Finally

I’ve been unhappy with my body for so many years, but when I entered my fifties things really took a turn for the worse. I’m a wife, mom of 2, grand mom of 3, am 52, 5’1”, 120 pounds and I’m very physically active. I hit the gym 3-5 times per week - mostly cardio - and of course none of that work could fix my low lying breasts or the loose, stretch marked skin on my flabby looking stomach.

As we ladies do, there have been conversations between friends about wish lists. You know, if I could have anything done what would it be? Dr. Eileen Summer Black’s name came up quite a few times, as some of my friends had already had their wish lists fulfilled, and Dr. Black seemed to be well loved by all. I decided to go for it. I spoke to my wonderful husband, who by the way, thinks the whole idea of cosmetic surgery is crazy, and he was supportive even if he didn’t get it. My mom agreed to help me out at home while I recovered too.

I met with Dr. Black and we made plans to do a breast lift without implants, a tummy tuck with muscle repair, and Lipo. My surgery was scheduled for 12/3.

It’s now 12/6 and I’m 3 days out. I showered for the first time yesterday and as it was the first time I’ve taken off my post surgery bra, I finally saw my boobs. Wow, talk about perky! They are sitting high and are still swollen so I’m sure there will he changes in the coming months. I still have surgical tape on my TT incision and the drain is there as well. From what I can see my tummy is very swollen so I’m not making any judgements yet. Dr. Black has been wonderful. She’s checked in with me even though she’s on a family vacation. Seriously - her office is amazing. Everyone there is kind and compassionate.

I do want to mention the pain. There has been absolutely no pain from my breast lift. And I’m serious - NONE. Now my stomach is another animal altogether. Yeow!! The pain is real. Luckily Dr. Black uses exparel to numb you up post surgery. It lasted about 48 hours then the fun began. I feel like a big baby. I knew there would be pain, but had no idea what it would feel like. It’s bad. I stopped taking prescription pain meds after the first day and am taking extra strength Tylenol now. As I still haven’t had a BM I just don’t want to make that any worse. I’ll be taking Miralax this morning and I’ll move around a little more today.

I’ll post again soon.

Also, thanks to all you wonderful ladies who’ve posted your experiences!

It’s day 8 and the sun has come out. I am feeling human again and am loving what I see in the mirror. Again, I must say that my boobs are just amazing. They haven’t looked like this since before I became a mom. And I think my tummy is going to be phenomenal. I’my very swollen, but after reading so many of your great reviews, I was prepared for the swelling.

Note to all - begin taking a laxative or eat some fiber rich foods as soon after surgery as you can. My fiber of choice - dried figs. I’ve had no trouble in the digestive department.

The pain is so much better, and I haven’t even taken Tylenol today. I had my last drain removed yesterday at a follow up with Dr. Black, about whom I can’t say enough good things. She is the real deal. So down to earth and willing to listen and help with any concerns I’ve had.

Today I drove carpool, made a quick trip to the grocery and got a simple dinner on the table.

I’ll update again soon.

So today is day 10 and life is good. I ordered a new binder from Amazon and it’s wonderful. I was looking for something softer than the version I came home with, which was scratchy and itchy. The new binder is made of quilted cotton fabric. So much better!

I’m getting tired of wearing a surgical bra 24/7, but it’s all for the greater good, so I’ll try not to whine about it. I also found a bra on Amazon that I can tolerate. It’s actually pretty comfy and I’m planning to order another.

I am noticing a good amount of swelling beginning midday and continuing through the evening. By morning it is considerably better, but then the cycle begins again. My incisions are healing nicely. Recently I’ve noticed two little sutures poking out, but Dr. Black has already told me to give her a shout and stop by the office if I have any stitches that need to be snipped. If they begin to bother me I’ll give her a call but I think it can wait until my next follow up.

She’s instructed me to pat dry after showers and then dab Betadine on my incisions to prevent infection. Also, I’m washing with antibacterial soap. The thought of infection really frightens me so I’ll do my best to follow her instructions to the letter.

Well, I’m off to bed - my own bed, thank goodness. I slept in our recliner until last night when I was able to sleep in my bed with pillows under my knees and a big fluffy pillow under my head. I really missed sleeping in bed with my husband!

With any luck I’ll be standing fully upright soon. I’m almost there in the mornings, but by nighttime I’m hunched over again.

Everything is moving along.