Best Investment Ever! - Newport Beach, CA

So I am nearing the 3 month mark and I am feeling absolutely fabulous! I am back to doing pretty much everything that I was doing before. I am back at work full time, I'm helping with some building renovations, I'm exercising, swimming...the only activity I am not doing yet is running as I am still not able to wear a bra. The right implant has dropped fully but the left one is still a little high. A huge improvement from a month ago, but it will probably be another month or two before it completely drops (just as my PS predicted).

I have no new pictures at the moment because I scorched my entire stomach and breasts while vacationing in Myrtle Beach :( I was a little too anxious to wear a bikini and too eager to soak in the sun before my dismal return to Canada (where it is already cold) and suffered a massive sunburn - NOT fun! I will be sure to post some just as soon as my skin stops peeling.

Question: does anyone know of a really good running bra?

As my lack of posts would suggest, I have been incredibly busy, which has been a very welcome change of pace! Gone are the days of being sedentary and I am back to my normal routine. I returned to work 3 weeks ago and have been back in full force. I have also resumed my exercise regimen and working out 4 - 5 days a week including cardio. Because I am not running yet, I have been doing a fast pace on a steep incline on the treadmill. 45 mins burns 400 calories so I am not losing anything in the fitness department. I am still doing the massages as well as running a vibrator along the underside of the breast (my PS's suggestion). The right breast has dropped wonderfully and the left one continues to drop and does not have long to go now. My stomach is healing nicely; there is still some swelling, but it continues to get improve every day. I'm receiving many compliments from family and coworkers and I feel very comfortable in my new body - I couldn't be happier!

Here is a pearl of wisdom not to be taken lightly: invest in Senokot and take 2 daily following your surgery. Between antibiotics and pain meds, you WILL be backed up. If after 4 days you still are not able to 'function' and you opt to take a laxative, adhere to the instructions. I confess that I made a mistake in this regard. The pharmacy only had the chocolate Ex Lax and although the instructions said to take 2 pieces, I thought that was a mere suggestion, like speed limits. It's not. There is very good reason for only taking 2 instead of say, 6. A little too much information, perhaps, but I share this knowledge because I vividly recall thinking, Why the hell did no one warn me? (with exception to the product label, but who really adheres to those?). Lesson learned.

I believe I mentioned in a previous post about the breast massages that my PS is having me perform... every 2 hours (while awake). It sounds tedious but it takes less than a minute and I firmly believe that this is having a great effect on my implants dropping and softening. Because my implants are so large and my skin was stretched to its limit, I was advised that I can expect my implants to take some time to drop; however, I see improvements daily :) To start, sit upright with your arms by your side; take your left hand and cup your right breast just below your areola and push down toward your ribcage, sending the implant toward your collarbone; hold for 5 secs; next, place the same hand at the top of your breast, push down and slide your hand toward your neck, bringing the implant up as you do; with your right hand, knead the underside of the breast; hold for 5 secs; lastly, take your left hand and place it on the side of the right breast, fingers splayed; push back, sending the implant to the middle of your chest; hold for 5 secs; switch sides and alternate hands. Works like a charm :)

As promised, I have posted a stunning portrait of myself before my surgery (go ahead, eat your heart out!). To be honest, I'd prefer not to post this and just forget that portion of my former self, but without a before picture to compare it to, there's no measuring stick to compare with the new, improved me. Notice the asymmetry of my breasts and the excess, sagging skin on my abdomen.. *sigh* I don't consider myself to be a shallow individual; I pride myself of being a pragmatic woman whom values substance over style, but even so, as most women agree, there is something to be said about the femininity of a woman and that was something I was lacking. For years I had been uncomfortable with my breasts, and then following my pregnancies I became increasingly insecure about my deflated stomach. I can't even describe what a pronounced change I feel within myself as I am now confident, borderline egotistical (kidding!) about my body. To everyone awaiting surgery, be prepared to be amazed!! Years of disillusionment will be washed away instantly! You'll find yourselves seeking out your reflection instead of hiding from it; that sublime feeling of self-appreciation ranks higher on the pleasure scale than sex, dark chocolate, and George Clooney... combined.