SGAP reconstruction-surgery in New Orleans, LA

Big day tomorrow. Is this really me???? I must be gonna wake up any second....................I wish.

Praying for a speedy recovery for you. You may consider total fat grafting without implant as I am doing next week. It will take several surgery's because of mastectomy's but all natural which is priority for me. Bless you

I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with expanders put in July of 2013. Please make your doctors thoroughly explain what to expect regarding size and appearance. Mine did not tell me they could not restore me to my D cup. I had a second opinion after the expander to implant surgery because I was so upset over the reduction. The 2nd PS said she always tells her patients that they will never be a D cup again. HOWEVER I have seen several posts on this site where women were given D cup implants. So please see what your doctor can do. Be aware there is not nearly as much projection even with a padded bra. I had to get rid of my dresses and tops because they were too big in the chest. Also the muscle flattens the implant when you lift anything with a little weight. It looks terrible. I would never have had this surgery if I had known I would end up like this. I will be checking into fat grafts that others have mentioned. I want to get rid of my implants.

Hope your mastectomy surgery went as well as possible! I know what a shock it is--couldn't look at myself without my knees turning to Jell-o for the first several weeks after mine. Three years later, I have two beautiful new breasts (with new nipples!), the scars are hardly noticeable, and I feel totally confident in intimate situations with my boyfriend. I'm mid-30s, so I didn't want to go with implants. I did a hip flap reconstruction at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans, which was recommended to me by Dr. Drew Welk (in Seattle) because he swore they do the best work he's ever seen. This involved two trips down to NOLA, one in June and another 4 months later after I'd healed from the first one. They took fat from both sides of my hips, and the second surgery also involved fat grafts from my thighs--so I came out of this with a whole new body shape. But the best thing was how incredibly devoted and caring my surgeon Dr. Trehan was. After I was back in Seattle, he called me on his cell to make sure I was doing well. So glad I made this decision. If you want to hear more about my experience, I'd be happy to talk to you. I also highly recommend Dr. Welk!

Hang in there. It gets easier. Some drains are out in a week. One of mine had to stay in 2 weeks.

Yep no sissies..I call it war..get the cancer out and keep fighting to you get back on track..it was about 2 years for me. Much love. Karen

I had drains for three weeks, they shouldn't hurt..just annoying..but you should never get them out early..don't lie on the numbers !

Hang in there :)

Amen sister !!! Thank goodness for On- Q though!!!!!

Be strong dear. It will be a harder journey and at times you don't want to hear anyone tell you to be strong. That is ok. Sometimes you have a right to be angry and cry. Just keep on one day at a time. We are all here for you.

You are where I was one year ago....hang in there and let yourself feel sorry for yourself every once in awhile! Then get back to being strong. You will get through it and be a stronger person for it.

Prayers for you. You have a long road ahead but stay strong and cling to what comforts you and those who love you. You will have hills and valleys over the next year and some rough days but your positive attitude and faith will see you through. One day at a time.

Myself and 3 of my friends went through this , so 4 of us altogether . We are all ok today 4 and 5 years later . You must stay positive and everyone around you must be positive . My heart feels for you . Big hugs xx

Keep fighting. I will be praying with you