Time flies...
I've never exactly been *thrilled* with the size...
I've never exactly been *thrilled* with the size of my chest, but especially since my husband and I got together I've at least been comfortable in my own skin. Too comfortable, really - I gained a bit of weight in the first 5yrs we were together (5'2", went from ~120# to 162#). On the plus side, my boobs filled out a little. The downside, of course, was the extra around my middle - especially since we are avid boaters and I spend basically 6mos out of the year in a swimsuit! Last January, I decided enough was enough, and began actively working to lose weight. By about Sept/Oct I was back to ~125#, with a much slimmed waistline (still a little bit of a pooch, which I'm still working on) and I've maintained that since.
A couple months ago, I had just finished a run on my treadmill and caught a profile glimpse of myself - still in my sports bra - and was shocked at how much of my chest I had lost as part of my weight loss!! That was the turning point for me. Of course, I'd noticed that my VS add-2-sizes bras weren't quite fitting the same anymore, and tend to gap (quite a bit) at the top of the cup, but it really hadn't sunk in exactly how deflated I'd become. Fortunately, I mostly wear scrubs so it wasn't hard to hide the gapping.
My husband has been very supportive through the whole process - he made it very clear from that first day that he didn't feel that I needed BA, but would be there for me if that's what I wanted to do. He went with me to both PS consults, and helped me sort through the pros and cons of everything - from weighing the general risk/benefits of surgery, to which surgeon to use, to the silicone/saline debate, and so much more.
I found it interesting that both PS' I saw really seemed to push silicone. I had gone into the appointments certain that I wanted saline, but after talking with them I really was questioning that. I did a lot of my own research - emphasis on peer-reviewed journal articles, preferably with large sample sizes and evidence of statistical significance, but also various forums and one-on-one conversations with friends who'd had BAs. Ultimately I did stick with my original decision - I just felt more comfortable with the overall long term risk level of saline over silicone.
The PS I chose also really pushed use of anatomic implants if using saline - I ended up going against that recommendation and choosing round, again based on my own comfort level with the information I had available to me. I struggled with the smooth/textured issue, and really felt I wanted smooth but did opt to go with the PS recommendation of textured - figured I probably should do something as per his recommendations, and the rationale he provided did make sense (each had its own set of pros/cons, neither with any one thing that really pushed me in that direction).
As far as size my main goals were that they look fairly natural, don't interfere or cause discomfort with running, and provide a nice shape with some decent cleavage. The first PS I went to recommended nothing more than 350cc's. I "tried on" the 350s, 325s, and 300s. I had my husband take front and side pics of the 350s and 325s so I could look at them later and have more time to reflect on what I wanted. At the 2nd appt, the PS recommended between 260 and 300cc's. I tried both of those, and really felt the 260s just weren't quite enough. I wasn't convinced the 300's were really enough, either, but was basically told he wasn't willing to go any bigger than that with me, based on my measurements. Again I had my husband take pics with the 300s. Later that day - and in the days to follow - I looked through the various pics and realized that I actually did prefer the 300s. (I also did the 3D imaging thing).
So now I'm just 2 days away from surgery, and anxiously awaiting the results. I've certainly got a little case of nerves - not so much related to the surgery itself, but more so the results. What if it doesn't turn out like I'm hoping? What if they end up looking like torpedos on my chest, jutting straight out? What if they're completely uneven or pointing weird directions? What if I'm in that teeny-tiny percentile of women who deflate within a couple months - or have any other of the cosmetically undesirable complications? (Of the women I know who've had BAs, none have had any problems - statistically speaking, I could easily be the one to have all the issues!)
Ultimately I am comfortable with my choice of PS and will just have to trust in his experience and expertise. I am comfortable with my choice to have a BA. I have accepted the risks involved - though that doesn't mean I'll like it if a complication arises LOL! Just normal preop jitters, I guess....
hm331's provider
Day of surgery and post-op morning 1: My...
My husband and I arrived just a little before the office opened - my first order of business was to get the mandatory pregnancy test out if the way (I'd had to pee since before we left home - about a 30-40min drive - because I knew I'd have to do the test, so I felt like I was ready to explode!) as soon as we walked in, they shuttlede back to the bathroom, then immediately into the prep room for final review of medical history, vitals, and starting my IV. I was a kittle confused at first, since tge nurse said we'd be putting in 240s - at my pre-op visit I'd decided on 300s. She explained that due to the overfilling, the implant size itself has to be a little smaller than the fill volume, which I knew that they'd be overfilled, just didn't think about which size implant would be necessary for that amt of fill. The nurse anesthetist talked theough the entire anesthesia plan while getting my IV inserted, so no surprises there. Got an antibiotic through the IV, PS came in to do his markings , then one more trip to the bathroom and it was time to say "see ya" to my husband. I was led into the OR, where I again met my nurse anesthetist and said hi to the care coordinator. Climbed up on the table and got comfy, the anesthetist told me he'd given me a sedative, and then I woke up in recovery a few hours later!
I'm not really on anything for pain except mostly Tylenol; I did get 1 Tylox in recovery and she sent 1 home with me. So far I've held off on taking that one and have just used Tylenol (2-500s every 6hrs), but I may have to crack out the heavier hitter later on.
I've had to do some arm range of motion exercises hourly since waking up in recovery, and those kind of suck (especially on the right) but my range was steadily improving every time yesterday. Also they had me lay on my stomach for 15min - THAT was killer! I'm so glad my husband was here to help with getting in and out of that position! Once I was actually flat on my belly, it wasn't too horrible, but moving in and out of position just absolutely sucked! My pain is actually still a little worse overall after having done that, but hopefully it'll continue to back down more and more throughout the day.
From a size perspective, I started my day yesterday as a 34A/32B; not sure exactly where I am now (aside from saying 300cc right and 295cc left), as there's still quite a bit if swelling. I *am* sure that I do actually have boobs now, which is the important part!
Overall I'm pretty pleased with the results. Ready for all the pain/soreness to go away, but I'm just trying to be patient with it and not overdo anything.
Well, since I'm awake I suppose I better get back on those exercises! Need to be ready for whatever they throw at me this p.m. at my post-op visit!
Here's to hoping the rest of you who've just had (or are about to have) your BA have a great experience, too!
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Thanks so much for your wonderful story and update. It's great reading what your op day was like! Make sure you stay on top of the pain and don't let it get too bad before you take your meds. Looking forward to more updates as you continue to heal!
The rest of Post-op day 1: Well, I didn't do a...
Well, I didn't do a whole lot throughout the day. I basically was on the couch except for getting up to go to the bathroom until it was time to go back for my post-op visit. While there, the care coordinator removed the gauze dressings, taught me the massage techniques, and issued my post-op bra. I'm to wear it for 2wks, 24hrs a day except showering. As for the massage, the left one really wasn't too bad - the right, on the other hand, was exquisitely tender. I'm pretty certain this massage stuff will not be one of my fondest memories of the whole process! LOL. I also learned that I have to continue laying on my stomach 15min every day for the next 4-6wks. Ugh! I did learn from Wednesday night that trying to do that on the floor was not the best plan, so I decided to try a modified, controlled "dive" onto the couch. It went better for getting into position, but then I was stuck half on and half off the couch as I was trying to get up again! Good thing my husband was there - after he got done laughing (I'm sure I resembled a bug trying to right itself!) he was able to help lift my shoulders up off the couch. Shortly after that, it was time for the massage techniques again. Oy.
I was able to shower after my postop visit, so I took advantage of the warm water to just soak and let my muscles try to relax a little. Unfortunately, between the effort and the hot water, I was exhausted and a little dizzy afterwards. I also still had my scopolamine patch on, which may have contributed to the dizziness. Had to sit on the edge of the tub and rest my head on the vanity for a few minutes. Eventually I was able to get into the bedroom and stacked both pillows to prop myself up. I didn't get propped quite enough, though, so I had to call for help getting up. Luckily I can get up from the couch without much difficulty. :)
Post-op day 2:
I'm flying solo today; my husband went back to work so I've been fending for myself with everything today. Was able to venture out of the house for ~4hrs; 1st met some friends for coffee and then met the hubs for lunch. Driving wasn't too bad, though it was at times tricky to manage opening/closing the doors, putting on a seat belt, and particularly turning corners. I think I'm done for the day now, though. 4hrs of activity is plenty to start with. Got home, propped myself into the recliner, and put some peas on my sore spots. Luckily, it's also time for my next Tylenol dose.
When I first woke up this morning (1:30am), I was able to get up off the couch and go to the bathroom, as well as return my no-longer-frozen peas to the freezer and then took my Tylenol dose and did my arm exercises. I find it easier to reposition myself on the couch, as I tend to literally use my head along with my feet to help scoot myself around into different positions. I managed to get back to sleep til a little after 5, when I heard the hubs up and moving around. By 6, I was back asleep again til ~7:30, at which point I was ready for my next dose of Tylenol and exercises. I ended up doing my massage in the shower, which seemed to make it a little more tolerable.
Things are definitely more sore overall today - I'm counting on that being related to delayed-onset muscle soreness (you know that soreness that comes along and really kicks your butt on the 2nd day after beginning a new workout?). I figure the muscles were VERY affected (between being cut and being stretched like crazy) and since today is my 2nd day after surgery, I'm counting on it getting better after today. Or at least that's what I'm hoping! My rib cage is wicked tender all the way around, and the outside aspect below my right boob fluctuates between general soreness and sharp/burning pangs. My best guess for that is there's likely a cutaneous nerve that got tagged with the incision. The ice packs do seem to help with it.
The weird part today is that it feels like it's "popping' more - and that may not really be the best word to describe it. It's almost a ratcheting feel, like things are shifting around or there is air/fluid in the pocket that's being pushed around. Just sitting still, I don't feel anything like that - it's only when I'm moving my arms around or pushing/pulling on something.
The rest of today's plan pretty much consists of resting, resting, and more resting. I'm glad to have been able to get up and out of the house today, especially since we're planning to go to the boat show in St Louis tomorrow (which generally ends up being a really looooooong day/night with a large group of friends). Should be 2.5hrs in the car, then lots of walking/standing. At least there are various places to sit and rest at the show, plus the hotel is close to the convention center! I have to admit I'm a little nervous about sleeping in a bed again though...
Oh, as an aside, a valuable lesson was learned today: when using a public bathroom and going in/out of the stalls, remember that you now need a few extra inches of clearance - I ended up hitting myself in the boob with the door as I was going out of the stall! (I used the handicapped stalls after that - much wider doors! LOL)
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