Michael D. Manuel, MD (retired)

Got a mommy makeover! Wonderful provider. Was able to save my nipples , a provider in Seattle refused to and said I would need a nipple graft and that they would go narcotic and didn't want to take the chance.

My whole life have struggled with my weight. Always extreme ups and downs, even as a child. Because of this I have a stomach flap that never goes away and uneven saggy breasts. I knew it was finally time to keep the weight off and get the needed surgery to get rid of my flap and boobs. On August 7th 2017 I had the tummy tuck and breast lift done in Anchorage, AK. Updated on 8 Aug 2017: Day 1 after surgery. I've been pretty out of it. Just in a lot of pain. I have two drains that have to be emptied every 4 hours. Follow up appointment is in two days and I get the bandages off my breasts. Updated on 10 Aug 2017: Today I had my first follow up appointment after surgery on Monday. The Brest bandages were removed and a new garter was placed on my tummy. I am so happy with the results so far! And the pain is getting a lot better.

This was my first surgery ever. I was extremely nervous. But I was prepared mentally what to expect. I have been needing this surgery for years. I get rashes and irritation from daily routines. My flap needed to go!! I trusted my doctor which made things better. I went to surgery center at 8am and was in surgery at 9:30am. Woke up at 11am. I was not a lot of pain. Just some from muscle repair. Wow getting out of bed is hard! Lol!! I left 20 mins after waking up. It felt so tight!! Like I did 3,000 crunches and someone was sitting on my stomach. I couldn't see it till Friday the 20th. Wow what a difference! I get to meet with my dr Tuesday which I look forward to. I am extremely happy with my experience! On day 3 now and no bowel moment:/ going to work on that more today haha. I'm a little achy but I believe it's just from the gas pains? I highly recommend this surgery . I already feel healthier. Updated on 22 Nov 2015: I'm feeling awesome. Just drained. I really haven't done much ! I finally had a bowel movement which was insane!!! I was so scared after hearing all the horror stories about pooping after tummy tuck. Well let's just say I was shitting all night last night lol to much and tried to hard hahaha but at least it was not hard. So far I'm not draining a lot. Still tight but it's a lot easier for me to get out of bed. My appetite is slacking but I'm making myself eat . I go to my last post op apt Tuesday and then I get to fly back home! I can't wait!!!! I need to take more pictures of the new tummy but the dr wants it on 24/7. Again I'm extremely happy with everything . Worth it! Updated on 23 Nov 2015: I tried to take another picture of results standing up, but failed it was miserable lol. Found of how much the binder helps doing that...Def will get one up soon. I also get to see dr Manuel tomorrow morning:) I can't wait to talk to him. I am super numb , standing up more straight. Still need help getting up and doing simple task. But everyday it's better. Updated on 23 Nov 2015: My drainage has been super low ! I only have about 20 ml and only 5 ml on the other side! Im hoping I get these out tomorrow! If not I will have to wear them Back home and remove them myself . :0 Updated on 24 Nov 2015: Well guess healing process wasn't going as good as I thought? I didn't get to meet with my surgeron but saw another dr sulver - he said low blood circulation in this one are and possible a touch more skin was removed making it harder to Heal? Kinda sucks but I was reassured it will be ok and heal just great - it's not perfect but it will do :) Updated on 25 Nov 2015: I'm still praying things heal nice, and that I can move around better. Still struggle getting up and walking. My lower back pain has been extremely horrible. I'll walk then have to stop and hold on something for support. No one ever mentioned the back pain that goes along with this surgery lol. The binder is my best friend!!!!! I can't take it off without freaking out a tad. When my husband helps me changed my bandages I find when it comes off off I have trouble breathing (prob in my head) and just so uncomfortable . I feel so tight! Hey dr Manuel did his job:) I'm still bummed I didn't get to meet with him to find out how much was removed and my needed selfie with him:/. But I'll get it one day lol. Still need to see myself standing with my new stomach !!! But it will happen one day soon. I wish everyone a happy thanksgiving! Enjoy :) Updated on 25 Nov 2015: Updated on 26 Nov 2015: It's thanksgiving!! All this delicious foods around me and I just got my fat stomach cut off:/ (haha) I'm feeling better each day. I can't wait to stand up straight. But good new my husband washed my hair finally . Best feeling ever!!!! Lol Updated on 26 Nov 2015: Updated pics. Updated on 27 Nov 2015: It happened and it was horrifying. Take the pill don't forget it lol. I'm a changed women :( take god for my husband lol Updated on 28 Nov 2015: Been reducing the pain meds. I feel good. Tired! Very tired. I go back on December 9th to remove the stitches they left in. I can't wait. I'm sore and still moving slow, i just can't wait to get these drains out. I get less than 5ml a day. It's just annoying and they need to go. Updated on 28 Nov 2015: Best husband ever loo Updated on 28 Nov 2015: Here's the area that hasn't been healing that well. But there is progress! I can't wait to get these stitches out on the 9th! Updated on 28 Nov 2015: Been out and walking all day. Here's my drainage. These babies need to go lol :) they are just so annoying . Now I know how it feels to have balls hahahha Updated on 29 Nov 2015: Got to take a peak while standing :) Updated on 1 Dec 2015: Almost 2 weeks out. I'm feeling good! Sore but good. Tomorrow I'm suppose to pull my drains out over the phone with dr Manuels office lol. I'll post how that goes maybe I'll take a video? Haha. I go back to anchorage to meet with dr sulver and remove the stitches on the 9th. Can't wait!! im looking forward to get back working out !!! Life's good no complains. :) Updated on 2 Dec 2015: My husband pulled them out! Lol enjoy Updated on 3 Dec 2015: I'm standing up straighter! Yahhh a whole 2 weeks hunched and now took drains out and I'm all good lol. Super numb, and exhausted most of day. But I'm well!! I do need the stitches to go! Im about to have my hubs take them out lol. But I can be patient and wait next week. :) Updated on 8 Dec 2015: I leave here tomorrow and travel to anchorage to see dr sulver (not my original dr) get these nasty stitches out and see how he thinks it's healing! Im beyond excited. I'm extremely tired. Some days I need the pain killers to keep up with my 2 kids . I hate taking them but I seem to get around better on them of course;) here's to seeing what's up tomorrow! I'm Updated on 10 Dec 2015: Traveling took it out of me esp with flight delays !!!! I am so swollen. It's crazy! Everything looks wonderful! Healing great:) dr sulver saw me for 4 mins gave me ok and see dr Manuel in January!!! :)looking into possible breast lift with implants??? Just debating. Lol... I am happy and for [RS bleep] and giggles I tried on my first crop top. Updated on 14 Dec 2015: Almost a month out! Booked my surgery for the top half now haha. Breast lift and implants with dr Manuel in March:) Updated on 18 Dec 2015: I'm feeling 95% better today!! I actually had energy and wasn't swollen. Idk if it's the alaska 21 hours of darkness or the recovery. This week has been the week from hell. I'm ready to move on. I have scheduled surgery again March 30th. I slap myself for not doing both together:/ anyways here's my progress! Dr Manuel is amazing- my incision is perfect and thin!! So happy

I am scheduled for implant removal and lift on May 8th! (I am 38, 2 teenage kids!) I got my silicone implants over the muscle about six years ago. Looking back I wonder whatever possessed me to put these foreign objects inside my body in the first place?! Low self esteem, divorce..... Who knows. I actually cancelled my first surgery date when I put them in as I could not wrap my mind around putting something foreign into my body... But gave in to the idea a few months later! I have had no "problems" with my implants. They are soft, scars are almost invisible.... And there is no obvious medical reason to explant .....Or is there? (Besides that they've bottomed out now) Is it a coincidence that I have chronic fatigue, occasional shooting pains in my breasts, chronic neck and shoulder pain, headaches, fight depression, thyroid and weight gain issues for no "reason", hormone issues-- low sex drive-- and all of this since I got these things put in? After doing a lot of research it is my personal belief that my body has actually been resisting these things since the day I got them put in!! Not to mention discomfort in general and not feeling "comfortable", like ever! I wanted to share my story because I have been spending so much time on this site and reviews have been such a blessing. Hearing women remind me to accept myself how God made me is so important! My boobs do not define me or give me my sexual identity for that matter!! It is scary thinking maybe I am making a choice to remove them and will feel unattractive after! It is a real psychological battle in my head!! Now let me tell you about my husband because I'm sure many of you, like me, are worried about the husband and his opinion. I got these in before I met my awesome hot husband.... And let me say he is a "boob man"!!! I am worried! (Although I do joke to him that they did the trick, got the man I wanted, now I have no use for them hahaha) His initial reaction when I told him I wanted to do this was "why if there's no problems would you want to mess with them?" And I don't think he was fully on board but he still said its my decision to make and supported it..... But after I sent him some research and was really thinking of all those little health issues I've had the last few years he started doing some research of his own and now he says, "get those toxic bags out of your chest as soon as you can"!!! He says it is not worth my health to have them and he is fully supportive of it now.... And I think its more genuine now that he is thinking of risks associated with Implants. I also didn't really put much thought when I got them into the fact that id be needing future surgeries to "upkeep" them. I do not like having something inside me that could "silently" rupture, that could prevent seeing breast cancer, or be causing me health issues. I've read too many reviews from other women who have had similar issues to my own that went away as soon as they removed their implants! And overall, I want to be "free" of them. I just want to be myself. And looking at soooo many before and after pictures I also realize I personally think small boobs are pretty cute! I think 90% of the pics I've seen the women look better after they explant and are just themselves. Maybe that comes with age... Realizing imperfection is beautiful. ;) I'm nervous about surgery, general anesthesia, the outcome... But I can really invision myself being happy to be free of them and on the other side! I will post pics at a later date of before and after... I will be doing explant and a lift.... Getting it all done so I can be completely done with boob surgeries as I'd just end up wishing I had the lift done later.... Thanks for all the stories and support.... This site was a total God send for me!! Updated on 17 May 2015: So on the 8th I had my implants taken out and aift at the same time. I am happy to say I had a lot of natural breast tissue and am VERY happy with my decision!!!! It feels so good to be free of the heavy implants weighing me down!! I will post pics to ought but I have quite a bit of bruising still. The weird part is I put on a "36D" bra out of my drawer and I wasn't falling out of it, but it wasn't loose either! I doubt I'll end up with more than a C cup which is ideal anyways but was surprised I hadn't gone down more. I was a 36DD before ex plant. Updated on 17 May 2015: By the way I had these for 9 years!!! I had put six in my original review, whoops! 9 years too long! Here are none day post op pics!! Still bruised and tape over all incisions but very optimistic that the boobs will be totally cute and satisfactory when healed up!!!!! So glad I made this decision for myself!!!!!! Updated on 2 Jun 2015: Ok so maybe I'm a slow healer but it took about three weeks for me to stop hurting and feel a little better energy wise! I always walked around like a four on a one to ten pain scale and by evening or bedtime was worse... I went back to work at a week post op and maybe my job just hasn't helped the healing! BUT I feel much better the last two days and have some new pics for you. First time I showered without tape was this morning... Have a post op appt today so figured I'd get off some of the stickiness best I could. I switched the tape out once but it peeled scabs off and I didn't think that could be good so I have basically left the tape alone until now. Definitely getting a little smaller now that swelling is going down, but pleased and can't wait until a couple months go by and they're fully healed! I'm super happy with my decision and wish I'd done it way before now! It feels great to be just me in my own skin. Updated on 10 Nov 2015: So thrilled with my results and haven't regretted having the implants removed for one moment!! Husband loves the natural me... I love the natural me..... Wanted to just let all of you know that I'm six months post op and know I made the right decision and am happy with my results! No more weird pains in my boobs... I'm sure that was my body trying to reject the implants!!! I feel so much more comfortable too!!

After a couple decades, and several consultations I'm finally ready to pull the trigger. I'm a 36 A, & have wore padded bras for way to long. I had a second consultation with a plastic surgeon that my friend recommended on April 2. I had a hard time with the sizers choosing between the 375 & 400. Thankfully the doctors assistant helped me with making a decision to go with the Silicone Mentor Moderate Plus 400 cc's. My surgery is scheduled for August 5, 2015. I'm so thankful for this site for insight, tips, reassurance, and support. I will be posting pictures soon. I'm so excited to start this journey Updated on 16 Apr 2015: Updated on 22 Jul 2015: The doctors office called today & I paid for my procedure. I got butterflies in my stomach thinking about how it's 2 weeks away! I made a list of things to gather to take with me on my trip for recovery. This site & the ladies have been so helpful. :) Updated on 26 Jul 2015: Updated on 3 Aug 2015: We got into Anchorage today. My pre-op is tomorrow. I'm pretty much ready, but nervous & excited at once. I'll do an update tomorrow. Updated on 4 Aug 2015: I went to my pre-op today & got everything squared away... payments, prescriptions, paperwork. My surgery check-in was going to be 12:15 pm, but it changed to 8:00 am which is better. I ate a DQ Blizzard for my last meal, & now I can't sleep. haha. Ok, I better try to rest. More to come post-op.... Updated on 6 Aug 2015: Surgery went well yesterday. I was a little nervous waiting to go into the OR, but the nurses were so good to be. They gave me warm blankets to make me comfortable. I mentioned nausea & they put a patch behind my ear. The pain was horrible when I was in recovery, so the nurses gave me pain Med's, crackers & water. My husband & son were there with me which was nice. My husband kept me on track with pain Med's. I kept crackers & water next to the bed, & my husband put a bowl of grapes next to me this morning. I have been able to get up with minimal help trying not to use arms. My doctor called lastnight to check in on me & the staff at his office called this morning. I will post pics later, as I'm still all wrapped up tight. Updated on 9 Aug 2015: I'm feeling really good & it's only been 4 days since surgery. The only problem I have had is constipation. I started taking stool softener the same day as surgery & everyday since. I finally got ex lax & it still took 2 more days! Thank goodness I finally went, as my stomach was so distended. I get my stitches out on Tues. & will head home. I'll post more pics later. Updated on 12 Aug 2015: I'm feeling pretty good with minimal soreness. My back is sore from sleeping slightly propped, but manageable. I just have to remember to not do to much. A couple of days I didn't feel great waking up, but the doctor said anastesia can take up to 3 weeks to filter out of your body. I'm loving my new boobs & I think the size suits me, although I know they will probably shrink down a little more. My doctor & his staff are amazing! Updated on 15 Aug 2015: Hi ladies, it's been 10 days post op. Things are healing nicely. I had to go get some new sports bras since all I had that fit was the one the doctor put in after surgery. I really like the zip up Jockey & the seamless Champion. They are both very comfortable & supportive. I'll post pictures. Happy healing everyone. Updated on 24 Aug 2015: I still have pain, but it's minimal. I take 2 Aleve's in the morning & 1 Dilaudid at night. I have numbness & tingeling around nipples. I went through a little bit of boob greed & wished I went up to 450 CC's, but I'm starting to love the size more every few days. Updated on 26 Aug 2015: I'm feeling pretty good today. I just changed the tape on my scar & it looks like it's healing good. Updated on 31 Aug 2015: I'm doing pretty good, just a little bit of pain. I have my 4 week follow up appt this week. I tried on old bikini tops just to see what they look like with actual boobs. haha Much better than an A cup. I'm guessing I might be a full C? Can't tell yet for sure. The doctor did an excellent job though. :)

After years of being overweight I finally dropped 30+lbs with the help of a personal trainer. Even though I slowly lost weight my stomach Alway got in the way- was never able to do a full sit-up. I pretty much held all my weight around my abdominal area. After years of saving I finally decided to get the surgery of my dreams. I couldn't be happier with my choice of surgeon to make my dreams come true. Dr. Manuel and staff are just absolutely amazing! I am so uncomfortable in my own skin, but they all made me feel so himan and normal and I had to be undressed a lot for pre and post op visits. One of my visit was with Dr Manuals associate Dr Cole and she was the most gental and sweet person I have ever met. I am just blowed away by this practic! I would recommend Dr. Manuel or Dr. Cole to anyone that have dreamt of getting any kind of procedure done to change your life. I am 100% satisfied and more confident than I have ever been!

I have 7 days to go! A brief explanation of myself: 39 yrs old, 5 children, a wonderfully loving and encouraging husband who has been my best friend and husband for over 23 yrs. Like many mothers on here my body has been depleted and abused by pregnancies and obesity. Two years ago I went on a weight loss journey and have lost 80 lbs and kept it off by eating right and exercise. After I came to a place where I could go no more my husband encouraged me to see a PS and just see if they could help with my extra skin and scars (from c-sections, ruptured appendix, gall bladder surgery) after the first consultation I was so excited. Dr Manuel was so honoring and was so professional and he didn't even blink an eye at my wreck of skin. He was realistic and encouraging. So blessed. Then I found this site and realized how important this site is to share our journeys with others. So I will be up loading some preop photos and hope that they encourage others that although its a bit embarrassing to be so vulnerable it's also so important for others to be encouraged too. So here goes my count down journey. Updated on 30 Apr 2013: Went in for my final appointment, for blood work and registration to the surgery center! Made final payments and even treated myself to a Botox treatment on my lips (they wrinkle from my weight loss). So we will see how good it works. Lol. Just embracing the excitement!! Updated on 1 May 2013: 5 more sleeps! I'm finding myself very self reflectant. One minute I'm excited and the next I find myself being very quiet and processing so many emotions. Realizing after reading so many journeys that this isn't a quick recovery and that there will be moments when I will ask myself if its worth it, etc. I know in the end it will be. But honestly when I read the posts where women struggle with the weight gain from the swelling I get nervous, any gain on the scale messes with my emotions even when I know it's my period or in this case extra fluid. I've had to be very disciplined to keep my weight off so without exercise I am nervous. Tonight I rest my head knowing that I did as much today as I could to prepare and also enjoyed my sons 15th birthday! Such an amazing son!! So thankful for my family! Updated on 4 May 2013: Only two more sleeps! 3 days ago it seemed like the day would never come. And then the cleaning and organizing began. Lol time flies when you get that busy. The down side my allergies started up, running nose, head congestion and itchy throat. Called my PS to make sure we could still do the surgery. With my sinuses draining in my throat it makes me have a dry cough. Grrrrr. Praying the Zyrtec will take That away. He said that as long as it didn't become a chest cold or a fever we could still go ahead. So please send up a few prayers for me to have a quick recovery. The last thing I want is any kind of cough with having muscle repair done. Updated on 6 May 2013: Today is the big day. I got so nervous last night and had so many crazy thoughts running through my head it was ridiculous. And then a friend called me out of the blue who had the surgery and have me a few encouraging words and tips and eased my mind tremendously! So thankful. Was up almost every hour lol. But now ready to shower And head to the surgery center. I'll update when I get back to my house! See u all on the other side! :). It's finally happening!! Updated on 6 May 2013: Ok 7 hrs post op. struggling with pain, my body is very resistant to pain medicine so keeping my pain under comtrol has been a bit taxing. We have a 45 mn drive he and 13 stairs to climb to my room. Both have been managed but I'm struggling with the pain. Along with side pains. I had my thighs done also if u remember so the pain is everywhere. Finally went and peed. An adventure all in itself. Loll Updated on 7 May 2013: Day 2, actually the morning after. Went to the bathroom myself. Woohoo. Got my meds adjusted and it helped tremendously. Feeling so much better today. Of course still lots of pain but bearable. My husband is amazing, takes such good care of me. Main place I have pain is iny sternum or when I stand up The pressure on my breasts is a lot. Didn't think that would be the case. And my arm pits have hurt a lot. Today I have had a lot of has, but seems to take a lot of the pressure off my stomach so Although its not pretty it helps relief pressure. Oh and another hint is when my sides start hurting like crazy it helps to go Pee. :) hope Everyone is doing well. Updated on 7 May 2013: Snuck a peak at my new belly button. Lol pic added Updated on 10 May 2013: Days are starting to blend. But with each new day comes a new discovery. Some good some bad. Lol the bad being that no matter how u pinch those darn drains to get all the fluid out it has a pinch to it. Lol. Good things, mobility gets easier and my spirits get higher! Staying up on my meds helps so much and just all the help from My family is priceless. And for all those with reviews about itching from the binders they weren't kidding. Lol lotion helps some and just lifting the binder off the skin helps lots. Updated on 12 May 2013: Day 7! Washed my hair and sponge bath and feel like a new person!!! Updated on 13 May 2013: Day 8. Got stitches out. The 45 mn trip To and from wiped me Out. Yikes. New pics added. Updated on 13 May 2013: And apparently I get to wear the tape for the next 3-4 months to prevent the scar from Raising, stretching or separating! Updated on 15 May 2013: Day 10. A few ups and downs but mostly great to be honest. For as much work as I've had done I am so blessed the journey has been good. Today I did two Trips down my flight of stairs. Easy to Do but unfortunately my nurse said the less u do The quickly u will Heal and better results. So for the most part just normal hygiene care and minimal activity. Making things heal faster for sure. Posting a pic of my breasts at day 10. Right one still needing to drop more but i love them. Updated on 16 May 2013: Day started out great. But started feeling a little restless. Needed some items and thought maybe I just need out of the house for Some fresh air and get a few things I need. Well, after being at the store in my little cart which is hard to sit on because I have my thighlift done also I have a horrible anxiety attack. Had to leave the store, really couldn't stop crying or fretting or getting angry for hours. I do not like to cry! Period! So with much love, encouragement, understanding, prayer etc i thought I wonder of its my meds? Hmm. So I backed off them from every 4 hrs to like 6-8 hrs. Now at first the pain wasn't fun but this morning I feel like a new person. I will keep U posted to the end result of this episode. Could have been just one of the emotional Roller coaster rides we go on with these surgeries or it could have been meds. I'm sharing this story in hopes that if others have these moments then we have a few tools to work with. When others have gone before us we have much we can learn. I pray my journey can be that for others. I know that all of you woman have been that for me!! Updated on 17 May 2013: Ok two things that might seem Obvious to others but I had to learn the hard way. I let myself get dehydrated today. BAD, all bad. Second thing was when my drain sites became super painful I called the doc and they said to clean it and put neoaporin with pain relief on the skin right around the drain site. And of course ice packs. So much relief!!!!!!! Updated on 18 May 2013: Day 12, woke up with much less pain in my drain sites today. Only two more days til my follow up visit on Monday where hopefully the drains can be removed. I am a little worried about having them removed knowing how much more careful I will need to be with my salt intake and then dealing with more swelling. But one step at a time. It's hard to believe that it's may 18th and its snowing like crazy , so much for spring. So I'm laying in my bed pretending its not may and enjoying the beauty of it falling from the sky. (Denial can be a good thing lol) On a physical note, I am noticing some more sensation in my breasts. Not so much on the areas where the scars from the lift are on on the nipples. But thankful they haven't lost complete feeling. Hoping everyone's healing is going well!!! Updated on 19 May 2013: Ugh my 5 year old son right before bed went to hug me goodnight and slipped on the side of my bed and part of his body fell on my stomach. Can you say OUCH!!!!!! Updated on 19 May 2013: Oh and praying that at my post op appointment tomorrow they will remove all my drains. :) and my sons fall didn't set me back any. Feels way more sensitive. Ugh Updated on 20 May 2013: This has been such an exciting day! A day that feels like The biggest turning point thus far. Finally got all 4 of my drains out. Remember I also had a thigh lift which required two extra drains. So it seemed no matter which way I moved forward or side to side the drains would some how get out of position and become very irritated. I tried taping extra padding EVERYTHING it seemed to help them not be painful. SO, today all 4 removed. Two were very painful but I was so grateful for the loss of them I didn't really care!! Yay!! Went don't a size in my compression garments! A medium to a small. That was even exciting. Hehehe. Small has not been used to describe me much in my life. Lol. After doc visit went to Kohls to get some tank tips to wear under my CG. Love the Jockey silky feeling ones. A few more pjs to wear and I'm all set to enjoy a relaxing evening while my "men" (husband and 3 of my sons) go black bear hunting. I get to kick up my feet and RELAX pain free of my drains!! A personal day of celebration. Also, all of my stitches looked great, bb is healing and I get to take a full HOT shower tomorrow!! Yay!!! Good luck to all those going in soon or have recently! So excited to see your results! Updated on 20 May 2013: Updated on 20 May 2013: Updated on 20 May 2013: Updated on 20 May 2013: Updated on 20 May 2013: Updated on 20 May 2013: Sorry all my pics got added one by one instead of all at once :( Updated on 20 May 2013: I wanted to add a more detailed photo of my medial thigh lift I had done with this mommy makeover. As u can see the stitching is a bit puckered. It takes 2-4 months for the deep sutures to dissolve or whatever they do and the scar will look much better. Either way I wanted to share a more up Close photo. :) Updated on 21 May 2013: First time for a full shower. I have been waging my hair in the sink and sponge bathing but afte the tube removal yesterday I got the thumbs up for showering. Now let me just say I have read ALOT of reviews on this experience and wasn't really sure what to expect. Well, in the shower I go wash hair feel suddenly like throwing up, hmmmm weird, thankfully that passed, then conditioner time , oh no, then I felt like I had to poop, ugh, ok that passed. Phew. Get out dry off slowly, start putting all my garments back on (not any easy task) and my husband walks in just as I look up and almost pass out. Good thing his timing was amazing!! So he sweeps me off to bed puts a cool Fan on me and reminds me that with taking all those compression garments off then getting hot and cold all the blood flow had changed and I needed to be very careful. Lol. So even after being warned I didn't expect it. Lol. So off to bed for a few hour nap I went. Feeling better. :) At this point in my journey I'm finding my thighs ache ALOT! So I suppose as one area heals the brain starts picking up on another to remind u of. Hahahhahaa. Updated on 22 May 2013: Today has started off great. Yesterday swelling the day after drain removal was awful. But today is a new day. And time to post new photos! Updated on 28 May 2013: Memorial Day weekend this year in Alaska meant some of the lowest tides of the year. Which means clam digging. Trip has been planned for months and the day before we are supposed to Leave I realize how difficult this trip will be on my body. So I decided 3 rd post op visit if dr or nurse says I'm doing good and can go I will. If not ill say no! (Best weather forecast I've seen for year for where we r headed, for those of u who know ak we don't have long summers but we play hard enough in the three months that way we have memories for some long winters, although my family plays all winter so that's ok) anyways. Nurse says u r doing great and u will know you'be over done it by your swelling. Let me just say, I had a blast! Lots of laughs (which kill the stomach lol) and only half the people knew I had any work done. My family treated me like a queen and I just did my best. Just got home tonight and I am sad to say swelling kicked in this morning and has continued. :( warning to others, I seen so Much progress this weekend but often times we don't know what's too much until AFTER it is. So, with lots of great memories and my wonderful bed. I am home and will be taking it easy for the next couple of days. I think one decision that I made was to have the thigh lift done at the same time and with gravity taking the swelling downwards my poor thighs killed me. So when they got swollen I would elevate them, then stomach would bulge then breasts felt strange. Lol. Come on body absorb that fluid. Also, Aleve has been a magical drug for me with swelling. Doesn't help me with a headache but its amazing with this. Ps. We got so many clams! Whoop whoop and even a few halibut! And some real sun that colored our skins! Oh ya!! Reception was bad so I have only briefly caught up in some of you ladies who are on the flat side so excited to see and hear from u! Also, another strange thing happened my breasts started making strange noises, gel Implants, like squeaky clean hair. Lol. That sound was best description I read. I thought it was strange it started so late in my recovery. Just tossing that out there for others. :) Updated on 29 May 2013: As you will notice in one photo of the left side I believe I have some serious swelling below bb but Updated on 6 Jun 2013: Saw my Ps this week. All is well. Had to add a foam pad to my garments to help with the compression. I have a bit of extra fluid below belly button. Felt very encouraged that I was right on track for healing. I have been struggling emotionally because I still have pain at night enough to take pain meds and that was making me feel discouraged. But dr said with all the work done its normal. Honestly my thighs ache at night from swelling and under my sternum ugh!! So, I decided to be greatful that's the worst of it and enjoy the rest of the journey. No need to suffer in pain. Once a day plus aleve or Advil and I do great. I started taking my vitamins (not sure when or why I stopped lol) and added some vitamin D and since the one month mark my emotions have began to stabilize. Thank goodness. I was riding a roller coaster. Felt like pms ALOT. But wasn't that. I found myself being critical and frustrated about life and myself. Have been living in a bit of fear with weight gain. Haven't been eating the greatest and then with the swelling and lack of real movement I feel gross! Yesterday I thought to myself, with all the blood, sweat and tears I have shed to get my body back from kids and obesity you would think I would NEVER put another bad thing in my mouth again. Lol and then I find myself eating chips or something. Ugh. Anyways, just being honest. I could eat anything I wanted in portions when I was working and keep the weight off but now I will need to snap it up and get back on the "disciplined" horse so I don't loose what I have worked so hard for. I have enjoyed reading everyone's recovery stories! Keep up the healing I'm cheering you all on!! I'll post some current photos in a week or so. Not much has changed. Updated on 11 Jun 2013: Everyday is getting easier. I struggle with swelling at night but even that is tolerable. Can turn over in bed easier and easier. I'm still wearing compression garments and binder. My thighs ache something fierce at night if I don't. My breasts are softening and dropping. Right one still a big higher and tighter but they are feeling more normal. And strangely they feel bigger now. I have had a few days with the blues but less and less each week. Excited to start working out and so ready for some disciplined eating and sweating at the gym. Lol. We bought my daughter a Crossfit gym right when I had my surgery. So chomping at the bit to get there and enjoy her hard work she has invested in there. To all those healing!! Prayers and hugs!!

My Dr. has been awesome thus far. He and his staff have been extremely attentive, even going as far as calling to check on me after the surgery. All questions I have had has been answered And not once have I felt that I was being rushed. I would definitely recommend to other women who are considering having this surgery. I really appreciate his professionalism And if I had to I would do it all over again it has been worth it. More to report once the swelling is down and my drains have been removed.

Amazing experience, do wish I had gone bigger as they are getting smaller and I do miss the fuller look. Hopefully the won't get too much smaller as they are right where I like them but have to remind myself that I wasn't going for an obvious look just a fuller look after having three kids (now 23, 21, and 19) and getting ready to turn 45 in February.  

I'm a 5'2" 39 yr old wife and mother of two teenage girls. My girls where both larger than my small frame could carry Without stretching beyond its limits. I have waited 17 yrs to get this done, and although I am excited I am just as nervous! I do wish I had done this five yrs ago when I was thinner, but everything happens for a reason! Updated on 25 Jan 2012: I'm on day 5 and doing great! No bm but not in pain from it. I'm able to walk all over house and go up and down stairs on mu own. Also, getting in and out of my recliner is a breeze. I haunt had any coughing or sneezing issues and hardly draining fluids at all. Going in tomorrow to get stitches out and my third smaller binder. My doc will not take tubes out before 2 weeks so they will be in till Feb 2. They don't really bother me to much so no biggie. My only complaint is that I can't shower with them in so I'm stuck with sponge bathing. Have know idea how much skin I lost or weight. Been pretty much just eating nuts, cherries, yogurt, veggies and eggs. Lots of coconut water with pineapple juice. I hope all continues to go smooth! Wishing all of you a happy and healthy journey!! Updated on 29 Jan 2012: 9 days po and doing fine. Got my stitches out and will be getting drains out on the 2nd of Feb. My ps likes to keep them in for two weeks to reduce any fluid build up. I have been very regular with my BM ever since my first one on day 5. Been drinking tons of coconut water and Naked all natural juices. Also have one ensure muscle health drink every morning. My husband has been my knight in shining armor through my entire journey. I haven't wanted or needed anything he even bought me flowers and painted my toenails! Cooks me breakfast, lunch and dinner and even heats my blanket before he covers me up! I am truly blessed and grateful for my husband and the life he has provided for us! I have been healing well and the only complaint I have is my dang siatic (sp) nerve is killing me. I pray that all you ladies are healing fast and are as comfortable as possible! To all the ladies who's dates are coming up, try to relax it really isn't that bad at all. Have a great day and happy healing! Updated on 13 Apr 2012: Wow, how time flies! I cannot believe it has been 3 months already! I am doing awesome and maintaing my weight at 119. I'd like to lose bout 4 more pounds, but im happy with the 15 lbs I lost. It was a rough road for sure, but I have to admit that fitting into my jeans is awesome. Not to crazy bout my BB but can't be perfect. My scar is healing very flat and nice. I hope everyone is doing well and healing fast. I posted some pics, but don't have recent ones up yet.