34DDD down to B/C my BR journey 49yo 1 child - Orlando, FL

So..... my first post op appointment is this Friday, but I wanted to post updated pics since some of the swelling has subsided. Looking forward to the final shape in the coming monthss once they settle
I have started to get some zingers in righty but not as much as lefty. Hope this means I am getting sensation in right nipple.
I can sleep on sides with a lot of pillows support which helps a lot.
I will post updated pics without steri strips after appointment.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

Well so far, so good. Recovery going well, I noticed some soreness at the end of the day after moving around, not enough for pain meds so I use Arnica which seems to help. So glad I can move around I was concerned @ being miserable for the holidays.

Two things I am watching, so far, I only have sensation in left nipple hopefully the right will have some soon. Anyone not have sensation then get it later?
Second thing is the box shape of my breast, how long does it take for tthem to shape up?

I am very happy that I did this. I must admit I had a lot of anxiety about the procedure. Not to mention a few health concerns. Surgery is a big deal and can be scary. The best thing to help you through this is a PS and staff that make you feel at ease, for me that was the difference. My PS's confidence in me made me feel encouraged to go through with the procedure.
It is important to have someone to listen to your concerns and address them in a way that gives you peace of mind. Trust your intuition, I decided at the last minute to go with a different PS because the first one was not right for me. I had to start the process over again but sitting here now it was worth it!
Prepare yourself, I spent my time before surgery stepping up my health game. I ate a high protein low carbohydrate diet including greek yougurt, hard boiled eggs, salads, fish and whey protein. I exercised 3x a week with a HIIT program called Orange Theory. I loaded up daily on water+coconut water mix. I really believe that prep for surgery starts with good health and a strong body.
Lastly this board is a blessing, it is a beautiful thing to experience this journey with others who understand. So be brave, you can do this, the results are worth it.

So since my last post I no longer need any pain meds (took them for 24hrs), the only pain I have are occasional zingers. I have sensation in left nipple hoping right will come in soon. I did start to feel some itching and tingling on the left today so that is a good sign.

I have mastered taking a shower using 2 different washcloths and towels for upper and lower body. As suggested by many members here I continue to use antibacterial soap and Hibiclens during showers. I blow dry Steri Strips then apply Arnicare gel. My PS said that people swear by it and I am one of those. Within 24hrs of using it 3x daily I went from rock hard to soft breast.

I have to stop myself from moving around just because I want to heal properly, it's so hard because I feel great. I did take a couple of short drives to store and gas station with no issues. Plan to do a little shopping to wrap up Christmas this week.

I plan to upload new pics after Steri Strips are removed at my next post op appointment on the 27th.

I am so grateful for all the members of RS, I would never have had the courage to follow through had it not been for the support of the members on this board. It took me 5 years to get the courage to go through with the BR now I wonder why I waited so long! Thank you all so very much for sharing your journey!