I've been lurking here and reading for awhile and finally decided to document my journey. I'm just going to start with the background and then catch up to the present over the next few days. I'm 44yrs old. I've wanted a breast reduction for years. In school I was a perky 38C. I seemed to gain a cup size with each pregnancy. 38D, 38DD, 38DDD. I had gained weight and didn't lose it also. I had my first consult with a ps in August 2014. I knew my insurance wouldn't cover any of it and I would have to pay. I wanted to see what my options were and what they would say. I saw Dr. O'Halloran. She was amazing and told me a reduction would change my life. I left excited about one day having the surgery. Fate stepped in and delayed the surgery. In Dec. 2014 I had to have a total hysterectomy and three weeks after that I had to have my gallbladder out. 3 months later, all wisdom teeth needed to be removed. Financially, a Br just wasn't feasible. I dedicated myself to the gym and losing weight for the next year. More tomorrow! It's late! Updated on 8 Jun 2016: So, as I said, I spent the next year dedicating myself to the gym and eating healthier. Over he course if of the year(actually about 2yrs), I managed to go from 245lbs to 190lbs. I was still struggling to save the money to have BR done. Christmas 2015, my husband surprised me with the money to have surgery! I had a consultation with my dr set for March 2016! My (2nd) consultation went great and she agreed that I would love having smaller boobs and I asked to go as small as possible. I have a son with muscular dystrophy so we had to arrange schedules so my husband and oldest daughter could do all his care for 8 weeks, so surgery was set for May 16, 2016 @ @9:30am. Pre-op was done on May 11 and I paid for surgery that day. All blood work came back fine and I was ready! On May 15, my husband and J celebrated our 25th anniversary a few days early by going to see Wicked and out to dinner. It made the hours pass by faster. May 16--surgery day!! We got to the outpatient surgery center at 7:30am, got checked in and waited. Wasn't long before I was taken back to change into a gown and have an iv placed. My husband and oldest daughter(she is almost 24) were brought back to wait with me. Dr. O came in and marked me up and I was shocked at where she said my nipples would be placed! I was walked back to the operating room about 10min later. I joked around with the nurses and Drs until I was out. When I woke up in the recovery room, I was miserable! I had been told there would be some burning pain along the incisions but I honestly wasn't prepared for the intensity of it. It felt like my skin along the bottom was on fire. I was given ice packs which helped tremendously!! I was wheeled into the step down waiting where my family was. I finally peeked in my shirt and said, they are gone!!! Thank heavens!! My dr doesn't use surgical bras, so I could see! I was then ready to go home. The ride home wasn't bad. I had been given pain Meds before I left. Got home and immediately went to bed with ice packs. We have a bed that raises up the head and feet so I was able to be comfortable. I slept off and on the first day with ice packs on almost continually!! Updated on 8 Jun 2016: Day 2(May 17)was not bad. I was really swollen. My dr had taken out as much fat as she could under my arms and that's where I was hurting the most. On the sides and under my arms were hard as rocks and felt like stone pillows! I mostly just slept and watched tv all day. I had drains in , but they really didn't bother me all that much unless they got caught and pulled. Day 3(May 18) I had a follow up with my dr this day and was having the drains removed. I was too afraid to take a shower so I just washed off with a washcloth. We live about 35min from the Drs office so I took a pain pill before we left. Every bump was uncomfortable, but not bad. The appt was quick. The nurse took the drains out. That wasn't fun but the pain only lasted a couple seconds. The dr checked in and said she had taken TWO POUNDS out of each side! She told me I could wear a sports bra if I chose, but the most important thing was to be comfortable. We left there, ran a few errands and then headed home. When we got home I was ready for more pain Meds and sleep, so I put off taking a shower. Updated on 8 Jun 2016: Ok, so now to get caught unto where I am now. I finally took my first shower on day 4. It was the fastest shower I have ever taken. I couldn't lift my arms very far, so my husband washes my hair and dried it. I jumped in, washed off and the was back out. It was exhausting but felt great! The days between then and now have been all about healing and taking it easy. I have had many days of panic where I thought my boobs were going to end up square, or bulging on the sides and flat in the middle. The swelling can be intense at times. I didn't start this update when I had surgery because I was afraid I would panic and freak everyone out! Instead, I panicked and drove my family crazy. The shape changes almost daily. I have always loved the fact that they are so much smaller, I was just panicking over the shape! I sometimes get panicked that they are still too big. I have been out to eat, a couple Drs appts, some grocery shopping and brief shopping trips. I wear a tight sports bra to keep swelling down. I'm usually pretty tired when I get home and ready to get out of the sports bra and just rest! Updated on 8 Jun 2016: Ok, last update for today and then I'm caught up. Sorry the pictures are out of order, I'm just adding here and there as I scroll through and see them. This is by far the best thing I have ever done for myself! I'm having a couple complications, but it's still worth it! The worst complication is nerve dysfunction. My skin feels like when you have a sunburn and clothes rub against it. It's really uncomfortable and painful. I've been assured that it will stop in the next couple of weeks! Other than that, it's just swelling and heat rashes(it's Texas, no surprise). Updated on 13 Jun 2016: Today is 4 weeks. I'm really feeling better every single day. The sunburn feeling is still there, but not as bad. I can wear soft tops that touch my skin without crying now. I still think my boobs seem far apart(there is a wide space in the middle), but Dr. I told me they would settle and I would have beautiful cleavage. That's a weird bought because I always tried to hide my cleavage. The sides are still really hard and swollen with some numbness. I go for my 4 week post op checkup on Wednesday. I've been trying to get out and move around more, but this is Texas and the heat and humidity causes me to get itchy! However, we had to go to Dallas yesterday so I stopped at the outlet mall. I bought a pair of new jeans and a shirt. I have always dressed in clothes that are too big for me. I didn't want shirts to hug the huge boobs and I didn't want my belly to hang over the waist of jeans. Over the last two years, I have lost weight. 60+ pounds. At my heaviest, I was wearing 3xl shirts and size 22 jeans. Even with the weight loss, I was still wearing the same sized clothes. Yesterday that all changed!! I bought a pair of jeans that are size 15/16!! I just fit into a 14/15, but I kept thinking, if they shrink, they will be too tight, so I didn't get them. I also bought an xl shirt! I could fit into a large, but it showed the muffin top I need to work on and that made me uncomfortable. I shopped in a regular store! The store has a small plus side section, but I didn't even go in it! This is the first time in 20+yrs that I haven't had to shop in a plus sized store! It's like a whole new world has opened up! I'm holding off buying more until a little more swelling has gone down and I can wear a regular(not sports) bra! Updated on 16 Jun 2016: I saw my ps yesterday for my 4 week check up. She said everything is healing great. I still have a lot of swelling on the sides. She told me that with the amount of skin and tissue she took, the swelling would take quite awhile to go down. I have one small place under my right boob that opened up whe she removed all the tape. She put a small piece of gauze over it. Having NO tape on feels great! She told me the sunburn feeling is my skin and nerves being overly sensitive and would calm down over time. With the Texas heat, she told me I should go bra less or with a very soft and lightweight bra to avoid the rubbing and sweating as much as possible. She said when I'm completely healed, she thinks I will be a large B, small C! I told her I would be ecstatic with anything D and under! I've started back at the gym walking slowly on the treadmill for a few miles. In two weeks I can start back with light weights. I still want to lose another 25lbs or so. I'm trying desperately to get back into my normal routine! The sensitive skin and nerves and swelling combined with the heat and humidity make it difficult. I start the day feeling great, by about 3pm, I'm ready to curl up with ice packs and watch tv! My dr assures me that it will get better. I think, now that I have smaller boobs and no back ache and can wear clothes that fit, I'm just impatient to get into the gym and get out and go go go! I don't see my dr again until Sept unless something comes up between now and then. She still doesn't want me to wear anything other than a soft cup bra or sports bra and absolutely no underwire until she sees me in Sept. For anyone even considering a BR, go for it. Don't wait. Make a consult appt and go for it. It's, by far, the best thing I have done for myself so far! Updated on 17 Jun 2016: This update is just a simple whine. My family has been great through my surgery and recovery and even my panic that my boobs were never going to look right. However, it's like once we reached the 4 week Mark, they were done. Other than not being able to handle the physical aspects of taking care of my son(he has muscular dystrophy), they expect me to be back to 100%. I would put myself back at about 80%. I can do most things, but I get tired and my boobs swell and hurt by around 4ish. My husband is currently working on building a pad for concrete and a new storage building. He doesn't understand why I can't be out there helping him. It's Texas and the humidity and heat kill me and then I sweat and itch and break out in a rash. I've also heard from a few friends...your surgery was 4 weeks ago, you should be 100% healed by now! Frustrating and a little disappointing in people. BUT, my boobs are looking better every day and the sunburn feeling is slowly getting better!! Updated on 17 Jun 2016: Dr told me I could get a soft bra to wear when I was out so the tighter sports bra didn't rub me and aggravate the skin in our Texas heat. I bought their grey one today. The cups seem so tiny!! Updated on 20 Jun 2016: Today is 5 weeks since surgery. I really feel like I'm finally turning a corner on the swelling and inflammation. I still have swelling but it's not as bad until later in the evening. The sunburn feeling is better. It's good in the morning, but by the end of the day it's hurting. I think I have reached the point of frustration. I'm ready for my boobs to feel "normal" and to go out and buy new bras and shirts! I'm impatient! My dr doesn't even want me thinking about anything other than soft cups or sports bras until somewhere between 4-6 months so I have awhile to go. Patience. Patience! I'm back working out with weights in the gym. Light arm weights. I really thought it was pointless, but my arms are sore! My boobs are finally softening some on the top and inside. The bottom and outside(closer to my armpits) are still hard, swollen and inflamed. They seem to be slowly dropping some and taking on shape. The skin doesn't feel so tight and pulled. Sometimes I feel like my healing is slower going than many stories I read on here. I keep telling myself that everyone heals differently. An unexpected thing for me is the mental aspect. I'm actually having trouble sometimes seeing my new boobs for the size they are. When I try on shirts, I still pick up the 2 or 3xl ones that I always wore to try and hide my boob size. I've spent 25yrs trying to hide my bust size and I can't seem to undo that in a few weeks! I'm trying though! Updated on 27 Jun 2016: So I'm 6 weeks post-op. I feel a little. It better every day. I still have numbness on the bottom part of my breast. There is also still inflammation. The areas of inflammation are smaller, but by the end of the day I'm hurting and it's red and irritated. The "sunburn" feeling is slowly fading. There are two areas where it still bothers me. It's at the top of each breast, almost at my underarm. I usually start out in the morning great and then end up swollen and sore by the end of the day. I'm still trying to figure out clothes to wear. I did finally buy a few shirts. I also tried on some bras. My dr doesn't want me wearing underwire for a few more months so it's been hard. I have a couple sports bras and a couple of soft cup bras. I still have no clue what cup size I will be. When I tried on sizes, a C seemed to be the best, a D fit in one style. I'm trying to be patient with it all but somedays it is a whole lot harder!! Some days I look at my boobs and panic and think they are still big and I go crying to my husband and he assures me that they aren't. It's hard to get your mind to accept the changes. But ladies, this surgery is life changing. I am back to working out. Treadmill and light weights. I walk, not run. My goal is to eventually be able to jog an entire mile. My huge breasts made it too painful before. I need to find a really really good sports bra. I don't want my boobs to move at all while working out! Now that my boobs are smaller, it's time to lose the last 20lbs I need to lose and tone up! I'm determined!! I feel like I am "normal" now. People see ME, and not huge boobs. I feel like I have more confidence. Updated on 28 Jun 2016: I went to the store today and tried on many many bras. The 38B fit the best but I wasn't totally happy with the way it looked. I decided that right now I will just stick with the xl soft bras. Oh, I also bought a new sports bra that I'm hoping will keep the boobs from moving! Updated on 28 Jun 2016: Updated on 30 Jun 2016: But, I have always wanted to be able to throw on an old T-shirt, with the sleeves cut out, and go work out. I never had been able to because I had on a couple sports bras and tight tank tops just to hold me in, and then an XXXL shirts over that in hopes that no one could see my boobs still bouncing. Anyway, today, I threw on a soft sports bra, grabbed my husbands T-shirt that is a large, threw it on, and it fit!!! Happy happy day!! Updated on 4 Jul 2016: Today is 7 weeks post op. I'm finally feeling almost back to myself. My energy still isn't 100%, I would put me at about 90%. I'm back in the gym on the treadmill and light weights. It makes me feel better. I start out the day feeling great and then by around 5-6pm, I can feel the swelling and I get achy. I mainly swell on the sides and bottom. The bottom outside part of each boob is still swollen and inflamed, you can still see the redness. I also still can't sleep on my sides or stomach. I can lay on one side for about 20-30min but then I start hurting. I don't like sleeping on my back, but I think I have finally adjusted. I have a folded up blanket under my pillow to prop me up some. I have a few spitting stitches, waiting to hear back from my dr on what she wants me to do. Oh and the bottom sides of my boobs are still numb. I'm not sure if I will get full feeling back. I'm trying to be patient. One of my nipples also seems to not want to come out. I feel like my boobs are wide and all of the tissue left is on the outside. I also feel like my nipples aren't evenly placed and maybe a little high. My dr keeps telling me to be patient and it will all settle. I'm trying! But don't get me wrong, I am totally thrilled with my boobs! I can walk in any store and pick out clothes now that actually fit! My dr doesn't like underwire bras until around 6 months, so I am still wearing my favorite soft cup bra. I bought three of them. I love it. I'm starting ab workouts this week. My gut has to get in shape now that my boobs aren't laying on it! Updated on 4 Jul 2016: In this picture, the white bra is a 42DDD and I am squeezed in and bulging on the sides. The black bra is a 38B!! Updated on 4 Jul 2016: I realize this sports bra gives me a total uniboob look, but this is the first time in my adult life that I have ever actually fit into a Nike sports bra, so I will take it! I did 4 miles and an ab workout and it held my boobs still! Updated on 12 Jul 2016: So today I am 8 weeks post op. I'm feeling mostly back to normal. I still swell in the late afternoon/evening. I think a lot of the swelling is because it's so dang hot In Texas. If I stay inside and do not go outside, the swelling isn't as bad. I can now sleep on either side, but I definitely can't sleep on my stomach yet. I still seem to sleep a lot sitting up some. We have a bed that raises and lowers so it makes things A LOT easier. I saw my ps today. I had three spitting stitches she removed. She said everything is looking great and that as long as I still have redness on the sides and bottom part of my breast, there is still inflammation and swelling. I have to keep being patient! After I left her office, I ventured over to Target. I've tried on many many many different styles and sizes of bras and nothing seems to fit quite right. The 38B's are the closest but it seems like I have a lot of boob on the side and not a lot in the middle where cleavage would be. I guess I'm going to have to start looking for one that maybe squeezes my boobs together a little? My dr says that my boobs actually haven't dropped much yet because she pulled the skin so tight. When they drop, they should fit better in a bra cup. Right now, the soft cup bras are the most comfortable and fit the best. I still panic sometimes and think they are still big or maybe too big. My family says they look like the perfect size for me. I know it's a mental thing. All of that aside, I LOVE my boobs. I love walking in any store and being able to actually find tops that fit! I'm ready to tone up and lose the rest of the weight! My dr wants me to wait 2 more weeks to go back full force with workouts and taking care of my son. When taking care of his needs, I use all my upper body. She wants to make sure I don't read anything by jumping in too soon. That's it for about now! Updated on 12 Jul 2016: Forgot to add the pictures. These are all from the last week. Pic 1 is before and after sports bras! Pic 2 is a cute little tank top that I would above NEVER been able to wear before! I don't even have on a bra! Pic 3 you can still see the redness, inflammation and swelling on the bottom and sides. Updated on 19 Jul 2016: I'm at a little over 9 weeks now. I've had a few more spitting stitches, but nothing major. I still swell by the end of the day. I think they are starting to drop and settle some. One faster than the other. I finally feel like I'm starting to lose the major side boob! I'm trying to be patient! Some days I look at them and think they are perfect, some days I think they are still too big. It's generally according to what I'm wearing. I still don't got on any "real" bra. Some C cups fit and some B cups fit. Now that they seem to be dropping I'm sure that bras will start fitting differently. I still think my nipples may be slightly too high and off center, but that's also changing. My dr keeps telling me that they will continue to change and settle for the next few months. I'm not doing patient very well!! Updated on 19 Jul 2016: A before surgery and today pic and one that is from a couple weeks ago and today. Updated on 7 Aug 2016: I can't believe the time has gone so fast! I have forgotten to update the last couple of weeks. I've been busy! Not a lot has changed. My left boob has dropped and settled some, the right one not as much. I still think they are a little on the wide side with extra fat/tissue on the outsides. I also think my nipples are still slightly too high. However, with all of that, I LOVE them! I feel like I have more self confidence now than I have since I was in my 20's! I wear sports bras and tank tops to work out in without being self conscious. I wear t-shirts and tank tops with or without a little cotton bra and feel fabulous! I recently saw some fiends that I haven't seen since before surgery and they were shocked! They told me I looked like I had lost a ton of weight and my boobs looked so perky and little. It made my night! I feel like I almost have a new life. It's fun! I have more energy and go and do so much more. It's amazing how "weighed down" my huge boobs really made me! Anyway, my scars are pretty intense, but I knew they would be. I always scar horribly. I told my dr the scars do not bother me. At all! Only my husband sees them and he doesn't care! He keeps wanting to just put his hands over my boobs. We have been together for over 28yrs and for the majority of that my boobs have been saggy and several handfuls. This is the first time since I was in my early 20's that they have only been a handful! I will post pics shortly. Oh, I've also lost about 5lbs so far. Three years ago I weighed 245lbs. I'm down to right at 181/182 right now. I had gained a few pounds after surgery with all the laying around. I'm finally back to full force workouts and slowly increasing the weights I'm using. It feels great! My "goal" weight is 175lbs. I know I could get myself smaller, but I'm pretty happy at 175. I just need to lose the last 5-6lbs and then tone up! Updated on 7 Aug 2016: I said my right one had dropped, but it's my left! It looks a little fatter on the side, but I'm not freaking out over it. My nipples are not even right now either, but one side has dropped faster/more than the other. You can only see the difference when I'm naked. In clothes they look perfect! The pictures in the white bra....one is before and then the rest are how big it is after. It's hard to see in the pictures, but I could fit three of my boobs in my old bras!
Wow.. Where to start.. I have been wanting a breast reduction for about 38 years. I have always had large breast for as long as I can remember. Right now I am a 40DD and cannot wait for the BR date to be here. My dream size would be full B/ small C. My motivation for the procedure is to be able to wear tank tops and cute little tops without putting them back and saying "ohh... those aren't for my boobies." Some of the physical problems that I am so ready to be done with - neck pain, back pain, my fingers going numb or tingling after a long day. Not to mention being able to exercise with only one sports bra because right now I have two or sometimes three. But more than anything - I just want to be at peace with my body and I'm not. About 6 months ago, my husband and I decided that it was time to consider it. I think what made it okay was meeting women who have had the procedure done or other procedures so it didn't feel so out of ordinary. We decided to more ahead whether or not insurance covered it - I expected them not to do so because of Tricare being..... well Tricare :) The PS required a referral from my primary care physician so I met with her and she did a great job documenting and explaining the medical necessity. After that, I went back to the PS and for the consult and she made me feel so comfortable and she is just awesome. The office sent the referral and letter of necessity and justification to my insurance and *BAMMM* it was approved! Now I am 4 days away from the surgery! I have been reading all the information available on the sites, looking at pictures and getting my things together. Today I went to Walmart and bought 6 packages of frozen peas, got my meds filled, new pillows, pajamas that button down the front, and two tubes of chapstick, case of water, juices, soups, and fruit. My husband has taken off 4 days and my daughter is going to come over to hangout and watch TV with me. I've been watching You Tube videos with people who are BR post ops and that has given me so much information and great ideas, as well as this site. Looking back, I wish I would have made a list of questions to ask the PS when I had my pre op visit last week because I was so overwhelmed by it all that I didn't know what to ask - because now I have PLENTY of questions. I am working on my before pictures. Updated on 30 Jul 2015: 3 days to go. I took some pictures. Ready to get this done!! Updated on 1 Aug 2015: I am making the final preparations. I got my shower stool and a handheld shower hose. Also got my hair done and a pedicure - probably most important part haha Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Today is the day. I think I probably slept about 2 hours last night because my brain and I kept chatting : (. On a good note, I'm too tired to be nervous so let's get this thing done!!! Update and photos later. Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Hello! I made it through just fine. The surgery started at 8 and ended at 10 ish. When we got to the center, I got checked in and admitted. Then met with anesthesia docs and discussed my concerns of waking up in the middle. Yes I get that I spend too much time on TV to worry about this. After getting marked up, my PS and I discussed final concerns such as making areoles smaller etc. Then in a few minutes the nurse walked me back. I had a little bit of anxiety at the door of the OR and my surgeon walked over took my hand and helped my onto the table. Then she helpd my hand until I went under. Awesome awesome lady!! She took out 475 grams on the right and 470 on the left. After the surgery, they gave me something for nausea and pain. Then about 2 hours later - I went home. I slept a few hours, emptied my drains and then ate some soup. Still a little goofy and wobbly from meds but not in a lot of pain. It's just more annoying than anything and I hate asking everyone to do stuff for me. I'll try to take pictures tonight. Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Here's my photo all bandaged up. Pain is slight and controlled Updated on 4 Aug 2015: I slept last night for about 6 hours without waking up due to pain. After I woke up, emptied my drains and made coffee. Mmmm nice big cup of coffee. I took my meds and ready to start my day of watching TV and napping. I totally understand why they tell you not to overdo because since my recovery has been easy it is tempting to just get up and go. How soon did everyone shower? I am thinking I need to wait until drains are out? They gave me a booklet but I left it at work :( so when they open, I'll give them a call Updated on 5 Aug 2015: Good Morning. I tried to post this earlier but looks like it upload... I got my dressings removed and drains out. That was painful!! I took pain meds before going to that took the edge off. Luckily they did it quickly and before I could yell it was over. But the most important thing today : I pooped!! Woot woot woot Updated on 7 Aug 2015: I woke up this morning with a headache and feeling sore all over. I am back to work today and I'm kinda thinking this may be not the best idea... I m self employed so there's a struggle. have a job that allows me to sit but concentration is a bit hard. Just a few hours to go. The Updated on 8 Aug 2015: I changed the dressings over where drains were removed now I've got the sticky tape residue to get off. How does it come off? Maybe baby oil or lotion. I am a bit afraid to use alcohol or nail polish remover :( Feeling better today - just tired from overdoing it yesterday so I plan to rest today. Updated on 22 Aug 2015: Hello. I'm almost 3 weeks post op and really doing well. We spent 1 1/2 in Hawaii which was wonderful! I didn't do any water activities and doing lift any luggage. Just mainly rested on the beach and hung out. I got tired very quickly and took nice long naps every day. Plus walking up and down the aisles on the plane each hour to keep blood flowing. I'm having some nipple issues with my left breast. It isn't responding as well as the right one. It's still flat and no feeling. But she mentioned the tissue being very dense on that side and having to do a little more work so maybe that's it. Updated on 28 Aug 2015: Tape removed and feeling pretty good this week. I am still getting tired easily. I folded laundry and then had s lot of pain and swelling. Updated on 3 Sep 2015: Today I'm one month post op and I feel wonderful!! I decided to try a b cup bra from Walmart just to see if it fit to judge how close to a B cup I actually am. Well... Guess what??! I'm a B!! Woot woot woot.
I have been wanting a BA for so long now. Mom of 2 pretty girls, both c section babies. Nursed my youngest for about 20 months so all volume is gone :-/. I dream about it and have read so many posts and looked over ever size and shape there is! I have my consultation set 2 weeks from today with Dr. Laura ohalloran, heard really great things about her and staff. As it gets closer I am getting super anxious but still excited and hoping for the best. I am one who likes to know ahead of time exactly what I'm getting into, and everything that will take place during consult, pre op and surgery. I don't have many people to talk to about it to calm me that have gone through same thing. So here I am every day looking at everyone's encouraging stories. I definitely know mentally and emotionally I am mature enough to be ready for this and appreciate it!! Praying and hoping that I'm a good candidate and that I can get this done within a few weeks. I am not one who can stand needles and blood work.. I've been told it is mandatory from some people and not mandatory from others. I keep reading about things that could keep you from getting BA even things that seem small like a UT I or something. I have actually had an issue with getting UTI's and kidney infections easily since I was a baby pretty much. Just so nervous and anxious that I'm expecting the worst as I normally do. Probably because it feels like this can't be real and I'm never going to be one of the lucky ones to get a BA!!! I've always had small breast between A-B cup normally other than while nursing I was about a 34d. Once I stopped nursing and lost weight the girls shrunk back down and lost their pretty perkiness. :-( anyone that can give me some advice on what to expect and hopefully calm my nerves would be so appreciated! Turning 31 in a couple months and praying I have some pretty full breasts before my next bday!! Updated on 12 Mar 2015: I'm extremely upset now... only a couple of weeks away from consultation and the loan we were supposed to be good to go on.. may not happen now after all. Just as I was getting so excited for this and hoping to feel more confident in myself... my dreams are being shattered. Maybe it was just not meant to be?!?! Updated on 24 Mar 2015: So I was worried about the financial side.. that is done and all ready to go. I went in today to meet with Dr Laura for my consult. So nervous and excited! She was so great and made me feel comfortable as if I had known her for years. Her staff was also so wonderful and sweet. She ended up choosing the same sizes etc that I had in mind for myself. I did my homework and knew every detail that would achieve my wish look. My pre op is 3 weeks from today, and my surgery will be April 20. Cannot wait!!! Updated on 24 Mar 2015: Pics of sizers I chose...They didn't load before. 400cc silicone gel mod plus profile. Updated on 24 Mar 2015: Omg!! the more time I have to wait on my BA.. the more my brain wanders and I may decide to go bigger on cc's. I chose 400 cc mod plus profile since I don't want them sticking out too far or too high. I like the natural look.. but I want them full all around and hoping the 400 will give me the fullness and cleavage I want without having to use push up bras. I am so ready to be done with padding and wires!! I have 3 weeks to think on this more and decide if I need to change it. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated! I am 34 b currently.. looking to go to 34D or DD. Updated on 15 Apr 2015: Just days away from my BA.. Pre op went well and now I'm just so ready for this that I can't stop obsessing. Decided to go up to 450 cc silicone mod plus. I definitely am going through crazy emotions being worried about it and then excited and so happy. Hoping something important doesn't come up soon with finances after spending all this money! So I have told my mom and a couple of friends know.. but for some reason I cannot bring myself to tell my big sister. We have always been pretty close. I guess I'm worried she will think badly of me, or that we shouldnt be spending money on this type of thing since we have kids etc. I haven't told my daughter's either and I'm so unsure how to tell my 8 and 10 year old!! Has anyone else had this dilemma and figured out a way to handle it??:-( Updated on 20 Apr 2015: Just hours away from my surgery time. Horrible not getting to have my morning coffee... but I'm hoping it will all be worth it!! Updated on 21 Apr 2015: Looks pretty good so far, dr laura is awesome and her staff as well. She sent me home with beautiful flowers which is such a sweet touch. Boobies hurt so badly. Taking pain meds as often as I can ans still not a lot of relief. Icing them down while in my recliner. Glad to have gotten it done just so ready to feel better :-( Updated on 24 Apr 2015: Several days now since surgery. Still riding high on chest, bottom of breasts softening up some. Incisions are a little sore and itchy right now but I get stitches out next week thank goodness! maybe tmi but I have been super constipated so I had to take several magnesia supplements and ate lots of fiber rich foods to clean myself out lol. Definitely worth the money so far even though it has been somewhat painful! Thinking I will be a full D or larger from sure. We did 450 cc silicone mod plus and so happy with that choice. Updated on 24 Apr 2015: Updated on 27 Apr 2015: Still a surprise to look down and see these big boobs on me!! Hoping they drop soon and soften up. they are both really big, but in pic one looks way bigger than the other.. Updated on 30 Apr 2015: Super sore especially nips but loving actually havinging boobs again!! Updated on 30 Apr 2015: so nice not to need push up padded bras to have cleavage! :-) Updated on 5 May 2015: Just went to soma this past weekend and Victoria secret to look for new bras. Got measured also and wearing 34DD mostly and some 34DDD Depending on style and brand. The first woman I went to said I must be a 32 C... BOY WAS SHE WRONG! !! :-) glad to know she was too because 34 D to DD was my goal, yay!! Updated on 25 May 2015: Has now been well over a month since my BA.. loving the look of mod plus I chose and they are soft and bounce more now!! I literally find myself just squishing them for fun of it! They have dropped a lot and look natural already. I know they are so much bigger tHan before, but if I could j would add another 100 cc to them. Lol bigger can sometimes be better. Updated on 25 May 2015: Full body shot (clothed). Just to show the new big girls fit my frame. I'm 5'2 and around 127 lbs. Updated on 29 May 2015: Updated on 1 Jun 2015: Better and better every day.. feeling natural!! Updated on 18 Jun 2015: New bra is too small :-( Ordering online can definitely save time and money.. just not always easy to get proper fit in a bra (or any clothes for that matter). Feeling good.. so far no issues. Softer and dropping more all the time. Makes me wish I went up in cc a bit still.. but I love how they fill out my bras and dresses now!! :-) Updated on 25 Jun 2015: Just loving them so much in all my old tops I could never fill out before...without padded push up bra anyway! Updated on 21 Jul 2015: Loving my results 3 months post op. Still some changes to come... but so far they look quite natural! And with the size i chose I can keep them very modest which I like. Updated on 30 Jul 2015: Loving them so much...still seems unreal! Updated on 7 Aug 2015: Sometimes it's just fun to take pics for my own amusement... and the hubby likes to get some surprise pics during a long day at work :-) Updated on 31 Aug 2015: Just some recent pics.. Updated on 16 Sep 2015: Dropping more and loving them! Updated on 16 Sep 2015:
I can remember being very flat chested and wanting large breasts so bad and then BOOM...puberty hit and it was like I went from an A cup to a D cup overnight! I remember wanting a breast reduction as far back as high school because I just couldn't wear all the cute little tops that all the other girls could. I was 5'3" and 125 pounds with breasts way too big for my frame! As I entered my 20s and was planning my wedding I gained around 10 or so pounds and went to a DD. Of course I had to get the top of my dress taken out! Then pregnancy.... Hello G cups! Surprisingly, these big o things weren't even good for breast feeding! Ugh! Finally, I'm 28 and these stinkin' G cups just weren't goin' anywhere so it was time to call in the special forces! I was ready to get rid of these back, neck, and shoulder pain causing, non-breast milk producing, button popping, spilling over, good for nothing breasts! Surgery was today and despite the pain I'm in, I'm already very happy with my decision! My PS said she removed about 900 grams from each side and after the swelling goes down I should be in the C range that I wanted to be in. The pain immediately after surgery was pretty intense but it has subsided quite a bit already and I'm not even 24 hours post-op. The girls are lookin' "high and tight" per my husbands request lol! He also said I am now part of the "Itty Bitty [RS bleep] Committee!" Ha! I'm not quite small enough for that but compared to what I was carrying around, it sure does feel like it. I still have my drain tubes in and I think they'll be removed at my post-op appointment on Wednesday. The drain tube sites are pretty painful but ice seems to help a lot! I'm bandaged up pretty good but they didn't put me in a surgical bra or tell me to wear a sports bra. It seems to me that a bra would cause more pain so I'm pretty happy with going braless for now. I am beyond excited to see the end result and go shopping clothes that fit properly and clothes that I've never been able to wear! Bye bye back, neck and shoulder pain and bye bye slouching! ???????????? Updated on 17 Jun 2014: Day after surgery and doing good! Ready to get these drains out! Pain isn't that bad as long as I stay in the recliner and don't move around a lot. I've only been getting up to use the restroom and if I need to get anything else I do it at that time. My hubby is taking very good care of me and I am so thankful for that! Post-op appointment tomorrow at 1:15pm so I'll update again after that. :) Updated on 18 Jun 2014: I had my first post-op appointment today! They removed my drains and said that everything is looking good :) I did have a little episode after they took my drains out where I almost passed out. I blacked out, got really dizzy and nauseous and I got really pale. The nurse ran and got me a Dr. Pepper and made me drink about half of it and then I was fine. All I had eaten before that was a salad and I guess it wasn't enough and my blood sugar dropped too low and I guess combining low blood sugar and pain meds is a big no no! Getting my drains removed wasn't as painful as I had anticipated. A little pinch and they were out! They also took all of my bandages off so all I have now is the tape on my incisions and an ace bandage that they wrapped around me. When they removed my bandages I saw the bruising which didn't look that bad but I didn't get a real good look either. I'm going to shower later and that's when I'll get a real good look at them. PS checked to make sure I had feeling in my nipples and I do. They actually feel pretty much the same as before as far as sensitivity goes. I was up and out and about for about 2-3 hours and I'm definitely feeling it now! I felt ok at first but I could definitely tell that my body was telling me that it was time to rest again and now I'm feeling pretty sore. I think some of the soreness also has to do with being wrapped up now. I was just bandaged up with nothing putting pressure on me but now I have the pressure from the ace bandage and I think that's causing some of the soreness. I'm going to switch to a sports bra after my shower and see if that helps. Next post-op is in two weeks! :) Updated on 18 Jun 2014: Updated on 18 Jun 2014: I'm not sure if it's because I got out and about today or if it's the ace bandage they wrapped me up in but I've been really sore this evening! I'm thinking it's the pressure from the bandage because when I loosen it it feels a little better. I think I'm gonna switch to a loose sports bra. Updated on 19 Jun 2014: I can't get over how cute and tiny the girls look in my shirts and with NO bra!! I never in my life thought I would be able to go braless without them hanging down to my waist line! I'm just so in love with my new boobies and they're not even close to being done healing! :) Updated on 20 Jun 2014: It's the end of post-op day 4 and I'm feeling good. Still having a little pain but as long as I take it easy and don't move around that much it's not that bad. I still haven't showered, just been sponge bathing. I'm pretty scared to shower because I don't want to irritate my incisions. My PS said I could shower carefully and then pat them dry but I'm still scared. My husband bought me some more tape in case I need to retape them. Any advise on showering? Is it ok to wash my whole chest with dial soap? Is it ok to raise your arms to wash your hair? Updated on 24 Jun 2014: It's officially been one week since my BR surgery! I must admit, I thought I would be feeling pretty good by now but I'm still very sore and doing the smallest task still takes a toll on me. I'm still needing loved ones to keep my girls (ages 3 & 5) for me because I'm still needing a lot of help just to care for myself. I feel terrible about this and I miss them like crazy! I'm so ready to be back to my normal self and have my girls home! Updated on 25 Jun 2014: It Works Stretch Mark Cream!! Updated on 1 Jul 2014: So, yesterday was two weeks since my BR. I'm doing pretty good, moving around a little easier, and I actually cooked a good meal last night with minimal pain. I'm still taking it easy though because I can feel difference in pain and energy levels when I over do it. I've also started feeling the sharp shooting pains (both breasts and nipples) that is supposed to be the nerve endings healing and my nipples are really painful if I don't keep them covered. I've also started feeling pain in both breast just by rubbing my fingers over them or touching them. No pressure, just contact. It almost feels like my skin on my breasts was burned and I'm touching the wound. It's really weird and I haven't read anything about that says this is ok. Anyone else experience this? Also, part of my left breast is still numb. Can't feel a thing. Normal at this point? I have my second post-op appointment on Thursday so I'm going to talk to my PS about all of this and hopefully she'll remove my tape and I'll get to see how my incisions are healing. I'm still very happy with my size and the way my breast look and they're finally starting to soften up. Very excited to see the end result and I'm still very happy with making this desision! On top of the pain and soreness from my BR, I think I have at least one herniated disks in my c-spine. I have sharp, intense pain in my neck, left shoulder, and all the way down my left arm. I can tell its a nerve because of the type of pain it is plus I have numbness, tingling, and weakness in my arm. My doctor prescribed me a topical pain reliever and I've been using Biofreeze, Icy Hot, heating pad, ice, and pain meds but so far nothing helps with the pain. My Norco does take the edge off but doesn't relieve it completely. I'm waiting for x-ray results to see what the next step is. Hopefully there's a treatment that doesn't involve another surgery. My left breast and under arm is more painful and I think it has something to do with this. Updated on 9 Jul 2014: Had my three week PO appointment today. PS said everything looks good and I go back in three months. She's very happy with the size and shape and so am I. She said to continue to wear soft, seamless bras and sports bras and I should be able to get measured for size at my next appointment. They're finally starting to soften up and I got to see my nipples for the first time today! They're finally where they should be and I'm very happy with their size! All-in-all, a great appointment and I can't wait to see how much better they look as they heal and soften up! Updated on 9 Jul 2014: Pre-Op and three weeks and one day post-op!
Well my surgery was yesterday.the worst part of the whole day was my migraine that I had before surgery. I was in such pain and kept getting sick! The even asked me if I wanted to note have surgery. Oh heck no! I'm having it today. Once I was under of course I didn't feel a thing lol. Wasn't in horrible pain after and migraine was gone too!thank God! Post op day 1 little bit more pain then day of. Looking very square but that will go. Away in time. But I'm very happy with the results thus far. Things will only improve now:) Updated on 3 Sep 2013: Went to see my so today and she said everything looks great! I do however have no sensation on my right nipple. She said that will come back in time no worries:) she also gave me some exercises to do til next week. Next week she will take steri strips and give me more exercises. Updated on 6 Sep 2013: Well one week ago I got my lift and implants. Everything seems to be going well. Still dealing with muscle contractions which makes my boobs feel really tight and hard! Don't like that to much....:( but it's all part of it. Can't wait til they start feeling like me, guess that will happen when my muscles stretch out. Anyways still glad I did it!!:D Updated on 6 Sep 2013: Updated on 8 Sep 2013: Updated on 10 Sep 2013: Well things seem to be going well, I didn't have to take pain or muscle relaxers today :D incisions are a bit tender. And I'm still doing my exercises. I see my ps in 2 today's to change out the tape I'm guessing and give me new exercises. Ready for these puppies to feel like me.... But I know it will take a while. Updated on 16 Sep 2013: Updated on 25 Sep 2013: Got to take off my tape, after a month of wearing it. Kinda scary!! Now I get to wear my NewGel silicone gel sheeting. To minimize the scars. Updated on 27 Sep 2013: Bought a bra at Vic.Secret today:) 36DD Happy happy girl! Updated on 28 Sep 2013: My hubby went with me to Vic secret today and he picked out a pretty bra for me:) he did good, I love it Updated on 29 Oct 2013:
Had mine on March 28. Took two weeks off of work. Had my drains for 3 days. No pain getting the drains out at all. Days 3 and 4 were my hardest days. I was very sore but not really in pain. Took pain meds for about five days. I was a 38 DDD and look to be about a 38 C or D right now. Still have a little swelling but my scars are healing great. I have been wearing silicone sheeting during the day and Palmer's vitamin E lotion at night. I am very pleased with the scars so far. They do get a little itchy but the lotion helps. I wore a sports bra from Walmart, about 6 bucks for the first three weeks around the clock. Now I love wearing my Ahh bra but during the day only now. I am about seven weeks out and I have no more neck pain, no more sweaty under the boobs moments, and they are so perky. If you would have asked me during the first three weeks if I was glad I did the surgery, I would have paused a little to decide the answer. But now, I will jump up and down and shout to the world, YES I am very glad. This surgery isn't for sissys. It is a major surgery. But just like with child birth, you forget about the pain after a while. It is emotionally and physically challenging in the early weeks, but compared to how happy I am now, it is a walk in the park.. If you are considering this surgery, don't wait, go for it.Updated on 17 May 2011:The $2000 is after my insurance helped pay for my surgery. I am very grateful my insurance helped me. Also, another very big challenge was hypersensitivity in my nipples. Wow that was so annoying, but they are just about back to normal now. 10 days to two weeks was just right for me to take off work. I tired easily for a week after I went back to work, but nothing I could not handle. No stitches on the outside, but I did leave my tape on for about two weeks post op. I just now can sleep on my stomach, that was a challenge as well because I am a stomach sleeper. My back hurt at about day three cause I was tired of sleeping on it. Propped myself with a lot of pillows and that helped. I feel great and I have started a light workout at the gym yesterday. I can't wait to get back to running. Will try to slowly get back at it next week. I feel at 8 wks out I will be ready to get back to the gym. Good luck to all my fellow BR peeps... :)Updated on 1 Jun 2011:Oh wow. Eight weeks out, feeling great and boom.... I have been sleeping on my stomach, finally, and just the other night, I flopped over and felt a very sharp pain in my right breast. It brought me to tears. I told my husband I thought I had pulled something inside my boob. Well for the rest of the night it hurt really bad. The next morning it was just a dull, sore, ache. I told myself I would give it a day or two to see how it felt before i called my surgeon. Well, after day two, my nipple got so sensitive again. Man, they were just getting back to normal. Anyway, I think I pulled the nerves that were growing back together around my nipple. No big deal, but it took about a week before the soreness and sensitivity went away. Back to normal now. Moral of the story is: be careful sleeping on your stomach. LolUpdated on 19 Nov 2011:It has been a very long time since my last update. It's been almost 8 months since my surgery. I can't believe it has been this long it feels like just yesterday I was going in to surgery. I can not put into words how much this surgery has changed my life. I use to be so self conscious about how I looked, especially when I was in the nude! Now, I kid with my husband all the time about how awesome my boobs look. He just laughs at me and says, yes they do. I am very active now at the gym. I love Zumba. I love the fact that I can dance without my breasts moving all over the place. I can wear a regular sports bra now. My favorite is still my Enell bra for dancing, it just holds me better, but some days I can just wear my regular sports bra that i bought at Target. I never would have been able to wear a regular one before my BR. Also, the pain in my neck and between my shoulder blades is non existent. I feel so much lighter, I feel free. My scars are noticeable of course, but they are not bad. I still have not tried an underwire bra yet. I don't feel like I'm ready for that kind. I will eventually go back to underwires, but I'm in no hurry. I have purchased several cheap bras over the past months, but I made my first trip to the Playtex outlet about a month ago. I had so much fun trying on bras. I was at a 36DDD before and I bought 36Cs and still feel don't fill the cups completely. I go back to my PS in December for a checkup. My last visit with her was in June. She said there was an area on my right breast that she thought needed a revision, but honestly, it does not bother me in the least. She said she could trim it a little if I choose to, but I think they look fine. That's what I love about my PS, she is VERY concerned about how I feel and what I need. She is awesome. I love my new self. I'm even considering discussing a panniculectomy (getting the fat apron under my belly button removed) when I see her next month. I've had 4c-sections and had very large babies. My last one was the biggest at close to 10 lbs. I workout and I'm in good shape but I just can't get rid of my extra skin. I've always heard that plastic surgery can be addicting. I understand why! I hope any woman that can not decide if she wants to go through with a BR reads the forums here. My OB doctor told me when we were discussing it that her patients that had BRs were happier than any other kind of cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries. I can totally relate to that because it is the best thing that I've done for my body. I am so thankful I found this site. I read so many forums here while I was deciding if I should do it or not. Realself truly helped me get through every stage of my surgery, from deciding, to preparing, to recovery tips, and encouragement. To all the ladies that I read your stories, thank you for sharing them. If I can help future BR women, I would be honored to share ANY of my experiences.
Divorced after 24 years, mom who always puts everyone else 1st... you get it right? I've wanted a tummy tuck and boobs that are in the right place for years. I want to wear the cute shirts without the strapless bra falling down. Finally going to do it! Consultation done with Dr. Laura O'Halloran , (she is awesome!) surgery scheduled . I'm on my way to tucking my shirts in without be self conscious for the first time in my life. Updated on 29 Apr 2017: Surgery is 22 days away. Hard to believe I scheduled this last fall. Pre-op spot this Tuesday . Taking my vitamins and looking forward to the final consult! Updated on 5 Jun 2017: I think I am weird when it comes to recovery. I have had zero complications and recovered super fast. Breast drains came out at 1 week appt. Hoping the ab drains come out tomorrow. I have to go back to work Wednesday whether I want to or not. No options because of my profession. 10 hours on my feet is going to be a challenge so I am super resting today and tomorrow. My Breast look amazing!!! Waaay more than I could have asked for. My belly looks flat but I am still draining. I'm sure I've done too much too soon. If this ends up being as great as my preliminary results? Then Dr O' Halloren is not only a skilled surgeon but an artist as well. I may be a hot 50 year old in a bikini!
I will turn 55 and then a few days later go to the flat side. I'm super excited. Today is my Pre-op appointment. I pre-ordered a hospital bed to be delivered next week to make the recovery a bit easier. My husband is taking several days off work and my college aged daughter will be here helping as well. I have been working out at the gym since last spring and had never even considered a tummy tuck or any other PS but when you start seeing your body tone up and your tummy just not responding, you start thinking about it. My health is better than it has been in years because of a Low Carb diet, tight blood sugars, good cholesterol, lower blood pressure, etc. Now that I am taking the best care of myself, I am ready to think about what I really want. Updated on 29 Dec 2016: My appointment went good. I didn't have to get lab work done because my Endocrinologist ordered a full panel last week. I only had to go and get an EKG. Now if my period will just start and get finished before surgery, I can stop worrying. Not sure how that little problem will be handled if I am bleeding during surgery. Updated on 6 Jan 2017: I had my surgery yesterday. Everything went wonderful. I actually stayed one night in the hospital because that is the way my Doctor does things. I got morphine in my IV 2 or 3 times while there, but was able to go 8 hours yesterday until 11:30 at night without anything at all. However, this morning after being driven about 35 to get home and getting things settled there, and being on Hydrocodone and Tylenol, the pain ratcheted up quite a lot. I am handling it. Mostly, it is extreme discomfort from the binder and brusing on the sides where she did a little liposuction. She said she took off 2 lbs of skin. Luckily, I had a hospital bed delivered 2 days ago and my husband is on vacation and taking good care of me. I am very hopeful when I look at what is under my incision, but I know there will maybe be more swelling and more bruising to come. So far, so good though. Will update tomorrow probably. Good Luck to those of you with upcoming surgery!!!
I've have wanted to get rid of my fat belly for years. i tried cutting back on sweets (I am a sweet-a-holic) and going to the gym but neither ever last long. even when I lose weight the belly stays. The thought of a tummy tuck was scary and seemed unrealistic to me, until I started reading all the posts on this site of you all who have had the procedure or waiting to have it. A lot of the women were scared too, so that helped me to know its prob normal to feel that way, and the fact they made it through the procedure fine and recovered well. Helped to ease my fears. After my consultation I started to feel a little excited, but still scared some as well. But I can't wait to have better curves and flat abds. I don't even remember what my belly looks like flat. The last time it was flat was prob when I was in elementary. Lol. Updated on 31 Dec 2014: Today was my pre op appointment day. My PS and her nurse answered more questions and took some before pics. My husband was able to accompany me at the visit and was also able to ask questions an see a few pics of some of the tummy tucks she has performed. I feel a little less anxious, and I'm ready to get this done and start healing. Two more weeks. YaY!!! Updated on 4 Jan 2015: 12 days pre-op and I'm finding myself so emotional and I get irritated easily. Has anyone else experienced this pre-op? If so, how did you handle it? I guess I'm thinking about to surgery, hoping everything goes well and anticipating the pain and discomfort after surgery. It's stressing me out. I find my self on this site everyday 5-10 times a day. Ugh! Trying to stay focused on good results and be positive. Updated on 10 Jan 2015: Ok....So I finally go stock up on post TT supplies. I got my female urinal, abd pads, gauze, arnicare cream. Already have my milk of mag and halls. Excited but still a little nervous. My husband and I looked at renting a recliner with the lift, but I think I will stick with using the recliner I have already. I find myself in the mirror just imagining the curves my waist will have in a few days (hope it's everything I imagine it to be). So ready to stand in the mirror or the dressing rooms and like what I see (nice flat abds). Now trying to see what foods I will cook to put up for post surgery days, my husband is soo NOT a cook. Any ideas just let me know. Updated on 15 Jan 2015: I woke up early this morning, been to the bathroom twice already It's either the colace I started or my nerves, I believe it's the latter. Less than 24 hours I'll be getting my sexy back. Excepting all positive and good wishes and thoughts. If you're already on the flat side and have good results please post an encouraging word. To all the ones going today, I wish you well update please as soon as you feel good. Any last minute advise? Thanks ladies. Updated on 16 Jan 2015: Surgery was at 0730 yesterday everything went fine. I woke up in recovery with some pain and was given morphine twice. I haven't had much pain since. My pain level hasn't gotten over a 4 on a scale of 1-10 so I haven't taken any more pain Meds since the last dose of morphine in recovery at 1130 yesterday and it's after midnight now. I have walked twice and the only problem I'm having is motion sickness I vomited once that sucked. The nurse ordered me a scolpalamine patch and put it behind my ear for the motion sickness a few minutes ago so hopefully by the time I get up and walk in the morning it will help. When I talk a lot or hear noise or walk it causes the motion sickness. My PS used Exparel so I'm thinking that's what's helping the pain. Oh. the hospitalist said the patch would have worked better if applied before surgery. Now I'm wondering if I'll have a curve in my waist because she didn't Lipo that area. I hope so because that the second main thing I wanted besides flat abs. But she did say u would be satified with my results cause everything turned out fine. Does anybody have a clue how that works? Updated on 17 Jan 2015: I came home today, started on my ultram for pain. Seem every time I get up to walk I'm a little more sore. I got a peek at my tummy when my PS removed the dressings and applied antibiotic ointment. I only see swelling but Im hoping for a nice waist curve. Oh she said she removed 3 pounds of fat and skin skin from my tummy and lipo'd 200 cc of fat from each side. Updated on 18 Jan 2015: I've been in the recliner since I made home yesterday, besides walking to the bathroom, in kitchen and just around the house. I walked outside up the driveway to the street. It felt good to get some fresh air. While sitting in the recliner in rock myself using my tippy toes and my heels just to keep the circulation moving. Overall I feel good, and I'm very thankful for that. Question: on some of the pics on this site I've seem a heart or something that keeps the private area hid, how is that done I would like to post an after pic but it's too revealing? Updated on 19 Jan 2015: Pics Updated on 19 Jan 2015: Ok ladies please tell me how you all handle this back pain. My back is sore and tight from my lower back right above my butt to my neck. What helps this stiffness? Updated on 22 Jan 2015: Today will be my first post op appointment, really hoping to get the drains removed. Still a lot of swell and soreness, this binder is so uncomfortable my sides are really sore. What are the foam pads some you ladies wore on the lipo areas? And what did the foam pads help with soreness or contouring? Updated on 23 Jan 2015: I cannot believe its only been a week and I am feeling this good. I drove myself to my first post op appointment yesterday (not by choice) , and had both drains removed. It hurt like heck for a minute or two, but after that I walked out feeling like a new person. Today I drove and ran errands, went grocery shopping I actually walked and pushed my basket. I kept thinking I was going to feel tired and swollen but I'm back home and feel wonderful. Now getting ready to make homemade creamy potatoe soup. Praying all continues to go well. Updated on 25 Jan 2015: On one side I am having pain on my TT incision, it's not draining or anything but it hurts. The tape is still on it so I can't see if it's red. It doesn't feel open. Has anybody else had this? If so what did you do to relieve it? Any advise would be appreciated. Updated on 29 Jan 2015: Sooo....Today was my second post op appointment, tomorrow I will be two weeks post op. The stitches were removed from my bb and the tape from my incision. I was very impressed with how it looks I thought it was going to be big and wide. But it's low and thin. PS says everything is looking and healing on track. She gave the ok to start back walking slowly on the treadmill, I'm so glad I can go to gym now. Happy Healing ladies I'm so thankful to you all. I can truly say "I would NOT have had the courage to do this surgery if it were not for all the positive supportive post you shared. Love you RS ladies. God Bless!! Pictures coming soon. Updated on 16 Feb 2015: I still have a lot of swelling especially at the end of the day. But even with the swelling it looks better than it did with the extra skin and flab hanging. So No complaints from me. I'm loving buying new clothes and putting on pretty panties I've had but didn't look good in. I love how my clothes fit now. And everytime I change in front of my husband it is On And Popping, lol. I know we were suppose to wait 6 weeks but Oh Well. Too Late. Updated on 20 Mar 2015: 2 months po and I'm still not sure whats swelling or what's fat. Not yet seeing the curve in my waist like I want, but on the bright side it looks a whole lot better than it did and my clothes fit much better as well. Ready to be rid of the CG also, but I swell so much without it. Updated on 21 Mar 2015: Updating my time line at 2 months post op. Updated on 4 Feb 2016: I had my tummy tuck a year ago, with minimal Lipo (I thought it would have been more) However, I am pleased with my tummy tuck results. I love how I look from a side view. The only thing is, from the front view my sides poke out. Has anyone else went back for Lipo after a Tummy Tuck? If so please give me some feed back.
