41-year-old Mother of 2, Diastesis Recti with Herniated Belly Button and 2 Additional Hernias - Scottsdale, AZ

I have not posted any updates in a while, but I think that's a good sign that I've moved forward! So many things have changed since my surgery in July. Sometime between my implant removal at the end of January 2017 and my replacement in July, my hair started to fall out. I lost more than half of it. I was FREAKING OUT to say the least. I thought it was stress, so I started meditating. At my pre-op with Dr. Gawley I asked him what he thought and he said it could definitely be from the stress of my surgeries, but recommended that I have my thyroid checked. So many people had suggested that but I thought there's no way, I'm fit and for the most part healthy. But because I had lost so much hair at that point, (even more after my implant replacement) I went to a specialist and low and behold discovered I have Hashimotos. If you don't know what that is, it's an autoimmune disease involving the thyroid. So I have spent the better part of the last 6 months researching, changing my nutrition, changing my mindset, taking upwards of 20 pills a day, and am finally now hormonally level and feeling fantastic. My hair is back with a vengeance, although after several attempts at cutting it shorter to make it look fuller I gave into a pixie and I must say there is nothing better than zero fuss hair. I have started doing Pilates and am IN LOVE. I am reflecting daily on my life, the wonderful people who are in it, hoping that the people who aren't will find their way back (my son and I are estranged) and am grateful for all of it. For the first time in my life I stop several times a day and smile, with the very comforting knowledge that I am HAPPY. We have also moved into our dream home, much smaller than our old house so we aren't constantly managing the upkeep. Trying to be minimalistic and eco-friendly, taking care of my body with clean food and exercise. Life is pretty [RS bleep] good. :) That all being said, if you notice changes (I can go back 3 years and now recognize symptoms I was experiencing) you know your body, your hair, your skin- don't let anyone tell you 'oh that's just age, it happens to everyone' - you own your health and if you think something is going on get to the doctor. Ask for tests. Don't feel silly about it. And if your doctor makes you feel silly, fire him. And speaking of doctors, If I could change my review on Dr. Gawley I would give him infinite stars for how he has treated me. I am loving the body I'm in, and for the first time in my 42 years I know it and recognize what it needs. I'm healthy. That's strange to type, because since October I have had the idea in my head that I'm not well. But I feel great. I feel fit again. I'm happy. So autoimmune disease or not, I am healthy. Mind over matter? Matter over mind? I don't know. All I know is, you've gotta love yourself. Every part of you.

This is not my first time around the block, but I am still shocked at how bloated my stomach is after a BA!!! Why does this happen. Not much has changed in 5 days, other than my weird yellow bruising. One nipple may be higher than the other. As long as they keep their blood flowing and stay attached I seriously don't care. I have no pain. Just itchy sometimes. Sleeping like a rock and not taking anything other than my beloved antibiotics. I'm reading. A book about an affair.... maybe not the best topic whilst feeling fat and a lot like Mrs. Frankenstein, but being that I have the best husband on earth I'll finish it because it's good and the only sex allowed right now (vicarious hahaha). I should be working but No. That's about it. I'll check back in when there's something new to chat about.

So they're back! Way smaller but with the swelling they feel huge. Only 295cc's. I feel great, have been way better this time around and pain is surprisingly minimal. I do have a rash or something under my incisions and a little bruising, waiting to hear what the doc thinks although I'm going in for post op tomorrow anyway. And I have the hellish belly swelling I always seem to have after getting implants. I'll keep you posted on this journey as well. Thanks so much for you lovely ladies who have been so supportive during this. Here are some pics from today.