Figured I'd get started by sharing that I have scheduled a TT, hernia repair, flank Lipo, and breast aug for December 7th. Yep! Nervous and excited at the same time. Will post photos as the time gets closer. It has been awesome to read others' journey. So this is me paying it forward.
The procedure is being done by Patrick Hsu of Memorial Plastic Surgery (Houston, TX). Selected him from a pool of 3. He was the highest priced. But based on reviews and my consultations, I'd rather go where I feel most comfortable.
Updated on 1 Oct 2017:
I am roughly 2 months and 1 week out from my MM. I am trying I decide what I want to do to prepare. Planning to try and focus on muscle toning for now in anticipation of a dreaded break from the gym.
Updated on 27 Oct 2017:
I'm getting closer to my scheduled procedure. Just a quick update. I'm trying to think of everything I can beforehand and do lots of research.
First, I just have to say somewhere....how blessed I am that this site exists. There is so
much 'reputable' information to help those thru this process. I read comments on social media where women were so negative about the purpose of the site. Blew my mind. I am grateful to be able to go thruthisprocess with the information on this site.
Now to my update...I did ask myPCPshould I get a mammogram beforehand and she said yes. We thought it would be a pod idea to have some baseline data tfrom beforehand. Not sure if this is customary. But I figured it would be a good idea.
Updated on 27 Oct 2017:
Feel like I should post some before photos in fairness to everyone else who has shared their photos and, as a result, been a part of the education process for me along this journey.
Posting these photos also helps me come to terms with the notion that I deserve this MM. This body has created 2 lives (my kiddos) and deserves some TLC!
Updated on 21 Nov 2017:
I am less than one month away and trying be as prepared as possible before the surgery.
To prepare so far...I had my first mammogram as a baseline measure to
have. I know where I will post up in the house...media room recliner
with bathroom down the hall. But, what am I not thinking of? I think I
should get a shower seat...or a walker....Would love to have a list of
necessities beforehand......nervous yet excited!
Updated on 22 Nov 2017:
I had my pre-opp appointment today! Nervous and excited all wrapped into one. That price tag? Whew! But I keep telling myself, the end result will be well worth it! Having a doctor local? Worth it! Having a PS who would be my first choice regardless of price? Worth it!
I had all of my questions answered. The staff is super awesome:) Friendly and professional!
So...the final implant size is 475cc:) Playing with that size still appears natural to me. But I cannot WAIT to get my tummy right and the hernia gone!
Updated on 30 Nov 2017:
I cannot believe that I am one week away from my surgery! This has been at least 2 years in the making...researching, selecting a doctor, etc.
Next week this time I will be half way they Surgery. My biggest fear is being put to sleep. I have never had surgery. I also have a fear of talking ‘crazy’ after surgery from the anesthesia.
I have so much preparation to do and very little time.
Updated on 5 Dec 2017:
I cannot believe that it is almost time!!! I beyond nervous! Really hoping for a smooth recovery. I have my meds. My blood work is done. Now just stressing about all of the things that will be going on around me with the kids and family, etc. that I won’t be able to help with. Hoping to get back on my feet as soon as I am cleared:)
Updated on 7 Dec 2017:
OMG! This morning moved so fast! I am now recovering in a recliner all bound up. I am in pain when I move. I’m staying on time with my meds. But just typing this post is hard to do because keeps falling asleep.
Literally I’ve fallen asleep 3 times while doing this post
Super excited..although I am in pain. It’s tolerable...especially after having kids:)
Sorry about lightning...I can’t get up to flip the switch on )
Updated on 8 Dec 2017:
On to day 2 post surgery. Feeling okay...not as bad as I was thinking. Definitely in pain. But, it’s doable. I just read my post from yesterday....man! I was out of it...lol!
Things I have been doing: feet exercises (can’t remember why), breathing exercises (to keep the lungs clear), walking a little based on what I need, lots of sleeping and drinking fluids.
I haven’t peeked at anything because i am scared to take off the binder and the bra. Any advice on that is appreciated.
Updated on 9 Dec 2017:
It’s has been a few days (I think) since my surgery. All is going fine. Things I appreciate having: support (from my husband), a recliner in a separate room with a tv. I don’t have a walker or a toilet riser or anything else to ‘assist’. My doc said I wouldn’t need it and he’s right! I’m using my legs to do a lot of things which helps getting on and off the toilet as well as on and off the recliner. I am still taking ALL of my pain meds. The boobs aren’t the issue, it’s definitely the TT that’s causing the most pain.
Updated on 9 Dec 2017:
I jut showered and got a chance to see what I look like under the binder and bra. So far so good. I know I have swelling. But, I think it looks good so far. Of course I’m worried about the incision and that everything is smooth on the tummy. But, only time will tell.
Updated on 10 Dec 2017:
My binder is killing me! Probably more painful than the pain from the TT. Wondering if I could switch to my bellefit binder that I have from post pregnancy. Gosh! I’ve been wearing it nonstop since the surgery only taking it off to shower. Sigh...I know it serves a purpose but man!!!!!
Other than that, I feel okay.
Updated on 11 Dec 2017:
Sigh...I think I’m finally at the point of restlessness. I’m just sitting here, Short walks to the bathroom and around the house and then back to my recliner. I am bored but I know it’s all for a good recover.
Randomness from today, don’t sneeze; don’t laugh; don’t cough! Talk about pain! Whew! Also my back hurts, probably from sitting here a lot and the need to not walk upright.
I’d love to sleep in my bed, but this may not happen yet.
Updated on 12 Dec 2017:
Last night I decided to move to the bed to try it out. It was actually much more comfortable for me. Not sure if it’s because I’m walking a little straighter or if it’s just the change. But, the bed with lots of pillows was more comfortable for me last night. My lower back is killing me (as expected). But the bed and the pillows immediately helped. It is harder for me to get in and out of the bed alone. But once there, I’m happy.
Im also at the point of being concerned about every little thing...are the drains okay, are my incisions okay, am I moving enough, am I’m being stationary enough, did that cough rip something, etc. Luckily my first post op appt is tomorrow.
Updated on 13 Dec 2017:
First...I am so excited with the progress so far. Crazy to think that it will continue to look better when the swelling goes down. I took some photos without the binder while I was getting dressed. Wow! I am so pleased.
My 1 week post appointment went smoothly. Yes, I still have the drains. Returning next week in hopes of having them removed along with the tape. But, he said things look like the should.
I felt really good about the surgery and the plan when talking to him. I would completely recommend him to anyone. Apparently my abs separation was so large, he had to do two rows of stitches to get them back together. This made me feel good because often others tell you...just do some sit ups after birth, diet, etc. The PS said, no amount of ab work would have gotten my abs back together.
On a down note, I think I did too much today after leaving my appointment. So tomorrow I am going back to taking it easy.
Updated on 14 Dec 2017:
Consider this venting... I am okay with the concept is drains but man! The area where the drains are....that is so painful!!!! Yes, I’ve checked, the area looks fine, the drains are in position as they should. But the area where the drain is and the incision past it...hurts.
I have a strong feeling that it’s due to the creasing of my skin in that area. I have been trying to lay flat and I make sure that the drain stays flat. But, I just can NOT wait to get these drains out! Literally, counting down the clock til’ my next pain med dose because of these areas. Honestly, if it weren’t for the pain associated with these areas, I could stop taking the meds. I am trying an ice pack and spending most of the day laying around to see if that helps.
And by the way...nope...no discharge or ‘warmth’ in that area. And just had them checked during my post op yesterday.
Updated on 16 Dec 2017:
I will say, if it weren’t for the area around my drains, I’d be completely off these pain meds. That mess hurts. Well, last night, one of the drains appears to Have been moved slightly (not sure how), draining near the incision
some and in a lot of pain. This morning, their appeared to be a puss looking yellowish substance near that drain. So, this morning...***How Awesome my PS IS*** I called the answering service at 8:20a to have my doctor paged and he was calling back at 8:23a! How awesome is that?!?!
Well, I told him what was going on. He asked me about the fluid that is draining...color and amount. He explained that it’s not infected but sounds like what happens when the drainage fluid starts to become yellow and mixes with bodily tissue. Most importantly...he said that it sounds like the drains are ready to come out and instead of waiting until Wednesday, I can come in on Monday to have them removed.
He said...don’t do a lot of movement this weekend that will drive up the drainage. So better believe, I am laying around doing nothing .
Updated on 18 Dec 2017:
I could just do a cartwheel! Well figuratively speaking lol! The drains were removed today. I heard it wouldn’t hurt. But, my take....the only pain I was experiencing these last few days was from the actual insertion area of the drain. So when she pulled them out, there was a slight burning sensation from feeling the tube come out from the torso and twitch of pain from the insertion area. There was a lot of pain from the MA snipping the stitches....well manageable but pain. But once they were out, all feels so much better! So I am done with the pain meds. Also, I think scar therapy will be scheduled to begin the week after next. They suggest Silagen. This gives me time to read up on it (as I do with all other aspects related to my health!). The incision looks great IMO.
Something to share, I have started to breakout, simile to hives on the backs of my arms, all over my thighs and behind my knees. It comes and goes. I have had NO changes in soaps, lotions, detergent, etc. I do think it is med related. Now to figure out which med. I’ve started taking Benadryl. I will post an updated photo when I get back up again:)
Updated on 19 Dec 2017:
Well, I have been breaking out in hives for a few days now and finally at 11:30p last night, I realized why! The MA yesterday mentioned that it could be a medicine that I’m taking and to try and figure it out so that it can be documented as an ‘allergic’ med. I know I am allergic to Ceclor but had no idea why the reaction was since I’ve just been told that since I was a child. For this procedure I was prescribed Keflex. So, I decide to go to ‘ Dr. Google’ and typed in...Ceclor and Keflex. The first thing that pops up....individuals who are allergic to Ceclor should not take Keflex. GOSH!! Then I look up allergic reactions to Ceclor...first reaction listed: Hives. GOSH!! Soooooo.....last search Keflex and hives...yep! Listed as a common reaction if you are allergic. Soooooo.....my conclusion? I am having HORRIBLE hives due to taking Keflex (insert itchy sad emoji here!). I will be calling my PCP and my PS in a bit to get a recommendation.
Updated on 19 Dec 2017:
I am SO pleased with m TT scar so far. The strips and drains were removed yesterday and here is a photo of the scar. Is it low enough? YEP! Super low like I wanted it! Is it straight? YEP! Another concern of mine going into surgery! Is it long? NOPE! Not asking as I thought it would be. It’s not hip to hip...maybe a bit shy of hip to hip. Am I pleased? YEP! Scare tx will start a week from now I think.
Updated on 22 Dec 2017:
I have to say...this process is somewhat emotionally draining. I think because of the cost and ramifications, I find myself always thinking about making sure I’m doing this recovery correctly and not doing anything wrong. I am VERY pleased with the results so far. But there is still an element of the unknown....not knowing exactly what recovery is supposed to be like and not knowing how everything will look at the very end.
From my appointment, it looks like I have an issue with one of the breast incisions. Doc says it may be an allergic reaction to the tape. I haven’t had any itching or anything. But I felt like the incision always felt a bit thicker than the other. I’m hoping it’s not ‘spitting stitches’ (stressor #1). I have a follow up in 2 weeks. For this reason, we are holding off on ‘massaging’. The other incision is practically gone. Can’t see much of anything.
My TT incision looks great! Very pleased! Starting scar therapy in a couple of weeks.
(Stressor #2)Not sure whats going on with my belly button. Doc seems a tiny bit concerned saying something about pigmentation. It doesn’t look like its healing completely, IMO. But, then again...I’m not a PS. So, I’m going to keep it clean and dry and hold off on stressing for 2 weeks.
But, still, very happy. Just stressing a little.
Updated on 22 Dec 2017:
I forgot to attach photos of my torso and my belly button.
Updated on 3 Jan 2018:
I’ve been meaning to post an update just to say that things are healing nicely I think! I’ve been getting back into my normal life minus working out (which I miss dearly!). I also broke down and purchased an actual post surgery garment. I felt like my spanx and knock off spanx were not compressing well....probably due to the swelling going down. The garment I purchased (from a local faja store) is specifically for post surgery and goes from beneath the breast to the knee..3 row hooks down the center and an opening for bathroom use. They also recommended a padded board insert that is supposed to be used to compress the lower center area. I actually like it and feel like..overall, I’m back to feeling like my garment is actually compressing. I do still have one area of my ab that is painful! Feels like when you’ve pulled a muscle or something. It has actually felt like that from the very beginning. So I don’t think the pain is from something I’ve done. But I will ask about it just to get some reassurance. It literally feels like a bruised muscle...lol.
But, here are some updates photos...so I can get them off my phone...lol!
Updated on 4 Jan 2018:
I had my one month check up and all went well. We all seemed happy with the results! Doc said healing looked great! We started scar therapy too! Super excited about that. Hmm....I was also given massaging instructions for the breasts. Lastly, I was given the clearance to start back to some light cardio and some light weight training.
Now, my stress....I’ve noticed just today, I have some clear drainage from my belly button...no pain and no odor. But now I’m worried about a seroma. I will definitely call the doctor in the morning although I know he isn’t in the office on Friday. I thought about calling the on call number tonight.....but I don’t not want to seem like I’m worried about every small thing. So I’m guessing I will just stress til the morning :(
Updated on 20 Jan 2018:
I have a good excuse....took a break from all things social media and forgot to post here about that break...before I began the break. So to stick to discipline, I just figured I’d wait until the break was over. Break over...and I’m back!
So, an update! I’m fly! Loving the results still! Hmm...before I mentioned something about a small amount of drainage coming from my belly button area. Went in to get it checked out and all was deemed fine and normal. Since then, the drainage has stopped.
Can I just say...my TT incision looks AWESOME!!! Practically invisible!!! I am still having some issue with the far right side of the incision. The area where the drain was and around it just doesn’t seem to want to completely heal. I had it checked out a week or so ago. I was told to hold off on scar treatment to that little area for now...sigh...
Speaking of scar treatment. I’ve been wearing Siligan Strips on the TT incision and under the breasts. Again, the scars are practically invisible now. So I can only imagine what the scar treatment will do.
How do I feel? Great! Walking up straight, sleeping feels normal, a bit stiff in the morning. Back in the gym with some cardio. I am still taking it easy though.
I have ditched ALL of my bras practically. Everything I own is either too small or my size with lots of padding! I knew I’d get this done a while ago. So I saved all of my VS bras from pregnancy just in case they were the right size. Who buys a 34 DDD bra WITH PADDING?!?! Me! That’s who! On a recent trip to VS, they measured me at a 34 DD (previously I was a 34D). It’s interesting how sizes work. Yes...look at that first photo...34D (I wouldn’t have guessed that).
My trip to VS? I stayed there for 1.5 hours trying on half the store. There were so many things that I’d never dare to try on due to my tummy or breast size. Now??? I had to contain myself from buying lingerie because everything fit so well!
Someone here mentioned Target...I went there one cold night for PAPER and ended up in the swim suit section trying on swimsuits. It waS REFRESHING to decide against swimsuits not because of how they fit, but something silly like...the color. And yes! I did buy one (and no paper lol)
Updated on 29 Jan 2018:
I know there are some who read these reviews to plan or prepare for their own surgery. So, I feel the need to post and be clear that you need to be ready for the emotional journey just as you prepare for the physical recovery. There is not a 1-2 day period that has gone by since the surgery where I’m not wondering, thinking, worrying about causing some issue with recovery due to my own choices or just a byproduct of having a surgery.
You feel a pain? Something looks a little swollen? Random tingles? Staring at your body to see if something looks web or uneven..did I bend over to far, should I have not picked up that slightly heavy item, was my light cardio at the gym not light enough?
So my latest panic is the result of a very tender/painful spot at the top of my torso (inferior to the sternum). I’m usually not too worried about pains in the torso since the surgery. But this is smack dab in the middle of my abs at the top. I had been feeling great, back in the gym and keeping inline with low intensity exercise and doing medium intensity with no jumping. I’ve been doing that for about 1.5 weeks.
Well, this pain I’m feeling now started yesterday. So now I’m thinking that I may have over done it yesterday. I lifted up two car seats to install in a car and wonder if I popped something. No! I did not hear or feel anything pop. Just concerned because it is in the center and a new ‘pain’. Rather than post a question here, I’ve put in a call to my PS to ask someone in the office.
Fingers crossed (again!) that I haven’t messed up something.