Pre op - Surgery is scheduled for April 18

Over the years, my weight has been up and down. I ended up having weight loss surgery over 15 years ago. I have managed to stay around 115 pounds for the last year or so but unfortunately now have no butt to speak of. I had a BBL in 2022, in Miami, when I was about 30 pounds heavier than I am now. The fat transferred during the BBL did not stay, but as I said, I did lose some weight also. Needless to say, that was a horrible and somewhat traumatizing experience. I am a healthcare professional and thought I did my due diligence, but I was wrong. I should have backed out, but I didn't. (many problematic things, like the nurse who was going to cancel my surgery because I didn't have a pre-op mammogram....for a BBL, not touching breasts at all....or making me pay for a pregnancy test...I've had a total hysterectomy, clearly indicated in my PCP clearance/physical...also, absolutely zero post-op pain meds, just ibuprofen).
I spend a lot of time in a swimsuit in the summer, on a boat, etc. I totally hate my butt. It's completely flat and saggy. Makes me very self-conscious. I have had tailbone issues for several years, but even more so since losing weight. I really, really want some extra padding!
I was (an still am) extremely skeptical of butt implants. I have been somewhat obsessive about reading reviews, etc due to my horrible BBL experience. I am realistic and do understand that I will likely need a lower butt lift or something to remove extra skin, and I will reevaluate this in the fall after the implants have had a little time to settle, etc. I have had 6 plastics consults...a couple locally and the others are out of town. Affordability is a factor also, as well as time away from home. Nobody does implants locally. I consulted with Widder, Nykial, Mendieta, Shifrin....Mendieta was an absolute no, Widder was really nice but expensive and only does subfascial placement, Nykial was also really nice and decently priced but wants you to stay in LA for 2 weeks, which just isn't an option right now, but I would have been comfortable choosing him. Stanton was not an option strictly due to costs. That leaves Dr. Shifrin. The virtual consult went well, he was polite and friendly. Scheduled an in-person consult for the next week, and met with him very briefly at the office. While they did take photos, he did not physically examine me. I am guessing this will happen just prior to surgery. Everyone at the office was nice and scheduling has been a breeze so far. Surgery is scheduled for April 18. I will be arriving in Chicago the night prior and staying in a hotel for at least 5 days. I still have a lot of uncertainty about the procedure itself and the recovery. I consider myself to be pretty tough, but I am pretty scared. I have reached out to a couple of ladies here on Real Self, and they have been very helpful and supportive. I am thankful for their honesty. More updates to come.

Well, I woke up at seven after only a few hours of sleep, showered and grabbed myself down with the antibacterial soap as directed. I arrived at the surgery center at nine and sign some papers and submitted a urine sample but we did wait about two hours before I was taken to the Surgical area. They had me change into a gown and nonslip socks, and also put the bear hugger on my bed which I was extremely grateful for because I hate being cold. The nurse took some vital signs and she was going to start an IV, but I don’t think she felt comfortable with my veins so the anesthesiologist came and did it himself . He was really great questions and medical history. The IV was nearly painless. He gave me a little versed, Decadron and Zofran in my IV before wheeling me off to the operating room. Next thing I know I broke up in recovery of course I was pretty sore and couldn’t stop shaking, which always happens to me after surgery. my left leg had some like spasms that did stop eventually I’ve been back in the hotel room since about 2 o’clock and I would say the pain is probably about an eight out of 1 to 10 is manageable with medications for sure I have not had any nausea and haven’t started my antibiotics yet until I get some food and here soon. The doctor was only able to insert a 360 cc implant safely. Slightly disappointed about this was hoping for a little bigger however I wanted him to do what is safe with the fewest complications possible. We are going to reassess in six months for possible skin removal and at that point if I want to go bigger with the implant I can. so just laying around a lot today trying to get some rest and I keep telling myself, “this too shall pass”. Also, I bought the very large ice packs on Amazon. I think they are 11 x 14, reusable and I am so glad I bought these. The ice seems to really help a lot with spasms and pain. Highly recommend them.

Pain is slightly less today and I am moving a bit easier. I still can’t put my own shoes/socks on yet. It’s difficult to get comfortable sleeping but better than yesterday., I had my postop appointment Today and he is happy with the way, everything looks. Still having quite a bit of drainage from the right side, but not much from the left. Although, the left seems to be more sore. I asked him if I could go home tomorrow, laying in the back of my SUV and he agreed with us, he is also going to let me take my drains out at home on Wednesday. We are doing a virtual visit. My husband is a paramedic and I am a nurse and and have removed my own drains before. I’m still using pain medication regularly and also taking half a Valium that I had left over from my breast surgery, which I think has helped a lot with the spasms in my butt cheeks. I’m ready to be at home in my own bed, snuggling with a cat.