I am 44 yrs. old and a mother of two fantastic children...who are adults now. Most of my life I had an overactive metabolism and was underweight. After having my 2 children, my metabolism turned traitorous and hit the road. I only wish SOME of it would have gotten left behind. Because I was so tiny before getting pregnant (103 lbs.) and gained so much (166 lbs.), my abdominal muscles got stretched to the limit. My stomach, no matter how much I exercise, refuses to go away. I have struggled for the last 10 years to get rid of this belly. I find it really depressing to see myself in the mirror. So, I have decided to finally get a TT. Well, my husband being the awesome man he is, told me if I want this, he is going to make it happen for me. We have a vacation in Europe coming up next summer and I would love to look and feel great for it! And, since my children are grown and on their own, it's time for me to do something for myself. ;-) My surgery is scheduled for December 10. I go in Nov. 29 for post-op test, blood work, and instructions. I am getting REALLY nervous. I have NEVER liked getting any kind of surgery. But, I am confident in my choice of a Plastic Surgeon and look forward to this being over with. I have been reading a lot of your reviews over the last few months. Because of your stories, I feel like I have a great support group! I am already starting to plan my "recovery space." You all have ben VERY helpful with what I may experience during recovery and the things I need to take care of before surgery. I will post pictures later. I am still working on losing some more weight before my surgery.Updated on 12 Nov 2012:Today I got a reminder from my PS that my pre-op appointment is Nov. 29. It all seems to be going fast now. I am still excited and nervous at the same time. I have also started a list of things to ask my PS at the appointment. Thanks to you all for posting things that you had questions/concerns about, I now have a list for him to answer. I still have not taken any pictures, but I plan to this week. I have been dieting for a while, and I think now I need to stop and let my body get into a "normal" mode, if that makes sense. What do you all think? Is it better to diet all the way to the "D-day," or stop a few weeks before?Updated on 12 Nov 2012:I forgot to post that this is my Christmas present to myself!! All I want for Christmas for myself is a flat belly, and to be healthy!!Updated on 15 Nov 2012:After speaking with my PS office manager, I have decided to change my mind and see him one more time before my surgery. I was just going to see him the day of the surgery, but I have gained about 5 lbs since he first saw me. I just want him to look again to see if everything is still good, and to see if there is any other procedure he wants to do at that time. I had considered having lipo on my arms, but I'd like him opinion a few weeks before surgery, so I can make a decision without being rushed. I will see him on Nov. 28. I am going armed with all my questions that I have written down....it is such a loooooooong list! ;-) I have finally told one of my friends about my procedure (TT). It feels so good knowing someone, besides my husband, is being supportive of it all. I guess we all need to have someone in our lives that truly does wish us nothing but happiness, and will support us. I still haven't posted the "Before" pictures yet, but am hoping to get them up next week. I love reading all of your stories, and am sending positive thoughts and energy to each of you! Happy Journey!!!!!!Updated on 20 Nov 2012:I finally decided to post my "before" pictures. I was a little scared to show them, but you all have showed me I have nothing to be scared of. It has hit me that I have less than 3 weeks to go....YIKES! I'm getting more nervous now. I need to get everything together!! I guess I am lucky in that my kids are grown, and that I don't have anyone to take of, so I can re-cooperate afterwards at leisure. My husband says he is going to take care of me...so this makes me a bit nervous!! J/K he is going to do great! Is anyone else NOT telling others about your TT? I have told very few people. I think I will be more forthcoming with it afterward, but not now. I usually do not care what people think of me, but this is something I'd rather keep quite until later. I've read a lot of peoples stories, and some have mentioned "dog ears." WHAT IS THAT? Happy Journey!!Updated on 22 Nov 2012:Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!! I hope all of you that are on the "Flat Side" are recovering nicely! And, all of you that are, like me, anxiously waiting to make it to that side, are all having a great day!!! I'm Thankful for this site!!!!Updated on 26 Nov 2012:Hello everyone! I have been so busy this past week, that I haven't had time to think about my "T-Day." Now that I have realized that it is just two weeks away from today, I am FREAKING OUT! I still have so much to do before surgery! I love that my husband is so supportive of me and this surgery. I could not have been able to so this without him. He is definitely a keeper!!!! We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend. I'm so glad that I will be in the room with it during my recovery. I Love a Christmas tree lit up! I go to the PS Wednesday for one last "visit," pre-admit test and blood work. I am going with my list of questions (thank to you all for helping me with those!!) I am soooooo excited to be on the "Flat Side," but I am not looking forward to all the pain, or the big scar that will be forever with me. But, I guess we all have to give up something to have what we want. I am still inspired by all of your stories and look forward to keeping up with all of your journeys!! After reading some today, I have realized I am in no way prepared as I thought I was. I now have to check expiration dates on food, get my meds in advance, and prepare some meals and freeze them before surgery. My husband will be more than happy to cook, but I want everything to go smoothly, so I will make everything nice for him too.Any tips on meals I can cook, freeze, and it still taste good? Happy Journey!!Updated on 29 Nov 2012:Whew! I went to my PS yesterday, and I am feeling soooo much better about the surgery. He was very nice and patient with me and went over ALL my questions that I had. I felt like I may have had a few "crazy" questions, but he said "no, they are good questions." I also told him about this site and how helpful it has been for me. He agreed. I am really glad that I found this site, it has helped me so much in the understanding and expectations of a TT. I am now both emotionally and physically ready for this. Now I need to get everything bought/cleaned/prepared, and organized for my recovery. So, just 12 more days to the "flat side" for me. I am looking forward to following all of your journey's as well.Updated on 3 Dec 2012:I can't believe in just one week from today I will be on the "flat side." I've got a LOT together and will get the rest this weekend. I want to be able to come home next Tuesday to a well prepared house. EXCITED!!!Updated on 9 Dec 2012:I am less than 24 hours from the "flat side!" I have so many emotions right now, that my stomach is turning over. I HIGHLY recommend that you DO NOT look on YouTube at the TT procedure. I thought I was going to pass out and throw up. I normally have a strong constitution when it comes to that stuff, but I guess since I knew that was going to happen to me, I lost it! I have not changed my mind about doing it though. I am still determined to get on that 'flat side" and get into the best shape of my life. I wish now that I would have talked to my PS about lipo too....get it all done at once and get it over with! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I do not get sick. There are so many people in this area with the flu right now. We went to a Christmas party last night and most of the spouses were absent with either the flu, or home with sick kids. Maybe the alcohol I drank will keep it at bay?!?! ha I have my house clean, my goody basket ready for my chair area, clean sheets and bathrooms, books, magazines, Christmas cards (to be filled out), lotions, chargers, and tv remotes all ready for my recovery. Anything else I may have forgotten, or missed, my husband will get for me. He is such an awesome man!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my husband!!!! I just wanted to make this all easier on him as well as on myself. He is already taking care of me by going out to get me some breakfast this morning. I will post as soon as I can after surgery. I know how I love it when others do so. To all my TT buddies Good luck, happy healing, and Happy Journey!!!Updated on 11 Dec 2012:I made it to the flat side!! In a lot of pain and very groggy from all the meds. My PS just left. He said everything went great!! Thank you all for your messages and kind words. I will write more when I can see straight. Ha happy journey!!!Updated on 12 Dec 2012:I wanted to do an update for you all. I am still on the recliner, but I'm getting better every day. My husband helps me in and out of the recliner, and helps me walk. I'm still walking at an incline, but that is normal. I still haven't seen my results. The doctor has me on strict orders not to take the bonding off. He takes it off and removes the tubes next Wednesday. My husband has been awesome with everything!!! I'm still loopy with the meds, so I'll update again soon. For those if you who have had their surgery's this week, welcome to the flat side!!! To those who are still waiting, your time is coming! Happy Journey everyone!!!Updated on 13 Dec 2012:Good morning everyone! I hope you all are doing great!! I am a bit better today. Still very sore, but it's manageable today. I also walked to the bathroom and back to the recliner be myself earlier, so wahoo for me!!!!! My PS nurse told me yesterday to get up and walk to the bathroom, or any other room, every 2-3 hours to prevent pneumonia from setting in. so I am trying to do that. I am more alert today. And, to make a correction; my PS is taking off the BINDER and tubes next Wednesday, not bonding! haha I don't know if I typed that or if my spell correct on my iphone did it. I am looking forward to Wednesday as I do not see any difference. My Vay Jay Jay hurts like heck when I get up. All the blood is pushed down there when I stand up. My PS told me it would get swollen and turn red/purple/blue. so I am not fretful about it. No BM yet, and have been taking my stool softeners, so I hope to have "activity" soon in that department. All in all, I am feeling better today. Each day sees improvement. I love hearing from you all. I don't think I could have done all of this without my husband and all of you!!!!!!! You all have been a rock for me to lean on! Thank you. Happy Journey!!Updated on 15 Dec 2012:Houston we have "Touch down!!" (TMI I know) I was truly getting worried...and backed up! lol I've moved to Tylenol, although I am still having a lot of pain in the top left side of my vay jay jay.. Does anyone else have this pain. It happens when I walk and when I first sit down. I still only walk from the bathroom and back to my recliner. I thought I should have progressed more by now, but then it's only been 5 days since having surgery, so I'm not going to push myself. Everyone heals at different "speeds." My binder is still my biggest complaint.. I can't take deep breaths yet, but I know I would be in so much more pain if I didn't have it on. I am looking forward to seeing all of it Wednesday. My drains have been doing good. It's more "clear" than anything, and each time we empty them, it's less and less. So, Wahoo!! I'm now getting the "itchy/tingly" feeling. It drives me crazy because I can't itch it through the binder!! I guess that IS a good thing that I can't! I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO WASHING MY HAIR!!!!! I tried the "Dry Shampoo" yesterday...now my hair stinks of the product, and looks greasy!! My husband has been awesome in all of this. He asks me everyday if I have gotten on here yet. He knows how much this site helps me. Not just with answers to some of my questions, but because I "talk" with others who are also going through this. I am so grateful for each one of my TT sisters!!!!!! Happy Journey!Updated on 18 Dec 2012:I haven't posted in a few days. I took a turn for the worst. I woke up the other night with stabbing pain under my shoulder blade. I couldn't breath hardly at all. It was so bad that I had my husband take me up to the ER. By the time we got to the ER the pain had subsided. So, we came home. I scared the hell out of me!!!! The next morning the pain was still there, but dull, so I called my PS office. I told his nurse what was going on, she told me it was most likely the anesthesia, but she would talk to the doctor (who was in surgery). She called me back and told me he wanted me to go get checked out, to make sure it wasn't pneumonia or an aneurysm. OK, SCARED!!!! Had my husband take me to the ER, had xrays, and sent home with a diagnosis of "pulled muscles." They had me take a pain pill while I was there, and then they gave my a muscle relaxer before I left. Got home and with the hour had the worst pain EVER!!!! (Mind you I had a pain pill AND a strong muscle relaxer in my system). OMG! I was hurting!!! My husband helped me into different positions to try and make the pain go away...NOTHING worked. Finally the pain eased, somewhat, and I slept for a few hours. This had been happening to me ever since every two-three hours. I have found some relief when I raised my arms above my head to breath better, but the pain continued. I've been sitting on one of my dinning room chairs all morning, and it has eased significantly. I heard of doing "Wall Angels" on one of the ladies pages on here, but can't remember what they were for. Has anyone else had this pain?? If so PLEASE tell me how you got it to go away, and stay away!!! And if you know what the "Wall Angels" help do, I would like to know (again). I hope this doesn't discourage anyone from getting the TT. Because even though I was full of regret yesterday, I know that this too shall pass. It is just a set back. I hope you all are doing well, and are healing nicely!!!!!! Happy Journey!Updated on 27 Dec 2012:Sorry it has been a long time since I last posted. I was in the hospital because I had blood clots in my lungs. I spent 5 days in ICU, and have been in a regular room for 3 days. Looooong story short, I am okay now, but will need to be on blood thinners for the next 6 months. I guess I was one of the rare people this happens to. Although, I am quite upset that it took 3 trips to the ER before someone caught this. I have been reading some of your updates the last few days and I am so happy that you all are recovering nicely!!!! I hope the rest of my recovery goes a LOT smoother!!! My PS says my stomach looks great, so at leat that is a positive thing. I've had some negativity from some "friends" about having a TT, but this is MY business!! But anyway, my husband has been right beside me through it all, and has taken good care of me. I'm a lucky woman, in more than one way!! I'm greatfull to be alive, and for all my friend and family that have been there for me. Happy healing everyone, and Happy Journey!!Updated on 5 Jan 2013:Hello ladies!! I finally uploaded a new picture. ( I blurred out my vah jay jay! lol) I am finally seeing a difference in my before and after photos. Because I was in the hospital for two weeks, I feel that I am a few weeks behind in the healing process. My PS says everything looks great! So, I am very happy to hear that. I am also on the mend from the pulmonary embolisms that put me in the hospital for those two weeks. For those ladies getting ready for your TT, make sure to get up and walk every 1-2 hours!!! AND, if you start feeling stabbing pains in your back, under your shoulder blades: GO TO THE ER AND GET CHECKED FOR THEM!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot stress that enough!! Although that happened to me, I must say, now that I see such a difference in my tummy, I'm glad I did this. I just wish that the bad stuff hadn't of happened! I am starting back to work next week, but am taking it slow. My doctor really wanted me to take another week, but told me to go to how I am feeling. I am still so grateful for this site, it has really helped me with all the emotions that go along with this procedure! Let me know how you think my tummy looks. The scar is bigger than I thought it would be, but it is healing nicely. The drain sites are almost healed as well, as you can see in the photo. My drains were in different places than most of yours. And, I never had a problem with them either. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how you think my results look now!! Happy Healing and Happy Journey to you all!!!!!!Updated on 7 Jan 2013:Hello Ladies! I wanted to post my 4 week photos. I think I am still swollen, at least I hope so, because I still can't get into my pre-surgery clothes. ha I did manage to get into a pair of jeans earlier, but it lasted a whole 15 minutes before my stomach said "NO WAY!!!" ha So, back to my yoga pants....which are sooooo much more comfortable anyway! BUt, I am looking GREAT in some shirts that didn't look so good before! (Doing a happy dance!!) I am finally seeing a difference in my tummy. I guess the past few weeks in the hospital put me a few weeks behind in the recovery process. I have heard (on here) that if you put a ear plug in the belly button, it makes it more round. Thoughts on this?!?! I am going to call and ask my PS tomorrow if he thinks I can do it. I was supposed to start back to work tomorrow, but I am going to listen to my doctor and take the week off. I haven't been out of the hospital a week yet. I thought I was going to feel like I could do it, but after just going to the store earlier by myself, I see now that I cannot do it yet. I was so exhausted!!! My stomach and BB are still numb. Is that normal after 4 weeks? Please give me your thoughts. Happy Healing and Happy Journey my friends!!Updated on 10 Jan 2013:Before my TT I mostly ONLY wore black, because of it's "thinning" ability. I put on an old shirt that I have had put away for the longest time because of the way it looked on me. Today, after trying on some other shirts I have not worn in a loooong time as well, I got it out and it looked fantastic on me!!!!!!!!!!! SO, goodbye black, hello colors!!!!!!!!!Updated on 25 Jan 2013:Hello Ladies! I hope you are doing good!!! I went to my PS Wednesday, and he said I am doing GREAT. He was actually surprised at how well my scar looks. He said what ever I was doing to keep it up, because it's the best he has ever seen at 6 weeks. I'm really not doing anything but massaging it a lot. I'm not using anything but the scar cream on it too. I am still numb in the center of my tummy, from my bellybutton down. And, I still m having pain and muscle spasms. He said that was normal as well, especially after the major muscle repair he did on me. He said my muscles were stretched out about 4-5 inches, so I will probably have the numbness and pain for another month or so. I'm also supposed to start watching my weight, and so he told me I can start exercising now. I was a little worried about what I can and can't do, and he told me I can do anything I want because I couldn't hurt anything now, but I will be sore and/or in a lot of pain if I over do it. I'm still on the Coumadin, and will be for 6 months. And, now they are worried about some other issues that my blood work has shown, so I will be dealing with that stuff now. I am sooooo tired of being stuck with needles!!!!!!!!!! I am also back at work now. The first week was really rough, especially with the swelling. But, this week has been great, almost like I'm almost back to normal. I wear my spanx during the day and my binder at night. I guess I'm not yet ready to get rid of them. My doctor suggested to start wearing a girdle. Has anyone else worn a girdle? If so, how is it working out for you? Happy healing ladies, and Happy Journey to you al!Updated on 4 Feb 2013:Happy February to you all!! I am 8 weeks PO today and I am starting my diet and my exercising today. I think I over did it this weekend cleaning. I measured my self yesterday morning and was very happy with the results. Then last night remeasured and was swollen so bad it was 2 inches more. Is anyone else still swelling that bad? I am still numb in the center of my stomach as well. I am a little upset because I still don't have any curves, I hope it is because I am still swollen. I just don't believe that I can still be that swollen though. Are any of you experiencing no curves too? I know I have a long time before healing is complete, but I won't lie, I am so ready to just be done with the healing process! I still am only fitting into one pair of jeans that I wore before the surgery (and that is because they stretch). Shouldn't I by now be able to wear pre-surgery clothes?!?! I am getting so discouraged! :( I hope after starting this diet and exercising again will change all that!!! Happy healing and Happy Journey to you all.
I got the confirmation from my insurance company in May and chose July so I could take the month of August to heal. I am excited and nervous. I went for my pre-op appt yesterday. Had a ton of questions to ask thanks to lurking around here for the last two months...lol. I am 48 and since the birth of my last child at 41, I knew it was something I really wanted to do. Like everyone else, I have felt defined by the girls since I was in my teens. Well, often anyway. They have been 'tons' of fun, but the older I get the more difficult they are to carry around. At a 36G I am so tired of carting them around, NEVER findings clothes that fit, and longing to take a deep breath all the way to the bottom of my lungs. I have been purchasing really good (aka expensive) bras for a long time. It will be nice to just buy 'off the rack'...haha. Reading here has been very helpful. Thanks to everyone that posts here about their experiences. I told my PS about this website and he said he would have to look it up! He's really very nice and puts me at ease. He will take me down to a very full C he says. My frame is small, but I am so worried I will look down and see a pouchy belly when they are not in the way! Hope to post here regularly. I have the entire month of August to heal and be bored. I can't wait! Updated on 20 Jul 2012: My coworkers who are 'in the know' say to me "how will we get along without you for an entire month!". Its another distraction and worry for me. Not that they can't get along, they CAN! Surgery is a WEEK FROM MONDAY! Don't even know where to start with getting things together around here. I went to Costco tody and got some things I thought might be easy to fix for the family to feed themselves. Will probably have to go back as they will eat all of it this week. Hubby is taking the week of surgery off to help. Trying to be unworried. Is that a word? Updated on 21 Jul 2012: So I told my 7 year old daughter yesterday about the surgery and what a look of horror and confusion on her sweet face! She has long considered them HERS since I nursed her until th age of three. No really! She has asked me several times about the milk in them. I have tried to explain that is no longer there, but it's just confusing I guess. So now she asks me a gazillion questions all day. I am afraid to show her some pics from here, but it may help. Or scare the bejeezus out of her. Any ideas or experience out there? Updated on 24 Jul 2012: I realized something today. MyPS says no pain meds for ten days before surgery, so I have not taken anything for several days. But my goodness I had no idea how much I depended on them to make my life easier! My neck and shoulders are absolutely killing me! He says acetominophen is ok, but it doesn't cut it for muscle and joint pain like ibuprofen or naproxen. This getting older thing, ain't for sissies! Updated on 28 Jul 2012: Well, one more night sleeping on my tummy and then it's here! So excited here I just can't stand it. I worked in the house today cleaning like crazy. It makes me feel better anyway. Now I am hoping I haven't forgotten anything. I have a sweet SIL bring dinner in Monday evening. Don't know if I can eat, but the family will be glad anyway. I am thinking I may be sleeping alot the first 24 hrs or so. I am loving all the pics posted here of before, during and after. It helps with the anxiety level I think. All these beautiful smaller breasted girls. I CAN'T WAIT to be one of them. Had hubby take pics of them. He doesn't want me to post them so I guess they are for posterity. Haha Will try to post tomorrow night before I have to be in hospital at 5amCST. Updated on 29 Jul 2012: It's here! One more (short) sleep, and I will be there! One last on my tummy night for a while. Hubby bought me a bolster pillow with arms and a back rest today so I can sit up better and maybe rest ok. He is very thoughtful. I had to start my antibiotic today and my stomach is upset. Yuck! Will get back with an update after as an official member of the IBT club! Updated on 30 Jul 2012: Got home from hospital at 1:30 today. Am doped up but I am pretty sure I LOVE MY NEW BOOBIES! I am sore and sleepy but happy. Will post more when I can speak (or type) in complete sentences Updated on 31 Jul 2012: I have literally slept the day away. Ate a little yogurt and crackers. The pain meds are great but they make me itch and make it difficult to walk. I have to have assistance. I I have plenty thank goodness. So last time it was pain meds time I took Tylenol. Cotton mouth is better and I can speak in complete sentences. And the dreams! Wow. Also took odd scopolamine patch. It made my vision blurry. Just some soreness today. Can't see them yet of course. The bra they put on me has hooks and a zipper. And I have drains too. Hubby is a champ emptying them. Glad he's home with me this week. Still no bathroom extravaganza but I haven't had much to eat either. Mentioned it to the nurse who calls to check on me. She said if nothing today, start taking Colace tomorrow. So looking down they seem very tiny. But then again what size wouldnt after carting the BIG ONES around for so long lol Willbe back soon with an update and to get my boobie fix! Updated on 1 Aug 2012: Wow another day gone already! Had a sweet friend bring us dinner and it's smelling yummy! My hubby is killing himself vacuuming the house and cleaning the windows inside and out. I just sit here in my princess recliner and smile :). Have fun y'all! But seriously, if he isn't up and doing something productive it nearly kills him, so why shouldn't he, right? I am feeling better since I am taking just Tylenol. And no more itching either. I am sore and the drains are no fun. I ran a fever last night but none today. The nurse who called me told me to make sure I coughed often to keep things from settling in my chest. Apparently that's a possibility when you get anesthesia. The PS told my hubby he removed a little over 7lbs! Can you believe it? That's the size of an infant! My shoulders look so narrow now. A friend who came by today said I looked about 30lbs lighter! Not that I believe THAT, but even a little is good. Supper is nearly ready! It's so nice not to have to think about that. I will take it. Can I leave with. I LOV MY TEENY [RS bleep] Updated on 3 Aug 2012: Nothing much new to report actually. These drains are driving me crazy and will not be removed until Tuesday. I feel pretty good but tire easily. Therefore, I am not doing much. Alot of sitting and reading. I did get out yesterday to get my hair washed by a friend who has a salon. That was nice. I didn't get out of car except to go in and out. But I was very tired. But I could NOT sleep last night. This back sleeping is for the birds. Even the recliner is not comfortable after a while. So I move around the house alot. I had some tissue removed from underneath my arms so I can not lift or put pressure on my arms much. Or do much extending. Even need help pushing back the recliner. Trying to stay cool since I still can't shower. Baths are not very relaxing when there are tubes and drains hanging from you. It's funny but until I can actually see them I can't believe they are really there. My teeny boobies I mean. Lol. It's still some figment of my imagination. My family is being so very helpful this week. Have not had to do anything at all only give direction. It's very nice being the queen. :) Updated on 7 Aug 2012: Went for my one week follow up this morning and to have drains removed. I actually did not get to see the PS as he had a family emergency and had to leave. His nurse was very good and she removed all stitches and drains. What a relief! I was glad I remembered to take a pain pill about an hour before. It was pretty uncomfortable still though. But so glad to get them out. They look pretty high and tight right now as I expected. My nipples will scab over she said. They look like little burned pancakes. I had some tissue removed from my underarm and that is still pretty tender. It's a huge incision it seems to me. On both sides. He had said lipo wasn't an option there. It was just enlarged breast tissue and had to come out. Otherwise I would stillnhave wicked 'dog ears' hanging over my bra sides. I hope it heals nicely. I haven't worn any thing sleeveless in years anyway because of the ugly hanging tissue. At least I might have an option to do it now. I am still to take it easy.. Still no lifting, pushing or pulling. Treated myself to a mani/pedi after. That was heavenly. Follow up appt next Tuesday. Will be checking in all week y'all. Updated on 9 Aug 2012: Well I have been trying to lay low and rest. But, I went to th movies today and some winow shopping and I was exhausted. Yesterday I bought another cheap Walmart bra (since my other one shrunk) and it feels much better to wear. Still have a bit of drainage from righty at t- junction. Today I had a bit from aroun my left nipple. Not sure if I accidentally scratched it or what. Trying to not do too much and just rest, but it's hard. My family has been very good. Hubby has to go out of town next week for just a couple of days but he is worried. We have a perfectly grown up daughter here can help. He told her to stay with me while he's out of town. Haha. So sweet. Two cool things : a friend brought dinner yesterday. SHe had BR about 10 yrs ago. I showed hem to her. She said they looked awesome! And today while shopping I saw a former neighbor. As we caught up, I noticed she kept looking down at my chest as if she couldn't quite tell what was different. I didnt say a word. Just smiled alot. pretty cool. Go back to PS next week. Hoping these underarm incisions heal up quickly. They are a nuisance. Can't lift my arms. Especially my right. Wicked long incision there. Guess the tissue he removed from there was quite a bit bigger than left side. And of course no bandage is going to stay on well there. I just try to keep it down by my side as much as possible. Some shooting pains here and there. I expect they are normal healing pains. Not too bad. Updated on 11 Aug 2012: You know what's fun? Trying on button up shirts that I've NEVER been able to wear! I am still too sore to try on any bras yet. The girls are still looking kinda high and tight. Seem to be doing ok though. But I am still not doing much. Today did a little around the house just to keep me from going insane looking at stuff. Tired out now. And taking a shower seems to take forever too. Still not able to lift arms up due to underarm incisions. Only just a bit. Sleeping a bit better though finally. Enough random thought for now. :) Updated on 15 Aug 2012: Went to two week post op yesterday. Got to see the PS this time. Last week at one week he was called out for a family emergency. Turns out, his 92 year old father passed away this weekend. Sorry to hear that but he was very talkative about him and told some great stories about him. He really is a very nice man. His nurse is awesome too. About boobs...he says they are doing nicely. Was surprised at how well my nipples are 'pinking' up at this stage. They still have blackish skin on them but it's really going away quickly. Took more stitches out at t junction. They are oozing a bit today. Us thats normal. He said I could start gently massaging my underarm scars but wait a while longer for the underneath big scars. Still have bandages around nipples but they will come off on their own. I go back Sept 11 for four week follow up. Mental health ...seems to be a bit more difficult than I imagined adjusting. Right now I feel a bit strange about it. Not a bit unhappy I had it done, just sort of sad maybe? I think as time passes and I can DO more, it will be better. Can't exercise yet, just walk. Having all this time off, and it's seems a waste to just sit. I know, I know. I am healing and I am taking care of myself. See? I am thinking I am conflicted and somewhat in mourning too. Make any sense? Enough about that, I sm enjoying some new pieces of clothing. They certainly fit up top much better now! Gotta get this belly down now! Updated on 5 Sep 2012: Wow can't believe what I miss when I don't check in here! So much going on. I am now five weeks our and doing well. Went back to work this week and that was a bit of a stretch. I work with infants and even though they are mostly tiny, I still have to hold them up close to the girls. And it was a bit touchy. I had to come home and put ice packs on. I am healing pretty well. I still have two scabby things that havent fallen off, but they will soon. Massaging twic a day. Go to see my PS next week for 6 week f/u. Hope to start exercising after that. I am still tender to the touch. Still using pillow in the car when driving. Still not sure of final size. Could be Christmas before I know I guess. But it doesn't matter. I am happy right now. So worth it. Updated on 13 Sep 2012: Went this week for my six week follow up. He said I was doing great! I will continue to massage the scarring. I am still tender when lying on my stomach or wearing the seatbelt. Still a little squarish on bottom of breasts, but the sides are rounding out. He says it will take some more time for that to happen. Love the Bali Comfort Revolution bra right now. Not able to wear more molded cups yet. They fit weird. Hoping as they get more rounded out, that becomes an option. The last scab fell off my nipple this week. Now they don't look like they are winking at me! With an FNG this is just something you gotta del with. But it took the full SIX WEEKS! Omg. Still have quite a bit of numbness at incisions and on my nipples. No more 'pokinatcha's' for me! (slang for poking at you just in cas y'all don't get my southern slang! Ha Love all the little bitty spaghetti straps and cute tops I can wear now! Yay for IBT's!
Four days ago I had a rhinoplastyand turbinate ressection. I have always been self concious about my nose. After graduating college I worked extremely hard to lose the weight so many young men and women gain during their college years. However, after losing nearly 70lbs, my nose became even more prominent and the "bumps" that formed after breaking my nose multiple times were uneven and obvious. I wanted to do something permanent to both correct my looks and prevent the constant sinusitus. (On a side note, my surgery was paid for by my insurance company because of a deviated septum, several injuries, and a long history of sinus problems, while this may not apply to everyone seeking a rhinoplasty it is worth investigating, without insurance's help I wouldn't have been able to go through with the surgery so quickly!) I am currently 4 days out of surgery, with my bandages still in tact and with swelling beginning to move down my face I can still tell the shape of my nose is exactly what I had hoped for! The pain is minimal, it actually feels a lot more like severe sinus pressure than what I expected. The implication of this is just irritation at the tip of my nose (feels raw) and the inability to breathe through my nose, leaving my mouth and throat extremely dry! I look forward to getting my splints, stitches, and makeshift cast off next week and I will update my review when I do. Even now, dealing with the post-op irritations, I am completely satisfied with my decision. I think it is necessary to go into surgery with a realistic expectation and be able to effectively communicate your wants with the surgeon. For me, i described my ideal nose for my face as being long, but realistically narrow, and most importantly straight! I hope that for those reading this awaiting their rhinoplasty that your experience is equally wonderful and that the procedure will reflect the beauty that exists on the inside for all the world to see!
