Ready for Change - Dallas, TX

Not a lot to report. I saw Dr. Rumalla last week, and he told me to keep up with the Bio-Corneum, and keep wearing the binder at night (ugh!). I can also increase my exercise a bit, and start using 5lb. weights (and wear the binder any time I am lifting anything). Next visit is in 8 weeks. I am feeling really good, and so so happy with my results. I still get some twinges in my torso, so I don't plan on getting back to bootcamp until January.

Before the surgery I was stressed about the cost, and about spending so much money on myself. Now I feel like it was 1000% worth it, and I wish I'd been able to do this sooner.

These pics were taken exactly 5 weeks after surgery. Poor lighting, but I also feel that everything looks better in person than on screen. I've noticed that my left has dropped more than my right, but I feel like they are starting to even out. My scars are healing well. I have one spot on my L areola that is slow to close & heal, but it's much improved now. On my R areola there is a stitch protruding. It doesn't hurt, isn't infected, and isn't budging. Patience! My chest is feeling tremendously better - little to no soreness. I can flex my chest muscles, and while it feels weird, it's a good sign of healing. My torso is looking & feeling good. It's flattening even more. The scar seems dark to me, but I'm using the scar cream 2x a day as prescribed. I'm still wearing the high waisted underwear, plus the binder 24/7. I will admit that there have been a few times when I couldn't take it anymore, and I switched to a one-piece bodysuit similar to Spanx. It was such a relief to get out of that binder for a few hours! Sleeping is pretty good - mostly flat, with just a little chest discomfort when sleeping on my side.

I have taken some long walks, and feel good about that. No major exercise yet, but lots of chores & running up and down ladders trying to get the house ready for Christmas. Overall I am feeling good with the exception of one day last week. In the afternoon my back started to get sore, then I was having some left side belly pain (probably digestive). I was uncomfortable & nothing was helping. I finally took 1/2 a valium, slept for 8 hours solid and woke up feeling great. The wonders of modern meds! Next appointment is Monday & I am praying (for real praying!) that I can lose the binder & move to a bodysuit compression garment.

Had my 4 week visit on Monday, and these pics are from that day. Today I am exactly 4 weeks PO! Hard to believe that a month ago I was finishing my shower, about to jump in the car & head to the surgery center.

Recap of this week's visit: sutures in the breast crease came out, most of the glue is gone, healing nicely with just one or two small spots to keep an eye on. I can wear an underwire bra now, but no pushup style. I need to keep wearing the high-waisted compression panty, with the elastic binder over it (I am so sick of that binder!!). I can start scar therapy with the Biocorneum serum. One small bottle per week for the next 2 weeks, then move on to the large bottle after that. I can also exercise, but low impact only (no running). No massage, he says they are falling into place on their own, and the right one will catch up to the left. He asked what my husband thought so far, and I told him honestly that he thought they would be bigger. He reminded me that given the width of my breast, he would not have gone bigger because it would have resulted in more side boob, not greater projection. I appreciate the honesty. I'm happy with the size, especially given my height and how physically active I am. I am wearing a 38DD, just Dr. Rumalla predicted.

How I'm feeling: Overall, good. I still feel my breasts more than the TT. I only feel the TT when I twist (looking over my shoulder while driving) or sneeze. I find that if I "stretch" my chest a bit (low arm circles, etc.,) that my chest feels much better. I am laying flatter at night to sleep. Swelling goes up and down and I don't worry too much about it. I took my first 40 minute walk this morning, finishing with some squats and lunges. It feels like I'm starting over, but I know it will get easier again soon. I am really over wearing that binder, but I'm a good patient, and will keep it on until he says I can be done. I'm very happy with my results so far, and know they will continue to get better as I heal more & get back to my regular exercise. I don't think the pictures look as good as the in-person results.