My story or "next chapter"

[bandhope]

I'm began to struggle with my weight after having children. I could lose the weight but struggled to keep it off. I had lapband surgery almost 2 years ago. I went from 190 lbs. to 119 lbs. The last 10 pounds or so seemed to be all in my breast. I had lost my femininty and I wanted it back.

I asked my surgeon to reccommend someone good. I took my sister along (husband had a big meeting) and I loved the surgeon!!! He spent two hours going over everything and didn't sugar coat anything. Loved him! I had his nurse pencil me in and I would call her back and let her know for sure.

I was a nervous wreck the weeks before the surgery. I couldn't help but question my choice. I have to be honest...I always thought natural was the only way to go. However, I never knew first hand how it felt to have lost my breast tissue either so I pushed forward with my plans.

Got to the surgery center at 7:30. Filled out one last form (fillled out forms prior and brought them with me). The nurse took me back to weigh me, urine test, and slipped into the lovely gown and footies. I got to wear my own underwear. Yippee! The nusre started an IV and then my husband came back to sit with me.

My sweet surgeon came in to talk to me and outline my breast fold/crease.

The anes. came in to talk to me and go over how I would feel and what she would be doing. She told me she would talk to me the entire time, but I won't remember her talking to me. I thought that was sweet.

She began to the meds and they wheeled me into the O.R. The last thing I remember was kissing me husband and them moving my bed out. I was out fast.

I woke up to the anes. asking me if I was nausea. They were concerned about me throwing up since it is not good for a lapband patient to start voliently vomitting. I was a little dizzy so they put their action plan to work. Meds through the IV, behind the ear patch, and of course my oral meds at home. I felt comfortable seconds later.

The dreaded must pee before you leave ordeal! I always have trouble with this one. The drugs cause my bladder to sleep and it is hard to wake it up.
They pumped more IV fluids in and we sat. We waited and waited until someone suggested to walk around. I felt fine... no elephant on my chest feeling like some describe. My breast were numb for days. Thank God for the pain pump that feeds numbing meds to your breast.
I did finally pee and off we went.

The bumps weren't bad like some described and I slept most of the way.
Again, thanks to the pain pump!!!

I got home and my husband started the med shcedule and got me set up in bed. I slept off and on for the next two days. I wasn't in any pain what so every. Again, thanks to the pain pump and meds.

On the third day I was so upset I was missing out on my son's babseball games. I felt fine. My pain pump was out of meds so I gently pulled it out and showered. I had my sister drive me to the game. Bad idea!! No more pain pump meant the breast were waking up. The bumps were terrible and I felt everyone in her low to the ground sports car. I stayed 20 min. before the heat got to me and I felt like I was blowing up like a blowfish.

The swelling was bad on the 3rd day. My stomach looked like I was 6 months pregnant. I had to bring out some old shorts because mine didn't fit. I was trying to remember I had been warned about this. I was sure not to step foot on the scale until this passed.

The 4th day, I was feeling much better. I was still puffy, but better. I went to my son's game (baseball tournament) and it went well. I was still on pain meds and weening myself off but doing well. No pain just a little bit of discomfort sleeping at night. It was hard to get used to sleeping on my back.

I also went to see my surgeon and had the gauze removed. He said I was healing well. My husband and I went to eat and did a little vacation clothing shopping.

The 5th day I sat out in the heat (under a canopy) watching my son finish up his baseball tournament. I had taken so many laxatives that I had to go every hour. Thank goodness my husband's office (has private bathroom) was down the road. I guess all the sweating and laxatives helped because I got back into my size 4...thank goodness|! I also weighed myself and was so happy to see 120 lbs. on the scale!! I was so HAPPY!!! Remember, I dealt with weight wars.

Fast forward to the 8th day.
My energy is zapped. I started driving a few days earlier and running errands. I had to come home and nap because I was drained. I'm hoping today will be better. I went to see my surgeon yesterday and he said things are healing perfectly. He taught me how to massage them and took the steri strips off. I will be putting more on this morning to help reduce scarring (per his intructions). He also said I could wear a regular bra (no push up bras). We went immediately to Target and picked one up. I have a shopping trip to Victoria Secrets planned for tomorrow. I still have a bit of swelling, so I will look for the sale items until this passes. I'm very happy with the size. I had a great experience with a awesome surgeon!! I'm so glad I did this for myself.

I have a few pics too. Best wishes to everyone!!!

[mommyofthree]

Thanks for sharing your story. Hope your recovery continues to go smooth.

[wishfull yogini]

Congrats on the new girls! What size did you get? Did you have a lift as well? Take good care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress!

[bandhope]

Originally Posted by mommyofthree

Thanks for sharing your story. Hope your recovery continues to go smooth.

Thanks!!! Best wishes to you also.

[bandhope]

Originally Posted by wishfull yogini

Congrats on the new girls! What size did you get? Did you have a lift as well? Take good care of yourself and keep us posted on your progress!

My nipple was above the breast fold/crease so I managed to aviod it this time around. I'm sure next time I'll have to do it. My surgeon thought he could get a good result without the extra cutting. I think he did an awesome job!!! Check my pics out. Oh...I received 397 cc silicone unders.

[jamsmak04]

Congrats!!!! Hope your recovery goes well!!!

[bandhope]

Thank you! Best wishes to you!!

[Momtotwo]

Congrats!! :-) Thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad that you have had a smooth recovery! :-)

[Phoebe2009]

Congratulations on your new boobies!!!
Thanks for sharing your story!


I hope your recovery continues to go well!

[happyturtle]

Congratulations, I hope you continue to heal well. I am a mom and wife and I know how hard it can be to take the time to be good to myself- take care of yourself and rest some too, this is a perfect opportunity!

[NoCookies]

Congratulations! As a mom of 4 I can relate! I also lost all my breast, the little that I had, after pregnancy, breast feeding, and weight loss. It is amazing how much more empowered these new boobies can make us feel. Enjoy!