Getting my Body Back -Houston, TX

I'm 5'4 and 33 years old. I have two girls. I had always wanted bigger breasts but after having kids I had really let my body go. At the beginning of 2013 I decided enough was enough and I wanted to get my body back. I made a promise to myself that If I got to a normal BMI and still wanted to go forward with the BA I would. I went from a size 16 to a size 6 and from 187lbs to 147. So by December 2013 I felt I had met my personal goal and decided to have my 1st consultation with Dr. Basu. My initial thought was Id see a few PS's a then make my decision. I made my appointment with Dr. Basu an then with another office. Just setting my appointment over the phone alone helped make my decision. It was very professional, very personable. Lots of questions were asked about me and about how I had heard about them. I didn't think much about it and then went on to schedule my 2nd appointment with another PS. It was so not the same. I felt rushed, the conversation felt cold and I felt just like another person in line. I kept the appointment and figured I go to Dr. Basu first and maybe the other doctor was not like the staff that answered the phone. Well after the consultation I was sold. The staff there is amazing, very friendly and it didn't feel fake like they were just try to befriend you to just get your business. I'm a very shy private person and they made me feel at ease. My choice was made.

Next up was I really wasn't happy with my belly but was not sure it worth getting a tummy tuck. Dr. Basu was more than happy to talk to me about just the BA and then still explained to me the Mommy Makeover procedure. I decided to go with the mommy make over which for me involved. BA, TT and lipo of the flanks. My breast sagged a little but he explained doing the dual plane technique would work and no lift would be needed.

The Monday before Christmas I had my pre-op appointment. Decided on a size and shape (designer) I'm not sure what the correct wording is for it. I went with the 400cc high profile. My goal was to be a full C or D. I really wasn't sure being I've never been bigger than an A cup besides when pregnant and breast feeding.

Dec 2nd I went in for my surgery. They ran the IV and Dr. Basu drew on me and explained all that would be going on. They gave me meds and from that point all I remember is riding home and asking my husband the same questions over and over.. My poor husband.

I opted for experal (sp?) its supposed to help with pain after the procedure. I think it worked because honestly besides the bruising from the lipo and walking hunched and having a sore back I was ok. The first 4 days were rough. Like why the heck did do this but by day 7 and 8 I'm feeling more human. Still slow moving but good. I've been sleeping in a very oversized chair in my room with lots of pillows and its worked great.

I did pass out 3 times. The first time was when I was getting ready for my 1st my shower 24hrs after the procedure. I'm not sure if it was the combination of the letting loose the pressure from the binder and seeing my wounds for the first time. But I went out cold. Luckily my hubby was there to catch me because that could have gone badly. He also called Dr. Basu right away and Basu responded quickly. The two other times again I think it was due to blood flow and the tightness of the binder. I've always been susceptible to fainting so for others that might not be an issue.

Post op day 8 I got 1 drain removed and they removed the tape from my incisions. Let me say I hate the drains but apparently everyone does. I learned to tie a stretch band around my neck in the shower to let them hang on (that worked great) Yes they are a pain but I managed. When they undid the tape my scar line while a little bloody looked really good. I'm really happy with it. I hope it stays looking as clean as it does. The removal of the drain was also not so bad. It was more of a tickle in the belly. I guess cause I was still pretty numb.

I took 2 days off from work and worked from home this week which worked out great. I plan to go back to work next week. I was worried how I would hide the 2nd drain but it should be coming out Monday. So if I can manage it half a day on Monday Ill be all good. My job is IT elated and I sit behind a desk most of the day so I think I should be ok. I am considering buying a wedge for my back though. Since my back tends to bothr me the most right now.

At this point I'm loving the results I just can't wait to get the ok to get back to working out.

So after getting my first drain removed on Friday the nurse said if the other starts to look irritated put Neosporin on it. Sure enough over the weekend it really was starting to bother me but that did help. So today, Monday 12 days post op I'm back in the office. Which is literally sitting at a desk all day. At lunch I went to the med center to get my last drain removed and they trimmed up some of my stitches. AND my belly button glue is starting to flake off. Apparently you are not supposed to mess with that at all. So it can heal up nicely. anyhow, the nurse trimmed a bit of it too and my belly button is looking good :) next appointment is in two weeks. When I asked if I could do some 'light' walking 30 minute-ish I was told NO.... If it's like exercise than no. Must give my body time to recover. I think this is the worst part for me right now, not getting out and doing stuff like I used to.

My biggest complaint today on my first day back is my back hurts waking around and sitting in my office chair. I may bring a wedge or seat pillow tomorrow.

I'm really noticing the swelling this week so much more than last. I feel better each day but my back aches towards the end of the day too. The Heating pad and muscle relaxer is mf BFF in the evenings. Also occasionally I'll be doing fine and then will have a little shock of pain every so often in my stomach during the days some. . Incisions also tends to I itch and it seems to come more at night while I'm trying to sleep.