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Much needed lift w/ implants! 5'1" / 125 lbs / 36yrs - Denver, CO

UPDATED FROM Pepper31
7 months post

Two week update

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P
Pepper31
WORTH IT$10,050
So I snapped some pics last Wednesday, on my two week mark, but never got around to posting them, so here they are. Things are still going well and I'm still beyond happy wit my results, though not high as [RS bleep] on Percocet, so life isn't all bunnies and rainbows like they were over the first two weeks following surgery. Is it normal to not remember much of anything for several days following surgery? Apparently my girlfriend and I went shopping and she had me trying on all these hootchie mama clothes and I DO NOT REMEMBER any of it... but there are pics to prove it! Wtf?? Hahaha. So for y'all with upcoming surgeries, beware! :)

I'll update some more later. Gotta get to work, but at least wanted to get these pics posted before I completely forgot about them.

Pepper31's provider

Paul M. Steinwald, MD

Paul M. Steinwald, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 172 Reviews
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Replies (5)

M
April 25, 2016
Yes - with every surgery I've had I've "lost" time for a couple of weeks afterward. I was visited by out of town guests after one surgery years ago and don't even remember it. And we drove them around! But photos don't lie!! Perfectly normal if a bit cringe worthy.

And now with my last surgery, I was in the middle of re-organizing a la KonMari method and now I cannot remember where I put anything. Like certain tools, the dog's combs and fancier leashes, etc. It's driving me crazy, the not remembering and my surgery was 14 weeks ago! LOL

Your boobs look wonderful!! Just perfect!
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P
April 25, 2016
You have no idea how much better this makes me feel!! I have seriously been worried, because my surgery was almost three weeks ago and things have been a total blur up until just a few days ago, once I completely stopped taking my pain meds. My husband thinks it's hilarious. My friends are getting annoyed. They all told me I have acted completely normal from the night of my surgery and on, yet I still can't remember anything. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I drove my stepdaughter to the airport on Friday morning (my surgery was Wed evening) and I don't remember ANY of it. That part is scary. The rest is just funny and bizarre! I missed my 3 year old's first-ever soccer game. I mean, I was physically there, but I don't remember any of it. Thankfully I took lots of pictures. I'm just SO RELIEVED to know this is normal (either that or you and I are just the weird ones, but at least we have each other!). haha

I can't even imagine starting KonMari as it is, but put a surgery in the middle of it and holy crap! I feel for you, my friend. So... I think I lost all our tax docs, if it makes you feel any better. They all just disappeared from where we'd been keeping them, and then one day, they were just missing. ALL of them. I'm pretty sure it was me, attempting to do taxes a day or two post-surgery. I probably should have just been locked in my room for a while, to keep myself out of trouble. Lol.
M
April 25, 2016
OMG! I'm laughing so hard. Jaysus Mary and Joseph, thank God I don't handle tax documents. My DH does that. I shudder to think what fresh hell I would have unleashed had I started to "organize" his office and our files. It's like pulling teeth to get him to let me.

But yes - in all seriousness. The "brain fog" as I like to call it or outright amnesia is not unique and I've confirmed it with several people over the years. It's a remarkable phenomenon as one is seemingly lucid (enough to drive as you saw) but it's a matter of short term memory being zilch. After one surgery I went on a spending spree and to this day have no idea what I was thinking as I specifically purchased things that I would NEVER wear, think large floral and geometric prints (in just the one garment!!) in colors that I know make me look puke green.

Stay off online shopping, it my best advice! LOL
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P
April 25, 2016
HA! Thanks for the warning. I'm good now.... at least I hope I am. My boobs hurt, like ALL the time now, but if I want to keep my memory of the days ahead, I suppose I better suck it up, buttercup, so I don't go back down the Rabbit hole. I just know I'm going to find those tax docs one of these days (years?) down the road and be so pissed at myself. Whatever. I have cute new boobs, so that's what REALLY matters, right? ;)
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M
April 25, 2016
They look great! FULL and round! Flat areola! Remember, we both have (well you had I still have) the upside down V thing going on :( Looking forward to my revision.... but you mentioned needing your nipple/areola fixed. What was wrong?? Both of mine are puffy/swollen constantly and it makes my boobs look cone shaped. One more so than the other. The one that's not as puffy stretched out so now they are different sizes. He's going to fix them when he fixes the pockets. What was wrong with yours?? Also, have you noticed any flex animation? I have that too. Not quite like yours but my doctor more or less said it was something I'd have to live with. How's yours doing or is it still too soon to tell?? Looking so good though!! Love how they look from underneath! Hoping mine can look that awesome soon!!!
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P
April 25, 2016
Thank you!! My right nipple was jacked up from the beginning. It was just the way the scar healed, I think, and it was super thick on the top, making my right nipple way bigger than my left. When my PS took one look at it during my 1 month post-op check, he said (before I even could) "I'm going to fix that for you", so yeah. They've never been puffy really until now, and my left one just became that way over the past few days, which is strange since he never touched my left nipple or vertical incision on that side, at all, this time around. It's nothing terrible, but I have noticed it's extremely sensitive and puffed up a bit. I'm sure it will go away on it's own, soon enough.

So... I know I'm less than three weeks out, but I already notice an insane difference in my flex animation. It was a huge concern though, with both my PS and myself, since mine was the most severe case he'd ever seen. He ended up doing a lot more muscle separation during my revision surgery, and went dual plane (I had to research, since I'd heard the term, but was unfamiliar with what it all entailed). Both of those, along with the much larger implant, has made it almost impossible for me to flex my pec muscle or move my implant without using my hands.... so I am SO very happy about that. I did, however, find that I am now unable to open a friggin' pickle jar or a screw top bottle of wine (yes, I'm classy like that!) as a result, but I'm reeeeeally hoping that minimal strength comes back soon, because that's just plain embarrassing, when I have to ask for help when I was always the one who could open everything.

Do you have the date set for your revision, or is it still too soon? I would highly suggest researching as much as possible and speaking again with your PS, regarding your flex animation and what he can do to try and correct it. My PS did say it was fairly common, but not to the extreme I had. I can see him trying to play it off as normal, had I not kept pushing it, but I am so glad we went the route we did, with the muscle separation and dual plane. Since your PS is already going to be in there, I would think he'd be able to do something to make it a little less of an issue.... at least I would hope.
P
April 25, 2016
Looking good girly!!!
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P
April 27, 2016
Why thank you! :)
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ME
April 27, 2016
You look fantastic!! I totally love your projection and the shape is beautiful!!
I was on the phone with my BFF about 2 weeks after surgery and I started telling her details about the surgery & recovery and she kept saying "You already told me that", etc and I had no idea what the hell she was talking about?! After 3 or 4 times of her saying this I was like WTF - when?? and she says we had an hour long conversation the day after my surgery. NO recollection of even speaking to her...lmao - god bless percocets!!!
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P
April 27, 2016
Thank you so much! I'm still really happy with the results and hope they don't drop and fluff too much, because I like them just where they are.

All these stories make me feel semi normal, to thanks!! :) Man... I don't remember this happening the first time around, or maybe it did and those around me just made less of a big deal about it. It's just crazy all that happened that I don't remember until some light bulb moment goes off and I'm like.... "Oh yeah, holy crap, that really did happen. NOW I remember that.... well, kind of!". haha
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L
May 1, 2016
Looking great. Glad you are finally happy with your results
UPDATED FROM Pepper31
7 months post

Playing dress-up with new boobs is F-U-N !!!

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Pepper31
Yes, I may only be 6 days post-op from my revision surgery, but I AM IN LOVE!!! Even after six months with my first surgery, I was never this pleased, and these babies are still rock hard and no where near ready to show off, but yet here I am.... playing dress up and posting away for all my RS friends to see because I just couldn't help myself. SO MUCH FUN to have cute boobs.... FINALLY!

I honestly don't feel like they are nearly as big as I was expecting them to be at 650cc (R) and 750cc (L), but in all honestly, I am very pleased with the decision my PS made in not going any larger, since he felt it would compromise my overall breast tissue and lead to problems down the road by overstretching. Have I mentioned how much I truly adore Dr. Steinwald???

Replies (5)

P
April 13, 2016
Looking good! lol I haven't tried anything on yet! Can't wait to try on new bras!
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P
April 13, 2016
Oh my gosh.... what are you waiting for? DO IT! How many days out are you? I'll obviously wait another few months to go get sized and buy any "real" bras, but I had to play dress-up with what I had in my closet... most of which no longer fit. Bummer. Looks like it's time to go shopping! :D
M
April 13, 2016
Omg they look so good!!!!! Thrilled for you!
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P
April 13, 2016
Thank you!! I am so freaking happy..... and no, it's not the drugs talking anymore. Swear! haha
M
April 13, 2016
Bringontheboobzz is right, you look slimmer!! Their shape is dead sexy on you! Smoking hot!!
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B
April 14, 2016
Owww owwww!!! Hot momma alert!!
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P
April 14, 2016
You ladies are all seriously rocking my world! I love you all. Come to Denver. ALL the drinks are on me! Hell... maybe in my cleavage even... who knows! ;)
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B
April 14, 2016
Lmao!!! I'm leaving now!! See you shortly!
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B
April 13, 2016
Omg!!! Holy sh*t!! They look Ahhhh-mazzzing!!!! They seriously look like they were made for your body! Perfect shape, fullnes and absolutely perportionate to the rest of your body and they compliment your frame so well, your tummy even looks good! You really look like a rockstar!! I'm glad you are liking your results finally!! :)
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P
April 13, 2016
You just made my whole day with your comment!!! No seriously, you did. I even sent an email to my PS today, telling him he was my favorite person in the whole world, for giving me exactly what it was I wanted. I wasn't too sure about him in the beginning, but after the follow-up appt where we discussed my revision and what he planned to do to make things right, I just knew I needed to have faith in him and his abilities to get me exactly where I wanted to be. I love, love them!! In that frontal pic, they do look a bit smaller than I would have liked, but then I see them from the side and they are amazing (to me!), so I really have no complaints. Thank you so much for all of your help and love and support along the way... and for not giving up on me during all my moments of spazzing out and being so damn wishy washy, as I did for months on end.

How have you been? Now that I'm back on the boob-obsession train, it's time for me to play catch-up on all my RS friends and see what's new in their worlds... especially yours. You doing okay? Still looking amazing, as always?
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B
April 13, 2016
Aww I'm happy I brought a smile to your face :) they really look perfect! I'm happy I was at least some what able to provide you with some info, insight and help along the way and not confuse you more LOL... I hope I didn't anyway lol! Such a roller coaster i swear...does it ever end?! Ugh!!
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S
April 13, 2016
Oh WOW! Now you have the boobs you've been dreaming about! They look very nice on you. The shape is AWESOME already! They fit you frame perfectly! WOOHOO!
P
April 13, 2016
I'm 20 days out, but I don't have anything that would fit me! I sent my husband to Walmart to get some extra sports bras, epic fail!! They were not even close to fitting. Today will actually be the first time Im heading out of the house beside doctors appointments, so I am hoping to find so wireless bras and maybe try some sexy ones on lol!!
UPDATED FROM Pepper31
7 months post

Trying this again.... with pictures this time. D'oh!

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Pepper31
Two Pre-Op pics, followed by day one pics...

Replies (5)

M
April 7, 2016
You look great!! What size did they end up going with? Your smile is everything in that first pic. I couldn't help grinning right back. Congratulations!!
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P
April 8, 2016
Awe, thank you!! That first pic was right before my revision sufgery, so I asked my DH to snap a few pics to compare. I honestly think I'm going to be thrilled with these, once the pain, swelling an shape gets to where I neee lt all to be.

We had a range of 500-800 ccs and he was going to use a saliene sizer to see what looked best inside me before placing the actual implant. Since I have so much extra skin on my fight wise, and they were already slightly uneven even with a 50cc difference previously, he felt that doing 650cc and 750cc. I'm pretty bummed I could't squeeze 750 into bother sides, but that would have needed to push the other side up past 800, and that's even a little too big for even ME! haha
M
April 8, 2016
I also have one larger than the other and it's a different consistency in tissue due to breastfeeding more heavily on the one side so it's been a nightmare to get them even.

Your new ones look absolutely perfect on your torso, I think they'll be spectacular once everything settles down. SO very thrilled for you!!
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P
April 8, 2016
Thank you!! Thank you!! What is the size difference you have? Doesn't 100cc's seem like quite a huge difference? I mean, I completely trust my surgeon to do me right, however, I was a bit taken back when I told me just HOW big of a difference they were. With both of my babies, I got about 90% or more milk on my right side, so it's not surprising that it ended up being that much bigger and sagging that much more than the left. I'm just so, so, so happy I went through this surgery. I don't think I'll ask for anything else again, for years down the road. Cute boobs is all I really needed at the present, to make me feel awesome. A TT is next on my list, but I need to these bad boys paid off first, and then I can start saving for that.
M
April 8, 2016
I replied to you but it showed up at the top instead of here...
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B
April 8, 2016
Try not to worry about 100cc difference , I saw a 100cc implant at my Drs office and it was sooo tiny!! Maybe ask to see a 100cc implant when you see your dr, that may help you feel better. Honestly, my right boob has more lower tissue so it hangs lower and looks a little better and I wish my surgeon would have used a wider implant on the opposite side to even things out..if that even would have been possible..? Lol but they are not perfectly even, the camera makes them look worse too
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M
April 7, 2016
Looking fantastic! So envious of your flat areola! The side view look great!!
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P
April 8, 2016
Thanks! I' really loving he projection from the side as well, Mabye soon, I can pack away all the padded bras I currently have, because I won't need them. Paying THIS much money for boobs, I shoulldn't have to lie on padded braws,ya know?

I am nervous to take off he gauze and see how now my right nipple came out, since that one needed a lot of work. I'll Ad much as I wan to ped, I'll wait until I see him later day in the clinic.
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B
April 8, 2016
OHHH myyyy gaaahhhh!!! They look great! Once they completely heal you are going to be on cloud nine!!! So happy for you lady! Xoxoxo
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P
April 8, 2016
Thanks, lady! I am thrilled with how well they turned out... at least so far. They still don't seem very big, but I' sure one I get alll the compression garmet and padding removed Ill be much happier. I'm already so stoked about the projection, from that side pic I took. It't not quite the 6cm I was hoping for, but much closer than my origional 4.3. Ugh!I just want this damn pain to go away. It seems to be getting worse each day. My PS called me last night to check up and I told him how I was in so much pain at my sternum and he explained that he was not surprised by this i the least, with how much muscle separation he had to do right in that area. That make me feel much better, though he does want to see me back tomorrow, jut to see how thinks are lookingl

I'm so ready for a shower!!!
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B
April 8, 2016
Well it's better to be safe than sorry by getting checked. I'm not too surprised that you are in a lot of pain either to be honest, considering that you had work done on the muscles for that flex problem that was going on. Hang tight! It will all be worth it!! When do you go back to work? Hopefully you were able to take some time off :)
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P
April 9, 2016
I was supposed to start back Sunday, but decided to take PTO that say, for one extra day to rest up. I slowly starting to feel better thoughout the day, but man... this is still no joke. My doc said today he was not surprised with how sore and swollen I was in my sternum because of all the muscle separation he has to do, and that it should settle down within the next few days. Here's to hoping, because I'm still struggling to stand all the way up straight.
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B
April 9, 2016
Wow that really sucks! I was prepping myself for that w my revision, even though it was a straight implant exchange but that is why I didn't have much discomfort other than my creases. It will all be worth it, and as far as your tummy goes, don't be hard on yourself, I'm actually considering getting mine done too, but I haven't spent a lot of time in the gym so I need to try that first. You really do look great and you have come such a long way from your pre pregnancy size to your current bod, your husband scored!!! :-) I really hope you start feeling better soon!!!
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B
April 9, 2016
I just looked back thru your pics again and they look so good! The projection is awesome!! HP is the way to go!! I would never think that "large" amount of cc would look so good and not so crazy ridiculous. Insane how some of us eat up the cc's!! Crazy how people think this amount of cc's are huge, the most important thing is that the dimensions match our bodies! I can't wait for you to be all healed up!
M
April 8, 2016
I had Saline 300cc overfilled to 324 on the left and 370 on the right before I ever had kids, and now recently had a full lift and implant exchange to Silicone Gel HP Inspiras with 415 on my left (the larger one breast tissue wise but felt smaller as it was so saggy) and 485 on the left. I also had weird muscle pulling issues on my left one at the cleavage area that had to be corrected. It was PAINFUL as hell, honestly I thought I had a heart condition, the pain was so bad and erratic.

I didn't realize I had one larger breast before my first BA when I was 22, but apparently I did as the implants were different yet they looked the same size after surgery. I NEVER looked at myself as much as I have with this surgery. Maybe youth? I don't know. Like I said I didn't even know I had different sized boobs, I just knew I had no boobs, a small A cup. But I'm hyper aware of every change with this recent surgery. The healing process, one dropping and softening more than the other has driven my OCD tendencies nuts. This process isn't for the faint hearted. LOL

I hear you on the surgery. I waited 20 years to replace my implants/get the lift. It was a big struggle for me to mentally justify the cost, having a young family. But I'm so thrilled it's done. It's early days still but they're far more even than they were before.

As far as your 100cc difference, the way I understand it 30cc is equal to 2 TBSP or 1oz. So 100cc isn't all that much since it's just a smidge over 6 TBSPs. See? Doesn't that sound less extreme?

You will love the TT. I had a full TT about 7 years ago and while it was a beast to recover from it was well worth it. Get down to the weight you plan to stay at before surgery, is my best advice and cut all salt for at least one month prior and stay off salt as long as possible as the swelling from a full TT is fierce. The surgeon that did my TT insisted I get to my goal weight before my TT and it was the best thing I did as I didn't need lipo and I was strong from exercising so the recovery was easier and I've maintained my weight since my TT which prolongs your investment. I was about 15 pounds up when I had my first consult and he sent me home and told me to get down to my magic number because it's far harder to function if you need extensive lipo plus a TT. Best advice ever.
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P
April 9, 2016
That definitely sounds like really great advise, but I honestly don't know how to do it. I've busted my ass for so long now, and have plateaued at 123-125 for the pass few years. No matter how I try to drop my belly fat, it just isn't going ANYWHERE! I am so, so happy to have you (and a few others in your position) on here, giving me advise before I dive in to doing my TT. The more tips, the better, so please keep them coming. :)
M
April 9, 2016
Just focus on being strong. The belly fat will be handled with the TT. Not much can be done there. I got down to my goal weight but still had a pooch of skin which was removed fully. The scar was huge, yet I'm happy I went with the fully TT vs the Mini as everything was handled. New belly button and everything. You're not overweight IMO, I think you look great at 123-125. I was in the high 130s when I had the initial consult and he knew my regular weight was 115-118. I was thinking the TT would do the work for me. LOL Ironically my mad weight training to lose the belly fat screwed my implants up back then. I had no idea that chest weight training could screw a BA result. Live and learn. :)
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P
April 9, 2016
Yeah.... I definitely stopped doing ALL chest work as soon as I got my first set of implants, and I'm so glad I did, since my PS said my chest muscles were already extremely strong (benching around 110lbs) and doing 40-50 push-ups at a time, which probably had a lot to do with my insane flex animation. I do hanging leg lifts still, daily, but never realized just how much weight was being put on my chest muscles until just the other day, when I looked down and saw them looking all funky again, so I guess that's another exercise I need to stop doing. I do plan on getting a TT within the next year or two. It just pisses me off so bad because I really, really thought this was something I could work out on my own, but it's just not happening, no matter how hard I focus on flattening my stomach. I've been WAY overweight since my freshman year in college (almost 20 years ago), and that on top of carrying two nearly 10 pound babies at 5'1", I think just made my stomach say "screw off, lady!" You abused me for too long." How is your scar now? I need to go look at more pics on your page and see. I know a scar is a small price to pay for a flat stomach, but man, I don't heal well, scar wise, since I'm so fair skinned, that it's going to be much more noticeable on me than most (even my PS agreed, unfortunately). Grrrrrr. Oh well.... it's not like I'm 18 anymore, so no matter that I wear, it's not like I'll have anything on low enough to display it... except maybe for my husband! ;)
M
April 9, 2016
My TT scar has faded and more importantly to me you can't feel it at all when you run your hands over it. My surgeon went super low on me. He asked about my pubic hairline, if it mattered to me, and it didn't at all. I guess for some people that line not being messed with is important, and then the scar would need to be higher. I wear normal bathing suit bottoms, not high rise ones and you can't see the scar. I do have a vertical scar where the old belly button came out, but it's faded down as well. I'm very fair skinned and my scars tend to go angry red for a while before fading, but then again it's different at every body location, so you just don't know. I'd say the important thing is making peace with either getting a full shape result and not worry about scars, or focus on making the scars small. I don't think you can get both easily. I wanted a super tight result from my TT so opted for the huge scar. I asked him to make it large enough that I wouldn't get the weird "puppy dog ears" you see sometimes, so my scar wraps around my hips a bit. Same for my boobs, I didn't care how big the scars were, I just wanted a better shape to the breasts.

As far as your tummy, your muscles are probably sliced to bits from the pregnancies and NOTHING can fix that except surgery. So don't be hard on yourself over that. It's the price we pay and it's a huge price to make babies. My first pregnancy was easy and my stomach snapped back more or less but the second one killed it and finished off my boobs. Any my babies were 5 pounds and 6 pounds, both preemies so I didn't get the full brunt of pregnancy and still I had issues. My muscles were torn up at the top and at the bottom of my abdominal walls so there was no amount of exercising that would have corrected them. I spent hours and hours weekly and had a mad strict diet and my stomach never looked better even thought the rest of the body was fit. So hang in there. You look amazing now and once everything is healed and you can get your TT you'll have your old pre-mommy shape back or maybe even better.
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P
April 9, 2016
I really love you and can't thank you enough for all of your positive words of encouragement. It's just so easy to tear myself down when I went from bursting outside out of a size 16 (pre-pregnancy) to now wearing a size 4, yet still having this INSANE amount of droopy skin that I can't get rid of to save my life. I swore to myself I wasn't going to get my boobs done until I got my stomach where I wanted it to be, but after chatting with you and a few other girls in your position, I am now in agreement that a TT is really the only way I'm going to make that happen. My goal is to have it done before I hit 40... I'm 36 now. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but I'm still paying off my first round of boobs, so it's going to be a little while. I'd prefer not to have to finance my belly, like I did my boobs. Plus, my husband really wants me to get lasik before I do my belly, but that's still up for debate. haha. I wish I would have "met" you sooner. You're really the little ray of sunshine I need when I start having my doubts about this all. Don't get me wrong, I am still absolutely THRILLED with my early on results this time around, you're just helping me get my mind right, in my times of doubt... so thanks again!! Truly.
P
April 8, 2016
Hey girly, how are you feeling today? I seriously woke up today and my boobs looked lower and bigger lol. Not sure how I feel about it, I kind of like the size, even though I was bit worried about too much projection. I bet yours will project more as the implants move down, since they are big, even bigger then mine lol.
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P
April 9, 2016
Oh man! I soooo hope this is the case for me. I know it's only been on day, and I'm THRILLED beyond belief at how fantastic they look (at least IMO), but man, I'm ready for them to drop and fluff, so I an be fully satisfied.

Man, these drugs are kicking my ass. What typically takes me 2 minutes to type, is taking me 30, since I kep dozing off at the keyboard. I suck so bad. Sorry!! Geez,
P
April 9, 2016
No worries, take it easy and try not to reach at all. You know the drill, you have been through it before. But remember you had more work done on top of what was done before, so take care of yourself, I can't wait to see your boobs as they progress :)