I had a breast reduction and loft preformed by Dr. Jon Bishop in Orem, UT. I went from a 36H to a 36C/D. I won't know the exact size until I have healed up some more. I have written in my blog all about my experience. BEST DECISION EVER! I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is considering it. It is absolutely life-changing. Updated on 26 May 2016: Today I am exactly 4 weeks post op. I'm feeling great. I can sleep on my sides again and even if I'm sore by the end of the day I don't feel the need to take any Tylenol or anything. So happy with my decision and my results!
Like so many others, I developed very young and was teased horribly about my giant boobs. They were huge, and until college, I really wasn't overweight. Despite the physical and emotional discomfort, a reduction never crossed my mind until my PCP brought it up at an annual exam when I was 20. By that time, I wore a 36F. And because I have wimpy skin with lousy resiliency, they weren't sexy at all, since they sagged nearly to my belly button. So I met with a plastic surgeon and decided to go ahead with it. He mentioned that breastfeeding might not be possible afterwards, but I was miserable and had no romantic prospects, so I chose to proceed. I'm glad I did, because I would still be waiting and suffering 11 years later, if I hadnt! I can't say I've ever been really thrilled with the postoperative appearance of my breasts. They were kinda squared off at the bottom for a long time, and although that has resolved over the years, my nipples have been too high and too close together ever since it was done. When I complained to the surgeon about this a year or three later, he suggested a breast lift and implant. Uh, no thanks. So I look a little weird naked, but with clothes on, no one would know (unless it gets really cold...), and at least I'm proportionate and not embarrassed and in pain. Could the result have been better? Yes. Am I still glad I did it? Yes.
I should have shopped around more. AFTER trusting my body to Dr Bishop with all his promises, I have met people who'd also gone to him, and they've had similar bad results, are not satisfied, not impressed, and there's nothing any of us can do about it. I now have lumps and bumps and areas on me with NEW issues I never considered. Yes, my appearance had improved, but when I went back to him to ask how to fix HIS work--which is total asymmetry, saggy skin (from his not removing enough), extensive nerve damage, atrophy, weird scar tissue and more, he gave me another quote for almost $9000!At an earlier appointment he had promised he could fix things in his office for the cost of sutures. I went back to discuss how and when and he then claimed it would be too much to do in office, and I'd have to have another whole surgery! He also claimed people often have to return for more after their initial work has been done. Um, he hadn't said that in the first place ... He promised he could tighten things up, I'd have a cute body (not expecting 'supermodel,' but at least symmetrical) and be totally happy with my results. To see other reviews and meet others showing that's not the case? Not surprising. Total regrets. Don't go to him.
Ever since I had my second baby 8 months ago, I have been having some abdominal pain and I am unable to comfortably lay on my stomach. I have a large tummy apron due to gaining 75 lbs with my first pregnancy and delivering an 11 lb baby. I thought the discomfort was from the apron so I decided to go see plastic surgeon to consult about a possible panniculectomy. But after doing a physical examination he found an enormous umbilical hernia. He asked me if perhaps I had an outie belly button when I was a baby. Um YES! I had an outie until I was 8! My parents just hoped it would eventually go away because they didn't have money for a surgery. The Dr said it was probably always there and just made larger by pregnancies. I need to get the hernia repaired with bio mesh. He recommends a tummy tuck at the same time. He thinks I would not like the results of the panniculectomy. My concern is that I am not done having children, hopefully. He suggested doing a tummy tuck without the muscle repair. And he says I can absolutely have more children. (I have learned how to manage my weight during pregnancy and otherwise) I'm concerned about a lot of things... I work full time and I am the sole provider for my family of 4. I can only take 2 weeks off of work! I don't have much wiggle room there. I have to pay the bills. I have read a lot of things about hernia repair having a very long and painful recovery. I wonder if it's any worse than the tummy tuck? I'm worried that I will not be able to help with my children and home life while I recover. My husband is so supportive and keeps telling me not to worry. But I can't help it. I'm also worried that I will spend all this money, time away from family and work, and go through all this pain and in the end... What if I don't like the way I look? Since the hernia repair is medically necessary, so it will be covered by my insurance, but I am paying out of pocket for the tummy tuck. I am all pre authorized and surgery is scheduled for April 13th, 2017. I'm so anxious. But so excited. But so scared. Updated on 19 Mar 2017: My surgery is less than 4 weeks away. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. My emotions are all over the place. I am beyond excited to have this THING off of my lap. But I have guilt feelings that I am putting my family through all this. And although I am super healthy, there is always a risk when you undergo any surgery. I have 2 little kids and a husband that desperately need me. But I know that I can be a much better wife and mother when I reduce my waste circumference and reduce my risk of cardiovascular disease among other obvious benefits. I work out 6 days a week. I eat lean. I live clean, I don't smoke or drink or use any drugs. I feel that it is unfair for my body to hold weight in my abdomen the way it does. My panniculus effects every single aspect of my life in a negative way. EVERY SINGLE ONE! I have spent hours reading other reviews and trying to find women who have similar pre op bodies as me. I have read stories of women who regret their decision every day of their lives, and those stories break my heart. But I have also read stories about women who change their lives forever in the best way possible. What I want to know is... WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?! And what can I do to get the later of those 2 scenarios? Is it all about the skill of the surgeon? Is it patient compliance with after care? Is it just that some bodies will not do well with this type of procedure? I don't know if there is an answer to these questions, but I am going to ask my PS at my pre op appt. The pic is pretty much how I dress every day. T Shirt and yoga pants. There is no other options. I can't wear jeans, unless they are maternity and then I will inevitably get THAT question..."When are you due?" I can't wear dresses because there is no worse way to hide a protruding stomach than to drape some fabric over it and let it hang. Clothes shopping is NOT fun. I don't even bother trying on feminine or stylish clothes, it just makes me sad. I will work up the nerve to post pics of my naked belly soon. Updated on 19 Mar 2017: There are very few people who I would show my body without clothes, so the fact that I'm about to post these pictures on the internet is insane. But I have debated with myself over it and decided I need to post them. The reason is because I have deeply appreciated the bravery of others before me to document their journey so that I can learn from it. It would be selfish of me not to pay it forward. Updated on 26 Mar 2017: Updated on 29 Mar 2017: I met with my surgeon today. My surgery is in 2 weeks. I PAID. I have had my fair share of worry and doubt and guilt so I thought it would be hard to hand over the $. But it really wasn't! I feel at peace with where I'm spending my money. Because it's getting so close, I can start to think about how I'm actually going to feel when I see my stomach for the first time. Today when I ran 2 miles pushing a stroller and a 40lb kid, I had the biggest smile on my face and a runner's high because I kept thinking about what it will feel like to NOT have this sandbag belly swinging along as my constant running partner. When my husband touched my affectionately I imagined what it would feel like to welcome his hand on my stomach. Every penny I spent is worth the thousands of reasons I have to do this. That being said, I am well aware that it all could be a disaster. I have read all those horrific stories. I know the risks. I know that although my surgeon is very optimistic that I am going to be so pleased, my results are not guaranteed. I guess I just have to admit that the potential benefits are worth the risks. My husband came with me to the appointment. He wanted to meet the surgeon and ask some questions about after care. He knows me. He thinks that I might try to take on too much and not rest enough. Psh! (That's fair) I'm so in love with my man. He supports me in anything I want to do. He looks at me like I'm a super model. He can't keep his hands off of me. I am so sure of his love for me no matter how much giggle there is to my belly. This surgery is 100% about me and my choice to do this. He just wants me to be happy. And I am happy! I'm just so damn uncomfortable in my skin. Updated on 14 Apr 2017: Yesterday I got to the hospital bright and early. I was the first patient on my surgeons schedule for the day. That was awesome. I was headed back to surgery within 1.5 hrs of arrival. Surgery prep involved washing my belly and pubic area with Chlorhexine wipes, putting on compression stockings, dressing in a warming gown, getting iv going, and talking with the surgeon and anesthesiologist. I asked my Dr to take a pic of my removed skin because I wanted to see it. He thought that was funny and never had anyone ask that before in 21 years of practice. So to remind himself he wrote "pic" on my stomach. I didn't get to see it yet, but he showed it to my husband and he was extremely proud of it. He ended up removing +12lbs!!!!!!!!! His estimate before was 7-10. He said i did remarkably well and I was a perfect candidate. My emotions leading up to surgery were all over the place. I was more nervous for this than anything I've experienced in my life so far. Mostly I was nervous about dying and leaving behind my adorable children and husband. Even though I know it's more dangerous statistically to get in a car and drive. So here I am... The surgery took about 3.5 hours. I'm staying in the hospital over night which is SO NECESSARY. I don't know how anyone would be comfortable going home same day. This is a major surgery. Lots of people have compared the post op experience to having a c section. NO WAY IN HELL! This is much more intense. The pain is indescribable. The pain meds just make it barely tolerable. I haven't been able to see my stomach yet. My nurse adjusted my binder and I had my husband snap some pictures. Updated on 14 Apr 2017: I am shocked by the size of these babies Updated on 18 Apr 2017: 5 days in, and I think I'm doing okay. My pain level has not gone above a 5 since I got home from the hospital. I've heard a lot that the hardest day emotionally and physically is day 3. And I guess that's probably true for me, too. Except my most excruciating pain was a 24 hour migraine that made me so sick with pain that I was vomiting. Let me tell you, that throwing up while your abdomen is held together with stitches= the WORST. Also, the emotional pain if not getting to pick up and help my babies. Updated on 19 Apr 2017: Last night was rough. My 3 yr old woke up at midnight screaming that he was in pain and we couldn't figure out where. So my husband had to take him to the ER. He's fine he has strep throat. Then my husband woke up at 4am puking his guts out. So that leaves 3 out of 4 family members in need of care. Looks like my 9 month old will have to start pulling her weight around here! ???? Nah, were managing with help from my husband's parents. So far these are the hardest things, 1. Not being able to play with and hold my children. I can hear my baby crying downstairs and there's nothing I can do. She just wants her momma. 2. The pain!!!!! I can't take the Percocet because it makes me vomit. So I am taking LorTab which just barely takes the edge off. And I have to take anti nausea meds which make me so sleepy. I don't like being on drugs. 3. The drain. I know it's necessary, but I hate it. These are the best things: 1. I keep running my hands along my lower stomach, I can't believe how flat it is. I'm already thinking about organizing my closet and pulling out everything I don't want to wear, and pulling out my boxes marked "skinny clothes". 2. I appreciate my whole support system so much more. I'm usually the one taking care of everyone, but now the roles are reversed and my friends and family have really showed up. 3. I am usually up at dawn and going going going until after the sun goes down. But this experience has FORCED me to have some quiet times of reflection. I will make that a priority even after I'm healed. Updated on 20 Apr 2017: I actually went out side today. I went to the grocery store with my husband and our baby. I was so excited to just see the light of day and smell the air. It was sprinkling and cloudy and that is my FAVORITE weather. I was feeling like a champ this morning. I took a shower and straightened up my bathroom. I took some pictures with out the binder on. And I thought going to the store would be fine. But about 15 min into the shopping experience I just gassed out! My back was hurting my tummy felt tight, it felt like I was not getting enough oxygen. I guess I pushed it too far. I came home and felt like absolute garbage. I slept for a few hours and it was a fitful sleep with lots of nightmares. I have had 2 really bad migraines since surgery. That has been that absolute worst thing about recovery so far. When my brain feels like its oozing out my ears and my eyeballs want to burst, I can't rest. I just sit there wanting to die. No amount of drugs can help either. I just have to live them out. I put together my first before and after pics.... Updated on 23 Apr 2017: I'm feeling actually pretty good. Everyday has been a improvement with very little steps back. I'm struggling with not taking on too much. My husband just sat me down and reminded me that I made a deal with him, and I was not doing my part. Oops. I'm gonna try harder to relax. It's hard because I hear my toddler needing something or the house being a mess and I want to FIX EVERYTHING. I still have a drain in, and for that reason I'm still sleeping in the recliner. I am so sick of it. I want to lay in bed next to my husband. But I know me, and I will roll around and probably rip the dang drain out. I have an appt with my Dr tomorrow. Hopefully he'll take it out. I'm not draining much probably like 30 ml a day. I am really liking my results so far. I mean I have swelling, a lot of swelling! But I can imagine what it will be like when that starts to go away. I have a crumple of skin on my right side that concerns me. I'll have to ask Dr about it tomorrow. I can't wait to get back to working out! I am excited to actually be able to tone and tighten areas of my body and not just hate on my stomach the whole time and feel like every lunge is pointless. Updated on 9 May 2017: I am very happy with my results, I don't think I expected it. I hoped I would feel better, but I had no idea I would feel amazing. I actually said out loud "i love my body" and I meant it. I have always been a happy and outgoing person but underneath every move I have made has been this underlying hatred for my body. I am free from that. It feels like I am out of prison. Don't get me wrong, I am not content with my weight and I will continue to work hard to get where I want to be. But while I'm doing that I can where clothes that fit me and be comfortable. Updated on 27 May 2017: I'm officially past my 6 week mark. I started exercising earlier this week because I couldn't stop myself. I feel great! But the swelling everyday makes me feel like I'm gaining weight. I'm not, thankfully. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery day. I can't really tell because my body is different now. One thing that annoys me now is the massive size of my breasts. I look like I'm going to fall over. But I'm not even thinking about surgery again. I've had my fill for a very long time. I'll just keep losing weight and wear minimizers. Shopping for a bathing suit for summer is so fun, but also impossible because now my breasts don't match my tummy size. Some stuff that has been hard... Finding a comfortable compression garment is really tough. I like the ones that you can wear your own bra with and have straps on the shoulders. But 2 weeks ago I developed the most excruciating upper back pain on one side and then in a matter of days it had spread to my arm and fingers and then the arm and fingers went numb while somehow still shooting pain. It was really bad. It's still bad. I'm getting treatment now and the steroids are helping but I still can't feel my fingers. Any way, I think it was caused by the way the compression garment pulls on my shoulder while I sleep. Or maybe it's just from me compensating for the lack of abdominals. I don't know, but I thought I might put it out here in case someone else can use the info. So now I only sleep in a compression garment without straps so my shoulders are free. I can't do the corset only ones because they push on my pubic area weird and I was getting a permanent indent in the wrong spot. So the garment has to pull up my pubic area as well. Intimacy with my husband is about a million times more fun. I actually pulled the tags off of the lingerie I got for my bridal shower 9 years ago, and wore it. Good times. I still love my results. But there are some not so ideal things. My belly button is a good inch off center. It honestly doesn't bother me that much. I will NOT be wearing a bikini. There's no reason for me to show my stomach in public. And it is a really good belly button! It's just in the wrong spot. My side crinkles are going away slowly. But they still look funky. I think they always will. One side of my scar is higher than the other and the whole thing is higher than I hoped it would be. But again, this stuff doesn't really get to me. I don't have much pain except on my sides/flanks when I bump into something or jump or run. I can use my abdominals without too much pain. The longest I can plank right now is 1:06, then I feel a burning pinch. I'm putting up some pics Updated on 20 Jun 2017: I don't have a single regret. The pain is just a memory now. I'm working out. I can swim. I have tightness and my sides feel sort of like they are always sore. But my Dr said that's normal. My incision scar has some really lumpy thick areas. He said i need to rub them. Updated on 1 Sep 2017: 4+ months since my life changed forever. I had been dreaming of a flat stomach my whole life. I planned and prepped and worked for it. One of the things I naively thought, was that if I got rid of my hanging belly, then it would be so much easier to lose weight. I can say now, it's not easier! But it is better! Before surgery I talked to a friend who had a tummy tuck and does not like the results. She told me she wishes she would have lost 20 more lbs before surgery. I didn't want to have that regret. So I made physical fitness a priority BEFORE surgery. I was exercising 6 days a week and eating clean. I think that has helped me SO MUCH in the past few months. I have this nightmare fear that my body will naturally go back to the way it was. So taking 6 weeks off of fitness was terrifying. And I will not lie, it was really hard to get back into it. I felt my motivation slipping. All of the sudden I saw the scale# start creeping ? UP. Then one day I stepped on the scale and I weighed as much as I did the day I went in for surgery. ???? I was devastated. I saw my worst fears coming to life. It was a real wake up call for me. I recognized that clean eating and regular fitness are not options for me. That is the only way to live my life. So I went back. And I am so happy. My life is much more vibrant when I make good food choices. I sleep better when I exercise every day. And I'm not overdoing it or being obsessive. I just make sure I sweat for 20 min every day, and don't eat breads and pastas. That's it. Thankfully, the weight came off, and MORE. I'm down 12 lbs since surgery. The reason I say weight loss is better now is because I can tell a difference when I lose 3 lbs. Before, that would not make a difference at all. Also, every exercise I do is a LOT more comfortable. I'm addicted to running. Not having a belly bouncing around really turned that page for me. I can do yoga. Lifting is more fun. Ab workouts are actually quite painful, though. Any way, I hope this helps someone who is reading this. Don't be afraid. You can do it. But just know... Surgery is not magic, you still have to WORK.
So I'm 29, mother to 3 kids and my surgery is on Friday! I'm SO nervous and scared! My mom doesn't know, cause she has always been SO disapproving....but I wish she was here to help out. My husband has Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.... hopefully that will help. Ugh.... I just really could use some emotional support! Updated on 28 Jun 2016: Hey my BA went pretty good, I was down and out Friday (the day of), Saturday was rough too. I started feeling a little better on sunday... Monday is went for my 1st post op appointment, it went well. My implants are WAY high still! I'm hoping they drop and fluff SOON, let's be honest I'm still pretty sick feeling, due to all the meds. I hope recovering continues to be better! Updated on 1 Jul 2016: It's been one week since my BA, how long till swelling goes down??!! They are SO high too!
My breasts never stopped growing. Even after nursing four children, they just got larger and larger. The rest of me is about a size 6 but I always had to buy large shirts and live with the uni-boob look or looking like my whole upper body was big in the clothes that accommodated my chest. When I was diagnosed with stenosis in my neck caused by the weight of my breasts, my insurance agreed to a breast reduction. I am very happy I had it done. Very happy. My breasts are not particularly beautiful but I was going for reduction not perfect shape with cleavage. They had served their purpose - nursing my kids. I was so over the cumbersome size. The scars are almost invisible - tiny white lines. I heard the scars would be awful but that hasn't been the case at all.
I have always had such a big chest and 3 kids later they are a force to be reckoned with. My stomach didn't come through the pegnancies unmarred and I developed a hernia which has been painful for the past 10 months. I am looking forward to a more youthful body and much less discomforts. I am nervous my kids are so young and I am there full time caregiver ages 6, almost 4 and 6 month. They are everything to me and I am nervous because of the risks and knowing I will not be able to care for them for a few weeks. (My 3 year old told me the other day when looking at my belly button that it looked broke :) I appreciate others sharing there size so I will as well. I have lost 60lbs since delivering in May. I am working on 8 more pre surgery and would like to go Down 15 more after surgery by May. I believe my bra size is 34 H but that is just going off of measurements rib cage 33" but 39" my surgeon is planning on removing 600 cc on each breast (they are symmetrical my photos are selfies so my one arm was stretched out . On my stomach I am having hernia and muscle repair and lipo of the flanks. I am 5'4" 160 lbs 34 years old breastfed 2 for over 18 months each Updated on 9 Dec 2013: My kids have had colds and now I have it. I sure hope it is gone by next week. I've about got all my Christmas shopping done and wrapped. I had my initial consult at 200 lbs 2 months after my baby was born and my boobs were still full with milk. My surgeon decided to remove 650 cc each side I am now 160 lbs I think he still wants to remove 600 cc a lot off the sides. I ready to be smaller but will they be gone? Sort if freaking out right now. Updated on 21 Dec 2013: I am on my second day post op still in the hospital but I'm going home today everything is so tight it. It only hurts when I get in and out of bed. I can see a big difference although I have looked under the dressing. I fogot to ask how much was taken out. I just know my chest is small. I'll put pics up when I can as for now I am going to sleep. Updated on 6 Jan 2014: A few pictures I took at the end of the day on day 16 so swollen! I need to do some morning pictures.
