My long story! breast augmentation/FTT/Lipo.

[carol-ann]

I was booked in at Highgate at 10am on 17th June.


I had always been a chubby kid, not fat "big boned" as my mother would say. :roll:
Then at 17 I fell pregnant, I didn't take care of my body, I didn't use special creams or anything, I just made sure I ate for two!
Then at 19 I fell pregnant again, and did exactly the same thing.
After having my youngest child at 19, my body resembled a 40 year olds, not a 19 year olds.
I was very unhappy with my life back then, so ate to feel good, I ended up being 14 stone.

Then years later, I decided to do something about it, I joined slimming world.
I lost 4 stone in a year! I was over the bloody moon. I looked so much better.
The only problem with loosing 4 stone in such a short amount of time and having 2 children is, my naked body was revolting!
I had loose skin hanging on my stomach. I couldn't wear nice jeans, or nice skirts without that over hanging bit being there.
In the two years that I have been with my partner he has never seen me naked. Everytime I get changed I go to the bathroom or turn the lights out. I keep my vest top on during those "private moments"
I use to look at myself and just cry, Everything would be an effort, getting ready for a day out shopping would take hours, trying to find ways to hide all that loose skin.

My boobs were always big. As a young teenager they were big and pretty perfect, but obviously then having two kids, breast feeding one then loosing 4 stone, they became loose, saggy and just a general mess! I was still a D cup but a very loose D cup. Doing housework my boobs would constantly drop out of bras. I tried wearing a smaller bra, B cup, C cup.....nothing would work. They were just like mounds of fat not boobs!
Ewwww. :shock:
If I lay on my back they would COMPLETELY disappear. When I lay on my side they would look just dreadful.
I hated everything about them.


So anyway, I have always wanted surgery. ALWAYS. As far back as I can remember, I knew that to get rid of this skin and sort out these boobs, one day I'd do it. I never thought I'd have enough money though.
Then, unfortunately, last April my wonderfully amazing, much missed grandfather died, and left behind quite alot of money. I knew this was my time.


So I booked myself in with many cosmetic surgery groups and decided on MYA after reading so many good things about them on this site.
I booked my consultation and cried when asked to show my stomach.
I just couldn't wait for it all to be gone.
I even had to ask my partner to wait outside while she looked at my body. I felt so ashamed and embrassed.

I then had my consultation with Mr Singh, he was lovely. He made me laugh. He really made me feel at ease.
He had a look at my stomach and said i was able to have my tummy tuck.
Then he looked at my boobs and suggested 800cc to get them nice and full and round again.
I was over the moon, he also told me I could get both surgeries done at the same time.
I booked in for the 17th June.


For a week leading up to the date, I was very nervous. I cried alot. I felt sick alot.
I had feelings of guilt for my two children. Wondering what would happen if I were to die.
I kept looking in the mirror not really believing it was going to happen, not really even being able to imagine myself without the over hanging fat or the droopy boobs.

Me and my partner drove up to London the date before the surgery.
We booked into Hoilday Express which is about a 5 minute drive from the hospital.
We went out and ate in the evening. We went to Pizza express, I had a salad as I didn't want anything to heavy in my stomach for the surgery.
I was feeling very anxious. Worrying about everything and anything and missing my kids like mad.
I slept surprisingly well that night. setting my alarm for 9am.
I hated not wearing make-up to the hospital!!! haha.

I arrived and checked myself in.
I was then showed to my room by a nurse.
It all seemed very "matter of fact" I needed someone to be all sweet, nice and motherly, but everyone seemed cold and kinda weird.
I didn't like it.
The reception area in highgate looks like an office or a work place but when you're shown to your room you walk down and see things like "theatre room", IV's and blood pressure monitors and it all of a sudden it hits you, damn...I AM REALLY DOING THIS, I AM IN HOSPITAL.

I had a chat with the nice anaesthetist, he was lovely. Can't remember his name now though. He made me laugh telling me a story about a woman who had said she'd fallen asleep whilst getting tattooed and got stars all over her face. It was in the news that morning.
He was very nice and made me feel alittle more cheerful.
Then Mr Singh came in and spoke to me, went through it all. Confirmed that he'd be giving me a full tummy tuck, lipo to the flanks and 800cc high profile implants. He drew on me, which I hated, as I had to get naked again. He made me feel better by saying that this was the last time I'd have to suffer from this embarassment. I was practically crying I felt so uncomfortable.
Then the nurse came in, an irish lady, she was cold and very matter of fact. Kept asking "why you nervous?" I mean, seriously? Why?
She took my blood pressure, asked me alot of questions, took measurements of my legs for my stockings then told me that they had one woman to do and she'd be back to get me. I changed into my gown and knickers, went to the toilet and started my blinking period!!!
I sat there with my partner and just felt sad. lonely. vunerable. I couldn't get my head around what I was about to do. I couldn't believe I was sitting there.
Then the nurse came in, I kissed my boyfriend goodbye, (and cried abit) and was walked down to the theatre. (two doors down from my room!!) very strange.
I had to undo my gown, lie on the table, then the nurse put a blanket on me, with my arms out of the blanket. She put heart monitors on my chest. I started to cry. She, like the other women, seemed cold. "why are you crying?". Seriously, what was wrong with these people? Why am I crying? I am about to go through major surgery. arrgghhh. :evil:
All I wanted was for one person to be all "its ok, you'll be fine" I need that, i am the sort of person who needs a motherly figure when in distress!

Anyway, then the anaesthetist came in, and spoke to me again about the girl with stars tattooed on her face (I have alot of tattoos so he obviously thought it would make me laugh, which it did) he was nice, he chatted about what i did as a job (hairdresser) asked lots of questions about that, then said "have a nice sleep" I said "thank you" and closed my eyes.
The feeling is horrid, it kinda goes up your arm, and your head goes numb, and you can smell this smell but it lasted for a split second.
I remember looking up to the ceiling staring at the light, praying to god to let me be ok, thinking of my grandad and just praying.

Then I was in the recovery room. I was in PAIN. I was shaking alot. My legs couldn't keep still which was tensing up my stomach and meaning ALOT OF PAIN. There were alot of people milling around, there were alot of noises, beeping and pressure monitors. I remember just being in pain, so much pain. I couldn't feel my boobs at all, they were nothing, but my stomach, my goodness!!!
I was in recovery for an hour. They had to stop me shaking. They then told me they needed to put on the compression garment. Can you believe it? Seriously? Couldn't they have done this whilst I was asleep? I needed to lift myself up with the help of two male nurses, so someone could slot it underneath me and then do it up. It was hell. My boobs were strapped up Mr. Singh style.
I was then wheeled back to my room.
My partner looked very happy to see me, he said he had been very worried and didn't like it how noone came and told him what was going on. Mr Singh had said the surgery would take 2 hours, I went down at around 11ish but didn't come back till 4:15. As you can imagine my boyfriend was very stressed out.
I was still in pain. So much pain. I slept. in and out all day/evening.
Then I needed to go to the toilet. Well i flipping never! Toilet, you've just had full stomach surgery, and your stomach done, you can't use your stomach muscles, you can't use your arms, it honestly hurt just to wriggly my toes! Now I was told I need to somehow get out of bed.
It took ages, with ALOT of crying and ALOT of pain.
I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights, I put off going to the toilet. I'd be dying to go, yet wouldn't say anything till i was literally going to pee myself.
I dreaded it so much. It was utter hell.
On the second day I had to leave, I didn't want to. I was scared of not having the secruity of the hopistal nurses and doctors. I knew we had a 3 hour journey back to South Wales. i dreaded every second of it. The pain was never manageable. It was always hell.
Good news being though girls, the breast, were a walk in the park! I couldn't even tell I had them done.

Finally home after 3 hours drive. I felt awful. Cried alot. worried alot. slept alot.
I have no toilet downstairs so had to walk up the stairs everytime I wanted to go to the toilet, but I have no TV or anything in my bedroom so needed to be downstairs.

Then came the constipation! As horrid as this is girls. Its the truth. I got so badly constipated it was unreal. I couldn't go to the toilet as my stomach couldn't tense. When I tried to tense, the pain was unbareable, and I didn't know if all this "trying to push" was doing any harm to my stiches. I ended up phoning my doctor and he came out to see me.
Finally went 2 days ago. woo hoo!! haha.

Anyway. I am now 9 days post op. Still sleeping on my sofa, but feeling so much better and have been feeling so much better for 2 days now.
I can finally get myself up from a sitting postion. i can finally get myself to the toilet. I am not sleeping very well but that I guess is the least of my problems. I am actually going to try to sleep in my bed tonight and I can't wait. The lipo on my flanks makes sitting down very uncomfortable, the brusing on my lower back is awful and still very tender. I am hoping that'll become less tender in a couple of days.
The most pain I have at the moment is the dreaded morning boob but even that wasn't too bad this morning.
Everyday its getting easier and easier. I am taking the occasional paracetamol when I feel I need it.
I haven't seen my stomach yet, but can tell it is going to be amazing.
Had my bandages all off my boobs at my post op appointment on Wednesday, it felt so good to get that sticky tape off me!
My boobs are still swollen but I have no brusing. They look so awesome. So round and full. I am so chuffed. I will hopefully get pictures up soon.

I don't know if I'm at that "It was all so worth it" phase yet. I still get very sad and upset when I think back about it all to much, but I am trying to look ahead and trying to be really positive.
The compression garment is uncomfortable. Esp in this hot weather we've had. I am trying to get up at least every half an hour to walk around the room. I can't wait to have a shower, haven't done that yet. I've managed to wash my hair once with my boyfriends help. He has been amazing. such amazing support. He took 2 weeks off work to help me out. He has slept on the living room floor every night by my side! He has helped me to the toilet, he has helped me wash myself, made me food and brought me drinks and tablets whenever I've asked. I couldn't of asked or wished for more of a perfect person to help me.
:AMOUR:

Anyway, think that'll do. Believe it or not, I've cut this story down alot. haha. I could talk for Wales.
Feel free to ask me any questions. Hope you've enjoyed my story!

Carol-ann.

[scarletsails55]

Hi, Carol-ann! Thank you for your story! You are a brave girl! Wishing you Happy Healing!

[Momtotwo]

Congrats Hon!! :-) Thank you for sharing your story! I am right there with you - the constipation was just terrible - really the icing on the cake after a tough surgery! The good news is that the worst is over!! It will just get better and better from now on. Hang in there - you're a tough cookie! I promise you that this will all be so worth it to you - trust me!! Congrats again - I can't wait to see pics!

[Excited]

Congrats hun now you have the body you deserve!

[cj555]

Hi Carol-ann,

Congratulations on your surgery

I too am having new boobies and a tummy tuck.......on the 3rd july...and i'm absolutely terrified !!!!!!

Glad that it all went well for you and that you are starting to feel slightly better xx

[Tonys Girl]

Wow Carol-Ann, thanks for sharing your story!

You probably worked SO hard to lose that weight, you deserve all of the AMAZING results that you have (and still have yet to see!).

Good Luck with the rest of your recovery, and I'm glad that things are already getting better for you! From now on, you have only 1 direction to move in! Forward!

[CAINAZ]

Oh, hun, I am so sorry you had to endure so much! Bless your heart. You've come through the worst of it now, though. You will be so happy once you are all healed up and you have your new body, that you SO DESERVE!

BTW, I started my period the day of surgery, too! I went to the bathroom to pee for them for the PG test and there was Aunt Flo! Bitch! Ahhhh!

Happy Healing from the other CarolAnn

[finbunny]

hun, im just about in tears here. sounds like your pain has been horrible. I wish I could give you a great big hug. I hope you will heal well and start to feel better soon. your going to look fab. congrats to you. This has , im sure taken a lot out of you. major healing vibes. your in my thoughts.

[carol-ann]

Thanks girlies for all your lovely replies. :-) they really cheered me up.
I tried sleeping in my bed, it didn't happen. I was so uncomfortable so after hours of cat napping, pains and aches, I ended up back downstairs on my sofa. It was a great disappointment.
I have had no pain medication at all today which has made me feel so much better mentally. Physically I am coping.

So once again, thank you all for your kind words. They really did make me smile.

[MJPINK]

Congrats on your long journey and surgry!!!!Hope you get to feeling better real soon!!!!

[kittymeow]

congratulations on getting through it all hun .. I'm sure it will all be worth it when the pain has eased.. I'm desperate to get a tt so would love to here from you how it looks once all the pain and swelling is over xx

[lacey320]

I really enjoyed reading your story! I'm sure you are going to look amazing once your recovery is complete. I had lipo a few years ago and it is amazing how it can change your shape.

Happy healing!

[keen1988]

Hey Carol-Ann, thank you for ur story, it was really inspiring. Good luck with ur recovery, keep us updated x

[wishfull yogini]

thank you for sharing this journey! So glad you're starting to see improvement and are feeling better each day. Congrats!

[AYOOITZLILMO]

I hope that everyday improves for you. I know that as the days progress you will feel better. I feel so much better than I did when I first got out of the hospital. When the drains came out, it was the best feeling ever. Once they get taken out, you will be alot more mobile. Hope that you have a speedy recovery!!

[carol-ann]

Originally Posted by AYOOITZLILMO

I hope that everyday improves for you. I know that as the days progress you will feel better. I feel so much better than I did when I first got out of the hospital. When the drains came out, it was the best feeling ever. Once they get taken out, you will be alot more mobile. Hope that you have a speedy recovery!!

I had the drains out on day 2.
Hurt like hell. ouchhh. It was more the thought of them coming out rather than the feeling. I was literally shaking like a leaf with fear!

It's day 12 today and I feel soooo much better. I still have a very strange feeling of something moving around in my upper stomach, which means lying down is very uncomfortable, but other than that, i am pretty much fine.

[Miss_Nikki]

Congratulations! Great story, I am not looking forward to all of the pain!

[carol-ann]

Originally Posted by Miss_Nikki

Congratulations! Great story, I am not looking forward to all of the pain!

Aw don't worry, I am just a blinking wimp! haha.
You'll be great.
...and you know what, I am finally there. 2 weeks post op and I can say it was all worth it. All that pain all that crying. I am so happy with the results.
I went to my second post op today and finally saw the results of my Tummy Tuck and am over the moon, my stomach looks so clear and fresh. My belly button is so damn cute and little! haha.
The pain has completely done, all I get now is about half an hour each day where its uncomfortable. Other than that, I feel amazing.
So Miss_Nikki don't you worry, it'll all be SO worth it.

x

[keen1988]

Originally Posted by carol-ann

I had the drains out on day 2.
Hurt like hell. ouchhh. It was more the thought of them coming out rather than the feeling. I was literally shaking like a leaf with fear!

It's day 12 today and I feel soooo much better. I still have a very strange feeling of something moving around in my upper stomach, which means lying down is very uncomfortable, but other than that, i am pretty much fine.

I totally agree about the drains. The nurse came in and said she was going to take them out soon and then left...for about half an hour. I was lying there freaking out about what it will feel like lol. It was really uncomfortable getting them taken out and then painful because she applied pressure on the holes for a few minutes. Glad that part is over!!