I recently had a breast reduction with Dr Bayne and the results exceeded my expectations. Dr Bayne is highly skilled at what he does, his techniques are finely tuned to help prevent common complications. Everything is healing nicely, scars are already barely noticeable at only 4 weeks post op. Ive never had such pretty boobs in my life, they’re perky and bouncy and the perfect size for my frame.
DOCTOR Bayne is the best plastic surgeon doctor in the quad city. I had a tummy tuck breast reduction lipo on my upper and lower back went for my two week check up everything went good when the swelling go down he will see how everything look. my six week check up the swelling went down he told me I need a little more on my stomach area DR. BAYNE HAS MY BODY 'BAYNEN' LOVE THIS MAN HE IS GREAT!!!!
I had a 360 degree tummy tuck, thigh life and eyelid surgery. I couldn't be happier with the results. He's a fantastic physician and very detail oriented, a valuable quality in a plastic surgeon. I'm a nurse so I know what makes a good Dr and he's great. I would recommend him to anyone.
We visited three different doctors and Dr. Bayne made us feel the most comfortable to proceed with what can be a scary thing. He's easy to talk to and you can tell he knows what he is doing. His staff is friendly and helpful, it was an overall good experience.
After nursing two babies my breasts were deflated. In a pushup bra wit a shirt on they looked good, but as soon as the bra came off they were so flat. I have worked hard to get in shape for the past two years and was finally ready to get implants. One day out and so far I couldn't be happier - yay!! Updated on 5 Aug 2016: I could not be happier with my results. I look very natural and have so much confidence. I'm so glad I went with 335cc. I just bought a VS bra... 34 DDD. Yikes! I absolutely don't look BIG but certainly wouldn't want to be any bigger.
I had a consultation where my surgeon took various measurements of my chest, and then looked at some charts and talked to me about what size would be the maximum for my body type and why. If I went above a certain size, the implant would look high up on my chest. After giving me all of the necessary information, he left the room and had a nurse come in with a cart of sizers and helped me choose a size. After I was finished I was brought to a separate room to talk finances and set up my surgery date. The day of the surgery the surgeon calmly asked if I had any more questions and made me feel very excited and comfortable, drew a few marks or my breasts, then let the nurse take me back to the operating room. I was given an IV from the anesthesiologist, oxygen, and all the good stuff, he explained every step of what he was doing which helped me stay relaxed, and next thing you knew I woke up. They let me take my time and wheeled me out to the car!
I am having a breast lift and full tummy tuck done. Also, I have an umbilical hernia so that will be fixed during the procedure, too. Yikes! I am a 35 year old mom to three kiddos (ages 13, 4, 2) and do lots of yoga. I am 4'11", 107 lbs and currently have saline, hi-profile breast implants from 2004. I knew I needed a breast lift after having two more children since 2004 (and it has been almost ten years since getting them, after all). I went to my former surgeon for my initial breast lift consult and wanted to inquire about what I could do with my belly button. I was surprised to discover I needed a full tummy tuck!! AND that I have an umbilical hernia, which is what is making my belly button look weird! Ugh! Finally, it all made sense as to why after thousands of planks and push ups, my tummy never changes even though the rest of my body does!!!! I thought I just needed to do more planks and eat even more clean. I verified this information by seeking out two more opinions from reputable surgeons in the area. They all said the same exact things: mommy makeover needed. The good news is that my implants are in tact and none of the surgeons recommended I replace them at this time. I really loved the last surgeon I met with so I am going to go with him. Something about the first two just made me feel slightly uneasy; I can't explain it. I really clicked with Dr. Bayne, everything he was saying and where he performs the surgery, so I am going to go with him. One of my yoga friends' husband is an anesthesiologist and has nothing but good things to say about Dr. Bayne. I figure if an anesthesiologist's husband sends his wife to him for procedures, he must be pretty good. Hopefully, I will be in good hands. I have to admit I am very nervous about being "put under." It is just an odd feeling and scares me. I keep reminding myself that thousands of people are being put under all over the U.S. and world, for all different types of procedures, even as I type this post. Thank you all for your posts and reviews. They have truly made me feel better over the past few weeks. I will post pics of my scary stomach tomorrow! Can't wait to have this all behind me and wear bikinis again! xo! Updated on 18 Oct 2013: Hi! Need to get better pics soon but here is my icky belly button for now! Can't wait until it is GONE! Ugh! Have a great day, ladies! Updated on 22 Oct 2013: Ahhhh! Called and scheduled the surgery FOR SURE today! I am going for the 18th of November. My pre-op appointment is in a couple of weeks. On one hand, I am freaking out! On the other hand, I am relieved to know the date and keep telling myself, "OK, you are really doing this...now get over it...stop worrying...it will be fine...check RealSelf updates and see how thrilled everyone is...you will recover...think bikini...think about burning those ugly one piece bathing suits...think about NO MUFFIN TOP and a non-scary belly button..." REPEAT. :) :) :) I'm excited, though. Ready to be done! Hope everyone else is feeling happy, too. XO Updated on 22 Oct 2013: Just when I start getting super nervous again about the surgery, I take some pics of myself for this website! Trust me, I hate doing this and seeing myself! BUT I love seeing everyone else's pics and progress so I made myself do it in case someone in the future finds my photos helpful and/or comforting. And I'm sure I will be thankful later to have before and after even though now I am about to cry! P.S. Taking body "selfies" is not exactly easy to do. It took me several tries for something useable to come out! Haha! OH MY GOD!!! MY STOMACH IS SO BAD! I can really see it now looking at these pictures! I was telling a friend today that since we moved a few years ago, we only have a full length mirror in the basement!! I hate basements so I only go down there to look at my outfit (aka I'm already dressed). I guess I am thankful for this bc it made me more oblivious to how bad the tummy really was and that oblivion must have gotten me through the times where it wasn't possible to have the surgery. Now that my littlest is two years old, I feel like she can handle mama being away for awhile and not being picked up. She is very mobile and can get herself around for the most part. Ew! I'm now seeing the umbilical hernia and pseudo-pregnancy look. I KNEW I needed the girls lifted FOR SURE so maybe I spent too much time focusing on that (probably bc my bathroom mirror falls right below my boobs!) and not acknowledging my stomach issues! I will keep looking at these pics and reminding myself how I need this done for my sanity and remembering to be patient, gracious and thankful as so many women wouldn't even have the opportunity to do a surgery like this! We are all lucky ladies, y'all!! The moral of the post is if you start getting scared and anxious, take some pics or yourself as a gentle reminder to focus on the outcome! That is what I'm going to do for the next 25 days! Hurry up, Nov 18! :) Updated on 27 Oct 2013: 21 more days and these guys will be gone from my life! I won't miss Mr. Muffin Top or Mr. Creepy Belly Button! Ugh! On one hand, this is crazy to think about because I have been dealing with them for so long it seems like! On the other hand, oh my gosh, I can't wait! Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Oh, Lord. It's getting close now. Mommy's freaking about her makeover, y'all. Met with the doctor and his super sweet staff for my pre-op consult today. They all seem to 100% believe that I will survive the surgery. lol. It helps to hear them say this and calms my nerves. They also reminded me how fab I will look afterward and what a "good candidate" I am for the tummy tuck. Hurray. It does make a girl feel good! He had my photos printed out and he used those to show me exactly what he was going to do during the surgery. I found it very helpful and reassuring. It is weird to see yourself on paper and realize how bad your tummy really looks. We talked a little more about the boob part of the procedure. I told him I liked the fake look and really miss it. Another thing I love about Dr. Bayne is I don't feel he gives unrealistic expectations. Long story short, he said that due to being a small girl with implants for almost ten years, especially having them during two pregnancies, I have lost some breast tissue in the upper part of my breasts (i.e. cleavage) and the only way to get that back 100% would be new (and probably larger) implants (possibly down the road). We both agreed (in a very candid and funny conversation) that maybe the time has come for me to get over wanting the really fake stripper look back. I guess it is true - I am in my mid-30's! Hehe. He said, "Yeah, styles change!" LOL. We agreed I would not want to go larger than I already am now and he described a newer type of implant that would boost the upper part of the breast. He says we will cross that bridge down the road if I NEED to (i.e. if one of my implants ruptures and I need a replacement). I am hoping that doesn't happen! He says I will get a LOT of improvement from this lift, so that is good. Ahhh! I am so grateful for this website and all of you lovely ladies. Thank you so much for posting all of the lists!! I have a giant cartful on Amazon and also a list going for the grocery store and Target. So helpful!! Updated on 8 Nov 2013: Hi, ladies!! OMG. When I wake up in the a.m., my phone will be telling me I have less than ten days until I'm on the flat side. Trust me, I'm freaking. On the other hand, it's a calm before the storm type of feeling because let's be honest: I've already paid. I'm doing this thang!! Did some hardcore Amazon and Target shopping thanks to the wonderful lists I've found on this forum. THANK YOU to anyone who gave me ideas!! My doctor said they "keep it simple" and the hospital discharge instructions would give me a list. No way...this sista is getting stuff in advance. I'm not feeling an impromptu Target trip on the way home! First thing is first! I'm paranoid about this whole binder/CG situation (i.e. needing more than one due to needing washed, what do . The pre-op nurse told me the hospital will give me a binder. Based on things I've read on this forum, I asked her if I should buy two or more. She said another one isn't a bad idea! She gave me a pamphlet for this company and said to order from them, citing they are good and reasonable. The website is: http://www.clearpointmedical.com. I am ridiculously short and also getting a breast lift, so she told me to go with the 9" binder instead of the 12" to avoid it encroaching on my breast incisions. GOOD TO KNOW but yikes! Also, someone (it may have been pimpmybod...if so, thank you!!!) mentioned using a Vedette and how awesome it was compared to the binder and/or CG. I went to www.vedettestore.com and ordered a Jaqui and an Adora. They look really great and I loved their sizing tool. They have a lot of styles and sizes. Let me know if anyone else finds this odd! The nurse told me no bra for a couple of months (OMG) but she suggested buying camis with the built-in bras and cutting the bra part in the middle so you have just a tiny bit of support and it won't rub on the incision. Weird to go without a bra!?!? Especially now that I'm used to having an industrial strength Victoria's Secret Push Up to hold up my chest!? :) Will be great/weird to have them stand lifted ON THEIR OWN. Yay for modern medicine. OK other things on my list so far, no clue if I'll need or not need but I'm trying to be PREPARED. Also, I live in the middle of nowhere so I need to make sure I have what I need. Here's what I've gotten so far from Target and Amazon: Heating pad (the kind that doesn't have auto shut off) Heated herbal warming pad for neck, heated herbal warming pad for wrapping (randomly came across them on Amazon) Hibeclens (Surgeon said to use starting two days in advance). Dial Anti-Bacterial body wash (Ugh! I prefer Lush Bodywash...hehe!! But my surgeon told me to start using this ten days in advance, so small price to pay for beauty - bring on the Dial!). Maxi pads to cover incision (SO helpful for my c-section incisions so imagine it will be helpful here also, like so many others have suggested). Giant bottle of Advil (nurse said no Advil before but can take Advil after). Tons of 16 oz bottles of Coconut Water, Coconut Water w/ Pineapple Gas-X Tums Smooth Move Tea Colace Milk of Magnesia Palmer's Cocoa Skin Oil Medicine Pill Organizer Arnica Oil Arnica Tablets Tea Tree Oil Body Wipes and Indian Coconut Hand and Body Wipes (nurse said I can shower before I go home and every day after that but I'm not taking any chances!!) Dry Shampoo Button-front Nightgowns (Target has cute flannel ones for $15...glad to find some inexpensive soft ones because I know I'll never wear them after my recovery; I can't stand twisted nightgowns while sleeping!!!). :) Go Girl (OMG...lol) Two pairs of High-Waisted Spanx! I have no idea if I will need all of this stuff but I am so happy to keep seeing emails saying "Your item has shipped!" "Your items have shipped!" :) I'm going to order a few more pj's from V.Secret and also my doctor said no bra for a couple of months (!?!!???) but get camis with the built-in bras and cut the bra part!? We shall see how that works out! Ahhh! Chat soon, ladies!! xoxo! Updated on 17 Nov 2013: OM#####G. TOMORROW IS THE DAY. I've been at a dance competition (ugh) out of town with my 12 year old daughter all weekend. Abby Lee Dance Studio is not here (hahaha!) but one of the girls from her show IS! She won, of course. I have to admit she is an awesome dancer. I had no idea who she was until the other girls pointed her out and told me about her. I also have two younger kiddos and wanted to bring them since I really won't get to see them much before I go in and we have been here in Des Moines since Friday. The good news is I was able to spend some time with my older chica alone (that doesn't happen too often anymore since we had the little kids!) and also get caught up on some emails and have some time to decompress and go over the 3,000 mental checklists I have goin' on. Back to the situation at hand: I then tossed and turned all night freaking out and trying to actually imagine myself on the bed being wheeled to the O.R. Ahhhh! My doctor and his nurses are super calm and positive people and have the "this is not that big of a deal," "you will look so much better," "Girl, that belly button NEEDS TO GO!" attitude, so I am sure that will be helpful. About every hour I would look at realself on my phone and read some positive reviews to calm my nerves. I met with my personal trainer and she said to keep thinking positively and not be paranoid I won't wake up. Just keep telling myself, "this is going to be awesome!" "I am so happy I am doing this!" etc. Yikesssss. Hard to do but I was trying! Then my countdown alarm on my phone went out telling me I had less than 24 hours. Ahhh! I woke up this a.m. and read a hilarious review (see: solesister) and it really put my mind at ease. I was crying I was laughing so hard at her great sense of humor and fab writing skills. I can't believe I hadn't come across her reviews before but I guess it was meant to be that I'd find them today. It gave me the extra confidence that okay, I'm doing this, too. Bring it on and let's get this sh!t over with. To even further improve my mood, I took some additional "Before" pics in the hotel room mirror after my daughter went to the workshop. Kind of a last hurrah for my muffin top and belly button of terror. I will post them from my phone on a separate post! I am going to need to download a Before / After photo merge app. I figure I will have lots of time do that from my lift recliner. To all of the ladies going under the knife tomorrow and this week, ENJOY YOUR DAY, GIRLS!! :) We will be on the flat side soon and making updates about our recovery, not our nervousness! xoxo! Updated on 17 Nov 2013: Last blast for the muffin top and scary hernia. Took some pics in the hotel room so I can remember my last day with these guys! Haha!! Flat side coming soon. Less than 24 hours. Ahhhh. I'm so nervous. Updated on 18 Nov 2013: Is this really happening? I feel like I'm dreaming and not sure if it's a good dream or about to turn into a straight nightmare! Yikes!! So weird rollin' in glasses with no lotion, perfume, deodorant or face moisturizer on. Not to mention makeup or hair products. I am not that high maint (hahaha yeah right) but I feel like I'm camping or something. She mentioned any of that stuff can create a "flash fire.". Lol ummmm no thanks. I'm all set there! Would like to avoid catching on fire while under general and not able to stop, drop and roll. Ahhh! Will be happy to see my contacts and lip gloss. ;) Post soon!! See y'all on the flat side...OMGGG! xoxo! Updated on 18 Nov 2013: Made it to flat side babes! Thank god! Felt like I was asleep for 2 seconds. FREAKED all night about the going under situation. Having an amazing experience so far! LOVE all the nurses. Love my doctor! Love my room! Love Morphine! Hahaha Will write more tonight. Was able to catch a glimpse of my gorgeous boobs but not tummy yet. Chat soon! Happy flat day to all who ALSO rocked it out today! XOXO Updated on 18 Nov 2013: Hi dolls. OK I have to say this isn't that bad. My c-sections seemed worse. I just waiting to hit the wall and lose my mind in pain! Granted my hospital is awesome so I feel like I'm at the spa. So comfortable!!!! Also, we do have three kids (12, 4, 2) so maybe anything is relaxing compared to being home with them. Hahaha! Another thing saving me is my doctor does the "bed rest" first day and night. Trust me, I will take a catheter any damn day over moving my body right now. And having had the c-sections, I am on top of my pain meds like no other. Ask for them in advance so they are READY for you when it's your time!! When it's time for your meds, trust me the nurse will be in a room with another patient. This happened with my last c-section and so wanted to f*^%ing DIE waiting for her! :) I did get a little bit of the spins a little while ago so I sent my fabulous husband to get the nurse. She gave me Zofran? Other than that, I am rockin the morphine. Tried a Vicodin at 4:40 and I think that may have brought on the spins, who knows. I will die of I throw up!!! Still have a little seasick feeling! So freaking excited about my gorgeousssss boobs! Hurrrrrayyyyyyyy!!! Made my husband take a pic and I stitched it together with a before pic. The before was taken right before I went to the OR. Haven't been able to bring myself to look at the tummy although the nurses and dr say it looks great. They took A POUND of skin off my stomach (sickkkkk OMG) and a liter of fat from my sides/back. Grossss!!!! So far I'm over the moon but we will see when these drugs wear off and I actually have to move. Happy healing!!! Xoxoxo Updated on 18 Nov 2013: :) :) :) Updated on 18 Nov 2013: Updated on 20 Nov 2013: Alright, girls. Here's the scoop. Day 2 about killed me. Holy h*ll! It's now the evening of Day 3 so I will post about Days 2 and 3. First of all, let me know say that lipo hurts like NOBODY'S BIZNAZZ. I have never felt pain like this before! I definitely was not expecting that. Day 2 started out good. My nurses had all been amazing, especially my night nurse who was on duty all night. My sleeping when I'm on drugs is like in and out all night long. She checked on me a ton and was very helpful. Around 9 a.m. there was a shift change and I was assigned a SUUUPER SWEET, adorable and very sympathetic nurse. The only issue was she kept knocking things over and running into stuff. Haha. It's unnerving enough when you're laying in a bed in pain and feeling super protective of your wounds, yet you can't move to protect yourself even if something did fall on you, and then you have a chica in your room who is knocking over things all day. Ha. They took out my catheter (sad! I loved not having to get up!) and decided to make me shower. I knew it would make me feel better but also knew it would hurt. So my nurse and another more experienced nurse help me into the shower. My nurse was washing my hair and meanwhile dropping tons of things in the shower. I was nervous and the other nurse was definitely keeping a watchful eye on her. She covers her hand with a washcloth and dumps on shower gel and starts washing my neck. So far so good. Then she (brace yourself!!!!!!) STARTS SCRUBBING MY LIPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She apparently hadn't worked with a plastic surgery patient before so had no idea you cannot even remotely touch the lipo LET ALONE GO ALL OUT SCRUBBING IT. WTF! I let out a scream (as much as I could scream) and jumped up. I have had three kids and have never been in so much pain. OMG. I started sobbing and couldn't stop which was only making my tummy/lipo hurt worse. After that, I just couldn't get it back together for the rest of the day. Holy God. They laid me down and gave me morphine and kept medicating me. I was supposed to leave but knew there was no way I could leave. They called my doctor a few hours later, told him what happened in the shower and he agreed I should stay another night. THANK GOD! Last night around 7:00, they gave me more morphine and then an hour later my Vicodin (spell?). Around 8:00, they wanted me to walk half way down the hall. I could barely make it through, let me tell ya. Ouch. I was sweating and dizzy and struggling. Was very happy to see my bed again! :) Everything went uphill from there. I slept a ton last night, really only getting up to have my Vicodin's. This a.m. I woke up praying they wouldn't assign me the bull in the china shop again. I couldn't handle another stressful with her even though she is super sweet and apologetic. My husband and I realized last night that a walker was a MUST HAVE, so he went and rented one today and bought a shower seat for me (another must have). The lipo pain has eased up a lot since yesterday and now I'm more aware of my tummy incision pain. As everyone else says, the drain kinda sucks. I only have one drain so I'm feeling blessed about that! All of my Mommy Makeover girls reading this, props to you all who are getting implants at the same time!!! I had the lift, which is painless for the most part. IDK how I could handle implants at the same time!? However, I promise it will be worth it to just have one recovery. Anyway, we finally made it home this afternoon. Mucho happier in my fabulous comfy lift chair. It's 20,000x more comfy than the hospital bed!!! My hubby made peace with the fact he won't get to work all week. :( I feel bad but there is just no way. The only other than I can say is I'm soooo tired of the strung out Vicadin feeling. I know I still need it though, so I'm trapped. :) OK, I will be back soon for more updates! :) I will post a pic of my lipo bruises from my phone. YIKES. Take care, dolls! xoxo Updated on 20 Nov 2013: Yikes! Don't mind the nurse holding my gown closed :) Updated on 22 Nov 2013: Ohhhh, y'all. Sorry I haven't updated. Trust me it's not because I haven't had time on my hands! I started a long update yesterday but the iPad deleted it. Grrr! :) Starting over! This is going to be VERY detailed because when I was reading reviews, the more details the better! It helped me be 1,000 times more prepared! First of all, let me say thank you to all my realself girls. Without stalking all of your reviews and updates for the past seven months, there is NO WAY I could have handled this surgery! Expecting "the blues" to set it in, made the middle of the night last night and this morning easier. I am sure there will be more to come! Let me start from the beginning! I'm on Day 5 and hopefully things will continue to crawl (at a verrrrry slow pace apparently) toward normal from here. Ha. I am still saying THE WORST part for me was the anesthesia and being put under. I had such huge anxiety about that for MONTHS and the days leading up to the surgery, it just got worse. The morning of surgery, my husband and I checked into Trinity Moline. Just one of the many reasons I loved Dr. Bayne was because he performs all of his surgeries at this particular hospital. It is verrrry nice and modern but it is set up more like a home than a hospital. The check-in desk nurse was nice and the two other lady patients checking in for their surgeries were nice. By eavesdropping on them (accidentally!) I determined one was having a total knee replacement! She didn't seem scared at all and I thought, holy sh*t that sounds worse than a tummy tuck! They whisked me back to pre-surgery and gave me a gown, had me scrub down, asked me 300 questions, gave me a pregnancy test (OMG), etc. I asked the nurses if women actually check in for surgeries such as this and are pregnant and they said yes, it happens. Yikes! The drew blood for labs, weighed me, hooked up my IV. After the whole schpiel, they brought my hubby back. He was acting weird and I was so nervous/considering bolting out the door. I started crying because he kept saying everything would be fine. In retrospect, it was totally the right thing to say, but at the time I wanted him to say, PLEASE DON'T DIIIIE. :) He calmed me down and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Millare, came in. He was very sweet and comforting and assured me I would do great. I asked him if he would be there the whole time. He laughed and said, "Yes, of course, I will!" Then Dr. Bayne came in and marked me up. I thought it was nice he pulled the curtain so hubby couldn't see all the "Nip Tuck" lines going on. Now, I'm not positive but it probably would have been traumatizing for him to see a doctor marking up the wife! :) Dr. Bayne also assured me that I'd do great and be so happy. He told me to hang tight and wait for the OR nurse. He left the room while I sat in the giant recliner and prayed she had called in sick and I could jet set out the back door. To no avail. She showed up, I kissed the hubs goodbye and we were on our way. She walked me all the way down to the OR. OR's are cold but you always forget they are until every time you go in for surgery. I laid down on the table, all the while thinking how insane this was! This super sweet OR nurse covered me with some warm blankets and started asking me questions as Dr. Millare was messing around with various things above my head. I was happy because I felt like he was still setting up and getting ready so I had more time. I know they normally ask you to count backward from 100 and the last thing you remember was saying "97." Out of the corner of my eye I spied Dr. Bayne in his scrubs all completely scrubbed in with a few other scrubbed in nurses organizing some things. [RS bleep] was starting to get real. This sweet OR nurse, though, asked me how many kids I had at home. I told her three. She said, "Awww...what are their ages?" I said, "12, almost 4 and 2...things are starting to get fuzzy...is that normal?" She said, "Yep! Now when is your youngest's birthday?" I am not sure if I even answered her but I remember smiling and thinking "December 19th." Now, WHAT A SWEET MEMORY for someone who was so terrified. I am sooooo sooooo grateful for her for distracting me and having my last thoughts be about my little chica's birthday! Updated on 22 Nov 2013: OMGGG last post cut off a ton of my INFO!!! AHHH!! Thank God I had copied it just in case! Grr!! Continuing! Literally, one second later, they were waking me up in recovery. I can recall being in a big room with curtains and as they were wheeling me to my room I briefly worried about throwing up and noted there were two other patients "sleeping" as we rolled by. My room was fabulous. Looked like a bedroom at grandma's! Flowery couch, cute lamp, flowery artwork, tan walls, wooden entertainment center. I remember thinking OMG I am so much happier here than I would have been at one of the other hospitals in the area. My husband had left for work after they first took me back for surgery but not until my friend Erin had arrived. She stayed all day, watching the video monitors that updated her on my progress. They had given her a number and she could see when I was in prep, surgery, closing, recovery and my room. They updated her several times throughout the day and she was texting my hubby. So thankful for her! They brought her back to the room and I was feeling FABULOUS! I felt great the ENTIRE day on Monday, actually! My doctor is all about bed rest on the first day so I had a catheter and thank god had MINIMAL MOVEMENT. They would ask me my pain scale and I would say that I was a 0 if I wasn't moving. It ended up creeping up to a 2 during the night but it was still really minimal. They were giving me morphine into the IV and I was taking Vicodin every four hours. Dr. Bayne stopped by that night to check me and said everything looked fabulous and I did great. Love him. LADIES, LET ME TELL YA. I learned this from my c-sections... Do NOT every trust the nurses to bring you your meds every four hours. I'm not saying they don't have all intentions of doing so. Watch the clock like a hawk when you get your meds, count four hours and then page the nurse 15 minutes prior. Nothing is worse than waiting until the 4 hour mark and then she is with another patient so you wait an additional half hour, dying in pain. All of my nurses were fabulous but we definitely had to remind them when meds were due, except for my first night nurse, Joy. Joy is amazing. Anyone considering Bayne, be rest assured you're in good hands. She and Dr. Bayne seem to have a special relationship. She is close to retiring (she said two years away). She brings Dr. Bayne's patients special treats and is like a 100 on a scale of 1-10, almost as if she is your own grandma making sure you are happy and comfortable, always asking if you would like a popsicle, etc. Joy never forget the meds! She is seriously so great. Day 2 sucked and I mean royally. I am not going to lie. The first part of the day was great, very similar to Day 1. Around lunch they removed the catheter and made me get up for the first time. Hello, death by pain. This is when I realized I over-estimated how much the tummy would hurt and WAY under-estimated how much the lipo would hurt. Holy f*&^! You can read my post above on Day 2 for the fateful scene that happened to me on Day 2. Let's just say I was so glad to be able to stay the additional night. I am not sure if I hadn't had the shower scene/screaming and sobbing freak out, if I would have needed to stay the night again. By later that evening, though, I had stopped needing morphine and was just on the vicadin. I slept great on Night 2 and they definitely were not checking on me every hour like on the first night, so that was good. Dr. Bayne stopped by twice on Day 2, I believe. I remember him coming in in the a.m. I think he came in that evening also but that night is pretty fuzzy for me. Day 3 was better than 2. Still very sore especially where I had lipo. They said no hurry leaving, told me to plan on after lunch. So, I sent hubby to work and hung in my room watching 2008 reruns of The Kardashians, trying not to move. They gave me a shower after lunch and got me dressed. BRING A NIGHTGOWN! I live in Iowa and it was freezing but I literally wore a button-front nightgown, underwear (I brought Granny panties but my extra low-rise Victoria's Secret underwear worked fine) and Uggs slippers home. My husband was able to pull up to the surgery center door and trust me, I didn't mind walking out in a nightgown. Ride home sucked. Brace yourself, girls. I was so on edge the entire 40 minutes home that he was going to hit a bump or someone would rear-end us. OMG can you even imagine!!! Being home was fabulous! Let me say you need above all else: a lift chair, a walker, shower seat and lots of memory foam pillows!!! Also make sure to change all the batteries in your remotes before surgery. You need those babies to be on top of their game. You can't really move or contort yourself to compensate for weak batteries and you need to be able to change AS SOON AS anything funny comes on. Let's address the #2 situation. I knew this could be problematic thanks to my realself ladies. I took MOM the night I got home (Day 3) and drank Smooth Move Tea the next morning (Day 4) and that did the trick. Had been taking Colace since Day 1 and continue to do so. The thing I RIDICULOUSLY underestimated was the pain and soreness from not being able to move. You are literally forced into one spot for days (weeks??) on end, which happens to be right on, in my case, the lipo areas. Ahhhh! OMG I am dying to stand up and stretch. I've been rolling around the house on lots of walks with my walker. My husband calls me "Hot Wheels" HAHAHA! I am so glad I'm able to get up and down easier, take a shower by myself without help, etc. Can't wait to rid myself of the drain...ugh! Thanks everyone for preparing me for hating it! The last two days have been full of tons of E! television and not much else. I will post more on that tomorrow and what I've been doing on Days 4 and 5 later. I tried to post and it deleted half of my update! Ahhh! I had copied some of it but not that last part (grrr!) :) I will re-write though! Take care chicas!!! Updated on 23 Nov 2013: Brace yourself! Scary pic of lipo bruising but couldn't be happier with how small my tummy looks! OMG!!! :) Updated on 23 Nov 2013: Hate that song, hate needles! I was telling my dad a few years ago how much I hate needles and he said everyone hates needles, even heroin addicts. Haha...true. So my surgeon just treats patients as if they have a clot just in case. This means getting a shot to the stomach, three inches from belly button, every day at the same time of day. It is called Lovenox and the kit comes with eight shots and even a hazardous waste disposal bin. It's NOT easy at now (YAY!) to grab and pinch full of skin for the shot but we have been working through it. I've been "lucky" enough to have the husband be able to do it most days. Yesterday, our babysitter did it and even though she is a retired nurse, it was the worst shot experience so far. My husband is getting owly (and hence I'm getting pissed!) now that he has to take care of the two little kids and give our oldest rides everywhere. I know it's a lot of work with the three kids plus little old moi being laid up, but suck it up dude. You've had HOW LONG to mentally prepare for this? Grrrrr! Anyway, long story short he had to go somewhere this morning so I was on my own for the shot. Oh God, I almost passed out. That was seriously horrible! Ahhhh! I will never give myself a shot again!! No wayyyy! Updated on 25 Nov 2013: What up, ladies!! One thing I have found from real self and I do think it extremely comforting is: everything that people say happened to them, happens to you!!! Just keep waiting! We are so lucky to have this site! OK yesterday afternoon, my mom, brother, SIL and baby nephew decide to come out for a visit. My super sweet mom is not doing well (cancer! Wahhh!) so of course I said that sounds great. I have been on my back for 99.9% of the time since my surgery so even though I am walking around better, it's sooooo much more comfortable to lie in my bed and blankly stare at HGTV. I ended up sitting in the living with them for about two hours or so. I finally came back my room when they left and sure enough, a few hours later, I was rockin' the Pillsbury Dough Boy look around the binder. OMG. I hadn't dealt with this until that point, but at least I was expecting it. Oh God my back needs a rest. Like a permanent vacation. I think PS's need to start telling patients to mentally prepare for this sh!t!!! HIGH on the list of things I didn't buy in advance but Jesus Lord I wish I would have are: Butt Donut (I actually think a Boppy Pillow would work great!! We moms all have those laying around the house!!! I'm going to have my husband see if we still have one tonight!!!) and also one of those lumbar cushions that chiros have in the chairs at their offices. My ideal situation would be the lift chair with two lumbar cushions stacked on top of each other and sitting on a Boppy pillow or donut. Too bad I'm already half way to heavenly bod by the time I thought of this plan!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm rarely using the recliner anymore and laying in bed all the time. My scars are looking pretty fabulous (I think!?) and are feeling good. I will post a pic! I can finally lightly cough without clutching a pillow desperately to my abs. And for the past two nights, I can lie most of the way down. I'm not going to push stretching out straight. As long as I can lie most of the way back, I'm good with that for now. Baby steps right but damn... I will admit, this is a nice break (I'm enjoying it) but also is kinda crazy to have so far to go. I really wish RealSelf had its own cable channel. :). I love reading all of your stories, comments and updates!!! :) Boredom. I have a Nook here and I started reading Gone Girl. This whole recovery position is not comfortable for reading books, even Nooks. Anyone have any other book suggestions?!!! My friend read Gone Girl and said it was good. So far I seem to be liking the husband's side of the story more that the wife's. I read Drinking & Tweeting over the summer and also Bringing Home the Birkins and found both hilarious. Drain will be gone tomorrow!!! My dad is taking me to the PS. AWKWARDDDD! :). My hubs has missed so much work and the PS is kind of far from our house so I just asked my Dad to take me. Alright dolls, I'm going to do some serious damage on zappos and then get back to Gone Girl and see if I can read for a bit. I will post some pics when I get up for a bathroom break, walk and a snack. XOXO Updated on 26 Nov 2013: Hurray! Had my post-op appointment today with Dr. Bayne! Love him. He is a really funny cat. He said I am healing great and the scars will look great. I couldn't be more thrilled with my results so far! I will attach pics! He took out the drain. Eeeeeech. It didn't hurt at all but I don't want to repeat the experience either. Haha. There was like ten inches of drain all raveled in my tummy! Eeeeew. Felt like a snake slithering out. It was over in like .03 seconds. OK here are some pics! :) :) :). CANNOT BELIEVE THIS IS ME WITHOUT A BRA ON!? Who's body is this!?!? :) Updated on 1 Dec 2013: Been writing a giant update that I will hopefully finish tonight. :) I just had to quickly write and say my doctor had said at my 8 day appt that I could switch to the Spanx they told me to buy at my pre-op appt. That day (about five days ago), I came home and literally laughed as I started to pull them up. Decided to wait on that scene. I felt like they looked TINY so I was too scared to pull them up. He had said to buy any kind of Spanx that went to up under the chest area so I bought the ones that look like underwear on the bottom. Feels and looks like a non-stretch dance leotard without straps. I ordered two pairs on Amazon (will post pic) and will probably order a couple more. The office girls at the Dr. Bayne's actually suggested I buy Target brand Spanx (just FYI) but I ordered the real deal bc I was ordering all of my post-op stuff on Amazon anyhow. Yesterday, I rocked and rolled the mall for about four hours with my normal binder on. It was fine but I was definitely feeling myself slowing down at the end. Today was another little holiday outing so I thought what the heck, I shall Spanx it up. Whewwww I have never worn Soanx before. Those babies are the real deal. Lol. I felt like it was way more support / suction / stuffing than my binder so I think I will try to add them into the rotation more and more. The worst part for me is getting them up and down over my sides lipo. It still is kinda bruised so imagine how the bathroom goes. Lol. I kept warning my family that it would "be awhile" as I went the bathroom so they would know I was dealing with my Spanx and not think I got injured or abducted in the Ladie's. Or that I was having some type of "bathroom issue" haha! AWKWARD! :) Hope everyone is having a happy Sunday! XOXO Updated on 2 Dec 2013: Hello, ladies! Today is TWO WEEKS! I can't believe it! I feel awesome! I am sooooo over the moon happy I was able to have this surgery! OMG!!!! Thrilled!!!! I still need a little help with the kiddos (thanks, husband!) but if I didn't have two toddlers, I'd be on the roll. In all honestly, I *probably* wouldn't yet be ready to sit at a desk for hours on end…but I could probably do it. I don't have to go back to work but I thought I'd throw that in for anyone reading this that might be wondering how long one may need off work. I would guess three weeks would be perfect but the longer the vacation the better, I always say! :) RE: PAIN! In summary, the first week was Hell on Earth...especially those first five days! After that, every day gets way better! THE WORST PART BY FAR was the back and bootie soreness from having to stay in the same position alllllll the tiiiimmmme for dayssss on enddd. I WAY over-estimated how bad the tummy would hurt and I WAYYY under-estimated how bad the lipo (sides and back) hurt and how bad my back/butt would hurt after sitting/laying on them constantly. RE: DRUGS! I stayed in the hospital for two nights and during that time, occasionally had morphine and ALWAYS had Vicadin every four hours. I stopped taking Vicadin on the afternoon of Day 3 and started with two Advil every 4-8 hours. I would say by Day 7 or so, I had stopped taking Advil. RE: ITEMS! DO NOT COME BACK TO YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT A WALKER, A SHOWER SEAT AND A LIFT CHAIR. Those things are CRITICAL FOR THE FIRST FEW DAYS. You may think, “Ahhh it’s only a few days, I can make it.” Trust me, it’s nota good plan. LOL. Also, DO NOT PLAN ON BEING EVEN REMOTELY COMFORTABLE without tons of pillows and as previously discussed, butt donut ? RE: SUPPLEMENTS! I am sure I have my personal trainer to thank for her strict regime of healing supplements. I am normally not good (AT ALL!!!) at taking these types of things!! I told her in this case, however, I would take whatever she wanted me to take. I will post more on that later, in case anyone is interested. I thought I should first post more about Dr. Bayne for anyone in my area considering doctors. Or, even if you aren't in the area, you can see the difference from one doctor to another and how important it is to find what works for YOU! LOVE BAYNE! Prior to meeting with him, I met with two other surgeons in the area. If you'd like to know who, please private message me. Surgeon A was great, gorgeous office. He does all of his surgeries "in office." I wanted to be in a real hospital and stay overnight for a TT! My friend had a TT from Surgeon A and loved being able to go home and loved her results. I personally felt safer in a hospital environment, so Surgeon A was out. Surgeon B did a BEAUTIFUL job on one of my BFF's (mommy makeover) and has good bedside manner, very knowledgeable, very positive. He performs the surgeries at an okay-ish hospital in our area. I'm kind of a brand [RS bleep] so I need it to be top notch from start to finish. Not: beautiful office but meet me a few towns over in one of the smallest hospitals in the area. I am sure it would have been fine but my friend and her husband told me the nurses at the hospital were HORRIBLE TO HER and one of them was even really snappy and told her, "You did this to yourself," as she was trying to help her to the bathroom when she was upset because she was in so much pain. No thanks. Met with Bayne and instantly LOVED HIM. I had so many recommendations and everyone who mentioned him to me was gushing over his greatness! The only negative thing I can say about the entire place is that his surgery scheduling and payment manager is not very friendly...at all. Be nice to people spending serious cash at your place of employment (i.e. over $10,000 for an elective surgery)..it’s not that hard to do. When I called back (as instructed) to ask about dates, fortunately she was on vacation and I did my official booking with Bayne’s fabulous nurse, Lisa. SHE IS SOOOO sweet AND HAPPY. Reminded me I was doing the right thing, would be so thrilled, would survive, would love my results, etc! I don’t think his scheduling manager should be let go or anything, maybe just reminded how the full-service luxury business works. It should be seamless and pleasant, especially the payment part of it all. Moving on! Other than that little issue, my experience and most importantly, the RESULTS have been seriously AMAZING! He is very realistic, super nice, very trustworthy and has a dry sense of humor that I find to be HILARIOUS! You can't NOT love him. He says funny things like when I was there to remove my drain, I said, “Oh God, is this going to hurt?” He said, “It’s not going to hurt me a bit.” HAHA. I think that type of humor and bedside manner really lightens the mood. I love him! Other things I’ve noticed about Bayne compared to the other two doctors I visited AND the details I’ve received from all of the RealSelf reviews I’ve read… Bayne’s rules for surgery are VERY LAID BACK and they office staff promotes keeping things simple, too. I was appreciative! His rules were the obvious: no Advil two weeks before, no alcohol two weeks before, no smoking (not an issue for me), no food/water after midnight the night before surgery, start showering with anti-bacterial body wash (I used Dial Body Wash…yuck) two weeks before, start showering with Hibiclens 48 hours before, buy a pair of Spanx. They mentioned no bra for two months (I had a breast lift and kept my current implants). You know they know we all google everything else we will need. I am so thankful for RealSelf though because I was able to build my stockpile of everything I also needed for recovery. Bayne uses surgical glue, not stitches or surgical tape or steri strips. LOVE THIS. I had one drain, right above my underwear line. It had one stitch in it. I am small (4'11") so he mentioned he only did one drain but normally does two drains. I had to do a liquid diet for the entire day of surgery. I was happy about this and was scared to eat and get bloated/constipated/throw up/all the other things mentioned on here. I was paranoid of how bad it would hurt my tummy to do any of those things. I can see how that might bother some people since I really didn’t eat the day before surgery either but I was glad I didn’t have to eat solids until the following day. My binder is an elastic band with Velcro on it. Very comfortable and doesn’t bother me at all. I compare this to some of the other compression garments and binders described on here and I thank the lord for Bayne’s little elastic binder! Ha! Starting with 1 Day Post, I was SUPPOSED to take a shower every day. I knew none of this in advance but it was an AWESOME perk. They just said to pat my incisions with a soapy washcloth and then pat them dry. I’m a major shower hound. I CANNOT IMAGINE not showering every day! I felt SOOOO much better after my showers and normally I took two per day. I see tons of reviews on here mentioning their PS wouldn’t allow them to shower with drains in and/or take their compression garments off to shower. Oh God. I couldn’t deal. My friend who went to Surgeon B, mentioned above, didn’t shower for 21 days post and she said it was absolutely HORRIBLE and the worst thing ever. Granted, she had four drains. Yikes! She is tiny too so I can’t imagine having four drains. OK, I think this may be all I have for now!! I know this was a lot but when I was reading tons of reviews preparing for my surgery, the more details the better! :) Love to you all!! Updated on 7 Dec 2013: What's up ladies! I'm posting from the pedicure chair :) Oh my WORD, I'm feeling so great. Definitely can't overdo the physical activity yet. Trying not to lift anything at all, etc. Bending over gets tiring. I don't have any pain anymore except a little on the sides/back of my hips from the lipo and a very slight soreness (feels bruised but doesn't look it) near where my incision ends. My hubby's work Xmas party is tonight. I went to the mall and as vain as it is, I cried tears of joy as I tried (AND BOUGHT) on an outfit I could have NEVER EVER worn since pre-babies. This is LIFE CHANGING. I am so happy! Here is a pic of the outfit I bought! :) I am a little less than three weeks out. I can't imagine how thrilled I wil be at six months!!! Happy Healing (and SHOPPING), lovelies!!! XO Updated on 8 Dec 2013: Hola, ladies! Three weeks tomorrow...hurrrrrayyy! Yesterday was a long day for me with lotsa Spanx wearin'. My daughter had a dance event which involved chauffeuring her around to three different places and walking a lot. I came home to two rambunctious toddlers that wouldn't let mama rest. I was able to lay down for about twenty mins before I had to shower again and get all fancy for hubby's work Xmas partayyy (aka more walking, sitting and Spanx-ing). I wore my new hot black outfit and felt like a million freakin' dollars. I also rocked some fabulous new suede high heels without issue! Yeah! Needless to say, I told the hubs I'm sitting in bed all day and shopping online. :) My sides still get a little sore after I've been wearing the Spanx awhile. Feels like a bruised-ish feeling and I woke up feeling kinda stiff. DYING FOR SOME HOT YOGA! Breaking the rules: OK, so my doctor had said no bras for two months. This is one thing I have a really hard time with. Ha. I mentioned like ten times above (sorry for the repeat info!) that they recommended wearing built-in bra camis and cutting a slit in the bra part between the boobs. I did this to some and I always wear one under my t-shirt at home. If I go somewhere though, I have to wear TWO of these camis under my outfit. I just can't roll bra-less and just one is not enough support when I'm out on the roll!!!! Can't wait to wear bras again. :) Sleeping: is great! I haven't tried to sleep on my stomach but I can definitely sleep flat on my back and toss and turn to various sides all night long without wincing and moaning in pain. THANK GOD!!! Scars: are doing well! I will post some updated pics. I've been using the Palmer's Oil after my showers twice per day. As soon as I started using this stuff (after my first post-op appointment), my surgical glue started getting loose and it was all off within a few days. Sexin': it's been a long three weeks but I finally gave it up today! :) I have been wanting to (OBVIOUSLY! IT'S BEEN 3 WEEKS! Haha!) but I was too scared! It went pretty well considering we had to hide from a one year old. God, I can't wait until these kids all go to sleep at normal times and stay asleep! I'm so done with the random bed times and 6:00 a.m. wake up times. Ugh. Yum: Still watching what I eat in a majorrrr way. Not being able to work out at all is freakin' me out. My adorable and sweet trainer has me logging everything in MyFitnessPal and eating tons of protein. Fortunately, I love protein shakes and protein bars. I made three double batches of different low sodium soups before surgery so I have been living off those. I'm dying to go get a giant cajun pasta from somewhere but no way in hell is that happening. :) Hope everyone is feeling fabulous! xo! Updated on 9 Dec 2013: Updated review to follow but posting three week pics from my phone :) You can definitely see the swelling at the ends of my incision. It's sore and feels bruised-ish. Maybe I should wear my Spanx more often at home!? Right now I am only wearing them when I leave the casa. Does anyone else have this type of swelling goin' on? I don't *think* I have the bad swelling problems most people seem to have but then again I am trying to go very low sodium. Mainly I notice it at the ends of incision and when I rock the Ken Doll Syndrome (HAHA! Gross!) at the end of the days. The little red scar above my underwear line is from the drain. Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Hello, chicas! Alright, had my three week post-op yesterday (actually three weeks + one day)! Here's the scoop on the piercing situation. My belly button had looked craaaaazzzyyyy since I had Baby #1 in 2001. A year or so after, my work friend and I decided to get our belly buttons pierced over the lunch hour (totally normal for some dorky accountants to do...hahaha!). I had wanted to get mine done because my BB looked "weird" after that pregnancy and I thought it would help it look less weird. Looking back, that "weirdness" was my BB hernia!!! I had no idea. It did work to mask the creepiness of my BB and gave me several extra years in a bikini...yay. I didn't take it out until I became pregnant with #2, when my oldest was 8! I haven't worn one since and that was 2009. Anyway, if you look in my pictures post from yesterday, in the first photo, look straight down from my belly button where it meets the incision. You will see a little bit of strangeness there (tiny hole + tiny bit of weird skin). That's where my old belly button piercing was! Haha! It has been kinda annoying me in the past week but I keep telling myself hello this is 20,000,000 times better than your old stomach so you can deal with a little tiny piercing aftermath, sista! I mean, as tummy tuckers, we all know, yes the improvement will be amazing BUT we also accept our doctors aren't just grabbing new perfect stomachs out of the air and attaching them to our bodies! I mean they can only do so much with what we've given them to work with. I have also been appreciating this little piercing hole, using it as a reminder to just HOW much skin was removed. I mean, that used to be ABOVE my belly button!!?? What!??! Crazy amazing!! I have thought about it and imagined Dr. Bayne probably trying to pull my tummy down far enough to eliminate that last piece of skin that had the BB piercing! I mean, that only seems like the logical thing to do during a tummy tuck. BUT, there is NO WAY he could have pulled my skin tighter than it already is, so I truly imagined he had just given up! I have seen some other reviews on here where the person is questioning if the doctor should have removed more skin. I am so glad I will never have to wonder if that should have been done as my skin is super tight. Anyhow, turns out that is exactly what happened! I wasn't even going to ask him about it but he brought it up. :) He said he tried very hard to get my tummy down far enough to eliminate it all together but he just couldn't get it. He said if I wanted him to, he would just numb it in the office and make a small vertical incision (I assume we will discuss again at my 8 week post-op), stitch it together, and it would turn out great. I am going to think about it for awhile and decide. I mean, my tummy is looking pretty freakin' amazing so not sure it's worth messing with and God knows there is already a giant scar going alllll the wayyyy across! It's not like this little hole with a tiny bit of weird skin is making the scar worse? We shall see! What do you girls think? I was so happy to know that it is an option though even though not sure I will even bother with it. At the end of the day, really wish I had never gotten that piercing! Hahaha! My mom told me this when I got it! :) Binder & Swelling! We discussed the swelling I referred to in my last post that is located at my incision ends (as shown in my last posts' pics). He said that is from the lipo! So, not necessarily all swelling - it is also hard bumpy spots from the lipo. You girls know the ones. I am to ditch the binder permanently (damn) and wear Spanx full-time to have compression on the lipo areas so it will decrease that swelling and smooth it out. I said, "OH! Even at home?!!?" Haha! He said, "Yessss." I had been only wearing the Spanx when I go out and about. I never really thought to compensate for the fact I haven't had to go back to work or anything. He didn't mention massaging the areas but I'm going to thanks to the tips from my RS gals! :) I have been massaging my other hard lipo areas but I've been leaving those areas alone since I thought it was just from where the incision ended. He said I could sleep without anything to avoid them bothering me at night and just wear the Spanx during the day. He also called me a "Skinny Minnie" again! :) Hurray! That being said, I'm going to need more Spanx. :) Someone mentioned the Spanx that snap like a bra down by your girl parts, so I'm in for those! Exercise! He assured I can go back to whatever I want to do and my body will let me know when it's too much. I'm a former accountant so I can't handle any type of vague instructions. Like when I cook, I avoid recipes that say "to taste" or "a little bit of Marjoram." I need exact measurements. Ha! He said, "In everything you try, take it slow. If it hurts, stop. If it doesn't, keep going." I asked about my two year old, weighing in around 27 lbs. He said to go ahead and try picking her up and if it hurts, stop. I told him I was terrified to tear anything. He said, "You won't tear anything, I promise you." So, I go to check out and I realize I didn't ask him about my beloved yoga!! No namaaste!! I do yoga pretty hardcore and not the gentle style. I'm very much into Ashtanga and Hot Yoga Fit. My friend and I go and it is sooo much fun. Love and miss all my yoga friends!!! The thought of back bending is like nails on a chalkboard to me, so no way would I attempt anything like that right now. I had the scheduling girl call over a nurse so I could specifically ask about yoga. The nurse went back and asked Dr. Bayne and he said, yep, it was fine, to go slow and if it hurts, stop. So there are my instructions, y'all! I'm officially on the mend and released to attempt getting my real life back but this time with a WAYYYY more rockin' body. Holy hell, I cannot EFFING WAIT to go to hot yoga in my yoga shorts and just a bra top. I have been soooooo jealous of all the women who can rock those while all the rest of us mamas are stuck in 106 degrees wearing flowing yoga tops. Love my Lulu tops but I'm ready to flaunt these abs and now that my boobs are in the right place, flaunt them, too! THANK GOD! It is soon CRAZY to hate things about your body for soooo long and think about them all the time (chest, stomach!) and then one day, everything has completely changed and you love your body a ridiculous amount. Love love love. XOXO!! Updated on 12 Dec 2013: Hello, lovelies! I went to the chiro today for the first time post-surg. OMGGG did it feel good to be adjusted! My neck has been jacked from the time I woke up from surgery. It may have been my fault as my body/neck was at a somewhat odd angle on the first day and although the nurses continuously asked me if I wanted to be moved for those first 24 hours, I politely said HELLLLL NOOOO! :) Then, let's not get back into the horrendous, torturous back pain post-surgery. Haha! I just feel fortunate that I don't need some type of spinal fusion after that mess because that is what it felt like!!! My chiro is fab and asked if I thought he could twist me without hurting me (you know where you lay on your side and they twist ya). "OH, god no," was my answer! I thought I could for sure lay face down on the adjustment table but as that baby started lowering I said, "OH God, I can't do this either." I didn't want to put that much pressure on the new chichis, if you know what I mean! He ended up just adjusting me with this gun thing and then adjusted my neck the regular way. I feel a million times better! I have needed my neck adjusted since Day 1. Hurray! It's the small victories, ladies! As of yesterday, I also started toting around my toddler. Mamas beware. Before surgery, I really thought I'd be able to just deal with the little one (she is going to be 2 next week) starting Week 2 of surgery. Surgery was on a Monday and my husb took off most of the days that week, then we had the weekend. I planned to persevere with the two little devils by myself starting that Monday. Shockingly, my MIL (drives me nuts) was awesome (for once) about coming over EVERY day at 6:30 a.m. to lift her out of the crib and then every day during Week 2, she took either one or both of the kids to her house. Hello, LIFE SAVER!!!! I am soooo thankful!!!! NOW, say I didn't have this luxury. I likely could have suffered through dealing with refereeing these two toddlers (my son is almost 4)...but it would have been HARD. My little guy is super easy now except he seems to need something every 6 effin' seconds. The little chica...man, IDK. That would have been rough. And I for sure could not have lifted her in/out of the crib for naps. Weekend #2 came and went and my MIL did the normal drill for Monday and Tuesday of this week but after my doctor appointment on Tuesday, I officially decided, OK, I needed to start handling this. We had a big snowstorm and it was going to be FREEZING on Wednesday. I was getting tired of her being in my house at 6:30 a.m. and I'm SURE she was getting wayyy tired of coming over at 6:30 a.m.! So yesterday I decided to go it alone, remembering the advice of my doctor on if it hurts, don't do it. I was SO HAPPY to learn it didn't hurt me to lift my lil' chica in and out of the crib. Today, I was even more brave and carried her from the house to the car, into the chiro, out of the chiro, back into the house. No pain. Yeah! One of my fave TT-ers (hi, fitandflat!!! If you haven't read her great posts, check her out!) was referring to taking down her "den." Love the term! I have my little recovery center based around my bed and I'm in the process of dismantling as well. I am really missing all of those hours I just laid in bed with 14 giant pillows, my heating pad on full blast, watching E! from pre-sunrise until midnight, taking several long naps in between. LOL. Normal life is just around the corner, girls, I just know it! And yes, I'm rockin' the Spanxxxxxx all day, every day! Hatin' 'em! Hahaha! :) :) :) Happy Healing, Everyone! XOXO! Updated on 13 Dec 2013: OK, after I posted my last review, I was feeling like something didn't add up! I DEFINITELY do not want to give anyone reading this pre-surgery the wrong advice since I know most of us have kiddos! I SKIPPED A WEEK in my last review! hahaha! Forgot about Thanksgiving Week! Here is the real scoop on getting a new stomach and toting the tots! WEEK ONE: Alright, had my surgery on a Monday, November 18th! Hubs took off work most days that week. For part of the day on Thursday and Friday, our babysitter came over and sat with me for a few hours so hubs could go into work and get some things done. I could get around pretty okay by then, especially by Friday. I was still using my walker but she was getting me things like water, lunch, etc, just so I didn't have to get up. He had that weekend off so he resumed his nursely duties for the weekend. :) WEEK TWO (Thanksgiving Week): I crazily thought I could handle an almost-2 year old and almost-4 year old alone Monday and Tuesday, if I had to. My daughter (12) was off school on Wednesday so I figured she could help out as she's a great big s
I have struggled with my weight my whole life and after losing 60 lbs from my lapband I had a overhang of skin. So after graduating school, I asked my hubby for a tummy tuck for my grad gift. I had looked at before and after pics and was certain I was in good hands. Well today is one week after surgery and my body looks kind of awkward. I am not sure if it is because I am still swollen or if I should have have more liposuction or what. Has anyone else happen to see someone that looks like this? I am scared I won't be able to wear jeans or look right in anything. I was almost in tears the other day. I have looked on here and everyone has the flat stomach I want. Updated on 9 Apr 2013: So had appt with surgeon today. Feeling a lil better. He said I am still really swollen. Which kinda makes sense because they removed 10lbs of excess skin and liposuctioned 5 liters and I still am weighing the same. He also said that he lipo'd as much as he could on my top stomach but was a little difficult since I previously had lap band surgery. As for the dog ear....Well just have to wait till I heal more and he can take care of that in his office. Also I am gonna give it 3 months and then we can discuss working on my mons pubic area......As it is still swollen and is gonna need to be lifted. So for now I'll just wait and see how the healing goes.... Updated on 7 May 2013: Well it has now been a little over a month. Have had a couple set backs. I had my right drain removed April 25th as it was clogged. Then had my other drain removed on June 2nd. Doc said it had been a month and was time to come out. Well seems it was not working properly and as as soon as he removed fluid gushed out. And then they has to press on my stomach for half hour to get fluid out. Well, Saturday I have to call him and request an emergency visit at his office because fluid had retained quickly again. He removed about 200ccs. And told me to call him if I had a fever of over 101. Well Sunday I had 101.8. Called and yesterday I had an emergency surgery to add a new type of drain. I guess this is common for people of my size. The flatter your stomach and smaller you are the tighter you are and less likely you will have fluid build up. I was scared before that I had made a mistake. But each day is a new day and the swelling is slowly going down and I am slowly starting to see a new me. Updated on 9 May 2013: So I received a call last night from the doctor's office, and they wanted to change my antibiotics. Seems that the cultures they took from my surgery on Monday, came back with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). I feel fine now, and seem almost back to normal, but was advised to just take it easy. I am not taking Clindamycin, and I am hoping that this is the last bump in the road I have. Drain tube is still in, and I am hoping to post a pic of it soon. It is weird, it looks like something that should NOT be in me. Bayne wanted to take it out tomorrow, but I am still draining, and I am more than happy to wait till next Tuesday..Just to be safe. The drains have to be covered in gauze and then I have to tape them to my leg and thighs. The pain and irritation is getting to be an inconvenience, but again..I would rather be safe than sorry. Updated on 14 Jun 2013: So I haven't been on here much, but now have made time. Things seem to be going good. Had Doc appt Tuesday and he said things look great and he will see me again in 2 months for post op pics. I started running a few weeks ago as I was no longer in pain from jumping or anything like that. Felt weird, after I was done, my stomach was all tingly. And next week, I am starting to go back to gym. I am still not sure how I feel about my body. I look good from the front view, but the side I look awkward. Also if I eat too much, I look like I am 7 months prego. *Sigh* I must admit tho, I just looked at the previous pics, and WOW, the swelling has went down ALOT! I am hoping to take some pics in the next week or two, and I will post. Updated on 25 Jun 2013: So here I am almost 3 months has passed, and still have mixed emotions about my choice. I am finally posting a few older pics of when I have the 2nd emergency tubes in, and a few pics from this morning. While on vacation all we did was ride in a car and eat, so there was a gain of a few pounds and then this week the TOM is coming so I am eating constantly and retaining water. I feel FAT!!! Last weekend I was so bummed, whenever I eat too much I look like I am pregnant. UGH! I am starting a weight loss program next week and I am hoping that helps me kick start my metabolism. So looking at the pics, I am happy that I am alot smaller and that alot of the swelling has went down....But, my mons pubic area is now making me self conscious. He said he could fix that later. But I really wish he would have done a better job when I was under the knife. So now I am in debt for almost $12,000 (emergency surgury included now) and I don't feel as amazing as I thought I would feel. Doc said if I lost 15lbs I would look amazing.....Well, I am gonna try and I hope I don't look awkward for the rest of my life. I think maybe if I had a bigger butt I would feel better.....Better start on the squats! LoL Updated on 25 Jun 2013: So I forgot to add.....When I had my surgery, I added another procedure. I had a flabby flap of fat (Say that 5 times real fast. LoL!!) under my arm pit area..On my bra line. It had always bothered me and I figured that if I was going to get lipo on my back, I would look stupid with that left. So I had then remove. BEST decision and extra $1500 I have ever spent. I feel so much better when I wear a tank top and don't have the fat squishing out the back of my arm, and I feel even better that I don't have to tuck my boobs forward to make it less noticeable. OH, and the cherry on top was, that my boobs kinda lifted a little too. I will try to find a few before pics here soon, and take some of the after pics and some to show my scar. Updated on 27 Jun 2013: I searched and searched, and sadly I have no before pics. So only can post the after. I had a good amount of skin and fat removed. It used to be a flap that sorta hung down. So happy with the results and the scarring is so minimal.
I'm 32 yrs old, mom of three, ages 11, 8, and 5. I'm 5'4" and weighed 110 before my first and 120 after my last. With each baby, I put on 40-50 lbs and my babies were big!! Two were close to 9 lbs and my last was 7.5 lbs, born 3 weeks early. I remember being pg with my first and feeling the days of pain as my abdominal muscles were being ripped apart! I knew my days of bikini wearing were over, and I was sad because I was only 21! That was in 2002. After baby #3 in 2007, I knew I wanted a tt, just had to decide when! I hated, hated, hated my belly! I worked out, joined a running club, did weightlifting, and did zumbaat least 3 times a week and it still didn't do anything to change my belly! In 2011, I started nursing school and decided when my youngest was five yrs old in 2012, I should have the procedure during winter break. When I did my surgical nursing clinical rotation my consultation appointment, I had heard great things about Dr Bayne, so I already knew who I would have a consultation with. During the consult, he took pics and told me my insurance might pay for the muscle repair part - awesome! He had to write them a letter. Apparently, I had a huge diastasis, but part of me suspected that. 3 weeks later, I got a letter from insurance saying they would pay!!! I was so so happy as it reduced my costs by nearly half! My tt with ventral hernia repair was scheduled for 12/14Updated on 8 Jan 2013:One thing I wish I would have known more about before getting the TT was the possible location and size of a vertical scar. My doctor told me I might have a small vertical scar, but I was assuming it would be close to the horizontal incision . The vertical scar starts only a 1/2 inch from the bottom of my bb and is pretty noticeable. I hope it fades! I will try to post pics at post-op 3 weeks.
I'm a 49 year old, I breastfed both of my kids and loved the D cup I had during that time. I spent years lifting weights which eliminated even more of any breast tissue I had. While I no longer lift, I swim and use a Nordic Track to keep fit; I'm 5'6" and weight 150 and cannot remember the last time I was able to wear a bra. I had my initial appointment with the PS a couple weeks ago and am getting anxious about my pre-op appointment on the 21st. I liked the look of 475cc but the more I read testimonials the more I find women who wish they had gone larger. The Dr. said I have enough skin to comfortably go to 550 cc but I just don't want to look ridiculous. Anyone have suggestions? Updated on 7 Aug 2012: So the size question has me thinking...when I went for my initial appointment the woman that sat down with me and talked price told me that at my pre-op there will be the final fitting and that is when she will order the implants. I like the idea of taking the camera with me but won't it be too late to change my mind if they're ordering them at that time? I've been keeping a note pad with me so when questions like this come up I can jot them down and remember to ask at my next appointment. Updated on 8 Aug 2012: Hubby came home the other day and asked, "why are you doing this?" It took me a minute to figure out he was talking about my upcoming BA surgery. I told him that I was tired of looking like a 15 year old boy and wanted to feel feminine. He asked, "are you sure it has nothing to do with me or something I may have said?" I assured him this was all about me. In reminded him that we have been together for 16 years and if it had anything to do with him, I think I would have done it before now. His final question was, "why haven't you done it before now?" To which my response was, "it took me this long to realize I deserve this." I am so blessed to have his support in whatever I chose to do. Stay the way I am, get a little, get a lot. It really does not matter to him ;-) Updated on 9 Aug 2012: So I told my 26th year old daughter that I have a surgery date and she is flying out from Virginia Beach to share the time with me! The two of us look very much alike until you scan down to the chest...she's a DD (must be from her father's side of the family). When I first told her about the surgery, she made the comment that she felt like this was me going thru puberty and she was so proud of me. She makes me laugh and I'm so glad she'll be here to see for herself. I found Danskin front-zipping bras online and ordered two. They have already arrived and of course I had to try one on just so I could imagine what I'm going to look like. I also found some Arnica 30x, Arnica cream, and Bromelain at a place called makemeheal.com does anyone know if all or even most PS's suggest using this? I'm thinking of placing an order now because the price seems right. Ideas? The ladies who have already gone through this have been so helpful giving the rest of us tips and ideas of things to put on the shopping list. The sooner I get some of the stuff, the less I have to think about when I'm stressing because there are only 2 more days. Thanks so much! Updated on 12 Aug 2012: When I first met my ps he asked if I was a smoker. I am fortunate enough to be able to tell him I quit last September. I got the feeling that if I had answered yes he would have turned me away. He mentioned that a woman should not smoke for six weeks before her surgery and for quite some time after. As I think about it, it does make sense. With each inhalation you are stressing the area where the implants will be. He told me that was the number one contributor to complications. Has anyone else heard that? Updated on 14 Aug 2012: Seven days until my pre-op and I could not be more excited! I have so many questions typed up to ask thanks to everyone at RS. Updated on 20 Aug 2012: Tomorrow is my pre-op. I've taken some 'before' photos with shirts I'm planning to take with me so this should be fun. I've got my camera battery charged too. Hubby is going to meet me down there so we can get more photos and make the final decision. Plus, I get some quesitons answered. Yeah! Updated on 21 Aug 2012: Today was a long day of looking at the clock. My appointment was scheduled for 3:30 so work the only distraction I had. Pre-op (T minus 15 days). Hubby met me there and took a couple pictures for me that I posted for you all. I should have had him take them in the tighter of the shirts. My PS and I settled on 500cc silicone/under the muscle/inframammory incision. I tried to explain the difference between high profile and moderate and I told him I trust his decision since he does this for a living. I was surprised when I was asking questions that I will not be bandaged up when I go home; there will be steri-strips on my incisions and that is it. I am not to wear a bra for 4-6 weeks (he will let me know), so the breasts will be able to drop into place. I am not going to have to use a strap either. When I asked about massage, he said that he feels the best time to massage the breasts would actually be day 1 and 2 and of course, I'm not going to want anyone touching them. He does believe in ice and wants me to ice the girls for the first 2-3 days 20 minutes every hour. I was given prescriptions for Valium to relax the muscle, Vicoden for pain, and Onedansetron for nausea. Updated on 21 Aug 2012: A couple more things I'm supposed to do...start taking multivitamins twice a day to improve my general health, take 500 mg Vitamin C twice daily to promote healing, start using Dial antibacterial soap in the shower and then two days before surgery use Hibiclens in the shower. The list of medications to avoid before & after surgery is four pages long. Fortunately, I'm healthy except for a food allergy and Benedryl is not on the list just in case I need to take it. I have to tell you, today I told one of the women I work with that my husband and I are adopting two girls in September. She was surprised but supportive until I told her we were naming them 'right' and 'left'. I am really having fun with this and I'll do anything to make the time move faster ;-) Updated on 23 Aug 2012: I picked up my prescriptions today. I plan to have a little box for them on the end table by my recliner. I'll have the tops off so I won't have to worry about that when I need them. It occured t me today that this time next week I'll only have 6 days left. I'm still waiting for the doctor's office to let me know what time my surgery will be. When I left the office on Tuesday, the gal was trying to get his hospital time taken care of so she said she felt it would be before 1pm. I'd really like it to be closer to 8am that way, I won't have to forgo my coffee too long and get the unbearable lack of coffee headache. Plus, I won't have to pace all morning waiting. Don't these people have any idea what we go through in anticipation for such procedures? Updated on 26 Aug 2012: Allergies have been kicking my butt lately and I really do not want my surgery postponed because I have to blow my nose so I continued on with my deep clean yesterday. Saturday is laundry day so I stripped the bed of EVERYTHING and washed, washed, washed. We have two Pugs that shed so I washed every blanket in the house that they sit on too. I pulled the Bissel out and steamed cleaned all the carpets in the house except the one in the hall (I'll do that on Tuesday before I go to work). The ceiling fans,light fixtures, and windows are sparkling. The entire time I was doing all this, I didn't sneeze or have to blow my nose once. So I figure I'm on the right path. The last thing I want to get done is to give the dogs a bath but I think we'll wait until next weekend so they're clean and fresh. Updated on 27 Aug 2012: So after checking out Scrappy's story and looking at her photos, I saw she was wearing a tube top in one. Since I'm no longer in my 20's and I don't hang out at the mall, I texted my daughter to find out where I might be able to purchase such an item. She'll be flying out from Virginia Beach the day before the surgery and she tells me she has some that she will bring with her. Having a 26 year old with boobs definitely comes in handy! One less thing to have to think about. 8 more days! Updated on 30 Aug 2012: I can't believe I am finally going into my last weekend with no boobs. Next weekend will be a totally different story. Going through the wait, it felt like it would never get here but in all honesty, the weeks just flew by. Is it odd that I am totally calm about this? I think I am so at ease with my PS because we have first hand experience with him. A friend of mine at work talked to another friend who went through a BA and ended up showing her my facebook page so she could see me with the sizers. We ended up finding out that she used the same PS and said he was terrific and she felt I would have no problem going back to work on day 6. While I was not worried about going back to work, it was nice to actually hear from someone who had been through the same thing with the same surgeon. I'm real glad my daughter will be here I miss seeing her and she'll be a huge help. My plan is to let her type if I don't feel coherent enough to do so the first day or two of recovery. BTW, my tube tops should be here tomorrow (yeah)! Updated on 3 Sep 2012: Two more days and I am so excited. Everything I set out to do, I finished (I even got the grass cut this morning) so I'm more than ready. Fortunately, I work until 6 tomorrow and when I get home my daughter will be here so that will be a wonderful distraction! I still do not know what time my surgery is scheduled for and that has me somewhat nervous...I'm a bit of an overachiever/planner and waiting until the last minute is NOT my style. If I do not hear from the doctor's office by noon tomorrow, I will be making a phone call. Updated on 3 Sep 2012: Mom called and asked if I was taking time off when my daughter is here. I told her yes and since it is just a short visit we really don't have anything planned. Just a relaxing visit. He he he. Updated on 4 Sep 2012: In looking back at my calendar, I see that I scheduled my surgery on July 12. I guess in an attempt to prepare for surgery, I have worked hard to eat right so my body will be better prepared to heal itself. Rather than grabbing a muffin for breakfast, I started having egg whites and a bagel thin and I have fallen in love with Boca Vegetarian Burgers on bread thins with a slice of provolone. These changes have surprised me, they fill me up but I don't feel stuffed. I have made sure I have plenty of fresh fruit in the house so when I have a craving for something sweet, I grab that instead of junk. All this has lead to me dropping the 10 pounds I gained last year when I quit smoking and I am feeling great. On Sunday I began eating a serving of prunes in preparation for the inevitable constipation you all have talked about. I think that is what I dread the most. I stocked up on pineapple, pears, peaches, and nectarines this weekend and plan to make a huge fruit salad this evening. I started on the Bromelain on Sunday and began washing with the Hibiclens antimicrobial soap yesterday as instructed. I have my basket full of meds, cleaning products, and my neck pillow ready for when I get home tomorrow. The only thing I do not have at this time is when I am to arrive at the surgi-center. I think if I do not hear from them by noon, I will make a call. I think I can safely say, I am ready for this! Updated on 4 Sep 2012: Finally, I found out my surgery is at 12:45. I have to be there 30 minutes early and of course, nothing to eat or drink after midnite. No morning coffee is going to be tough. The daughter has yet to arrive (weather delay in Detroit) so we'll stay up tonight visiting. Maybe I'll be able to sleep in at least a little. It's supposed to rain so I guess it's a good thing I rode the bike to work today. Since I have plenty of time, I'm sure I'll jabber more tomorrow morning. Seventeen hours and 45 minutes. This time tomorrow, I'll have crossed the bridge to the other side, yeah! Updated on 5 Sep 2012: Surprisingly, I was able to stay up quite late (for me). Of course my body woke me up at 4am but I was able to get back to sleep until almost 8 which is unheard of for me. I was smart and recorded a couple episodes of Face Off last night to keep me occupied this morning. Now we're down to under an hour. I'm wearing a pair of shorts and a hoody and of course the old faithful slip on shoes so dressing won't be a problem. I have to remember to take the body jewelry off. I'll have hubby take the seabands just incase I am nausious. He mentioned stopping at Burger King on the way home and while that sounds great right now, I really don't know if I'll be hungery. I guess time will tell. If I can stay away, I'll have Katrina update sometime this evening. See you on the other side, Toodles! Updated on 5 Sep 2012: First I want to say, please excuse any typos (I'm typing this myself). It is now 3:18 and I've been home for 15 minutes. I feel absolutely terrific other than pressure on my chest. The PS gave me a nerve block that will probably last for 48 hours so Friday may be a different story. When I got to the surgi-center, a nurse asked some last minute questions and then I was marked up and taken into the room. She put sox on my calves that periodically expanded and felt really cool. I guess they were to keep my circulation going. Within 2 minutes of having the IV put in all I wanted to do was close my eyes. The next thing I know, I was in a different room with Scott & Katrina talking to me helping me wake up. Scott told me the PS came out to where he was waiting and gave him a thumbs up when it was all over. When I looked down, I mentioned that I couldn't see any change; both Scott & Katrina told me, there was definitely a difference, so I had her take a photo which I am posting. I needed a little help getting into the truck for the ride home but once we got there the only help I needed was opening the truck door. I feel wide awake right now but I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight. Like I said, I feel pressure especially on my right but I feel wonderful and although they are riding high right now, I think they look terrific. The nurse (who is also the Dr's wife) told me I could have coffee when I get home but right now, all I want is cold water. So maybe later. So far, so good. I'll keep you updated. Updated on 6 Sep 2012: I ended up with 500cc Natrelle silicone by Allergan on both sides. My doctor agreed that it would fill out the extra skin nicely. My first post-op appointment is Tuesday, September 11th. And even more good news, the doctor uses dissolvable stitches so no discomfort taking them out. I get to take a shower today and cannot wait. So far lifting my arms only causes a little twinge but nothing I can’t handle. An hour after I got home yesterday I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol. I took a Valium and two more Tylenol before I fell asleep. This will be great if I don’t have to take any of the Vicoden. I never did get nauseous so I wasted the money getting that prescription filled and buying the Sea Bands. I ended up putting on a bandeau top yesterday simply because my hoody was too hot. When I walked into the room Scott had a [RS bleep] eating grin on his face. Gotta love my man! Just wait til they drop & fluff ? My first night I thought I would crash hard since I did not doze off and on once I got home. Before I went to bed I had to take the tube top of as my swelling was making it cut into me. I found a tank top that I was able to get on. I stayed in the recliner which was very comfortable and it’s easy to get up and down. I woke around 2am and went to the bathroom. The only think I’m feeling is pressure I certainly would not call it pain. I tried to get back to sleep but that wasn’t working so I turned on the t.v. and watched until 5am when I finally felt like closing my eyes again. 7am, I am wide awake and hungry as hell. I also now understand what you ladies call morning boob so I’ll try to walk around the house a bit. When I went into the basement I could actually feel the right size jiggle – weird. I made some egg whites, a bagel thin and a serving of prunes still on my quest to eat healthy so my body will heal itself. I weighed myself and I’m 4 pounds heavier but I figure that will change once I finally have a bowel movement. I’ll update more as the day progresses. Updated on 6 Sep 2012: The pain block is wearing off and the pressure has definitely intensified. Of course, this afternoon I went out with both the kids for 3 hours which means that although I was upright for those 3 hours, I was not icing the girls. By the time I got home they felt as if they had shifted up so when we got home, I took two Xtra Stregnth Tylenol, a valium, taking a nap and I've been icing since then. Four hours later and I broke down and took a vicoden. I have to say, even though my PS said he will not be making me massage, it does feel good to press them down and over from under the arms every once in awhile. Since I can't see how it would hurt, I'll continue doing that as I feel necessary. The only bruising I can see is just a small patch under my left arm and then at the incision sites. Looks like I got off easy or the bromelain and pineapple I've been eating are really working. I'm hoping I'll be able sleep better, possibly through the night, tonight. We're tucked in for the night watching scarey movies. Updated on 7 Sep 2012: Ok so the nerve block is completely gone and while I still would consider what I feel as pressure and not pain, it is definitely intense. My nipples seem to be stuck on 'on' and everything that brushes against them makes me want to scream. I think after I shower I'll be putting on a tube top and possibly putting some gauze pads in there for extra protection. I've been keeping up with the valium and started allowing myself a vicoden to curb the intensity. I tried sleeping in bed for a while last night using my pillow wedge. It worked really well until I wanted to get up and I found I couldn't just roll out because I was trapped by a dog. I ended up having to use my arms and oowie! Today, I'll be staying in, icing, and taking it easy. I have three days before I go back to work and I want to be ready. By that time my PS wants me using heat so I plan to take a heat pad to work since I'll be able to use it in my cubicle. There has still been no additional bruising or drainage which I can only imagine is good. One more thing, right now, three fingers fit between my collar bone and the top of my breast. Here's to happy healing! Updated on 7 Sep 2012: Relaxing and icing has really made a difference. The girls are not yelling at me like they were last night. Tonight I'm going to try sleeping in bed with the pillow wedge I bought. The bruising at the incisions has gotten darker and spread a bit but I'm not complaining. Does anyone remember the movie Summer Rental with John Candy? I feel like the neighbor who had the boob job and kept asking everyone what they thought. Not that I've started showing people but I find myself constantly looking in the mirror. Such a pervert (LOL). Good night all. And Tn, I hope all is well with you! Updated on 8 Sep 2012: PO Day 3. I slept in bed last night with the pillow wedge. What a dream it was to be back on the Temperpedic. When I first got in adjusting was a bit of a problem so I got out and started over. According to my PS the swelling gets to its max around 72 hours but I feel as thought I'm already passed that and all the icing I've done is helping it to subside. He also says that after 72 hours to change to heat. So I'll ice, ice, ice today and hope more swelling will go down. Updated on 9 Sep 2012: PO Day 4. Slept in bed again but woke up with pain on my upper left buttock, almost like I was laying on something. After coffee, shower, and breakfast we went to Sam's Club and did some shopping. It felt good getting out and walking around. Once we got home, I had to take the bandeau top off to let the girls breathe and started with the heating pad. It felt so good that I ended up taking a nice nap. I'm icing this evening just because it feels real good but I have noticed that the swelling on the sides (under the arms) seems to be down - I'm not rubbing against them so much. Maybe it's just wishful thinking...The bruising at the incision sites has darkened and spread a bit but I'm keeping up with the bromelain, arnica montana, and arnica cream. I asked hubby today if he's afraid to touch them and he honestly said that he is. I told him they really do not hurt that much and if he does hurt me, I will let him know but he does not want me to tell him that he's hurting me. I guess I'll have to be patient with him until he realizes I'm not going to break. On the plus side, I have taken NO pain medication today (vicoden or Xtra Stregnth Tylenol). I am still taking the Valium since I feel as though by relaxing the muscles, the implants will drop into place more easily. Another plus I have noticed, I do not seem to have lost any feeling anywhere (nipples or sides). Tomorrow is my first day back to work, I imagine I'm going to come home exhausted but fortunately, I don't have too much running around to do during the day. And, I'm looking forward to my post-op appointment on Tuesday at 8am. Thanks for all your support, ladies, it means the world to me! Updated on 10 Sep 2012: A couple of questions I have for my PS tomorrow are: If I'm taking the valium to relax the muscle, does he want me to refill the prescription and continue taking it until they are completely gone? I didn't take any Vicoden yesterday but I thought it may not be a bad idea to keep it on hand in case I need it when I get home from work this week. While I sit at a desk most days, not being able to lay back and take a nap may take its toll on me. I know I was told no bra for 6 weeks but I couldn’t help myself. I took one of the Danskin zip front sports bras yesterday and tried it on. I am pleased to say at this time the 36D was a little snug. I realize I still have some swelling and the girls need to drop and fluff but I think I’m going to end up being right where I want to be. For the time being, I'm real glad I went with the bandeau tops for under blouses and sweaters since I think the rubbing on my nipples would drive me crazy during the day. Will update everyone tonight when I get home from work. Updated on 10 Sep 2012: We’ll first day of work is over (thank goodness). It was in the mid 40’s here this morning so I wore a sweater, big mistake! Fortunately, hubby is on vacation this week so I called him to bring in a t-shirt, an ice bag, and a towel. Once I got back to my desk the ice felt so oh so good! I haven’t taken any Vicoden since Saturday night but I think I’ll be taking it tonight when I go to bed. I’m looking forward to the end of next week when I can take another day off if I need to. I really didn’t want to wear a bandeau top since they really don’t let the girls breathe like they should so I put on a wife beater. It felt as though it got a bit tighter towards the end of the day but that shouldn’t last too long. Tomorrow is my first post-op and I’m excited to hear how the PS feels my incisions are healing. I’ve experienced some itching but nothing I can’t handle. I’m still in shock that I haven’t lost feeling anywhere…I wonder if that’s something that may come down the road later. I’ll have to ask tomorrow. I’m taking photos every day and cataloguing them but I don’t want to bore everyone at this point. I’ll post more when I can see a difference. Hope everyone else that went through their BA last week is healing well;-) Updated on 11 Sep 2012: PO Day 6 I called my mom last night because it was killing me that I had not told her about my surgery. You have to understand, I have three best friends: Hubby, Daughter, & Mom. As much as I wanted to surprise her, I also wanted another person to talk to about it since hubby gets a glazed over look when I start talking about boobs I knew she wouldn't. She’s one of my best friends and I don’t like keeping things from her. To my surprise, she told me that more than a couple years ago she made an appointment with a plastic surgeon for the same reason but ended up cancelling before she ever went (she talked herself out of it with things like it was vain and ridiculous of her). You have to understand she grew up with a very judgmental father. While he was very loving, with his fundamentalist background he couldn’t help himself. In many ways she is very much like him and I assumed that I would get the same reaction from her. Now I’m sorry I judged her like that. She went on to tell me that she understands exactly where my head was at in coming to the decision and she was so proud of me and what a great 50th birthday present to give myself. WOW, totally unexpected. She did thank me for not telling her before the procedure because she would have worried during the entire waiting time and been a basket case. I’m still looking forward to seeing her because I think hearing about it and actually seeing will be two very different reactions. Sorry to spoil the shock factor, Kimboobs but sometimes you just need your ‘mom’. Updated on 11 Sep 2012: I got to the Dr's office this morning and was taken right back to a room. When he came in he asked how I was feeling, when the nerve block wore off, am I still taking the valium, and if I had any questions. The only question that came to mind was can I sleep on my side. He said as long as I was comfortable then sure. So I'm going to try to roll up a towel to wedge underneath me and give it a try tonight. Then he looked at me and said, "flash me." It took me back but I quickly realized he wanted to see what was going on. He removed the strips that were on the incisions and told me to come back in three weeks. Pretty painless! Nothing more to report for now other than I'm going to log onto that MakeMeHeal site and look for something to help reduce the incision sites. Any suggestions are welcome. Updated on 12 Sep 2012: I just got off the scale and am a bit dissappointed. Of course most of this is due to the fact that I have become very 'irregular' but I also miss working out!!! According to the paperwork I received before the surgery, I have to wait at least 3 weeks but I'm thinking that if I get on the Nordic Track and walk on it (not using my arms) I will at least be doing something. We also have a recumbant bike/rowing machine. If I just bike I'd feel a bit better. I'm eating so healty it's coming out of my ears but I miss physical activity. I'll have to call the doctor and see what he says. Yesterday, the surgeon told me that during my procedure he pressed down with his finger to really get the implant in place to prevent what is called 'double bubble'. In looking at my photos, I don't see any double bubble but I guess now that is something I will have to look out for. This evening I'm going to work on putting photos together so I can actually see the progression like Scrappy37 has done. Have a good day, ladies! Updated on 14 Sep 2012: Not much more going on other than my monthly pain in the ass showed up this morning. Funny, this is the first month in forever that I haven't had the overly sensative nipples a week in advance warning of his arrival. Just another benefit of having a BA? We shall see. At least now I know why I've been feeling so 'chubby'. I've also started drinking my herb tea in the evening too which helps in keeping me 'regular.' I wore a tube top under my blouse all day yesterday and did not get the feeling that I was cutting off my circulation like I did on Monday so I would say the swelling is down. I'm not longer taking pictures on a daily basis since I really cannot see any change from one to the other but I will continue weekly and update those I have posted. I haven't had any second doubts about this whole procedure which makes me very happy and I can honestly say I think if I had gone larger, I would be having trouble will 'side boob'. Have a good day and good luck and prayers to all the ladies going into surgery today! TTFN. Updated on 14 Sep 2012: Well I'm glad the week is over and I can relax this weekend. Just waking up early was taking it's tole on me. I had no problem waking early when I was off from work but I was able to take cat naps during the day - they tend to frown on that at work. I'm really liking the bandeau tops. It seems as though my nipples are always hard so they help conceal them a bit. My mother is emailing me daily asking how I'm doing. I would love if she lived closer so we didn't have to do all this via email and phone. On the plus side, the next time she sees me, I'll be healed and lookin' good. Have a great weekend ladies! Updated on 16 Sep 2012: While I understands it's only been 8 11 days and my PS told me his feeling on massage is that it only is good for the first couple days, I keep thinking I should be doing something. They don't feel as tight as they originally were but I can see in my side view photos that they're still up high and I'm only fitting three fingers between my clavicle and the implant, I don't feel swollen at all anymore and my bruising is just about gone. I have found myself sleeping on my side throughout the night for the past two now and I also noticed that when I do, I have morning boob in the morning where if I stay on my back, I don't have that issue. Here's to waiting for the girls to drop, I have to say it beats the wait I went through to get them ; ) Updated on 18 Sep 2012: Not much to report today other than by 4pm I had to take the tube top off. It turns out wearing it two days in a row is tough just because the girls haven't dropped yet. I keep a jacket in the closet at work so on days that I do not wear anything under my blouse/top, I can at least cover since the nips like to stay at attention. The only sensitivity I find myself having is my incision sites but I thing that is just healing going on. I have not experienced any numbness or oversensitivity at all which seems like a true blessing after reading some of the stories. I'm still taking daily photos but I don't want to drive everyone crazy so I'm going to wait to update what is currrently posted until I can see some changes occur. I hope all my ta ta friends are doing well too! Updated on 19 Sep 2012: Well something is going on today. I decided not to wear a tube top or undershirt and let the girls breathe but something feels different. When I went into a ptivate restroom and lifted my shirt it looks as if the girls are dropping a bit. Before the bottom of my breasts were soft because the implant was up higher now I canactually feell the implant decended some -YEAH! Updated on 19 Sep 2012: Good evening, ladies. Well as I said earlier something is happening. I came home tonight and measured myself. My rib cage is 32 1/2 and the largest portion of my breasts at this time is 39 1/4. I tried to put on my Danskin front zip 36D sports bras and I cannot even zip them. I had hubby help and you want to talk about tight. I'm thinking since I still have 4 to 6 weeks left of no bra if anyone of you is interested, send me a private message with your address and I'll send them to you. By the time I can wear a bra, I don't think these will be the ones I'm interested in. I hope all is well with all you others that are still healing (BOCO, Vyxen, Classy, Toots, NewMe, just to name some off the top of my head). Updated on 20 Sep 2012: Has anyone else run into your preferences changing on RS? I had mine set to notify me immediately when an update or comment was made and after two days of no emails I checked and found out everything was marked 'never.' Strange. Updated on 22 Sep 2012: Day 17. I changed some of the photos on my collages last night but I've decided no more photos 'every' day; I'll take them once a week and maybe see more changes. I'm sleeping on my side more and having no trouble. In fact this morning when I woke up I brushed against my left breast and I swear it felt softer but by the time I ran into the living room and told Scott to feel it, not so squishy. For those not interested in TMI, stop reading. I couldn't hold out any longer last night and attacked him (he thinks it's the boobs, I say it's the 2 1/2 weeks and I think I'm right). Much better now. OK back to normal conversation. I forgot to mention that on my way home on Wednesday I had just made a right turn and had not even stepped on the accelerator when the woman in front of me slammed on her breaks. I stood on mine with both feet and my license plate ended up making a mark on her rear bumper. As the cop was showing up, she mentioned that her neck was starting to hurt (OMG). She's supposed to be a swim instructor/lifeguard at the YMCA but certainly didn't look like either. Anyway, the cop did not write up a report because I told him I wanted to take care of this without insurance being involved. She called me on Thursday to tell me the damage to her bumper was 'about' $712 but I know all she did was take it to a Toyota dealer so I asked her to take it to a guy my husband went to school with for another estimate. She did so yesterday and when I talked to him, the price was cut in half (imagine that). I'll go pay him this morning and get this taken care of once and for all. I'm just real glad I was not on my bike but in my Trailblazer. I read on a post this morning that someone said their PS had them wear a strap for 4 months at night at and home and they were not sure it really contributed to their dropping as much as time did. I just find it amazing how every doctor uses such different healing techniques. The past two days, I feel such a difference with dropping and all I'm doing is allowing my body to heal itself. It does make sense that I don't massage with my implants being behind the muscle every single time I move, the muscle is doing the massage for me... Have a great weekend, all! Updated on 23 Sep 2012: I think I may really need help. Hubs and I were out doing some shopping this morning and decided to stop at his father's house. I asked what he thought about me walking in, lifting my shirt, and saying "do you think these look real?" Hubby being who he is thought it would be great and that his dad wouldn't know whether to s#*t or call a cab. We walked in the kitchen and his dad was sitting at the bar reading the morning paper and I said, "Kenny can you tell me, do these look real to you?" while lifting my shirt. The look was priceless and I only wish I had the foresight to have my cell phone camera ready. It took some time but eventially, the response I got was, "I know boobs and they look like the real thing to me." Have a wonderful day, ladies! Updated on 26 Sep 2012: Today marks three weeks, I can hardly believe it. Time certainly flies faster after you have boobs than it does while you're waiting for your sugery date to arrive. I'm dying to get on the bike and take a ride but if I'm still not wearing a bra yet, I don't think that would be wise so I'll just keep getting in the gas gusler. I'mn looking forward to my second post-op next Tuesday to hear how the Dr thinks I'm doing. Especially now that I'm finished the valiium. I'm wondering if once off the valium, the, the muscle starts contracting more and the dropping is slower...any ideas, ladies? I'm no longer sleeping with the wedge pillow I purchased but each time I roll to my side, I wake up either positioning a throw pillow under my boob or readjusting something in order to be comfortable. Needless to say, I'm waking each morning now quite refreshed. Have a great day! Updated on 27 Sep 2012: Yeah, day 22 and I got on the Nordic Track this morning. The instructions I received before the surgery only said 3 weeks off and I was ready. Although I stayed on for an entire hour, I only worked my upper body for about 20 minutes. I don't need the pectoral muscles tightening up on me just yet. Tomorrow I'll pedal on the recumbant bike and then I'll start alternating. It felt so damn good to be doing something. Updated on 28 Sep 2012: Well, got on the recumbent bike today and just don't feel like I did anything; it is definitely not the same type of workout. I cannot wait to go to my post op appointment on Tuesday to find out if there is more I can do. I don't expect to be able to get back into lap swimming yet but more aerobic activity would definitely make me feel less 'mushy'. TGIF, ladies! Updated on 28 Sep 2012: Hello all. I just want to let you wonderful women know, I am listening and paying attention. I will refrain from working out until I get an OFFICIAL thumbs up from my ps. It took me this long to get my boobies, I will not risk my healing and health. I promise. Thank you all for you concern! Updated on 29 Sep 2012: I've updated some of the photos. Since I'm only taking pictures on a weekly basis, the progression will be more noticable when I update them. I can see (especially from the side view) they are looking more 'natural'. I've tried using the timer feature on my camera but those photos seem to blur more than if I just hold the camera so I think that is why one week my right boob may look lower and then left looks lower the next week. I'll practice more with the timer so I can be more consitant. I've taken some measurements but I'm not sure they really mean anything. From one side of the breast to the middle of me chest, across the nipple, each measures 11 inches. There was a post on RS where someone mentioned measuring that way but for the life of me I cannot refind the post. If anyone comes across the post or had any idea what this may mean, let me know. My rib cage is 32.5" and across the nipples is 39.25". When I look at myself I see my nipples moving up more than right after surgery. Hubs says I'm seeing things. Since it hasn't even been a month yet, I may be imagining this but I can certainly say, they feel comfortable; as if I've had them all my adult life. I really thought that once I had the surgery, my obsession would subside but that is NOT the way this is going. I find that I wake in the middle of the night with my a hand over or just under the breast(s). Not really feeling myself up, just kind of making sure they are still there. And, when I roll over to my side I've started waking myself with the feeling that if I stay in that position, the implant will shift to the side and not move where it's supposed to. Crazy? Who knows. I decided to pull out the wedge pillow tonight just to keep me somewhat upright and I'll discuss this with the doctor at my check up on Tuesday. There is much I want to discuss with him since I have a feeling he will suggest my next appointment be a month or two out. Updated on 1 Oct 2012: Tomorrow is my second post-op (8am) and I'm very excited to hear how he thinks I'm doing. My main questions are 1) Can I get back on the Nordic Track (without using my arms) and the recumbant bike? 2) Can I get back on the Harley before I have to put her away for the winter. The past couple mornings have been chilly but that's what leather is for. Since I'm only at week 4, I don't think he'll let me in a bra yet and I really don't know that I'm ready for one. I was told at my pre-op that I could wear camisols with the built in bras and I have a couple times but I'm wearing one's I wore before my surgery and while my ribcage has not gotten bigger, they are tighter on me at the band since I started dropping but they do help keep the Scar Away strips in place during the day. I stated earlier that I didn't have to purchase new blouses because I have broad shoulders and usually had to buy big but today I noticed that I actually fill them out at the darts in the breast :P No one seems to have noticed (at least I don't notice anyone staring) and again, I think it's because no one really was able to tell how small I was with larger, bulky, and layers clothes on. I'll let you know how PO goes tomorrow. Updated on 2 Oct 2012: Post-op day 20, post-op appointment #2: The doctor came in and asked how I was doing and I couldn’t help but grin and say, I have boobs! He smiled and asked how long I’ve had them to which I responded 4 weeks tomorrow. Then he said, show them to me; so I did ? His first comment was, they’re still high but it’s still early. He then zoned in the right one and was telling me how he can see where my breast tissue ends and he worked that area around the incision to make sure I don’t get a double bubble. No wonder it pulls more on the right when I use my right arm to get out of a chair or out of bed. Then he asked if I had any questions…I really only had two: Q #1: When can I ride the motorcycle again? A: Now, I think you probably have the range of motion you need. Q #2: When can I get back on the Nordic Track? A: Now, you probably won’t want to use your arms the entire time and you will probably have some swelling so remember to ice when you feel swollen. See you in 6 weeks!!! So, after dinner tonight, I finally got a work out in. My body appreciates it and I’m sure I’ll sleep like a rock tonight. And, tomorrow looks like the last nice day this week to get a bike ride in (vroom, vroom). Don’t worry, ladies I will be listening very carefully to my body and will not jeopardize all the healing to date! I promise. Updated on 2 Oct 2012: I almost forgot. I'm allowed to wear a bra now but no underwires yet. My feeling is why waste the money buying them if I haven't dropped into place yet? Maybe I'll try some sports bras for when I am working out but I think at work I may just stick to the tube tops (another wonderful scrappy idea). Updated on 3 Oct 2012: Here is an update on where I stand in regards to massage...after much chatter here at RS and some wise words from a friend from the East Coast, I think my PS may be wrong in his opinion. "Massage increases circulation, bringing more oxygen to the area and thus creating a better healing environment as nothing will do your tissue better than more oxygen!" I know after working out last night on the Nordic Track and NOT using my arms other than to keep stride, I iced last night to prevent swelling. But, all day today I just felt tight to the point that I thought maybe I had turned back the clock. Tonight, while working out, I held onto the grips so my arms would not move. In between keeping my arms stationary, I practiced doing massage on myself. I had already watched some videos but could use any tips you all have to give because it not only felt so damn good, I could actually feel my body relax and after a light dinner as I was getting the shower, I could actually see that I was not as tight as I had been earlier in the day. So, I'm asking for any and all of you wonderful ladies to let me know what your PS recommends including massages, legnth of time, and how many times/day. I appreciate your help with this! Updated on 6 Oct 2012: Day 31 is a beautiful in Moline, IL!!! This is the first morning I woke up with my boobies all nice and mushy; in the past I wake up with them hard as rocks and tight. I really think the massaging, stretching, and work outs are doing the trick. I ended up waking myself up throughout the night each time I rolled to my side to see if they were still soft. Now I realize they are not as soft as they are going to get but at least I'm moving in the right direction. I am also updating photos for those of you looking to see more (BOCO) ;-) Updated on 7 Oct 2012: I remember reading on kimboobs page that she was told not to sleep on her stomache for 4 months. Has anyone else had any instructions regarding stomache sleeping. The reason I ask is because I slept without the pillow wedge last night and woke up a couple times on my stomache. It didn't hurt it just felt 'different' so I want to make sure it's OK. I think I'll call my ps tomorrow to get his opinion. If I'm not supposed to do it, I'm going to have to continue using the wedge which really isn't a bad thing since it still allows me to turn onto my side. Decided to try on a bra at the store yesterday and grabbed the wrong size. I thought I was grabbing a 36C and really had a 38C. It was not tight enough aroung the rib cage but I filled the cups nicely and I could see where I still have some dropping to go. Looks like I picked the right size for the shape I'm looking for...yeah! Updated on 7 Oct 2012: Don't know why I felt the need to put the 'e' on the end of stomach but I notice I was consistant. Sure, I have a college education? Updated on 9 Oct 2012: I called the ps's office yesterday and left a message for the nurse about sleeping on my stomach. She called back this morning to tell me it is perfectly fine as long as it doesn't hurt. That stikes me as funny simply because if it hurt, I don't think I would ask permission to do it. Sure there is some pain I am willing to tolerate, like the first couple days of recovery from BA surgery. But I certainly do not go looking to put myself in additional pain. On to more... Every day, I get to a point where it seems my arms are rubbing against the sides of my breasts more than at other times. When this happens, they seem tighter so I usually just do some massage and press them together which helps a lot. Since the ps told me I could now wear a wireless bra, I stopped on the way to work this morning and purchased a bra at the local Kmart. BTW, some of the Playtex bras are on sale this week. This is my attempt to keep the girls where they need to be. I am excited to report that I fill out a 36D very nicely (will post a picture) and I think it makes my shape look even better in clothing than the tube tops do. If I drop any more (and I think there is a chance since I'm only 5 weeks post op), I will need to increase the cup size which doesn't hurt my feelings. Here I was getting apprehensive because, like most, I was wondering if I was going to get the look and size I wanted with the 500cc's. In my case, I did not have an option to go larger as there was not enough breat tissue on the right side. I am now home from work and glad to be out of the bra. It started feeling a bit tight around 4pm especially on the sides. Have a nice night. Updated on 13 Oct 2012: Last night was a dream. I rolled over onto my stomach as I was falling asleep and it felt like home. I think I spent most of the night on my stomach. Hubs and I were checking out the girls this morning and noting that the gap between them is not as large as it was and I showed him that when I lay on my side, the top one falls into the one on the bottom. They really are feeling more and more natural. I took a ride to JC Pennys today and even though they did not have someone in the department to help me I tried on at leat 12 bras. Right now I would say I'm comfortablty between and 36D and 36DD. I had one bra on that I liked but I am not willing to invest $25 in a bra that may not fit in a couple weeks. I have to be patient since I am only at 5 1/2 weeks. Instead I searched the clearance rack for a 36D wireless. There was none to be found (scrappy I believe you are correct, that probably is the most sought out size) so I walked out without making a purchase at all. Maybe next time. On a side note...I love the feel when I'm vacuuming and my pec flexes. It's really cool and makes me grin :-) I hope everyone else is healing nicely. For those going through some rough spots; I'm praying for you every day and looking forward to hearing some good news. Afterall, you all are the sisters I never had. Updated on 20 Oct 2012: I'm at day 45 now and feeling great. I'm posting more pics and I think there is some more dropping to do but that may just be me. Let me know your thoughts. .I've gotten very comfortable sleeping on my stomach and I love the feel when I lay on the floor and smoosh. They still have to soften some more but I've gotten used to being patient; especially when I see how it is paying off. I have my next post-op appointment on November 12 and I think he'll be happy with the results, I know hubs and I are. Yesterday I chose not to wear a bra under and wore an undershirt instead. By the time I got home, I felt as though my boobs had gotten larger and it felt as though my arms kept rubbing the sides. After doing some massage and squishing them around, the feeling went away but it made me happy that I did not have enough skin to accomodate 550cc on the right side otherwise I think I would have had some seriuous side boob. Updated on 21 Oct 2012: I think I can officially change my name to Boobali because my PS fullfilled my dreams of being boobalicious. I couldn't resist and went back down to Kohl's only to find the Bali bras buy one, get one 1/2 off. Needless to say, I bought more. After we got home, I mowed the lawn since it has finally stopped raining, for now. Then, we jumped on the bikes and the girls got to take their first bike ride. Bumps - no problem. I was afraid I might have forgotten how to ride but everything went very smoothly and felt extremely wonderful! Hopefully, I'll get at least a couple more riding days in before we have to put them away for the winter. Updated on 24 Oct 2012: For the past week my incision on the left breast has been sensitive and while it does not really hurt, I cannot see what is going on. Last night hubs was putting the Scarguard MD on and he told me to lift my arms over my head. He said the scar is changing from being raised. Now that I think about it, when I feel it there is a huge difference so I guess that's what has been going on. My former boss (a woman and close friend) asked me today to show her my profile and hold my blouse in under my boobs. She said she can see a difference and that they really look natural. She asked what size I think I am because I look like I might be close to her. I told her 36D and she said she is a natural 38D. I told her that I am probably not even close to completing the changes and that I see women on this site changing thru 6 months. She just thinks the whole thing is very interesting and I like having someone to share this with because I know hubs gets sick of hearing about boobs. Although he did make the comment the other day that I am proportioned very nicely now which led me to grab the tape measure and take measurements: 40, 33, 38 :-) Updated on 2 Nov 2012: It's been 8 weeks so I'm updating photos although I don't see much change. Does this mean I'm done dropping? When I look at the pics, it still looks as though they are riding a bit high. They are getting softer and even if I am done dropping, I have to say I'm very happy with my girls. I'll take some new photos of the scars and post them tomorrow. Have a terrific weekend, boobie friends! Updated on 13 Nov 2012: Well tomorrow will be 10 weeks. I went to my final visit to see the doctor, unless I have questions or a problem that is. They took after photos and pretty much wrapped things up. Since I received notice from the hospital recently that my last mammogram was done in October 2011 so I asked about having another. My doctor told me to wait until I hit 6 months simply so it won't be so uncomfortable. He said they don't need to squeeze the implant, just the breast tissue. I guess I'll wait. Updated on 17 Nov 2012: Well, I couldn't help myself. While shopping today I wanted to try on an underwire bra 'just to see'. I pulled a knit top with a v-neck that tapers just under the girls too since it is supposed to elongate the neck and make the appearance more appealing (I watch too much What Not to Wear). I ended up buying two bras and the top. When we got home I put them on for hubs and actually took his breathe away when I showed him the push-up bra. Now he says he can't wait for summer now because all I wear when it's cold is turtlenecks and sweaters (poor guy). Updated on 22 Nov 2012: Happy Thanksgiving ladies. It's 60 degrees here today so I don't have to bundle the girls up-lol. Updated on 5 Dec 2012: Three months has gone quickly. The girls feel great and I'm having fun dressing them up. I'm back to doing everything I was doing before with the exception of swimming but that's just because my work hours have changed and the pool is not available when I have time to swim. I no longer get the weird feeling when I lean over or when I pull myself to get situated in my truck but I do find that each morning when I get out of bed I still grab a hold just to give them a good morning squeeze and smile - will I ever get over that? Hubs has a tendency to make comments while he's watching television. Mostly he says, "her [RS bleep] aren't as big as yours." H can't get over how much they have softened since I first got them. I think he just figured that the never would be soft. I thought that when I got my MBA my confidence level had risen and it did but getting boobs just added a whole other level to my self-confidence. Maybe it's because when I get dressed in the morning I no longer feel as though I have to hide the fact that I am built like my father. My waist, while not fat by any means, measures at 30" and my boobs just drooped so that I looked like a board. Now my old clothes feel like a new wardrobe. The question, why didn't I do this earlier in life?, has crossed my mind a couple times but to be honest - I'm glad my ex does not get to share in my joy. He doesn't deserve it! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and keep posting, I'll be reading. Updated on 6 Dec 2012: OK so I heard back from RealSelf regarding updating photos. Here is what they said: "Because photos are an essential part of the story you're telling, we no longer offer the option to self-delete photos from a review. We made this change in response to community feedback on reviews where photos were deleted. Site visitors who provided feedback compared this to ripping pages out of a book; it completely changed the story and made it difficult to follow a person's progress. We can still delete photos at your request; just please write back to confirm which photos you would like to have removed (you can refer to them by filename, caption, etc). I've held off deleting them for now because it's not necessary to delete them all unless you want to." Now, when we want to update, it will take some time if we want old photos removed. So plan ahead ladies. You'll see my 3 month photos soon. Updated on 7 Dec 2012: Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary (with the girls) to me. I got a letter in the mail yesterday from the office of my plastic surgeon stating the I and a friend are candidates for a free Botox Cosmetic or Latisse treatment complements of Natrelle Gel impants. Hubs does not want me doing the Latisse and after reading some information on them I'm not going to bother since once you stop, your lashes go back to what they were. I called the office today and told them I want the Botox. They're ordering it and will call once it comes in to schedule an appointment. I only wish I had a close girlfriend I could do this with but 'oh well.' Still waiting for my pics to come down so I can post the new ones. I really don't like this at all! Updated on 5 Jan 2013: Today I hit 4 months and still, no regrets. My ps's office called last week and my Botox sample is in. So, after work on Thursday, I will stop buy and have that taken care of. It's fitting that I'm doing it then because my 50th birthday is Friday (funny thing is, I don't feel 50). My folks are flying out for the weekend and this will be the first time they see the girls. Mom knows and I sent a photo back around the 2 month mark. I don't know that she told Dad and he wouldn't say anything so it will be interesting. I went back to Victoria Secret today to see if my size is the same as it was before and it is 36D. After trying some bras on I came home and ordered 4 (2 demi & 2 push up) online @ $14.99 each. Funny how I couldn't find a bra for under $30 in the store. Hubs doesn't care much about lingerie; he just wants to see them naked so I cannot justify spending a bundle. Well, boobie buddies, that's the updatefor this month. I hope you all are having a great New Year with your additions. Updated on 9 Jan 2013: The new VS bras showed up today and I have to say...WOW! I took a chance and ordered 2-36D's and 2-34DD's. Well, the DD's fit better! I'll try again in the morning and decide if I want to exchange the D's. I can't wait until tomorrow after work, Botox & and the parents arrive! Updated on 15 Jan 2013: I'm beginning to see the results of the botox. But first I have to say, ouch! My ps gave me 30cc's between the eyes, on the forehead, and my crows feet (laugh lines). I didn't expect so much. Has anyone else gotten the free offer and if so, how much where you given? Will I go back? That's up in the air. Much depends on cost. The shots won't hurt as much if the cost is decent. Now an update on the parent's visit. Mom was in my room as I was dressing to go out for dinner and says they look very natural. Over the course of the weekend she told me they complete me and make me very proportioned. In her words, "especy with your broad shoulder." If dad noticed, he didn't say and he never will. That's not my father. It was a wonderful birthday weekend! Updated on 11 Feb 2013: Well the girls are just over 5 months old and I had my first mammogram post BA on Friday. They end up taking two sets of pictures one with the implant and one with just the breast tissue. Getting the implant to sit back was a bit difficult especially since I went as large as I could and I didn’t have too much breast tissue to start with but everything went well. Since I’ve never felt any pain during a mammogram I cannot report that it hurt any more or less. BUT I should report that the center called today to tell me that the radiologist wants me to come in for an ultra sound of my left breast. I’m not too concerned at this point. I’m thinking it may just be a swollen lymph node like I had before due to getting over a cold. We’ll see and I’ll report back to you after Wednesday. I honestly do not have anything more to report other than, life with boobs is fun! I’ll update pictures at 6 months but I really don’t think they’ve changed from 4. Updated on 23 Feb 2013: I'll be 6 months with the boobs on March 5th and I'm shocked that I'm still experiencing changes. Not big ones but subtle things. Two days ago, I got home from work and was changing into sweats. When I took my bra off, I gave the girls a squeeze and was shocked at just how soft, squishy and natural they feel. I'm also noticing that when I lay on my back, they are natural in that they don't just stand at attention looking fake; they shift gently to the side but don't fall into my armpits like my old flaps of skin did. Scrappy, to answer your question..'no' to more surgeries. The rest is up to me with diet and exercise, ugh. I'll post a 6 mo collage in a couple weeks. I hope everyone is looking forward to swimsuit weather! Updated on 5 Mar 2013: Today is my 6 month anniversary and as promised I am posting more photos. BTW, it looks like we have the ability to remove our old photos again, thanks RS! I have no complaints whatsoever and I'm loving the girls. Hubs is ready for warmer weather since I've been layering for what seems like months now.
