I guess this will be my story I have enjoyed reading through each of your stories so I will share mine. I have taken a picture of a bikini top I have wanted to be into for years. I had always been a b/c till I had my first born then the heavy weights moved in. Constant neck strain and back aches as all of you have shared I really hope this fixes that. I feel different than most. I’m afraid to be too small. I just can’t imagine being without these girls and that I won’t look odd. Surgery is scheduled for July 13 at 6:30. I will continue to post for anyone who wishes to follow Updated on 27 Jun 2018: I am 17 days pre op. Very nervous, so many emotions are running through my head. From pain to healing to if I loose more weight after the surgery will it ruin what the doctor has done. Any one have any thoughts on that? I am 5’3 and 184 lbs and 38 DD I’m hoping to be close to 175 by surgery day If I loose 30 more will they be all miss shapen? I think I’m one of the odd ones, I’m afraid I’ll be too small for my shape and size. Love anyone’s thoughts on this Updated on 5 Jul 2018: 8 days away Any thoughts as to what should be my first meal/foods post surgery I have been Keto for 1 month now and hate to leave it however when I think of the nausea they talk about I think things like watermelon or apple sauce Thoughts? Updated on 6 Jul 2018: I am 8 days away from my surgery. I am trying to think of everything ha. It seems like everyone is very nauseous coming out of surgery, so what would any of you recommend to eat as you first food post. I have been eating keto for the last month and love it however I think of things like watermelon apple sauce would be easy on the tummy. Thoughts anyone? Updated on 7 Jul 2018: I got this crazy notion last week that I’m not that big... other people are worse ... surgery scaring me is all Well seem since then my back nd neck have been awful. I’m in a lot of discomfort pain and this morning. Great reminder lol Did you guys on the other side take long to notice back relief? Updated on 7 Jul 2018: Thought I would add some before pictures. I’m loosing weight just not fast enough. I think it will be much easier after surgery Updated on 8 Jul 2018: Talk about a roller coaster of emotions. I go from not wanting to be too small to hoping this pain in my back shoulder and head go away to hope they look nice. I know I’m 51 and married 27 yrs but pride keeps creeping in to wanting to look good too. Not saying anything to anyone who mainly is doing it to look good but this journey for me started because of my pain. My GP’s solution was to take Advil. I don’t take any pills so that was not an appropriate solution at 51. I’m glad I have this site to read everyone’s stories. I will try to continue with mine. Just washed and hung out my sheets. I am going to put them in a zip lock bag for the night before so they are Fresh when I come home from the hospital. Someone slept in a gravity chair So I think I will get it out and will let you know how it goes Updated on 11 Jul 2018: Oh dear it’s close. Doctors office called and went over some details so I guess it’s real. I will go over my bag again I have meals made and cleaned house so it’s just the little stuff now. Updated on 12 Jul 2018: Ok so nervous I am going to forget something I have thought up every worse case scenario. Well won’t matter in 12 hours going to up load a picture of a before too and then after. Please pleas please please don’t be too small. Just like the three bears. Babies bed was too small, daddies too big but mama bears were juusst right Updated on 14 Jul 2018: 12 hours post. Start to finish Woke at 4, showered dressed lightly. Arrived at the hospital for 6:30 and taken right in 3 different nurses going over everything Stripped and in two Jonny shirts. Anesthesiologist came in and reviewed how things would go and that he was going to give me 3 different meds for nausea. Walked to the operating room and sat on the tiny table lol. I was given oxygen and an IV And asleep I went I woke to a nurse telling me I was awake ha and giving me a popsicle. I went in at 8:30 and was taken to my room by 12:40. Took me a long time to wake and be able to dress, didn’t leave till 3. Wheeled me to the van. I had to stay in town so he can see me in the am. I will upload pictures of my changed dressing later and tell about my day 1 Updated on 14 Jul 2018: Finished day one. I failed to mention yesterday after the anesthesiologist the doctor came in and drew all over me with a “sharpie” marker and measuring tape. The picture is in last post. Was given Tylenol 3 hated to take it but didn’t sleep well without it. 3 am took two and rested a couple of hours. Went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast but stomach didn’t li much. Oh yes after surgery I was able o eat watermelon easily. Left the hotel and went to the hospital for follow up. The doctor was pretty impressed with his job and no bleeding. Redressed the “twins” not the sisters as he referred to them. 908 gr from one and 803 gr from the other I feel he took way too much for what he had to work with but time will tell Hubby doesn’t think so.lol Didn’t do a lot today but was still too much “ ok I shopped a bit to find a top” lol Updated on 15 Jul 2018: It’s been two days and 6 hrs. I really feel well but have noticed today I was really tired. When I first got out I had lots of energy and wanted to go go go. It’s caught up with me If I do anything I need to sit/lay down for a few hours. I have decided since he did a great job just crazy small I am going to loose 25 lbs to get my belly down Any one else feel the same? Updated on 16 Jul 2018: Doctor said I could shower day 3. I would love my hair done but the shower has me a bit creeped out about it. Can’t stand the bra on and don’t want to take it off. Love hate relationship going on. What other bras did some of you change to and when. I feel like I will be lucky to be a small C. Whatever that means now. I’m left wondering how to dress. I only have pull on tops and now they will be too big it feels because I bought for my bust. Any suggestions Bra names and what to do to get ready to go back to work. I didn’t take any pain medicine today so feel I’m progressing, well if I could just do #2 lol All the best everyone, safe healing Updated on 19 Jul 2018: Today I felt like I turned a bit of a corner for both discomfort and energy. I use the word discomfort because really I would never have put the PAIN very high but I would have put discomfort a 10. Not sure how else to describe it. I guess at best it was like someone wrapped a small elastic around my chest and it started to dig in and can't move it around. Now for today I was pretty pleased with myself. I jumped out of bed ( ok I didn't I slowly rolled off the edge of my pillows that are stacked high so I could get to a standing position). Drum roll please .....I showered by myself. Felt really good too. Its the small stuff in life really. Washed my hair ( and every thing else) I can cross over left to right but don't reach all the way from right to left. I even dried myself and my hair dressed and made coffee. That took the extra energy I started with but I didn't let that get me down. Sat and did computer work till my son arrived. I feel very swollen so guess thats the indicator for doing too much. I have been getting a 20 min SLOW walk in the last couple nights and trying to go to bed at a good time not nap in the day. Just noticed today I don't feel im getting enough protein for healing so I will be watching that over the next few weeks. Now question. How does one go about getting a new bra. I know I am according to my surgeon to be in this compression one for the next 5 weeks and a day ( who's counting) but for 26 yrs only bought bolder holders. I don't think I can properly judge with these little teeny boppers. Any ideas? I have scrolled online but am at a loss. I will include a couple of this mornings pictures to show any progress.All the best everyone with healing and their own personal journey. Updated on 20 Jul 2018: Wow 1 week today I was walking into surgery to change my size trusting my doctor fully Weird feeling now that I look back I’m doing good, really good so good that I have to stop it I have been trying for a 15min walk each day. Not a good idea By night I am awful swollen and sore. Guess that’s the new indicator in my life to go sit down. My son came home so did a few things ( not really anything ) but was still too much Also have only had one poop and realized that I have been focused more on protein for healing than fruit for fiber so that all changes today I’ll let you know how that goes Now for sleep I’m ready for bed when it’s time and have been on my back in a sitting position for 7 day Think I might wiggle down tonight to get more on my side. Not a lot of changes but more each day Searching for a bra don’t know why he wants I. In the compression bra for another 5 weeks. Found a cute bikini suit I might get Have never had one let along a cute one haha My husband is a little taken back lol Have a great day of healing ladies Protect our investment I need to go back to work Tuesday for 1/2 a day so I best rest up Updated on 21 Jul 2018: A road not trodden. Been about 25 yrs since I even bothered to look for bikini top or sports bra. Fun fun fun, today was the day. Day 8 Po . A few new tops and a 2 bras bras for 16.99. That doesn’t happen every day. I’m itchy I have zingers they throb but yes I would do it again. Wow what’s the line? “I should have done this long ago” so for any of you doubting.... don’t just get yourself a really good doctor. Let me repeat that. Get yourself A Really Good Doctor One who takes pride in his work. I have seen some nasty jobs on here and there is no need of that when you put your faith and trust in someone with something as important as your image. Ahh feel good today really tired and swollen but no back or neck strain. I’ll end with a few pictures. Night ladies. Hope all is healing well Updated on 24 Jul 2018: Ok day 11. Very sore since Monday, yes did too much movement on the weekend but how many found week 2 and 3 had more discomfort? Monday did nothing but rest, Did have to work desk work 1/2 day today now home resting. I know were all different but love to hear from you gals as to how many just kept getting better and how many regressed for a bit. Updated on 26 Jul 2018: Went to the doctor today. I was very nervous because I saw stitches and I just knew he was going to take the tape off and he did. I took Tylenol before going so I was ready. No need to worry about the stitches he just clipped those. He said it looks very good and pulled the tape off. I was thinking it was going to be more of a clean up job but that was it. Told me to keep range of motion low and close and only lift 5 lbs for 4 more weeks. I’ve come this far its worth it to finish strong He was very pleased with his job and really so am I. I know there is a lot more healing needed. He said 6 weeks to 6 months really even a year Wanted to know my thoughts of them. Well here’s what I think I went in with no expectations just really focused on my back and neck pain. The first thing I remember was how well I could breath. I told him I went in with jugs expecting to get mugs and came out with little tea cups lol Now to work on improving my health, exercise ( after 4 more weeks ) and get this belly bloat down. Adding pictures for anyone interested. Rest and recover everyone Updated on 2 Aug 2018: Where does the time go? I was just worrying about how I was going to manage time off and healing and WOW I can’t believe how well I have healed. I fussed about cleanliness because I didn’t want any open sores. Did everything I was told, green drinks and veg and protein. Pain or zingers are less. Tired of my surgery bra 24/7 but it’s necessary. I don’t want any stitching tears. Been going for 20-30 min walks and feel much better. Happy healing everyone Updated on 10 Aug 2018: Four weeks ago today it was all done and still I know wain shock at what I had had done. Still feel really small. I call them my tea cups ha. No neck pain or back aches and in 4 week not one migraine.They are still healing and have days they are REALLY sore. now it a different sore. Sting and ache if I have done too much. I have tried to change out of this crazy surgical bra to a really tight sports bras but the girls are having non of it. I did the other day for the afternoon just because it was hot and I slept in the surgical one. Wow by supper I couldn't wait to get the sports bra off. I have two maybe 3 stitches that are poking their head through a bit but Im just leaning them alone. I was cut all the way to my sides which makes sleeping on my side hard because you stretch the skin moving and ouchy. Last night was good so I hope that there are any more of those nights . For sure week 2 and 3 were by far my worst. I can handle the beginning strong pain but wow didn't like two and three. I need to keep it slow and steady for the next couple of weeks though. I can see how you start to do too much and maybe pull stitches inside and I don't want that. Getting tired of this belly. The really bad bloating lasted for at least 3+ weeks but the last 3 or so days have not been bad. Bowels were moving but by evening I was looking 9 months pregnant. I have a few tender places on my ribs Im not sure why so am going to be watch that. Enjoying following the TT girls and dream> When I get a chance I will post progression pictures. I know when I found this site I was interested to follow others to see how they healed so will share that. Even though I feel very very small my husband likes them so what more could a girl ask for. I will just learn to find push up bras ( which make me laugh out loud) if I think I need a bit of added volume. All the best girls. Updated on 11 Aug 2018: One week at a time Updated on 12 Aug 2018: Hey there, thought I would post my update on my healing. I feel like I have turned a corner since passing 4 weeks. Not as sore but on these hot days do feel some stinging from sweating. Not 100% sure when I can get in a pool. Don’t want to cause a problem. I notice I lean forward a lot and wondering about a posture strap. Wonder if it would retrain me to stand proper and in turn help me rid this belly. Good grief it wants to go no where. However I don’t feel the belly bloat like I had for the first 3 weeks. I would 100% do it all over again. Just like most everyone else it is such a relief Sleeping in my side is much better but still with caution ha. Oh yes and your become very protective of your front. Constantly guarding from and unwanted bumps All the best and Healing one day at a time Updated on 25 Aug 2018: Well time sure flies. All the wishing and wondering and worrying is in the past. Like I have said before I am amazed at how I feel with the weight lifted. Having said that do wish I was a bit rounder or larger because I didn’t have a boob hate just neck and shoulder pain but I do believe it takes time to let the new image settle in. I felt a bit shift at 4 weeks and now at 6 it is settling in more. My healing has gone extremely well and feel bad for those who have had a hard struggle. The ps seem awesome at the continued care. I don’t see mine till week 10. I have days of sharp tinges from inside so I presume the nerves are trying to reattach. I have no feeling in either nipple and surrounding tissue but is very sensitive on the surrounding breast tissue. I sleep well and on my side I will be wearing my new sports bra or compression bra for a while yet. I can see where it would make me tender to not where anything. Some have said about going bra less but I really don’t feel that comfortable doing that. Can’t see that these girls will have much sag any time soon but don’t want to encourage it. I find just going around in the am or evening while changing enough. I have been driving for a week now but still need a pillow cause any driving I might do seems to have distance and I can be pretty sore by the time I get there. I know things will change more over time. I am softer with some wiggle or movement unlike when you get out your high and very tight to our chest wall. My sides are still very tight and need a lot of healing yet They sting some. I tried anti scare cream but feel like it makes the incisions sensitive. Any one else have that? I will try again a couple of times. All in all I have been blessed to heal so well I was looking forward to walks and exercising with my husband but he put his back out so guess I’m on my own lol.
