery but post surgery it doesn't seem to be an easy task. After some significant struggle we both gave up and just put my very bulky and rigid brace back on for now. Then I thought well I can at least get into some decent clothes to try and feel normal. I changed twice because I was uncomfortable with everything I put on and then finally settled on pjs. By the time I'd settled back down on my couch I was beyond exhausted and a little dizzy. I realized I had not eaten much all day and had not taken and pain meds since the morning. I started to panic and had to take some time to calm down. Has anyone else experienced days like this where the exhaustion came on from very small daily activities? I'm so frustrated I just want to be able to move around and sleep well one night! Help me! Updated on 6 Mar 2016: so yesterday and today have been real turning points for me. I haven't been posting because I was working through some of the hardest pain and I had started to have doubts about if I had made the right choice with this surgery. Today I showered by myself and yesterday I made a meal on my own. Nothing fancy but still. These past couple days I have gotten up and down from furniture throughout my home. I also was able to climb in and out of my car on my own. Slowly but surely I also did some walking around and a small errand with my finance. I no longer have any tubes hanging out of me because my fiancé pulled out the catheter and I haven't taken any pain meds in 2 days . Things are not perfect but defiantly looking up. I do have some odd bumps that appeared on my neck and chest when I woke up yesterday though and I was wandering if I should be concerned? they aren't red or itchy they almost resemble heat bumps from like sweat but I'm not sure if anyone else has had this. I've also included my first post op photos from today after my shower. I was a little upset that my vertical scar was longer then had been expected but my PS told me that my skin above my belly button was very tight and difficult to move so he had to make the decision in surgery to make the vertical scar that he had discussed as a possibility previously a little longer. Today I took some pictures and my underwear does cover most of that scar so hopefully once it heals well it won't be too noticeable.
