POSTED UNDER Body Lift Reviews
46 Years Young - LBL with Gluteal lift + BL with BA (350cc Medium Plus profile Round/Silicone Implants) Incl Lipo - Deakin, AU
UPDATED FROM rubilicious_red
1 month post
Last doctors visit and returning to the real world .....
WORTH IT$35,000
I had my second post-op visit with my doctor on Wed, 11 November, this went well and my Dr was so happy with my progress, as am I.
On this visit, the tape that was put on my incisions after my surgery dressings were removed came off. Thankfully all scars are healing well, although I have to admit, seeing them really freaked me out. I have a really weak stomach when it comes to that sort of stuff and I knew that other than my sleep deprivation, this would be my next hurdle.
Dr Milovic wants my scars to breathe and be lightly massaged with a neutral moisturiser (I am using the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream) on a daily basis for about 10 days. I will then start using the silicone tape on the scars, so other than wearing my compression garment, I am 'unprotected'. I will be honest, I left the office and burst into tears, I was so scared that I was going to 'split in half'!!! Totally irrational and a bit dramatic but I couldn't control my thoughts on this.
The next morning I had a complete panic attack at the thought of having a shower, I was hysterical, I couldn't control my head space and still thought that if I got my scars wet I would split in half. My husband talked me through it and I got me in the shower - I calmed down after a minute or so, I love my showers.
Unsurprisingly, I didn't split in half, and yes, I did feel like a complete nutbag.
I am so surprised at how much I can cry (I could stand outside and irrigate my garden!) and how irrational that I can be, this is not my personality but at the moment, I think this journey is trying to teach me something. Hopefully I work it out soon or I will have to get a job on Days of Our Lives as the moody, cry-on-demand freak that everyone wants to smack in the back of the head.
I am really happy with my surgeries.....Dr Vlad has done a beautiful job and the rest of the shaping will be up to me when I can start exercising 'properly' again. I walk 6 kms most days, in split sessions, as requested by Dr Vlad. But I am dying to exercise on my terms again, that is a major cause of my moodiness and emotional craziness.
I spent a lot of time prior to my surgery preparing for THE surgery. I set up my recovery suite but I didn't really give too much consideration to much else post-surgery. Retrospectively, the surgery for me was the easiest part, I had a brilliant, best in his field anaesthetist and a truly skilled and professional surgeon. I was also lucky to be at a well-equipped, boutique private hospital for 7 days to recover from the worst of the operation.
Stop there........
The first week post-op, other than a couple of hurdles (getting out of bed for the first time, not being able to shower, nausea from certain pain meds), was the easiest part of this journey as far as I am concerned.
The second week post-op, I was OK with as well.
Week 3 and 4 have been crazy. I didn't expect the depression, the hysterical crying, the feeling of helplessness and the sadness of watching life go on as usual for everyone else while I was in struggle-town.
I still cannot move around easily, everything takes a lot of thought and energy to do: sitting down, lying down, getting up, moving around, going to the toilet etc. I cannot remember being able to do simple things easily or having a full, uninterrupted nights sleep (which I am yearning for!!).
All your nerves are on end, every part of you is hyper-sensitive and driving in a car is actually uncomfortable and at times painful - you feel every little bump in the road and speed humps are your enemy!!!
My boobs kind of burn (again, nerve pain), they look so beautiful yet they hurt so much - this is completely normal by the way.
I know this should start calming down in the next few weeks, and I am not one to EVER wish any part of my life away but I look forward to the next few weeks trotting along quickly.
Everyone contemplating surgery, and especially, multiple surgeries needs to prepare themselves for after the operation. Prepare for the worst case scenarios because if it is not that bad then you will be elated and pleasantly surprised.
Would I do it again?
YES!!!! In a heartbeat........
I freakin' love my new body, in its beginning stages - it will only get better over the next 12 months and I am so excited for that journey. It will all be worth it in the end.
I am so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to have these life changing surgeries, I cannot thank my husband enough for supporting and encouraging me to do this for ME - for nobody else but me. I am also thankful to my daughter, my Mum and my special urban family (my gorgeous, loving and supportive friends), who have loved me no matter what along this rocky road, I feel so blessed.
I return back to work on Monday, I am lucky to have an amazing employer and understanding work peers that know that I am not 'match-fit' for my job at the moment. My memory is awful and that worries me a little but I know once I walk through the doors, it will all start coming good. They know that sometimes I will not be able to work a full day in the first week or so but I also feel that returning back to the 'real' world will help my recovery 100% because I feel I have started to internalise too much and that is never a good thing.
Please do not think that this instalment was about me being whingey and whiny - it is about hopefully helping someone else be a little more prepared mentally/emotionally for this life changing journey than I was. I do laugh a lot too........
I will be taking some photos of how my scars are progressing and how my body is settling at post 4 weeks. I still am holding a bit of fluid and swelling (mainly tummy and thighs) but I am so much better than I was for the first 3 weeks....
Thanks for reading/listening.....sometimes you just need to get it out in writing, it is very therapeutic.
Take care of you x
On this visit, the tape that was put on my incisions after my surgery dressings were removed came off. Thankfully all scars are healing well, although I have to admit, seeing them really freaked me out. I have a really weak stomach when it comes to that sort of stuff and I knew that other than my sleep deprivation, this would be my next hurdle.
Dr Milovic wants my scars to breathe and be lightly massaged with a neutral moisturiser (I am using the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream) on a daily basis for about 10 days. I will then start using the silicone tape on the scars, so other than wearing my compression garment, I am 'unprotected'. I will be honest, I left the office and burst into tears, I was so scared that I was going to 'split in half'!!! Totally irrational and a bit dramatic but I couldn't control my thoughts on this.
The next morning I had a complete panic attack at the thought of having a shower, I was hysterical, I couldn't control my head space and still thought that if I got my scars wet I would split in half. My husband talked me through it and I got me in the shower - I calmed down after a minute or so, I love my showers.
Unsurprisingly, I didn't split in half, and yes, I did feel like a complete nutbag.
I am so surprised at how much I can cry (I could stand outside and irrigate my garden!) and how irrational that I can be, this is not my personality but at the moment, I think this journey is trying to teach me something. Hopefully I work it out soon or I will have to get a job on Days of Our Lives as the moody, cry-on-demand freak that everyone wants to smack in the back of the head.
I am really happy with my surgeries.....Dr Vlad has done a beautiful job and the rest of the shaping will be up to me when I can start exercising 'properly' again. I walk 6 kms most days, in split sessions, as requested by Dr Vlad. But I am dying to exercise on my terms again, that is a major cause of my moodiness and emotional craziness.
I spent a lot of time prior to my surgery preparing for THE surgery. I set up my recovery suite but I didn't really give too much consideration to much else post-surgery. Retrospectively, the surgery for me was the easiest part, I had a brilliant, best in his field anaesthetist and a truly skilled and professional surgeon. I was also lucky to be at a well-equipped, boutique private hospital for 7 days to recover from the worst of the operation.
Stop there........
The first week post-op, other than a couple of hurdles (getting out of bed for the first time, not being able to shower, nausea from certain pain meds), was the easiest part of this journey as far as I am concerned.
The second week post-op, I was OK with as well.
Week 3 and 4 have been crazy. I didn't expect the depression, the hysterical crying, the feeling of helplessness and the sadness of watching life go on as usual for everyone else while I was in struggle-town.
I still cannot move around easily, everything takes a lot of thought and energy to do: sitting down, lying down, getting up, moving around, going to the toilet etc. I cannot remember being able to do simple things easily or having a full, uninterrupted nights sleep (which I am yearning for!!).
All your nerves are on end, every part of you is hyper-sensitive and driving in a car is actually uncomfortable and at times painful - you feel every little bump in the road and speed humps are your enemy!!!
My boobs kind of burn (again, nerve pain), they look so beautiful yet they hurt so much - this is completely normal by the way.
I know this should start calming down in the next few weeks, and I am not one to EVER wish any part of my life away but I look forward to the next few weeks trotting along quickly.
Everyone contemplating surgery, and especially, multiple surgeries needs to prepare themselves for after the operation. Prepare for the worst case scenarios because if it is not that bad then you will be elated and pleasantly surprised.
Would I do it again?
YES!!!! In a heartbeat........
I freakin' love my new body, in its beginning stages - it will only get better over the next 12 months and I am so excited for that journey. It will all be worth it in the end.
I am so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to have these life changing surgeries, I cannot thank my husband enough for supporting and encouraging me to do this for ME - for nobody else but me. I am also thankful to my daughter, my Mum and my special urban family (my gorgeous, loving and supportive friends), who have loved me no matter what along this rocky road, I feel so blessed.
I return back to work on Monday, I am lucky to have an amazing employer and understanding work peers that know that I am not 'match-fit' for my job at the moment. My memory is awful and that worries me a little but I know once I walk through the doors, it will all start coming good. They know that sometimes I will not be able to work a full day in the first week or so but I also feel that returning back to the 'real' world will help my recovery 100% because I feel I have started to internalise too much and that is never a good thing.
Please do not think that this instalment was about me being whingey and whiny - it is about hopefully helping someone else be a little more prepared mentally/emotionally for this life changing journey than I was. I do laugh a lot too........
I will be taking some photos of how my scars are progressing and how my body is settling at post 4 weeks. I still am holding a bit of fluid and swelling (mainly tummy and thighs) but I am so much better than I was for the first 3 weeks....
Thanks for reading/listening.....sometimes you just need to get it out in writing, it is very therapeutic.
Take care of you x
rubilicious_red's provider
Replies (4)
November 15, 2015
I totally understand you! I am in the Same boat! Lucky I don't have to go back to work like you do I just couldn't imagine that! I can barely walk to the bathroom and do my laps and I'm exhausted!
I was like you about the shower! Today my husband and daughter said it would be good to take a shower without the tegaderm tape on ever thing except for my belly button ( which I have yet to see!) and my last two drains! I am up at our house in the cape my husband thought it would be quieter than home! So he takes all the tape off and I nervously get in the shower! I gently wash everything freaking out the entire time and missing my shower chair that I have at home! Was worried I would pass out but made it! Then my husband taped everything back up with new tapes! I have a few spots that need gauze and antibacterial like under both my breasts, where two of the drains came out and freaked a bit when under one of my breasts was bleeding a bit! My husband fixed it and I'm all fluffed again!
Monday I am hoping to get my last two drains out and hoping that makes a difference! Next. Saturday we go to Boston for an overnight and I don't know how I'm going to keep up with everyone. So wanted to be further along by now but can't rush want to heal right!
Have an easy day at work! Love that I have someone who knows how all this feels!
I was like you about the shower! Today my husband and daughter said it would be good to take a shower without the tegaderm tape on ever thing except for my belly button ( which I have yet to see!) and my last two drains! I am up at our house in the cape my husband thought it would be quieter than home! So he takes all the tape off and I nervously get in the shower! I gently wash everything freaking out the entire time and missing my shower chair that I have at home! Was worried I would pass out but made it! Then my husband taped everything back up with new tapes! I have a few spots that need gauze and antibacterial like under both my breasts, where two of the drains came out and freaked a bit when under one of my breasts was bleeding a bit! My husband fixed it and I'm all fluffed again!
Monday I am hoping to get my last two drains out and hoping that makes a difference! Next. Saturday we go to Boston for an overnight and I don't know how I'm going to keep up with everyone. So wanted to be further along by now but can't rush want to heal right!
Have an easy day at work! Love that I have someone who knows how all this feels!
November 15, 2015
Once those drains are out Mermaid you will feel 100% better, they are awful. You cannot start real healing until it is only about you and the drains are debilitating.
Work will be interesting but I am ready for life to normalise a little but I would have maybe liked an extra week, although I am lucky to have been able to have 4 and a half weeks so I am not complaining.
Good luck on Monday, I hope you get to say Au Revoir to your last two drains and that in the days leading up to Boston you get a bit of extra healing in so you can enjoy the best part of it all.
Take care.
Work will be interesting but I am ready for life to normalise a little but I would have maybe liked an extra week, although I am lucky to have been able to have 4 and a half weeks so I am not complaining.
Good luck on Monday, I hope you get to say Au Revoir to your last two drains and that in the days leading up to Boston you get a bit of extra healing in so you can enjoy the best part of it all.
Take care.
November 16, 2015
Oh Rubi, I am so sorry to hear you've had such a rough couple of weeks and do hope your first day at work was ok! Things will improve greatly over the next four weeks or so. I was 8 weeks before I felt like my good old self again and able to move with ease and walk any distance without feeling like my guts were going to spill out on the floor in front of me. I am astounded you're walking 6kms most days and not so sure that's a good idea after such an enormous operation, whether that be doctor's orders or not! There was no way I could have walked 60 metres, let alone 6kms at 4 weeks, And I only had a 180 degree cut.
As you know it's an exhausting recovery, excruciatingly uncomfortable and the most simple of tasks really do wear you out. I'm not lecturing, but feel really worried for you that you're not giving yourself a chance to rest and heal. The recovery really does take time... and lots of it. Listen to your body, don't push yourself and save the long walks and exercise routine for when you're a little further along with your recovery. You've got the rest of your life to get fit and your body is not going to turn to custard because you haven't exercised for a few weeks. You looks absolutely brilliant already, so imagine what you'll be when you have your energy back and are capable of exercising properly.
I so look forward to your warts, scars and all pics and hope the coming weeks improve out of sight for you. Take care, slow down and I'm thinking of you xx
As you know it's an exhausting recovery, excruciatingly uncomfortable and the most simple of tasks really do wear you out. I'm not lecturing, but feel really worried for you that you're not giving yourself a chance to rest and heal. The recovery really does take time... and lots of it. Listen to your body, don't push yourself and save the long walks and exercise routine for when you're a little further along with your recovery. You've got the rest of your life to get fit and your body is not going to turn to custard because you haven't exercised for a few weeks. You looks absolutely brilliant already, so imagine what you'll be when you have your energy back and are capable of exercising properly.
I so look forward to your warts, scars and all pics and hope the coming weeks improve out of sight for you. Take care, slow down and I'm thinking of you xx
November 16, 2015
You are so beautiful Stickybeak and you are right, I was pushing myself a little too hard and Dr Vlad gave me a good kick in the behind. I have taken a little break from everything and I just walk maximum 3 kms per day but I break them up to half morning and half night. I was a bit naughty caused by impatience, I am lucky I didn't cause myself any harm or damage.
Thank you for being there, your words always make me feel at ease and stronger.
Work yesterday was actually quite nice, I work with some amazing humans who are very caring, supportive and made sure I only worked a few hours so I didn't over do it - and they are male work colleagues. Very special individuals.
I hope all is well with you Stickybeak, I hope life is treating you spectacularly as you deserve.
Thank you for being there, your words always make me feel at ease and stronger.
Work yesterday was actually quite nice, I work with some amazing humans who are very caring, supportive and made sure I only worked a few hours so I didn't over do it - and they are male work colleagues. Very special individuals.
I hope all is well with you Stickybeak, I hope life is treating you spectacularly as you deserve.
November 16, 2015
Good to hear work went well Rubi. It's always nice to get back to the real world again. Well, I must say I'm glad Dr Vlad gave you a kick in the bum LOL, and I thought I was his only super naughty patient! He is absolutely right, take it easy! Life is good in my patch. Hurry up with those photos and have a wonderful week :-)
November 16, 2015
Sending a big hug to you. We're all here for you :)
You might want to check out this Q&A that discusses some of the feelings you're going through. I hope it helps. Let us know how you're doing.
November 16, 2015
Thanks Gina, I will definitely look through the link.
Day after day keeps getting better.
Day after day keeps getting better.
Replies (3)
November 6, 2015
Nice to see your face Rubilicious!! Hey you look amazing, i'm so happy for you =)
November 7, 2015
Hi edh!!!
How are you going lovely?
I thought it was time to put a face to my blog, I am proud of who I am and everything I have gone through. All my RS friends have been great support and inspiration to me - I am embracing my new life now.
How are you going lovely?
I thought it was time to put a face to my blog, I am proud of who I am and everything I have gone through. All my RS friends have been great support and inspiration to me - I am embracing my new life now.
November 7, 2015
Also edh, my Doctor has just opened his practice in East Sydney. I have been meaning to tell you darling. I know you are searching for someone to start your journey with in 2016.
November 7, 2015
Yay!! I love hearing that. I'm so glad all is well with you. It must feel like a huge weight lifted (haha no pun intended) to say that it is behind you now and just continue healing and moving on with your life. I'm ok. I have been researching surgeons. I had a skype appointment with one in Melbourne (im in Sydney) mainly because he was highly recommended (5 stars on Realself + lots of positive reviews) but also as he was offering a free consult if you mentioned Realself. Anyway it didnt go well. I found him to be arrogant. So i wiped him off the list. Next i went to see a top surgeon here in Sydney. Also highly recommended on Realself. That was a lot better in terms of feeling comfortable with his manner but im not sure he really hit the mark with his strategy if that makes sense. I appreciate that these people are surgeons and they clearly know a lot more than me in regards to what is achievable but if i already have skin laxity on the inside of my thighs i don't think merely liposuction is going to work as it will leave the skin just as loose, perhaps even worse. Anyway i have taken it all on board but i still feel i haven't found the right guy yet. In the meantime i have been speaking at length with my health fund and have been guided to a surgeon highly reputable here in Sydney who is registered with them which means in terms of billing i won't need to pay out of pocket for hospital or anaesthetist, even initially, as the doctor bills the health fund direct and they sort it out between themselves. This is a real bonus for me as it means 1. i don't have to come up with the money in the first place and 2. i dont have to chase around making claims afterwards. I will only need to fund the surgeon's fees. It's been a huge learning curve for me in regards to the health insurance, there are so many things to learn and understand to make sure i am maximising my cover. Although price is not really a deciding factor (wow that sounds like i have money to burn...no i dont!!), its more about the credibility of the surgeon, experience etc and trust. Anyway I'm not planning to see this new guy until next year now. I need to wait until October 2016 before i have served my waiting period and so i figure i have lots of time to make a careful and considered decision. I am very much an intuitive feeling person, so it has to feel right. It's lovely to see your face, you sure are gorgeous!! sending warm wishes for healing =)
November 14, 2015
It is great to have time on your side, you will have plenty of time to research and make sure your decisions are right.
Just make sure you have at least 4 weeks to recover, with everything I had done and I am at the end of 4 weeks leave, I could do with at least an extra week. But in another way I think I will start healing better once I get back into ' normal' life. Everything just takes so long to do....showering, moisturising, light massaging....I will have to wake up an hour earlier so that I can be at work time.
You have to feel 100% confident with your Doctor and that you are more than happy with her/his portfolio of work for your surgeries. You will know.
I only saw one Doctor and I knew he was the one.....
Just make sure you have at least 4 weeks to recover, with everything I had done and I am at the end of 4 weeks leave, I could do with at least an extra week. But in another way I think I will start healing better once I get back into ' normal' life. Everything just takes so long to do....showering, moisturising, light massaging....I will have to wake up an hour earlier so that I can be at work time.
You have to feel 100% confident with your Doctor and that you are more than happy with her/his portfolio of work for your surgeries. You will know.
I only saw one Doctor and I knew he was the one.....
November 12, 2015
Love love love your story and inspiration Rubygirlie
Recovering in bed, I just read your journey and giggled to see the last photo with lipstick that shouts
Heyyyy, Look at Me!
Recovering in bed, I just read your journey and giggled to see the last photo with lipstick that shouts
Heyyyy, Look at Me!
November 12, 2015
You are so gorgeous!
Thank you for your message, I am pretty happy with everything I have had done and I cannot wait to be at the end of my recovery so that I can start exercising and toning all the hard work my Dr has put in.
You gotta be proud and after everything I have been through I am pretty damn proud!
I hope your recovery is going well, how are you feeling?
Thank you for your message, I am pretty happy with everything I have had done and I cannot wait to be at the end of my recovery so that I can start exercising and toning all the hard work my Dr has put in.
You gotta be proud and after everything I have been through I am pretty damn proud!
I hope your recovery is going well, how are you feeling?
UPDATED FROM rubilicious_red
21 days post
Photos taken at 2 weeks post-op on Monday, 26 October
Photos as promised.
Replies (4)
November 6, 2015
You look lovely RS friend. I am having a complete overhaul done so to speak in less than two weeks. I'm excited yet nervous at the same time. I wish I will have a success story to tell my RS friends.. Wish me luck.
November 6, 2015
Hi Freemoon,
How exciting! Don't be nervous, this will be the best decision of your life, it definitely was for me.
Are you doing a blog as well?
I found doing this to be very therapeutic and I am not a very 'put it out there to the public' kind of person. It helped me recognise my old self and embrace my new self, especially doing the before and after photos AND putting them out there for everyone to see.
I am so glad that I have done it and maybe helped others along the way, the other reviews (blogs) that I read and the before and after photos were my inspiration to take the plunge.
I will be following you to see how you go lovely and if you need anything I am happy to be there.
Good luck, but you won't need it!
How exciting! Don't be nervous, this will be the best decision of your life, it definitely was for me.
Are you doing a blog as well?
I found doing this to be very therapeutic and I am not a very 'put it out there to the public' kind of person. It helped me recognise my old self and embrace my new self, especially doing the before and after photos AND putting them out there for everyone to see.
I am so glad that I have done it and maybe helped others along the way, the other reviews (blogs) that I read and the before and after photos were my inspiration to take the plunge.
I will be following you to see how you go lovely and if you need anything I am happy to be there.
Good luck, but you won't need it!
November 6, 2015
Thank you. Yes I will be putting a blog on RS. as soon as I can. I've just started taking of my current body images and I must see I don't enjoy looking at it.
Will be in touch and again thank you for your comment RS friend. It helps a lot.
Kind regards.
Will be in touch and again thank you for your comment RS friend. It helps a lot.
Kind regards.
November 6, 2015
Thanks for taking the time to share these photos! I think you look super, and it will only get better!
November 7, 2015
Thanks for taking the time to read through my blog Kim and leaving your inspirational comment. And the lipstick is from the MAC Matte range - Relentlessly Red - it is a cross red/orange/pink, kind of like a bright watermelon color. It makes me feel very glam when I wear it!
November 6, 2015
I just love all of your pics, but particularly the back view. Now that is what I call body contouring - flab and love handles gone forever and definition... I'm green with envy! I might get there by the time I'm 65 and ready for the tracky-dack brigade. Beautiful results, you can't get any better than that! Lucky girl!
November 7, 2015
I feel really lucky Stickybeak and I can't thank you enough for your support throughout my journey, you have been a real rock and inspired me with confidence.
November 6, 2015
Congrats on your transformation - awesome results! Thanks for taking the time to document your procedure/recovery.
November 7, 2015
Thanks Jusdoinme10.
It has been very therapeutic for me doing the RS review (blog) and thank you for taking the time to read it and leaving a lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
It has been very therapeutic for me doing the RS review (blog) and thank you for taking the time to read it and leaving a lovely comment. I really appreciate it.
I look forward to your updates and am following you every step of the way!
I am not a depressed person by nature but with the GA, opiate pain meds and your body being is disarray you do get depressed. I don't think I have cried this much in my entire life and not just little teary's, full on hysterical crying. Each time I am shocked that I can cry so much and so loudly.
I wasn't prepared for the level of depression I have experienced but I am hoping with returning to work which will start to normalise my life, everything should settle down.
Take care Kim and thanks for always being there.