Longest BA Story in History? Right Here!

[Tonys Girl]

I've been chronicling my BA experiences on Microsoft Word. So . . . I'm going to copy and paste everything into this thread.

Go to the bathroom now, turn off your phone, and grab a snack. You might be here for a while!

[Tonys Girl]

The Beginning:

Who: Me
What: A gift in a small shirt box
When: Christmas morning
Where: My house, downstairs, alone in the bathroom
Why: I was excited


It was the most embarrassing, yet the most exciting, Christmas gift I’d ever received: training bras. I remember being alone in the bathroom, in a frenzy as I opened the box for a second time that morning and took out 3 training bras with matching panties: one that was leopard print (sexy!), one that was yellow and I think a last one that was grey with some sort of animal print. I tried each and every one of them on, saving the leopard print for last because that one was my favorite.

The first two didn’t look right. It’s OK. I still have the leopard print! Try that one on. Um . . . no. That’s all. Um . . . no. My excitement abruptly turned into feelings of utter ugliness and self-hatred. I couldn’t fill out those bras. And on top of that, they were a little too tight for me. What a waste of a gift, I thought, because I’d never wear them.

And, my friends, that’s how it all started: My Battle with the Boobs.

For some years after that, I forgot about my small A-cup, tuberous (even though I had no clue that they were tuberous since my case is not severe) breasts. I honestly thought that nature would take its course; but just not at that moment. I’d have to wait. And I did. I patiently waited for years and, at some point, completely forgot about the fact that the still never grew.

My Near-BA Experience:

I actually got over my small breasts until I was around 24 years old (2004). I’m not sure what provoked me or piqued my interest, but I started to read about breast augmentation online. And that’s where I found Nikki’s wonderful website and forum. I hunted high and low for as much information on BA that I could gather and ultimately decided that I wanted a BA.

I started doing some financial planning. I wanted to pay for the entire BA in cash so I started saving my pennies. I wanted to go to Dr. DeWire in Virginia, and had collaborated with him via e-mail. I pretty much had my initial consultation with him via e-mail (because I live further up north). I booked a surgery date. I even quit smoking, cold turkey, 2 months before my scheduled BA date. In the months before my scheduled surgery, I had even mentally prepped my mother for my plans to get a BA.

All was good . . . until . . . I was driving in pouring rain on a highway once when a car cut off the car in front of me. When the car in front of me slammed on his brakes, I slammed on mine too but despite my efforts to stop the car, I hit him from behind. I was OK, the other driver was OK, but my poor car was totaled. This messed up all of my BA plans because I thought it would be best for me, financially, to buy a used car. And I did. I used my saved up BA money and my parents even helped me out a bit. No BA for me 2004. In fact, I forgot about BA for a couple of years after that. I also abandoned Nikki’s forum. Getting a BA soon became a distant dream. But everything happens for a reason (and usually for the best).

[Tonys Girl]

My Consultations & Pre-Op:

My Consultations:

My thoughts on getting a BA arose again around last April / May (2008). Again, I’m not sure what piqued my interest, but I re-joined Nikki’s forum and started refreshing my memory about various BA-related topics. I actually got a new job during that summer, making a lot more money than I was previously making, and started saving my money in the following September. In November, December & January 2008 I went on 6 consults. 4 of them were in Manhattan, 1 was in White Plains, NY, and the last one was in Virginia (yes, same plastic surgeon as before, but this time I actually drove down to him for a real, official consult). I gave myself loads of anxiety during the whole consultation process regarding which plastic surgeon to choose. But once I went to my sixth (and last) consult, I knew right away that he was THE ONE: Dr. Kolker.

He and his staff are state-of-the-art. They are so friendly and they truly invest a lot of their time into you as a potential client. Dr. Kolker is quite modest, and comes off as being well-educated, professional and classy. Not snooty! He examined my breasts. When he did this, I had to stand in a couple of different positions. Then he took measurements of my chest and lots of pictures at various angles. After the exam, we went back to his office and he spent more than an hour talking to me about my breasts and my options.

After my consultation, I went home. Thought about things for a few days. Re-read all of the notes that I took on all of the plastic surgeons I’d gone on consults with. Realized, and it didn’t take too much, that Dr. Kolker was the one for me. (By the way, for those of you who are still going on consults, it’s wise to write things down during the consult and after as well. Write everything that the PSs said, and even write about your general feelings about them.)

So I called up Dr. Kolker’s office a few days later and booked a surgery date. Since I teach, I can’t really take a bunch of days off whenever I please. And this is why I wanted to book surgery so well in advance—to increase my chance of getting a surgery date that best fit my schedule. I thought about getting my boobies during the April break, but that wouldn’t have given me enough time to save enough money. So I opted for June. June 17th, 2009, two days after the last day of school!


My Pre-Op Appointment

The wait between January, when I booked my surgery and NOW, the day just before my surgery, was, in a word, L-O-N-G.

I spent most of my days working a part-time job on top of my full-time job in order to get more money for the Boobie Fund. I also spent loads of time on this forum, and even some time e-mailing my plastic surgeon’s patient coordinator. God bless her heart! We’ve exchanged so many e-mails over the winter. I asked her so many questions. She was always so good about answering them promptly, and making me feel welcome to keep on e-mailing those questions over.

Finally . . . FINALLY . . . I had my Pre-Op appointment on June 3, 2009. I posted about my pre-op before, so I will just copy and paste about how it all went:

I got to the plastic surgeon's office about a half hour early. And I'm glad it worked out that way. If I was running behind, I would've gotten stressed out. Since I had some time to kill, I walked on Madison Ave. and window shopped for items I’ll probably never be able to afford!

Then I walked to the office and went in. Sat in the waiting room for about 10 minutes. Finally, the nurse came to get me. She was really sweet and nice. I remember thinking that she was very pretty and had a perfect nose.

We went into an exam room and she went over some paperwork with me. I had to read and sign a 10-page consent form. It listed any and every possible complication that could possibly occur. So she left the room and I read and I signed my life away. After about 10 minutes she came back into the room and reviewed the pre-op instructions with me (e.g. certain medications to avoid, certain foods to avoid, what to wear on the day of surgery, etc.). After that whole spiel, she asked me if I had any questions, we chatted a bit more, and then she left me alone so that I could take my shirt off and put on a gown.

A couple of minutes later she and my plastic surgeon came into the room. My plastic surgeon looked at my breasts. He measured them again (already did this at consult). Talked about the slight asymmetry, the circumareolar incision (yikes!), the stitches, the drains, surgery length, and so on. We also discussed my size goals again. I had brought some before/after pictures of women with implants in with me, and he said that it was very helpful that I did. He didn't discuss the volume of the implants that he was thinking of, and I didn't even ask. I want NOTHING to do with ccs. I'll leave the math to him! (I'm hoping to be a full C cup.)

They left the room so that I could put my shirt back on. When I came out of the exam room, I talked to the patient coordinator. I had just a few last-minute questions to ask her (implant warranty? what to bring with me on the day of surgery? etc.) She was very excited for me. Well, I guess that it's her job to be :-) but still . . . it was nice of her to be so sweet. I also thanked her several times for taking the time to answer all of my e-mails over the last 5-6 months.

So I had a really good experience minus the rain. I couldn't wait to get my boobies ! ! ! ! ! !

[Tonys Girl]

Days Leading Up to Surgery:


1 Week Before:
Well, my last day of work was on June 15th. And before then? It was the last week of work (I teach), and I was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I had a million thing to do for work: paper work to complete, more paper work to complete, a party to throw for the parents/students, moving around materials so that I could lock them up (for no one to steal) and, yes, go through pre-BA ANXIETY.

I was so overwhelmed, I really was. On top of this I was rarely going to the gym. OK, I jogged on and off outside around town, but I didn’t really get a chance to do any weights. So I felt extra flabby and just yucky.


3 Days Before Surgery (Sunday):

Luckily, the only constant is change. Things got better.

First of all, I finally went to the gym to get in a nice cardio and weighs work out.

Then, I met up with my boyfriend in the city so that he could take me to a wonderful spa called Bliss in order to get a massage. It was a 1-year anniversary gift for me and I figured, “What better time is there to use the gift certificate than now?” This massage was the best and most thorough massage I’ve received in my life. Aside from the obvious spots to be massaged (arms, leg, back), the masseuse also gave my feet a paraffin wax, a full head massage, cucumbers on the eyes, and more. The whole massage lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. I came out feeling like a million bucks. And when I walked out of the hotel that the spa is based in, my boyfriend was standing out there waiting for me. I had a huge smile on my face, and it made him feel so good that I was so happy and enjoyed the massage so much.

After that, we went back to his place, and had what seemed to be our last sexual hurrah for the time being. Then we went or coffee and dinner and then went back to his place for a second last hurrah ;-)

Then I went back to the home front.


2 Days Before Surgery (Monday):
Got some nasty things out of the way in the morning, such as cleaning & laundry, and I bought some last-minute items, such as Tylenol and Tylenol PM (since I planned – and still plan to -- be off pain meds quite quickly).

I pretty much vegged out after that, though. Laid in bed, spent some time on the JBI forum, watched a little TV even though that’s not my thing, talked to my sister, and visited a friend and her baby. I also talked to another friend on the phone for over an hour. It was really nice just being able to lull around, and was a great de-stressor, even though I still felt as if I “didn’t know what to do with myself.”


1 Day Before Surgery (Tuesday):

Started off my morning by going to the gym for my last hurrah of cardio and weights for a long time!

Then went to Barnes ‘n Noble and bought a post-op book. It’s called, “The Secret Lives of Fortunate Wives,” and it’s supposed to be about a bunch of women who have rich husbands, and who look and act perfectly in front of others; but deep down, they are bored and, because of that, live almost double lives as they become involved in affairs, drugs, and maybe even Botox! I don’t know, I haven’t read it I yet, but I’m uber excited to!

That day I also packed up my bags to spend the night over my boyfriend’s. It made sense, since he’s in Manhattan and closer to my plastic surgeon’s office. I also packed up and made sure that I had certain things ready for surgery:
• List of phone numbers: my boyfriend’s #, who would be dropping off and picking me up; & my mom’s cell and home #
• Wallet
• Phone
• Pillow for the car
• Barf bag for the car, which I would end up NOT having to use (Thank GOD!)
• Outfit for the next day - boobie day! (yay)
• And I kept toiletries at home, since I have all that stuff, hair blower, face wash, toothbrush, etc., all at his place.


After packing, I got showered and dressed. Said good bye to my sister, mother (who cried for me ) and headed over to the city to meet up with my boyfriend and his father for dinner. Wile walking out of my driveway and to my car, I saw a baby bird dead on the ground. It had to be abut 2.5 inches long. I wondered if it was an omen.

Anyway, so while driving to the city where my boyfriend lives to meet up with him and his father (I live just 20 min. outside of him in northern New Jersey), I got a phone call from my Dr.’s nurse. She went over everything (what pills to take the night before, what pills to talk the morning of surgery, how to dress for surgery, what time to be there, and so on.). It was awesome that she called. So, so, sweet. On the drive to pick up my boyfriend, things finally hit me a bit: “What am I doing to my body?” “What THE &%$#@*!” But I soon calmed down once my boyfriend got into my car.

We met up with his dad in the city for some Argentenian food. First we saw him on a street and made him get in my car. We were driving around looking for a parking spot, and during the drive my wonderful plastic surgeon called me. He asked how I was doing, and reviewed with me some last-minute pre-operative instructions (e.g. take 2 Robaxin the night before, stop eating all food and drink by 12pm, wake up, shower and use NO lotions or creams or hair products or make up, and so on.

Finally found a parking spot. Got into the restaurant and found out that the chimichurra sauce, which was contained in practically every dish on the menu, had garlic in it. And according to my plastic surgeon, garlic is a no-no for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after my surgery since it increases the likelihood of bleeding. Ultimately, my “last supper” consisted of fried calamari (appetizer), chorizo (appetizer) & some type of lamb meatballs (also an appetizer). Main course was chicken, sans chimichurra sauce. LoL. Oh, and a piece of my boyfriend’s dad’s filet mignon and some of his French fries. He’s so sweet. Oh, I also had a some white sangria, but I limited my intake to 1 glass! Yummers-Bummers! I ate like a pig!

I felt so good that night. I was happy having a tasty dinner with my boyfriend, and I was glad that he took his father along. I was having a good hair day, and my mom had told me that day that my skin was “glowing” and “bright” (little does she know, but thanks to being on Accutane and new lifetime user of Retnin-A!). Yes, I’m secretive about such things. I had on a cute little black dress, but half dressy, half casual, with tan heels. While walking from the car to the restaurant, sittin’ in the restaurant, etc., I kept thinkin’ DAM. If I had these boobies NOW, I’D LOOK SLAMMMMMMMIN!”

We finally dropped my boyfriend’s dad off and then went back to my boyfriend’s place. I took 2 Robaxin, as prescribed. (YaY!) He took an Ambien. We lied in bed for about 45 minutes . . . until we both drifted off.

[Tonys Girl]

The Day of Surgery:

My boyfriend and I had to leave his place by 6:45am. I woke up pretty calmly. Took my shower. We got to the office on Park Avenue right on schedule at 7:30am. My wonderful boyfriend came in with me and we sat in the waiting room for all of 10 minutes before the nurse called me in. I kissed my boyfriend good bye, surprisingly I was not sad.

The Exam Room:

The nurse took me into an exam room and had me change right away into 2 robes. One that opened in the front, and one that opened in the back. I also had to put on some cute little surgical booties. I was allowed to keep my panties on – Woohoo! Then she came back into the room and started going over what I ate and didn’t eat last night and at what times. We also reviewed what I was going to get!

*Allergan’s Natrelle, Style 15 Midrange Profile
*silicone
*round
*dual plane/partials
*incision (circumareolar)
*mastopexy to lift nipples up
*breast tissue scoring/cutting to release breast tissue to drape over implant
*internal suturing to reinforce a new crease (one that I never had )
*she also went over my height, weight, previous surgeries, meds & allergies to meds

I had to sign off to all of this.

Finally the wonderful Doctor came into the room.

This is the part where he drew on my chest with a marker. And let me tell you, it wasn’t all quick and fast and done with. The man took his time. The drawing had to have taken him about 10-13 minutes. And on top of that, he was taking more measurements with a couple of different tools. While watching him, I could tell that he was really concentrating and thinking about what he was doing. We discussed size one last time, and I remember telling him not to give me any implants larger than my body could handle, and none that will increase my risks for complications. He assured me that I was in good hands. And I knew I was.

After he finished, the Dr. left to go dress in his surgical garb and wash up. In the meantime, the nurse left me with the anesthesiologist. She asked some medical questions, such as do I have, or does my family have, a history of: diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, you know the deal. She also asked a lot of the questions that the nurse had already asked. I guess it’s a routine check-up.

The Operating Room:

A few seconds after the anesthesiologist left the exam room, the nurse came in to get me. First I went to the bathroom one last time, then we went straight to the operating room. Sat up on the gurney. The anesthesiologist and the nurse put the IV into my hand. It hurt, but nothing unbearable. When I asked the anesthesiologist, “just how far up does that needle go?” The nurse answered: “Allll the way up to your armpit.” I was like, “REALLY?” Then they both started laughing. I realized that they were joking and warned them to be careful because I’m very gullible!

Then the nurse gave me the oxygen mask. She asked me, “do you feel anything yet?” I said, “no, not really.” Then, a few seconds later she said, “How about now?” I was like, “Yep. I feel it all right!” (For those of you who’ve never been under before, you get a very tired, dreamy, almost euphoric feeling – it feels really nice. But before you can really get to relish that feeling, you’re OUT and don’t remember anything until you wake up in recovery.

The Recovery Room:

I woke up very peacefully and in very little pain. My boyfriend came in. The nurse got me to stand up by first periodically elevating the table that I was lying on, just a little by little, until I was eventually sitting up completely. I was kinda out of it as the nurse explained to me how to care for my drains. I kept asking my boyfriend, “Did you hear that?” “Are you listening?” He was awesome about it all. Thank goodness he was listening, because I don’t remember any of what she said! Hehe. After that, I decided to sit for a while and, to the nurse, BASH OTHER PLASTIC SURGEONS that I had gone on consultations with!! I was still out of it. I then realized that that was something I normally wouldn’t do. It’s just wrong. It was just the meds and being half out of it. So when all was said and done, I started apologizing to the nurse about “bashing other plastic surgeons.” She was just laughing and saying that it was OK. Then I started thanking her profusely for everything she’s done for me, for all of her help. Then the Dr. came in and I started thanking HIM profusely. It was awesome.

I took one last trip to the bathroom, and then was on my way home. My boyfriend had the car ready for me outside. I got in and we drove off . . . back to my house.

[Tonys Girl]

I made it through surgery feeling FANTASTIC. Surgery ended at 12:15pm, then recovery, and then I left the office at around 2:15pm. Got home at 3pm. I didn't sleep or nap all day, not until 10 or 11 at night. At no point during, before or after surgery did I feel nauseous. Everything was really awesome.

Here's how everything went from the moment after surgery, when I just got home, until day 3 post-op.


My Mood:
On the day of surgery, afterwards, I was happy. Fabulous mood. All day I was talking up a storm to all of my family members and my boyfriend. It was nice that everyone was there. We all ordered wings and fries and onion rings; but I opted for a grilled chicken wrap. Ate half. The pain meds kinda killed my appetite. 1 Day post-op I still felt great; no boobies blues here, and this is coming from a person with a tendency to get depression and anxiety. 2 Days post-op, right now, and I’m still happy as a clam. I’m so surprised that I’m in such good spirits. My parents and 1 of my sisters is around, so I have them to keep me company and help me out. Everyone is happy for me!

My Dressings:
I'm not wearing a strap, just a sports bra – thank goodness! I have drains, but they're not even that bad. I thought they'd be messy and would be filling up like crazy but they're not. So easy to hide, so easy to maintain, clean, and not gross at all. I really think they're helping a lot with the swelling. I get to shower today (2 days post-op).

Painkillers/Meds:
Been taking 1 painkiller every 4-5 hours. And valium every 8 hours. I’ve been tryin’ to go easy on the pain meds. I find that Vicodin works better for me than Percocet (funny, it was the same way for me when I broke my ankle). Valium also seems to help, but they make me a bit more loopy. Not that I mind.

Bloating:
I haven’t weighed myself, but I do not feel bloated at all. Maybe in my stomach area A LITTLE BIT. 1 day post-op I drank Psyllium Seed Husk and later on I had Dieter’s Tea. Today, 2 days post-op, I drank another cup of Dieter’s Tea. Hopefully will move things along some time today. 

Pain:
Of course I do feel pressure but nothing unbearable. On the day of surgery, it was more of a pressure than a pain. It's kinda like how you're sore the next day or two when you go to the gym . . . but the pressure is much worse. But again, nothing unbearable. While I would describe the first day as being low to low-moderate pressure, I’d describe the later part of day 2 post-op as being moderate to moderate-high pain. I also had felt more burning sensations on day 2 post-op. Today, day 3 post-op is much better. Day 2 was the worst.



Some Things I Can/Can't Do:

THINGS I CAN DO INDEPENDENTLY:

*pee
*hold a glass and drink from it
*unzip my hoodie LOL
*Sit up from a 55-60% incline
*Reach up for objects at arms length
*Write
*Type, obviously
*Wash my face and brush my teeth, but lightly, not too much pressure
*Lift small /light objects - if it's on the floor I bend my legs down far instead of bending my back and using m arms. This really helps.
*Forget about raising your arms over your head.


THINGS I NEED HELP WITH:

*Opening bottles for the first time (after thye're opened I can do it on my own)
*Getting up (inclining) from anything greater than a 60% angle. It's best when people put their hands on your back and GENTLY push you up.
*Pushing myself up . . . like my body. If I’m sitting and want to push on the sofa to sit up more, it just doesn’t happen. It kills!
*Hiccups. They kill like a mofo.
*Scratching various parts of my body. Get a back scratcher. My sports bra makes me a tad itchy, and the pain meds don’t help with that.
*Showering. I’m going to need someone to wash my hair and back for me. Everything else I can probably do by myself.

Well ladies, I hope this was helpful! Feel free to post or PM with any questions!

[lacey320]

What a great story! I really enjoyed reading it.

[mommyofthree]

Thanks for sharing your story. Hope you heal really quickly.

[Octavia_89]

wow, that was a great story, i really enjoyed reading it! i hope you are happy with your new boobies girl! congratulations!! xx

[happymama]

Loved your story, sound like you found the perfect plastic surgeon. And I'm so glad you FINALLY got boobies!!

[decisions]

That story was so cute and enjoyable to read. Thanks for sharing your experience and welcome to the club! lol...You're a trooper writing your story so early!

[tabby15208]

Thanks! I hope you are still doing well. INteresting about the cc's. I never heard of someone leaving it entirely up t the doc, but if it gave you peace of mind, great idea!

[CAINAZ]

Wheh! Now that was a long story, but very detailed and entertaining. So glad you are doing well!

[gnat1223]

I loved reading your story and it brought back all wonder memories of when I had my BA done a few months back. I hope you stay in good spirits because that is what will make your healing quicker Can't wait to see the results. and YAY for Boobies!

[cordy]

Thank you so much for writing your experience, your details are mucho helpful. Sounds like you are doing beautifully....healthy happy and speedy healing!!

[wishfull yogini]

Wooooohoooo! Congrats girl! You must be so happy to have the new girls Take good care of yourself!

[Gracielufree]

Hey ya,

Thats was a great story And I totally agree with telling people to get a back scratcher! My sports bra is itching like hell also...and I can't reach....its terrible! But soo worth it.

Anyway...glad to hear it all went so well!

[candycane86]

thanks for sharing! hope you're healing up nicely. your plastic surgeon sounds fab :-)

[Blonde39]

What a wonderful tale. Thank you for sharing. But my curiosity is killing me.

What size did your plastic surgeon implant? Have you asked him, or looked at the device cards?
It's like a good mystery book, that doesn't solve the mystery at the end and you kinda go 'What the F***! LOL

If you would rather not say that is ok too. (Not Really)
Happy recovery.

[Poe]

Wow! Great story!! Love your last meal lol. Bf seems really nice. Happy healing!