Breast Reduction March 30, 2011 = New ME in AZ

One month check in with surgeon was last Monday. He said that at this point I have about 80% of the swelling yet to go down. I had some discharge bleeding from one of the "t-scars" which he said was normal as these were problematic areas. My sides are very sore - he said that he goes way back under the arm to remove the tissue/fat so it's expected to take a while to heal. He's big on "listen to your body" as far as what to do. I use cold paks as needed. I have no restrictions - just keep them out of the sun.

Go back in 8 - 10 months for the next check in.

I'm low maintenance so I'm really happy with his advice.

I've been traveling this road since 8th grade. It's taken me 35 years to get to this point. I was a 38G going into surgery. I didn't ask a lot of questions before the surgery I put my trust in my plastic surgeon and hoped that insurance would pre-approve me. I had chronic neck and back pain. And headaches. I couldn't find bras to fit. I hated how I looked. Yoga was difficult. Running impossible. So now, one month post surgery I'm a 38D. Hopefully when all the swelling is gone I'll be a 38C. There is only one plastic surgery practice in my town (2 docs) they have an outpatient surgi-center along with the practice. I went in at 7 am and was home by 11:30. The worst part of the surgery was the first few days after - the anesthesia really hit me hard. I got very sick the night after surgery. Fever and vomiting. I called for my PS at midnight. He told me to stop the pain meds and switch to extra strength tylenol. Then I got really dehydrated - the surgi nurse called me on Monday morning and had me take an anti-nausea med and drink gatoraide. That did the trick. I took 2 weeks off of work. I ended up going back 1/2 days for two additional weeks. It took me a long time to get my energy back. Week 3 P.O. I started developing a hematoma on my right breast. The PA had me do moist heat, bed rest for a few days then delay going back to work full-time a little longer. I'm due to go back full time on Monday and think I'll be fine. I am wearing button front shirts that haven't fit in 10 years! I LOVE how I look. I lost about 8 lbs since surgery. Four of those pounds was from the reduction (2 lbs from ea side) The rest of the weight I think has been due to the healing process and sticking to a high protein diet. Other than the long recovery (I still have a lot of healing to go) there is NOTHING I regret in finally having this surgery. So many people (women only which is funny) have commented on how much weight I've lost! I can't wait to run into my ex!