Breast Reduction March 30, 2011 = New ME in AZ

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!

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.