My Mommy Makeover, and the Artist Who is Finally Going to Make It Happen - Lafayette, CA

14 days post-op today, and finally able to upload some post-op pics. Wish I had some pre-op photos to show how huge of an improvement there is, but I could not stand to look at my tummy long enough to take a picture of it, so only pre-op pic I have is the one my PS took of me when I went in for my consult. I looked 4 mons. prego prior to surgery so there has been a HUGE improvement. I am so happy with my results so far - Dr. Lee truly did an amazing job. So thankful that things have gone pretty smoothly so far - no complications, incisions are healing well, bowels are regular (which is like winning the lotto for any surgical pt). Dr. Lee has seen me 4 times seen surgery for post-op care. I know not all docs see there pts this frequently so I feel very well taken care of. With each passing day, I am feeling more and more like myself. My kids went back to school today, and I was able to walk my son to school. Definitely not ready to run any marathons anytime soon, but did feel really accomplished that I was able to do that. Did some laundry, and tidying up around the house. Was hoping to catch a nap before having to pick my son up from school, but no such luck - of course. I have rejoined the upright world (YAY!) as of yesterday. Going to see my fabulous PS, Dr. Lee, tomorrow and hoping she gives me the clearance to drive. I wake-up with a good amount of energy, but definitely pucker out by evening. I remember Dr. Lee telling me that it would be around 4-5 weeks before I started feeling 100%. At the time, I really doubted it would take me that long, but she is proving to be right, of course:) Still taking it "easier," but not feeling so fragile anymore. Still have quite a bit of swelling in my tummy, especially at the end of the day. Wearing my CG 23hrs/day and hoping that will help with the swelling. Despite the swelling, I see my new tummy starting to take form, and the hint of an hourglass, and I am loving it! Happy healing to all!

So it's been 5 days since my FTT and breast augmentation. YES! I survived surgery!!! I was very anxious the night before, not getting a blink of sleep, driving myself crazy with thoughts of complications that could happen while I was on the operating table. What if I never awoke from anesthesia? What if this was to be my last night here on earth? (I know, such a drama queen!). I was up all night going from room to room, kissing my kiddos as they slept. 0530 came all too soon, and off we were to the surgery center. Once there, I'm not sure if my nerves actually calmed down a bit, or if I was just distracted with all the paperwork and prep that has to be done just prior to surgery, but I felt less anxious. My PS, Dr. Lee, arrived not too long after, and boy, was she a welcomed sight! As she proceeded to do her "artwork" on my body, explaining to me what each mark meant, and even managing to make me laugh, I felt more and more at ease. It also didn't hurt that I had a great nurse, and I truly felt I was in the best, most capable hands for the procedures I was having done. The last thing I remember in the OR is the anesthesiologist telling me she was giving me "the good stuff," and out I was. I can happily report that I don't remember a thing about my surgery:) The term, "rude awakening," however has taken a whole new meaning for me. As I awoke from anesthesia, the first thing I was conscious of was the tremendous weight and tightness I felt on my chest - WTH is THAT??? Oh yeah, it's my new BOOBS!:) I mentioned something about it to Dr. Lee, and she reassuringly told me, "yeah, it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest?!" And even through my grogginess and nausea, she once again made me laugh. Now, I didn't go crazy or anything with my sizing, but going from a cup size of -A to a full B is quite something:) The first two hours of recovery were pretty brutal due to all the nausea I was having. My pain, fortunately, was very manageable. Wouldn't wish for either, but I'd take pain over nausea any day! After plenty of nausea medication, I was good (enough) to be discharged, and I slept the entire trip home.
Once home, I slumped myself on our living room couch, propped up on pillows - and that's where I remained for the rest of the night, except for bathroom trips. I followed Dr. Lee's orders to the tee - took my pain meds every 2 hrs, continually took sips of liquid when I was awake, started with something light (cheese and crackers), and did not go unassisted to the bathroom. I did not have any further nausea, and my pain was very well controlled. I was still groggy, and my tummy was still numb. All I really felt was the tightness of my chest. I dreaded the thought of having to go in for my post-op in the morning, but I was also very excited to see the results of my surgery.
Considering that I was up every two hours, I felt surprisingly rested when I awoke the following morning. I even had dreams! I felt less groggy, and felt like I could make the trek up our stairs, which I did! I got ready for my post-op, and I just knew that day would be life-changing for me. I'll never forget the moment Dr. Lee removed the ace wrap around my chest, and there they were, in all their glory:) Dr. Lee handed me a mirror so I could get a full view of them, and it was love at first sight. I was relieved to see that the sizing I chose, and carefully discussed with Dr. Lee was just what I wanted. Next would be my tummy - I had 2 drains in, and the normal swelling and bruising, but I no longer had my pseudo-pregnant belly! She took off the dressing that covered my belly-button, and I just couldn't believe that the belly-button I was looking at was mine's!
I have to say, recovery has gone smoother than I expected it would. The biggest bump in the road so far has been having that first BM (sorry, TMI). I'm definitely a fan of stool softeners! I've had moments of frustration not being able to perform at full capacity, and not being able to physically care for my kids but overall, it really has been - dare I say, manageable. I know I am only 5 days post-op and have ways to go, so I hope it continues as such. Again, so far, so good. I have a phenomenal Plastic Surgeon/Artist who prepped me well, and whose post-op orders/support have, I truly feel, made this road to recovery so much more manageable. Dr. Lee reminded me yesterday, when I got my first drain (YAY!) removed, that I must allow my body to heal. I must listen to my body, and cut it some slack. I think that is the best advice any surgical patient could receive. I LOVE my new body! A steady recovery to all!