POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
50 yo gets reduction and lipo
ORIGINAL POST
50 yo gets reduction and lipo
essgee_caFebruary 23, 2017
WORTH IT
I finally made the decision to go through with breast reduction last year. A friend of mine who was about my size (although older) had it done and said she was thrilled to have done and wished she had done it sooner. I decided to ask my nurse practitioner (who happened to be my friend’s daughter,) about it. She told me the details. She added the request to my file and my doctor and I spoke about it. He told me he’d put in a referral. It was January 2016
I didn’t hear from the PS until July for my appointment in mid-August. The appointment was disappointing. She said that although my breast size met the criteria for BR surgery, I was just too heavy. My BMI was 42 and she said she didn’t do surgery on people over 35. I cried a bit then. I asked again, “You mean if I lose the weight you’ll do the surgery?” She said yes. So I decided then and there to lose the weight.
I didn’t go on any diet, I simply changed how and what I ate. After 2 months I had lost 10 pounds. My sister suggested I call the surgeon to let her know that I was trying to lose the weight. She told me that if I could lose another couple pounds and get my BMI under 40 she would reconsider. I saw her again in mid-October and she agreed to do the surgery. We just needed to wait 4-6 weeks for paperwork to be signed off by OHIP.
Six weeks went by and I heard nothing. I called the surgeon’s office. The nurse was surprised they hadn’t heard back and promised to look into it. This became a pattern for the next 6 weeks until she finally chased down my paper work saying that I had been given approval. Surgery was scheduled for Feb. 17 2017. Meanwhile I continued to lose weight. By the time I had surgery I had lost over 40lbs!
I had about a month to prepare. Tons of paperwork and forms to fill out to get time off work, (I’m a primary school teacher) and then finally the day of surgery!
I arrived at the hospital shortly before 9am and was quickly called in and processed. Then I had to wait until 11am for my surgery. Thankfully my sister was with me and we passed the time well. Just before 11 the staff came to get me for the surgery. The PS marked up my breasts with a black sharpie and then I met with the anesthesiologist. I walked to the OR and got myself up on the table. Lots of activity around me and then all of a sudden I’m waking in recovery.
I’m feeling very groggy and nauseous. Nurses tell me to relax and close my eyes. I have no idea what time it is. Later I’m moved into the second recovery room where I’m reunited with my sister. I’m still very nauseous and actually throw up a few times – once on the way to the bathroom. It was decided to keep me overnight and they wheeled me to a bed. The nurses were great and I felt comfortable but still not myself. My back is really sore and it hurts to be reclined partially – lying flat or sitting up is more comfortable. I look down at my breasts and see that they are considerably smaller and my sister laughs because I seem surprised.
The next morning I wake sore but much more myself. I am bored to tears in the hospital because there is absolutely nothing to do and I don’t want to sleep anymore. Finally breakfast arrives and then shortly thereafter my sister. I was glad that I spent the night in the hospital and hadn’t burdened my sister with looking after me in the state I had been in. I almost fainted at one point and had to call a nurse for help.
Next to arrive is my PS. She has a look at the breasts and seems pleased. She informs me that she removed about 700g from each breast and took about 900ccs total in liposuction! Talk about quick weight reduction!
I was given the green light to go home and begin my recovery. At first I was in quite a bit of pain and discouraged because many reviews I’ve read on RealSelf declared little pain. But the more I read, the more I found it was normal to have this amount of pain. The PS did warn me that the lipo would cause the most pain and now on the other side of the surgery, I have to agree.
At 4 days post op still was experiencing pain under my arms. I had a post op appointment with my surgeon on day 4 and she said everything looks good. She removed the gauze and gave me the ok to take a shower.
I was excited to shower and since I had been wearing the surgical bra 24/7 since my surgery, had not really seen the new girls in the mirror. Wow! What a strange feeling to see my breasts looking so small! Sadly, I also saw huge bruises under my arms down to my waist. Doctor said that was normal and could take up to 3 months to go away. It felt good to shower.
Today is Day 6 and I’m experiencing terrible pain under my arms. I forgot to take the Tylenol yesterday afternoon and by the evening really noticed increased pain. I took the Tylenol 4 hrs late and have been catching up. I also got fed up with sleeping on my back and slept on my sides for a bit despite the pain. It was a relief for my back but it may have contributed to my underarms being so painful today.
My pain level is not too bad around the breasts, just the occasional pinching/pulling sensation. It’s my underarms that hurt like crazy. I look forward to that pain subsiding. I’m really hopeful that I’ll be well enough for my cruise in just over 2 weeks. I’ve already been told that swimming is a no, but I plan to enjoy just being on the cruise ship being pampered, doing a little shopping and a lot of relaxing.
I didn’t hear from the PS until July for my appointment in mid-August. The appointment was disappointing. She said that although my breast size met the criteria for BR surgery, I was just too heavy. My BMI was 42 and she said she didn’t do surgery on people over 35. I cried a bit then. I asked again, “You mean if I lose the weight you’ll do the surgery?” She said yes. So I decided then and there to lose the weight.
I didn’t go on any diet, I simply changed how and what I ate. After 2 months I had lost 10 pounds. My sister suggested I call the surgeon to let her know that I was trying to lose the weight. She told me that if I could lose another couple pounds and get my BMI under 40 she would reconsider. I saw her again in mid-October and she agreed to do the surgery. We just needed to wait 4-6 weeks for paperwork to be signed off by OHIP.
Six weeks went by and I heard nothing. I called the surgeon’s office. The nurse was surprised they hadn’t heard back and promised to look into it. This became a pattern for the next 6 weeks until she finally chased down my paper work saying that I had been given approval. Surgery was scheduled for Feb. 17 2017. Meanwhile I continued to lose weight. By the time I had surgery I had lost over 40lbs!
I had about a month to prepare. Tons of paperwork and forms to fill out to get time off work, (I’m a primary school teacher) and then finally the day of surgery!
I arrived at the hospital shortly before 9am and was quickly called in and processed. Then I had to wait until 11am for my surgery. Thankfully my sister was with me and we passed the time well. Just before 11 the staff came to get me for the surgery. The PS marked up my breasts with a black sharpie and then I met with the anesthesiologist. I walked to the OR and got myself up on the table. Lots of activity around me and then all of a sudden I’m waking in recovery.
I’m feeling very groggy and nauseous. Nurses tell me to relax and close my eyes. I have no idea what time it is. Later I’m moved into the second recovery room where I’m reunited with my sister. I’m still very nauseous and actually throw up a few times – once on the way to the bathroom. It was decided to keep me overnight and they wheeled me to a bed. The nurses were great and I felt comfortable but still not myself. My back is really sore and it hurts to be reclined partially – lying flat or sitting up is more comfortable. I look down at my breasts and see that they are considerably smaller and my sister laughs because I seem surprised.
The next morning I wake sore but much more myself. I am bored to tears in the hospital because there is absolutely nothing to do and I don’t want to sleep anymore. Finally breakfast arrives and then shortly thereafter my sister. I was glad that I spent the night in the hospital and hadn’t burdened my sister with looking after me in the state I had been in. I almost fainted at one point and had to call a nurse for help.
Next to arrive is my PS. She has a look at the breasts and seems pleased. She informs me that she removed about 700g from each breast and took about 900ccs total in liposuction! Talk about quick weight reduction!
I was given the green light to go home and begin my recovery. At first I was in quite a bit of pain and discouraged because many reviews I’ve read on RealSelf declared little pain. But the more I read, the more I found it was normal to have this amount of pain. The PS did warn me that the lipo would cause the most pain and now on the other side of the surgery, I have to agree.
At 4 days post op still was experiencing pain under my arms. I had a post op appointment with my surgeon on day 4 and she said everything looks good. She removed the gauze and gave me the ok to take a shower.
I was excited to shower and since I had been wearing the surgical bra 24/7 since my surgery, had not really seen the new girls in the mirror. Wow! What a strange feeling to see my breasts looking so small! Sadly, I also saw huge bruises under my arms down to my waist. Doctor said that was normal and could take up to 3 months to go away. It felt good to shower.
Today is Day 6 and I’m experiencing terrible pain under my arms. I forgot to take the Tylenol yesterday afternoon and by the evening really noticed increased pain. I took the Tylenol 4 hrs late and have been catching up. I also got fed up with sleeping on my back and slept on my sides for a bit despite the pain. It was a relief for my back but it may have contributed to my underarms being so painful today.
My pain level is not too bad around the breasts, just the occasional pinching/pulling sensation. It’s my underarms that hurt like crazy. I look forward to that pain subsiding. I’m really hopeful that I’ll be well enough for my cruise in just over 2 weeks. I’ve already been told that swimming is a no, but I plan to enjoy just being on the cruise ship being pampered, doing a little shopping and a lot of relaxing.
essgee_ca's provider
Replies (8)
February 24, 2017
Hi there
Thanks for your comment on my review.
Wow those bruises under your arm sure do look painful. But your breast are looking great.
Having not seen a before pic of your breasts, are you happy with the resulting size? I'm sure they are still swollen but what a significant about of tissue your PS was able to take. I sure hope my doc can take as much. I'm presently a 32G or H depending on the bra brand and would love to end up a B or C. I've just asked for him to take as much as safely possible. Here's hoping.
I'm sorry the lipo area is causing you so much pain. From my scrolling through RS it appears to be the toughest. My surgeon suggests that I may need a little lipo under my arms but luckily for me most of my fat is in my breast or stomach and flank area. I have always had a fairly small back throughout my weight gains and loses since my twenties.
Are you wearing any time of compression garment for you under arm area? In my research it looks like patients have some relief to lipo sights with compression. I know you are still wearing your surgical bra but perhaps a garment that is like a lighter spanx undershirt were the breast area is left open to wear your own bra might help? I have some for just smoothing the skin when wearing tighter fitting clothes and it may work well for you. You should ask your PS.
It also might be handy to set a timer for your Tylenol so hard to chase pain and get on top of it.
Keep your thoughts on that glorious cruise, imagine reclining in the sun be waited on and looking great while doing it.
Sending lots of healing vibes your way. Keep us posted.
Thanks for your comment on my review.
Wow those bruises under your arm sure do look painful. But your breast are looking great.
Having not seen a before pic of your breasts, are you happy with the resulting size? I'm sure they are still swollen but what a significant about of tissue your PS was able to take. I sure hope my doc can take as much. I'm presently a 32G or H depending on the bra brand and would love to end up a B or C. I've just asked for him to take as much as safely possible. Here's hoping.
I'm sorry the lipo area is causing you so much pain. From my scrolling through RS it appears to be the toughest. My surgeon suggests that I may need a little lipo under my arms but luckily for me most of my fat is in my breast or stomach and flank area. I have always had a fairly small back throughout my weight gains and loses since my twenties.
Are you wearing any time of compression garment for you under arm area? In my research it looks like patients have some relief to lipo sights with compression. I know you are still wearing your surgical bra but perhaps a garment that is like a lighter spanx undershirt were the breast area is left open to wear your own bra might help? I have some for just smoothing the skin when wearing tighter fitting clothes and it may work well for you. You should ask your PS.
It also might be handy to set a timer for your Tylenol so hard to chase pain and get on top of it.
Keep your thoughts on that glorious cruise, imagine reclining in the sun be waited on and looking great while doing it.
Sending lots of healing vibes your way. Keep us posted.
February 24, 2017
Oh, yes, I'm very happy with my breast size, even with the swelling. They are no longer swinging pendulums. My PS said she was planning on taking off as much as possible and I'm happy with the 700g she took off each breast. I feel that that's a lot. It sure does feel lighter and every time I see my breasts without the bra I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm looking forward to buying pretty bras in the discount racks of lingerie (sp?) stores - things I could never do with my bra size previously.
I'm only wearing the surgical bra for compression on my sides. It does cover most of the bruising and seems to help. Most of the lower bruising is gravity pulling the blood down my PS said. I haven't needed a pain pill today so fingers crossed.
I'm only wearing the surgical bra for compression on my sides. It does cover most of the bruising and seems to help. Most of the lower bruising is gravity pulling the blood down my PS said. I haven't needed a pain pill today so fingers crossed.
September 10, 2017
Congrats on the weight loss...and I'm enjoying reading your posts! My one complaint about RS. Everything is in such random order. How is it I haven't found any of your posts in the several months I've been on here? Anyway, I'm three days out. So far so good, but I've been taking extra strength Tylenol pretty regularly. Ok... I'm off to read the rest of your posts!!! :)
UPDATED FROM essgee_ca
7 days post
One Week Post-Op Adding photos. Didn't…
essgee_caFebruary 24, 2017
One Week Post-Op
Adding photos. Didn't think to get a photo of my breasts before reduction - I hated them so much, the last thing I wanted was a photo of them. My sister did convince me to take a clothed photo before and after though. I've also included a photo of my new girls plus the bruising under my arms. Not that I discourage liposuction, (I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run) everyone just needs to be prepared for the recovery of that procedure.
Adding photos. Didn't think to get a photo of my breasts before reduction - I hated them so much, the last thing I wanted was a photo of them. My sister did convince me to take a clothed photo before and after though. I've also included a photo of my new girls plus the bruising under my arms. Not that I discourage liposuction, (I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run) everyone just needs to be prepared for the recovery of that procedure.
Replies (2)
February 25, 2017
Hope you are feeling better! Gotta smile though - you look amazing! You have to be proud - such a huge weight loss!
February 25, 2017
Thanks. It was a lot of work but worth it. I feel great. I'd love to lose more weight so I will continue with my good eating habits and when I'm recovered enough, my exercise.
UPDATED FROM essgee_ca
8 days post
I think I've turned the corner :) I'm in…
essgee_caFebruary 25, 2017
I think I've turned the corner :)
I'm in considerably less pain today. This is more what I expected after surgery. I am pleased that the pain level has decreased - it makes me more excited about my cruise. I can see the light now and figure I WILL enjoy my cruise.
After my shower, I tried on some clothes for the cruise. With all my weight loss most of the stuff is too big, but I did find a couple outfits that still fit. I will have to buy some new tops to wear to dinner as baggy t-shirts just won't do it in the MDR.
One more week and I get to drive and then I'll do some shopping. I'll need some dresses for formal nights. Hopefully I'm strong enough to get in a couple of shopping days.
I'm in considerably less pain today. This is more what I expected after surgery. I am pleased that the pain level has decreased - it makes me more excited about my cruise. I can see the light now and figure I WILL enjoy my cruise.
After my shower, I tried on some clothes for the cruise. With all my weight loss most of the stuff is too big, but I did find a couple outfits that still fit. I will have to buy some new tops to wear to dinner as baggy t-shirts just won't do it in the MDR.
One more week and I get to drive and then I'll do some shopping. I'll need some dresses for formal nights. Hopefully I'm strong enough to get in a couple of shopping days.
Hey there! Welcome, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us! Congratulations on a positive outcome! What's been the most difficult part of your recovery so far?
Thanks for adding your updates and photos. You look fantastic! I'm glad you're feeling a lot better :)