Training After Breast Augmentation

[brandy3369]

Ok, here's why we have a female forum... /forum/images/icons/wink.gif I'll be the first to share my experience on this topic since it will be apparent in my future progress photos that I have made changes to my physique others may wonder about.

I wanted to keep this private proceedure just that - private. But the more I thought about it and the more I read and learned from other women's breast augmentation ("BA") experiences on other helpful sites, I realised that women involved in fitness and bodybuilding might benefit from the knowledge of my experience, particularly in how it will affect my ability to resume my training and of the results I will be able to achieve following the surgery.

You can find many personal stories regarding the operation, recovery and results online, but I found little information regarding women in fitness getting BA and how it effects their training though OBVIOUSLY many fitness competitors have had this proceedure done for one reason or another. So, for what's it's worth, and for whomever may benefit from the information, I'm going to document my personal journey into getting my pre-pregnancy breasts back while sticking with my new bodybuilding lifestyle.

My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday morning (October 3rd). I am having "mastopexy" (a breast lift) with a "submuscular" implant (under my pec muscles for a smoother result) that will fill my breasts out to the "Full C/D cup" they used to be before I breastfed each of my two sons. First, I'd like to explain why I am having this proceedure done. It is not for vanity's sake, but for the peace of mind and self-confidence I once had about my breasts 6 years ago.

I am the proud mother of two beautiful boys ages 4 and 5 1/2, both of whom were breastfed for at least 6 months. Had I known as a naieve mother what breastfeeding would do to my once high and tight breasts, I'd still have opted to breastfeed for the healthful benefits to my sons, but I would have started saving for the reconstructive surgery a lot sooner. Somehow, at 28 I actually thought my swollen motherly breasts would simply SPRING right back to the way they were before I got pregnant. NOPE! And all you parents out there know what I'm talking about... Not only did I now rely on underwire bras to achieve the same high profile I had before after breastfeeding was done, but I was also a much smaller "B cup", and I have been very selfconscience of this change for the last 4 years. It just doesn't look right on me and as I develop more muscles and lose more fat (and breast tissue), I fear appearing more boy-like than I already do. I want my old breasts back - that's all. I want to like what I see in the mirror again and not sweat what I have to wear under my clothes or what tops I can wear because of the types of bras I have to have on to make me appear normally proportioned.

I went to my first consultation two weeks ago and the doctor told me then to get off of whatever blood thinners I may be on including vitamin E. So, I haven't supp'd with so much as a multi-vitamin since then. This is in preparation for the surgery, I can resume my normal supp's post-op. The surgery will take 3-4 hours and is costing me $8000. Normally surgery is only half as long and half as much, but I am getting a breast "lift" with the typical breasts implants, so it's a double duty job.

I have researched the proceedures and discovered a few interesting facts regarding BA's:

1. They take up to 6 months to fall into their most natural appearance, they will sit high on the chest at first and slowly work their way into place. This is why so many women appear to have "fake ones", if they go showing them off too soon. It takes time, it's not an instant perfect result kind of thing.

2. I will feel like I got hit by a mack truck and might not be able to even situp by myself the first day, but recovery is usually very quick and most women are off the pain pills by the 3rd day post-op and back to light chores or office work in about 5.

3. Cardio can be resumed within 2 weeks of post-op, but lifting anything that works or strains the pecs will have to be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. This means I will have to do more isolated movements for my arms and back. Legs excercises will also be somewhat limited to things that won't impact my chest for a month or so.

I am excited and nervous to finally be doing this! I've said before that I made 2002 "My Year", and I'm following through with that promise to myself. I've been planning this for 4 years....and the time has finally come! I go in on Tuesday with some photos of models to give the doctor an idea of the image I have in my head, so he knows what I'm expecting the results to look like. Then I go in on Thursday morning at 8:30am for a 9am operation. I'm divorced, so I don't have a man to help or support me through this, but I have a trusted girlfriend who's gonna make it alright.

I'll let you girls know how it all goes, how I feel afterward, and how all this affects my training post-op. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. This is a learning experience for me too, and I want to help any of you thinking of doing the same thing. Or if anyone here has already done this, and has advice to give me...I'm all ears!

Brandy

[Pirates]

ok sorry this is a guy and i know i sound liek a pervert but don't girls usually get bigger after pregnancy

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Pirates:</font><hr /> ok sorry this is a guy and i know i sound liek a pervert but don't girls usually get bigger after pregnancy <hr /></blockquote>

Initially yes, women's breasts swell with pregnancy because they begin to lactate, or produce milk. The breasts swell and stretch to accomodate the milk and stay swollen while a woman is actively breast feeding. Once the child is weened and the milk dries up and the mother loses most of the pregnancy weight she put on, the breasts "deflate" back to just tissue and fat, only now they have lost that firmness they once had, and the stretched skin causes the breasts to sag lower than they used to. And it usually gets worse after each pregnancy.

Kind of like those really fat people who lose hundreds of pounds but still have excess skin after they lose the fat? Then they have to get it surgically removed? Same mentality. Pregnancy makes the boobs blow up with weight and milk, then they try to go back to their normal size but the skin was so stretched for so long, they lose their shape.

Yeah - sounds really sexy, but this is the real world and I'd like to think we're all grown-up's. Hell even I learned a lot about my own body when I was pregnant - I was CLUELESS and I'm not a stupid person, so I can imagine they curiosity of the single guys on this board who are peeking into the women's forum and reading this thread.

Welcome to "More Than I Ever Wanted to Know About Boobs 101". /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[Suzie]

Brandy:
Wishing you luck in your new endeavor. Will be thinking of you Thursday !!
I too am in the exact same boat as you. But,not yet brave enough or have enough money to complete the task.
Keep us posted as to how its all going for you.

[Nony]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by brandy3369:</font><hr /> I'll let you girls know how it all goes, how I feel afterward, and how all this affects my training post-op. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. This is a learning experience for me too, and I want to help any of you thinking of doing the same thing. Or if anyone here has already done this, and has advice to give me...I'm all ears!
Brandy <hr /></blockquote>

Brandy - good luck and congrats! Breast augmentation in women that lift weights does have some different considerations. I just wanted to share what little I know.

My workout partner and best girlfriend had hers done about a year ago. She has been bodybuilding for about 10 years and had a great foundation with mature, well trained muscles. Her surgeon insisted on going over the muscle. Bad choice for her. Now they are big, but fall down and out. She also went back to the gym too soon and her scar tissue stretched a lot! Her breasts are truly damaged. In clothing and bras with support they are nice. But naked they are horrible. She paid about $4K to get them done and now it's estimated it will cost $15K to get them fixed. (BTW she had a lollipop incision)

The same surgeon did another friend of mine's and he went under the muscle for her. She is a serious weightlifter but she hasn't been doing it for long. She had a fairly muscular frame, though. Her's are about 6 months old and are now dropping into place. You could have served tea off of them for a while there. She seemed to do really well with wearing her support garments, etc. I haven't seen hers naked but she looks much better. (Under the nipple incision)

My other workout partner had hers done about 2 years ago - under the muscle - by a different surgeon. She has mature muscle, over-all excellent physique and her breasts are beautiful. She said they were under her chin for a long time, and one fell before the other did but now they are perfect. She is very consciencious and responsible so I know she took her recovery at a good pace. She is also a runner and wears good support. (Armpit incision)

You have done a great thing in researching. My only other advice would be to research your doctor too. Not just the befores and afters he shows you - talk to people and find out who else he (or she) has done and how happy they were. I understand you might not want to make this public knowledge but it might be worth it to talk to people that have had this done by this doctor. Call the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and the AMA and see if there have been any complaints about his practice.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[tattoodmom]

Oh good luck I will be thinking good thoughts for ya!! I actually went the other way in Jan of this year (reduction of like 3 lbs each side)
I also got a lift &amp; they did a little liposuction to taper them on the sides..I hurt for about 2 weeks &amp; 4 weeks later started lifting weights..(I was a really big wimp back then..hardly any chance of hurting myself with the wimpy weights..lol) I am very happy with my decision &amp; I sure hope yours will be great also!! Best of luck!

Jackie

[girl007]

Hey Woman,

Thanks for sharing...I'm nervous for you. I hope they turn out perfect and bring you what your looking for. I think it is so neat of you to share....Thanks! I know every woman has considered this at one time for one reason or another.... just know that we are in your corner and wish you the best...and the best breast! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[MissMargaret]

<font color="blue"> Ooooh, best wishes on a successful surgery Brandy. I'm curious about BA, but not nearly brave enough to do it. I'm a 32A (or less) now after having lost body fat. Very very small indeed... in fact probably one of my breasts could fit into the shape of a large nippled woman. Hubby, loves them as they are, but part of me still wishes for a little more. Please keep us posted. </font color>

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Nony:</font><hr />You have done a great thing in researching. My only other advice would be to research your doctor too. Not just the befores and afters he shows you - talk to people and find out who else he (or she) has done and how happy they were. I understand you might not want to make this public knowledge but it might be worth it to talk to people that have had this done by this doctor. Call the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and the AMA and see if there have been any complaints about his practice.
<hr /></blockquote>

Thank you for the advice Nony, I did research this Doctor and his credentials are pretty impressive. I knew I was was going to demand implants under the muscle as they tend to provide the most natural look, and I was happy when this doctor advised it tome before I even had to ask.

I am having "D" implants as I am naturally (or rather WAS) a "C/D" cup and from what I've read in a lot of personal stories, some implants shrink a little after about a year, and if I'm forking out $8,000 for a nice set of breasts, I'd rather them be a little larger than I'm used to than a little smaller than I'm used too as I have been WAY smaller than I'm used to for the last 4 years. But that's just me...

Thank you for telling the stories of your friends. I hope I share in the good experiences that a couple of them had.

Brandy

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by tattoodmom:</font><hr /> Oh good luck I will be thinking good thoughts for ya!! I actually went the other way in Jan of this year (reduction of like 3 lbs each side)
I also got a lift &amp; they did a little liposuction to taper them on the sides..I hurt for about 2 weeks &amp; 4 weeks later started lifting weights..(I was a really big wimp back then..hardly any chance of hurting myself with the wimpy weights..lol) I am very happy with my decision &amp; I sure hope yours will be great also!! Best of luck!

Jackie <hr /></blockquote>

Oh my gosh girl! You must have been huge! lol I have a friend with a nice "shelf unit" as we call it, she's very self-conscience of it though and always wears the minimizers to strap them down. I think she'd get a reduction if she had it a little higher on her savings priority list, but I know she gets a lot of comments and jokes about her well-endowment. I can understand why you had yours done and I'm glad to hear you are so pleased with the results. It's very comforting to know that I'll probably be fine and happy too.

Brandy

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by MissMargaret:</font><hr /> <font color="blue"> Ooooh, best wishes on a successful surgery Brandy. I'm curious about BA, but not nearly brave enough to do it. I'm a 32A (or less) now after having lost body fat. Very very small indeed... in fact probably one of my breasts could fit into the shape of a large nippled woman. Hubby, loves them as they are, but part of me still wishes for a little more. Please keep us posted. </font color> <hr /></blockquote>

And that's what's important, that YOU are happy with them. And it certainly helps when you have a man telling you how beautiful you are either way. I will admit, one of my motivating factors (besides simply liking what I see in the mirror everyday again) is that when and if I ever get involved with a man again I don't want to appear self-conscience about any part of my body. That tension can ruin an otherwise awesome experience.

If it's something you really want for yourself though, I bet your husband would support you and besides, he'd reap a few rewards himself. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Brandy

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by girl007:</font><hr />Thanks for sharing...I'm nervous for you. I hope they turn out perfect and bring you what your looking for. I think it is so neat of you to share....Thanks! I know every woman has considered this at one time for one reason or another.... just know that we are in your corner and wish you the best...and the best breast! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif <hr /></blockquote>

That is so very sweet of you to say! Thank you. I"m doing this on my own so the support is very appreciated.

I'll make sure to write about the the experience and keep you all updated on my recovery. I'm considering posting "before and after" pictures with me wearing one of my work out tanks so that you can see the results for yourself. But the new "twins" will be apparhent either way when I have to update my training photos again, so you'll notice them compared to my previous training shots anyway.

Thank you again for your kind words. They really help me stay positive about all this. /forum/images/icons/smile.gif

Brandy

[Leanne]

Brandy - GOOD FOR YOU!!! I had a BA done April 19 of this year - my 35th bday. It is the best thing I ever did for myself!!! I had been lifting faithfully for two years prior and was concerned about getting back into it. I had worked my bench press up to 120 pounds max and knew I'd lose that. But, I've started back lifting (I did wait until this long to go back, I wanted no damage or strain) and it feels great to be back. I'm having a little trouble with the muscle/mind connection. I sometimes overcompensate by using muscles I'm not supposed to for say back so I don't use my pecs. But, I'm benching again and everything else. I had to let my ego go out the window knowing I had cut through some serious muscle and had to essentially start over.

Regardless, I'm SO happy with my new boobies that it is all worth it. Best of luck to you Thursday. Be prepared to not feel like yourself for 4-5 weeks. That's the best advice I can give. GOOD LUCK!! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif <font color="pink"> </font color>

[brandy3369]

I went into the doctor's office to pay and sign the surgery paperwork. I have to been in tomorrow morning at 8:30am for a 9:30am operation, and though I'm nervous, I'm actually more scared that the doctor will screw something up in the symmetry or size of my breats than I am of my own well being. I guess because I paid with cash and as I counted out all those bills I knew that regardless ofthe results, I wouldn't get the money back, in fact, I'd have to spend more on fixing any mistakes.

I stopped by the store and bought some bandages and neosporin along with extra strength Tylenol PM. The doctor will have me on Percoset (sp?), and if I remember correctly, that should make me feel pretty good. But I know I am going to be in awful pain the first day or two. I'm just gonna have to tough it out.

I cleaned up the house, put the top up on my Jeep, pre-made some meals for me and my dog - I should be ready to keep chores to a minimum for a few days. I also took some "before" pictures to compare with my new chest tomorrow.

Eeeeeeekkk!! Four years of waiting......and the day has finally come!! I'm scared and excited all at once.

I'll check in by Friday to let you know how it went.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Brandy

[Pirates]

hey i know this sounds like a pervert but i hope it does go well

We're with ya Brandy! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/wink.gif

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by ***********:</font><hr /> We're with ya Brandy! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/wink.gif <hr /></blockquote>

Thanks sweets! I'm back, it's done, and as promised - here's an update on my surgery experience.

OCTOBER 3, 2002 - SURGERY DAY

6:30am - I went to my usual Thursday morning PT session with to get in one last bit of excercise before having to lie around the house for a week or so. It was another game of Frisbee Football, and as usual I was the only girl so though I got to catch and throw on a few passes, most of the guys flung the frisbee to high for me to ever catch, so I focused on sprinting back and forth across the field in the direction of the play to get something good out of the game for me. Besides, some of the guys were getting pissy and arguing over cheating and stuff - man, some of them are seriously poor-sports. Babies.

7:30am - Finished the game and went to my friend's house with my overnight bag to have her drive me to the doctor's office. I wasn't nervous at all. I wondered if I was being realistic about the possible risks involved - but denial is something I use to deal with things I don't want to stress myself out with, and while it may not be the smartest option, I never got any better results from worrying too much either.

8:30am - Arrived at the Plastic Surgeon's office and changed into my gown. A nurse came in to insert an IV into my arm (I frickin hate IV's, they burn like hell going in!), and she hooked up an IV drip and took my stats. She said my blood pressure and pulse were real good, indicating that I was relaxed and healthy. I told her I excercised this morning and that helped. She was very fit herself and agreed with me. The doctor cme in next and marked my chest with the lines he needed to set my breasts in the proper position. He assured me that I was going to look great when he was done. I smiled...it's been too long since I was last happy with my breasts. I liked his confidence.

9:30 - Surgery was suppose to start, but due to a booking error, I had to wait on another woman to be done first. As I waited alone in my room, I looked down at some point and noticed that my IV line was filled with blood. I followed the line down to see that I had somehow disconnected the line from the needle in my arm and had made a large spot of blood on the floor beside my bed. I called in the nurse and she hooked my IV back up and cleaned up the mess for me. See, you can't leave me alone for 10mins! I'm such a klutz!

10:30 - My time had come! The anesthesiologist (Steve) brought me into the O.R. and had me lie down on the table. The nurse covered me with a blanket and from behind my head I heard Steve say. "Ok, I gave you something that will make you feel mellow and relaxed". Not 30 seconds later, I felt this calm rush over me like a good high (er, whatever that feels like, right? *cough* lol) and then I remember Steve saying something funny to the nurse, and I laughed like it was something I had read in a paulb/showdown thread - then that was it. I was OUT! Very nicely, not at all rough like another experience I had had with anesthesia in my past.

11:30am - My eyes opened and I remember the doctor moving my head and asking me to sit up so the could put my dressings on. I don't remember anything after that until I was being wheeled out in a wheelchair fully clothed to my friend's car downstairs. I remember her helping me into the car, and started to wake up a bit as we got close to home 40 minutes later.

12:30am - My friend helped me into her apartment and had her couch made up for me with lots of pillows. I was starving as I hadn't eaten since 9:30pm the night before as instructed. My friend had bought me a Whopper combo from BK and I ate it all! I didn't care about fat and calories, I figured if my body needs to heal, I'm gonna give it whatever it wants to have the energy to do that. I was perscribed Percocet with another pill to avoid nausea, and an antibiotic to prevent infection. I took these afterI was done eating and spent the rest of the day sleeping for 3 or 4 hours at a time.

OCTOBER 4th - 1 DAY POST-OP

I am happy to say that I am in much less paIn than I expected to feel after reading so many post-op stories from other women on anther site. I have taken two Percocets every 3 hours as suggested and though I expected to feel some kind of piercing pain or ache all over my chest and back, I just feel like I overtrained my chest. My pecs are are swollen out with the new D cup implants beneath them. I have to take shorter breaths to keep from expanding my chest too much and my shoulders are haunched over creating this concave appearance to my chest. My skin kind of itches and I can't raise my arms at all, I can bend at the elbow to get things done. It is a good thing that my abs and legs are strong from my workouts, because I can't lie down yet and getting up is difficult even from the seated position. I have to pull myself up with my abs, then push myself up wth my legs while keeping my arms locked at my waist to prevent any upper body movement.

It's only "the next day" but already I am up and about walking stiffly around my apartment. I am uncomfortable but not in any real pain. I can't bathe yet because I won't be able to wash or dry off without moving my arms too much. I'm going to try tomorrow though, as I have improved greatly just since yesterday and I figure I may be much better tomorrow.

I go back to the doctor's office today at 3:45pm to have the gauze removed and my stitches inspected. I will ask the doctor then exactly how many cc's of saline he used in me and also when he thinks I can resume working out.

The stiffness and soreness is exclusively located in my upper chest and feel like I perhaps ripped a muscle. It only hurts if I try to move it. As long as I'm relatively still, there is only a tightness, but no pain. I need to make up a routine of isolation moves that I can do at the gym that won't involve raising my arms over my head, lying on my stomach or in any way using my pecs for about 2 weeks. Then I can raise my arms and lie on my stomach, but I still can't work my pecs for another 4-6 weeks. I guess in the big picture, that's not too long.

But with the reduced excercise, I'm going to have to cut back on calories and create a stricter, more balanced diet to keep my body fat from going up. This percocet is making me bloated and I feel like I've gained 10lbs overnight, but I should only need the pills for another day, then I'll just use Tylenol.

I'll let you guys know what the plastic surgeon has to tell me after today's visit.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your words of encouragement. They really help to comfort me through this.

Brandy

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by brandy3369:</font><hr /> OCTOBER 3, 2002 - SURGERY DAY

6:30am - I went to my usual Thursday morning PT session with to get in one last bit of excercise before having to lie around the house for a week or so. It was another game of Frisbee Football, and as usual I was the only girl so though I got to catch and throw on a few passes, most of the guys flung the frisbee to high for me to ever catch, so I focused on sprinting back and forth across the field in the direction of the play to get something good out of the game for me. Besides, some of the guys were getting pissy and arguing over cheating and stuff - man, some of them are seriously poor-sports. Babies.<hr /></blockquote>

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/laugh.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/laugh.gif Some of them sure are sometimes!

[ QUOTE ]
can't leave me alone for 10mins! I'm such a klutz!<hr /></blockquote>

Lol, so am I!

[ QUOTE ]
...Not 30 seconds later, I felt this calm rush over me like a good high (er, whatever that feels like, right? *cough* lol) and then I remember Steve saying something funny to the nurse, and I laughed like it was something I had read in a paulb/showdown thread - then that was it. I was OUT! Very nicely, not at all rough like another experience I had had with anesthesia in my past.<hr /></blockquote>

I remember having laughing gas once and that's something else. It's like you don't care about anything. I normally don't like watching needles being inserted into my body but after I had some laughing gas, I was like, "go ahead, I don't care" and I watched them do it but didn't even care.

[ QUOTE ]
I was perscribed Percocet with another pill to avoid nausea, and an antibiotic to prevent infection. I took these afterI was done eating and spent the rest of the day sleeping for 3 or 4 hours at a time.<hr /></blockquote>

Ugh, I hate that percocet crap! That stuff makes me feel dizzy or like the room is moving!

[ QUOTE ]
My friend had bought me a Whopper combo from BK and I ate it all! I didn't care about fat and calories, I figured if my body needs to heal, I'm gonna give it whatever it wants to have the energy to do that.<hr /></blockquote>

That's right! I'd have done the SAME thing! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[ QUOTE ]
I am happy to say that I am in much less paIn than I expected to feel after reading so many post-op stories from other women on anther site. I have taken two Percocets every 3 hours as suggested and though I expected to feel some kind of piercing pain or ache all over my chest and back, I just feel like I overtrained my chest.<hr /></blockquote>


That's great!

[ QUOTE ]
I have to pull myself up with my abs, then push myself up wth my legs while keeping my arms locked at my waist to prevent any upper body movement.<hr /></blockquote>

It's like you're still getting to work out, hehe.

[ QUOTE ]
I'm going to try tomorrow though, as I have improved greatly just since yesterday and I figure I may be much better tomorrow.<hr /></blockquote>

Well, you just be careful, feeling good is ONE thing, you're body actually being READY is another!

[ QUOTE ]
... but I still can't work my pecs for another 4-6 weeks. I guess in the big picture, that's not too long.<hr /></blockquote>

Yeah, no biggie.

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks to each and every one of you for your words of encouragement. They really help to comfort me through this.

Brandy <hr /></blockquote>

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif Great post! Thanks for the update! /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[brandy3369]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: Showdown:</font><hr>
Best of luck in your recovery! <hr /></blockquote>

Thanks Showdown.

OCTOBER 5TH - 2 DAYS POST-OP or "Hello Pain; Where Ya Been?"

I went to the doctor's office yesterday to have the gauze and supporting ace bandaged removed and suddenly the pain I thought I was fortunate enough to miss out on, formally introduced itself to me at the speed of gravity.

My new and larger breasts fell on thier own and I felt my back tense up immediately with the added weight and my chest caved inward with the pain in my pecs. Uuuuggghhhh! So this is the pain all those women were talking about! Still nowhere near as bad as labor contractions, but very constant, throbbing and sickening in it's own right. My poor pecs are on FIRE!

The boobs are stiff and high on my chest and this is why the supportive bandage was removed, they must now learn to fall into place over the next few months. To encourage this (or make matters worse) I have to wear a strap across the top of my breasts that pushes them down. Pain, pain, pain.....I can take it, but it sucks.

I had to sleep sitting up again last night, but I kept waking up and my neck hurts from sleeping crooked. My big dog (110lbs) "Maysa" thinks she should comfort me by rubbing her boulder size head on me or throwing her huge paw over me, and I have to get away from her because just one nudge or scratch to my chest area and I'm in a lot of pain. Walking her as she tugs on her leash is a practice in the discipline of pain management.

I had quit taking the Percocet yesterday because it was making me retain water so bad that I literally put on 9 pounds overnight. I was 147 before going into surgery, and I was 156 the next day. Today, I'm 158...... 10lbs of fluid!? I can feel it too! My pants don't fit me all of a sudden, and my face is all puffy. It doesn't make me feel any better about having eaten unclean since my surgery (ie fast food, fried food, even Icon's favorite doughnuts!) When I feel this bad I just want comfort foods, but 10lbs overnight!? What the hell is that!? It takes me a month to drop 6lbs! The doctor said that water retention and constipation were normal side effects to Percocet. He perscribed me 4 water pills and told me to get a laxative to help rid my body of this.

Also, I started my cycle the day of surgery - so there's water retention from that as well, but on a weird note...although I started an hour before surgery, my cycle stopped that night. I had read many women say that they actually skipped their period if it was due near the time of surgery, so I guess my case isn't abnormal. Perhaps a woman's body is just shocked by surgery and decides that it had more important things to focus on than it's monthly cycle. The same thing happens to women in any stressful situation like boot camp, I went without a period for 3 months during those fun months of basic training. This probably means though that once I get to feeling better, I'll start on any given day unexpectantly. That's always fun.

The pain in my chest was so bad this morning though, that regardless of water retention, I had to take the Percocet again. It's starting to kick in now and I feel better. I loath feeling so fat after all my hard work, but I'm not going to be incompacitated with pain to feel thin.

I have to be at work on Monday, no one but my direct supervisor knows what I've done. If anyone comments on my slower movements I'm going to tell them I injured myself at the gym. I had a friend who ripped his left pectoral muscle once, and he was in a lot of pain. The muscle was swollen and red, and he was very protective of his chest for awhile. That's what I believe this feels like because the pain is all in my poor cut and stuffed pecs.

I have to figure out what to tell my workout buddy though. I'm not a good liar when it comes to lying to my friends or people I care about. But if I tell him, I don't know for sure he won't tell another good friend of ours - the guy I've had a crush on.

It's just very private information and I don't want anyone thinking I did it to get male attention. I did it for me, and I don't want to have to defend this or explain myself to anyone. I can talk about it here because I don't have to see you all every day - you're anonymous and objective aquaintances. But if people I work with found out, they will just assume I did it for vanity's sake. And would it be any less humiliating to tell them my real reasons for doing it? No. They'll believe what they want to believe.

The change in my breast size won't be apparhent to them because our coveralls make girls look pretty flat chested and I've worn padded bras under my civilian clothes so that my bra size appears to be the same - only now, there's no padding required. In fact, for the next 6 months, there's no bra allowed! That should be interesting.

Percocet has set in...feeling much better now. Will update tomorrow. I miss working out already. I feel so ****ed FAT!!!!

Brandy

[Philia2]

Nice job Brandy, now you just need to let your body recover and then you'll be back on the track again more strong and beautiful than ever!!!! (o;

[BB1]

Hi Brandy,

I am really glad you have decided to write about this. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gifBelieve me so far it has been very helpful.
I have considered getting one myself. After two children they are not the same. /forum/images/graemlins/mad.gif

I noticed you are in the military as well. Our uniforms do no justice for the female body.

Here is a couple of questions for you.
Did you have the military do the procedure? I know they will you just have to pay for the implants. If the military did it, how much conlv did you receive?

The 10 lbs is due to the swelling. A good sign your body is healing. Forget about the opinions of others. Do what makes you happy and obviously you did. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Take care and keep us updated. You have tons of support here. Thanks again for writing about your experience.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gifMelissa

[brandy3369]

Hey Melissa,

No, I paid to have my surgery done "out in town". I know that the Navy has stapled the stomachs of some severely obese dependants, a co-workers wife had it done, and just recently they have begun performing the laser eye surgery to correct our vision for free (which I plan to sign up for since I not only need it, but would be considered a high priority candidate given my job and wouldn't have to wait for a year like non-priority personnel), but I have never heard of Navy medical doing any type of cosmetic surgery that wasn't necessary re-constructive surgery for the health of the patient.

Navy medical will do breast reductions for women with back problems or re-construct a woman's breasts if they were some how damaged, but a breast lift with augmentation is considered optional cosmetic surgery to them, and like insurance companies, they won't pay for it. If you have heard otherwise, this is news to me, but even if they did to it - I honestly wouldn't trust them to get it right...you know what I'm talking about. /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

So, in referrance to your question about the costs though, a standard breast augmentation goes for about $4,000 and that includes everything from your consultations, surgery, anesthesia and post-op check-ups. This price is the same regardless of the size of the implants, but may change with the methods of implant placement.

My surgery was twice as much ($8,000) because along with the augmentation I received to get back to the "Full C/D" cup I used to be before I had kids, I also had a vertical lift or "mastopexy" to reposition my breasts higher on my chest to their original starting point. I had to use my SRB to pay for it, and though my mind occasionally ponders the toys I could have bought with the money (like a small ski boat to go fishing and tubing on the Chesapeake in) I know that the money paid for my peace of mind, and I don't regret doing it at all. It sucks that it was necessary, but I'm grateful to God that I had the means and the finances available to me to do it.

Thank you for your support. I will continue to post my progress as I work towards resuming my training as soon as possible while managing my weight as I heal.

Brandy

[brandy3369]

OCTOBER 6th: 3 DAYS POST-OP

I started taking my percocet again yesterday after being in pain Saturday morning. The percocet really helps, it just makes me a little sleepy and I think I might over do it a bit in regards to movement and lifting items when I'm on it. I noticed last night that there is significant bruising on the bottom half of each breast and around the incision marks. I didn't notice this before, but I could have missed it - either way, I'm going to take it easier today. I paid too much money to screw them up from the get go. And if I have any complications, I'm going to have to pay to have them fixed. I can't afford that.

I am wearing no bra as directed, just the snug velcro strap across the top of my chest to push my pecs down. I'm glad I am wearing this thing because it also keeps my breasts pushed together from the sides and prevents them from painfully shifting as I move about.

The pain today, like every day so far, is better. I am looking foward to seeing the plastic surgeon ("PS") on Wednesday though, because I am kind of worried about the tender appearance of the incision sites and the severity of the bruising in some areas.

The scale read 159lb this morning! That's 12lbs 3 days! **sigh** I know, it'll go away, but it's weird how I can feel it on me like a suit I can't take off. It's annoying.

I started my day off right though, had eggs and oatmeal for breakfast. I'm back to eating my standard clean meals. Tomorrow should be the last day of Percocet for me, then I'm going to take the water pills my PS gave me to help rid myself of the retention as quickly as possible.

Tomorrow I get to take showers again and wash off the last of the tape left behind to help my cuts heal. I'm looking foward to it because the sponge baths just aren't cutting it.

[Lizziegirl]

Just a note from someone who did it 2 years ago...take your time getting back to the gym. I had an easy time with recovery...drove myself to work the very next day, really had no down time in my "regular" life. However, the gym was a different story....at 4 weeks post op I started doing cardio, at 8 weeks post op, light training....and at 12 MONTHS post op was able to start training chest again. I went from a AA to a small D, undermuscle, armpit incision. Good luck!! and congratulations on your decision!

[Mia]

God, girl! /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif

We all with you!
I was reading and thinking about myself and that I don't have kids yet and that one day I will face the same changes on my body and the same questions.
I can nto tell you that I feel your pain but I want to tell you that you are doing the tremendous HUGE job by writing these long and detailed posts.

The only thing I have to say to encourage you: it's already done, you a halfway through this and in time will feel much better and much more confident.

Mia

P.S. Take it easy with working out! It is a bad idea for the body on antibiotics and other medicines. Take you time for healing, those lean body will not run away from you.
Health - first, looks - second.
Do one thing ata time. You have ALL you life in front of you.

[brandy3369]

OCTOBER 7TH - EMERGENCY ROOM

Sunday night I called my plastic surgeon about drainage coming from my insicision sites along the crease of my breasts. He told me that some drainage from the insicions was normal (I had no drainage tubes installed) and to come in the next day and he would inspect me then.

The next day, Monday (4 days post op) I was 13lbs heavier than I was pre-op. I had been eating whatever I pleased and assumed some of the weight was due to that plus the water retension from the Percocet. I went into work and planned to see my PS that evening. But I only made it through to about 11 a.m.

I stood up in the bathroom and felt fluid running down my left side, I looked down and saw that it was blood. I grabbed some paper towels and thought - ok I need to leave work and run to the doctor's office, because I hadn't told anybody what I had had done. Everyone was clueless and I had wanted it that way. But no sooner did the thought cross my mind the blood started sushing out of me, and I thought - any second now, I'm going to pass out...I have to call for help.

I yelled out into the hallway for someone to help me, and a few guys came in and asked where I was bleeding. I laid down and they applied direct pressure to my left breast until the paramedics arrived. I was hauled out into the hangar and put on a gurney in front of all the men I work with who had no idea what was wrong with me, only that I was half naked and bleeding from my upper chest. My secret was no more, and I was humilated in about as worse a senario as I could ever imagine - but at least I waasn't alone and calling 911, right?

I was taken by ambulance to the ER and a nurse had to stand by my bed holding pressure for 2 hours while waiting for an available doctor to see me. My PS was contacted and he drove from VA to MD immediately to take care of me. I'm sure he realised I had needed help over the weekend when I asked for it, and felt responsible for my current dilemma. He talked to me on the phone, said he was on his way and for me not to worry. He was going to take care of everything, my implants will remain in place and I will be fine.

He did show up a couple hours later, I went under his knife again and woke up with a heavier bandage and strap around my chest. This time, however, there were two drainage tubes coming out of the sides of my bandaging and leading into bottles on my sides. My first thought was - why wasn't this done to begin with?

I had to spend the night in the critical care unit, all my co-workers (98% of them are men) now know what I've had done and saw me wheeled out bloody, half naked and with paramedics holding pressure on my breasts which added insult to injury. And I'm in the pain and discomfort that I was in on Day 1 last Thursday. Yet I am told I am the exception to the rule and one of only 2% of women who have any serious complications after breast augmentation.

I woke up this morning completely swollen again with little drainage in the cups. My right arm that had the IV in it was so swollen that you couldn't see the knuckles in my hand. My doctor said it was probaly a side effect of the anti-biotic I was one and gave me a different perscription, but 12 hours later, I'm still swollen though it is slightly better.

They had me on Morphine at the hospital and I used very little. They perscribed me Darvocet for pain this time. It is supposed to have the least amount of side effects associated with pain killers. Unfortunately this includes the "high" that you might usually get.

I'm managing the pain alright, but after this situation, I am having a hard time thinking positive. I can no longer envision being well and everything being normal. Where I was once blissfully ignorant, I have now been smacked with the reality that things can go wrong and I may have wasted my money if my body keeps refusing to deal with these implants.

Another hard part is that I am on my own. I have a few co-workers that are willing to help me when I need it, but when you feel like this, you kinda just want to be babied by someone who really cares about you and isn't just being nice. Ya know? But they don't call me tough for nothing. I'll get through this and deal with it.

I'll keep you all posted on my progress as I'm obviously an example of what could go wrong.

Brandy

Oh gosh Brandy! My heart goes out to you!! What an ordeal but don't you dare let it get you down, there IS light at the end of the tunnel! Just think positive, this will all be over soon and in another week you'll be looking back at it as only a memory which you got thru! You're a STRONG woman, I can tell, you stay strong, you can do it. Anything is possible to overcome if you just believe in yourself, I mean that. I know it's tough being on your own but you can do it, you're strong, just remember that! My thoughts and prayers will be with you until you are well again, you can count on that! You'll be okay, stay strong girl and keep posting. Let us (Abc) keep you company so you won't have to feel alone. I'm here so much that right now I think Abc, working out, and speed skating is my life, especially without a job! So if you're feeling up to it, hang out with us, we'll keep you company. Stay strong, we're right here. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/scatter.gif

[brandy3369]

Thank you Krypto. I appreciate that. I'll be talking to the doctor tomorrow with some questions I already have. I'll let you know what they say.

Brandy

[Philia2]

Wow Brandy, stay strong girl, we are all with you!!!!!

[Nony]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: brandy3369:</font><hr> Thank you Krypto. I appreciate that. I'll be talking to the doctor tomorrow with some questions I already have. I'll let you know what they say.

Brandy <hr /></blockquote>

I'd definitely have questions, too. Like - why didn't they put the **** drainage tubes in the first time?

I am so sorry you had to go through this but I agree with Krypto - don't let it get you down. This will not last.

I can only imagine your embarrassment in being seen by your co-workers. I hope that they will do the right thing and respect your privacy. I'm sure they are concerned, so you may have to share more with them than you originally intended. You never know - sometimes when things like this happen it kinda bonds you with those around you and you may find support you didn't know you had. A few extra protective men in your life wouldn't hurt... /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hang in there!

[Mia]

Gosh!

I'm sorry to read that something is wrong!!!! /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif

WHY, WHY, WHY some doctors are so careless?!!!!
Don't they understand that they are dealing with people's lives?!

I can not believe that you find so much strength and courage for writing about your experience!

You are not alone as soon as there ARE people who willing to help. And that doesn't matter that they are not your relatives or you man, still, they are people who care.
I've been living in the USA for less then two years, but I've met a lot of americans who are willing to help in any life situations. I have a strong believe that there are a lot of peopel like that around you.

And stop worring about the humiliation of the situation (at work). You've done everything to save your life and health - this is the main important thing! I used to work in different companies and in two of them I have that 99% male stuff. Trust me, men can be much more understanding and forgiving co-workers (I'm sorry, ladies, but it is true).

There is nothing wrong in the woman who wants to be beautiful and self-confident. Too bad that sometimes it is implyies health problems, like in your case. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I hope that everything will turn out good, and you'll be healthy and beautiful.
But, again and again, I insist on being HEALTHY prior to being beautiful and considering to do everything possible to stay HEALTHY.

Mia.

[BB1]

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: brandy3369:</font><hr>
I yelled out into the hallway for someone to help me, and a few guys came in and asked where I was bleeding. I laid down and they applied direct pressure to my left breast until the paramedics arrived. I was hauled out into the hangar and put on a gurney in front of all the men I work with who had no idea what was wrong with me, only that I was half naked and bleeding from my upper chest. My secret was no more, and I was humilated in about as worse a senario as I could ever imagine - but at least I waasn't alone and calling 911, right?

<hr /></blockquote>

Oh, my heart goes out to you. I personally feel there was more concern for your well-being from the guys. The guys give me loads of crap at work. I am sure the same happens to you. You are in a more male dominated situation then I am. When something bad happens to you, you will see the bond that is forming. Why? I know. I got sick. Concern was all over their faces. You should have seen the visitors I had when the IV was hooked up. I had no friggin clue. /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif They might give you crap (you know men /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif) but when push comes to shove they will be there by your side. I know you know what I mean.
Concentrate on getting better. I had no idea that the swelling was that bad. It is normal but there is a limit and you found it unfortunately. You have my support. Take care.

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gifMelissa

[brandy3369]

OCTOBER 10th - A LITTLE BETTER

Since my emergency redo Monday night and release from the hospital on Tuesday, I have made it a point to stay in bed unless I need to eat or use the bathroom. I had to walk my dog outside today, and though the tugging on my chest was painful as I walked and I could feel myself start to swell a bit from the blood circulating, I wasn't in much pain.

My appointment with my plastic surgeon is tomorrow to have this heavy bandaging removed from my chest. I will be able to see what "they" look like again. I had a scare this morning. I discovered this morning that I can expect to have a few large blisters on my back and sides from this dressing. I discovered this this morning when I felt water trickle down my left side out of my bandaging, and I lifted it a bit to try to see if it was blood. What I saw was a large blister on my ribcage that had broken and that's where the water came from that I saw. This probably explains the pain I have in a few other areas under my tight bandaging. Areas that feel like I have something caught between me and the gauze and are uncomfortable to rest on. Sheesh - I can't believe my luck. I know this all sounds so very sexy.

I hope things go well. I'm nervous. If I develop an infection it's all over. I'll have to have the implants removed, and deal with a scarred chest. I did research what happened to me and found out that I really am one of only 2% of breast augmentation patients who develop complications as severe as a hematoma. Go figure, I can't win the lottery, but out of the thousands of women who have BA's done everyday, I'm one of 2% that gets screwed.

But really I screwed myself too. I did too much too soon and probably caused the hematoma by not resting enough. My concerns now, are seeing everything tomorrow. I have pain around the incision sites and I hope they are ok and that this is normal. I'm going to think positive though. Women do this thing every day. I can do it to.

Brandy

[davethewonderpony]

All of our thoughts are with you...I just checked this thread and can't believe what you're going through. I just hope everything turns out well and that you make a speedy recovery.

[brandy3369]

OCTOBER 11th - FIRST POST-OP SINCE RE-DO

Went in to see my plastic surgeon at noon today. I have stayed in bed since returning home from the hospital Tuesday and was hoping for good results because of this. The PS cut my bandaging away and let me pull all the cotton and gauze away myself so I could take it off at my own pace. It was nerve-racking to feel them drop with gravity as I removed the dressing. I kept expecting to start bleeding all over the place from the pulling sensation in my chest.

I realized that after my experience Monday night in the ER, my nerves are shot. I have experienced many types of pain from root canals and sprained joints to labor and delivery - and I handled it all like a trooper. But Monday night there was a point I reached after bleeding non-stop for 4 hours where I actually thought I might be in a serious condition here, and I was alone except for a female co-worker that was sent with me to fill out my paperwork for me. I made it through like I always do, telling myself to stay calm, deal with the pain, and shake it all off - I'll be fine.

But now, 4 days later, I'm told I'm in the clear and on my way to a good recovery - but as I look down at the stitches and feel the swelling and tightening in my chest, the painful pulling sensations or the sickening loss of sensation altogether in some areas, my emotions are catching up to me. I'm told I'm on the right track now, but I'm a nervous wreck. I'm scared to get out of bed or even look at my chest much less touch it.

At the doctor's today, he removed one of the drain in my right breast and he had said it wouldn't hurt at all, but my God did it hurt! Right at the end as he pulled it out it felt as if someone was holding a torch up to my breast and burning it. I started to panic...the last time I felt a burning sensation like that was Monday night as I lied bleeding non-stop in a waiting room. My doctor assured me I was fine but he had to rub my side to get the last bit of fluid out and I have a high tolerance for pain, but it felt as if he were sticking his finger in an open wound. Now, I'm a wreck.

I'm disappointed in myself, but I'm shaking and I seem to be having some kind of post-traumatic episode. I'm scared to get out of bed, and it's all I can do to even look at my breasts right now. I keep thinking something else is going to go wrong. I know I have little control over this and that I'm doing what's best by resting all day, but it's not like me to feel scared. Not just scared, but nervous and shakey ~ paranoid.

I know I'm only human and that what I am feeling is probably normal for someone who went through what I did, but I just came here to get it off my chest (hey - look at that, I made a pun! Maybe I am still the same fruitcake on the inside). I am telling myself to stay focused and level headed. I just have to quit shaking.

But the doctor said I look great, and to come back and see him on Wednesday when he'll remove the left drain tube. After what it felt like today - I'm gonna be a nervous wreck about getting the other one taken out. Whew - shake it off!

Also, I'd like to reiterate that I am the worst case senario for breast augmentation. Hematoma's occur in only 1% - 2% of all BA patients. Most women recover quickly and with no complications whatsoever. But this is a major surgery, and it does have it's risks. And if there's gonna be one unlucky girl out of a hundred, you know it had to be me! /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Brandy

Brandy, I don't really know what to say other than you've got a lot of support here on Abc, we're with you. You're in my thoughts and prayers. You'll get thru this, just hang in there. Wish there was something more I could do. If you lived in my area I'd definitely be helping ya out even if only to give you some company. Goodness knows I got plenty of free time right now, still no job. Stay strong, you'll be okay, keep thinking positive thoughts! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/rotwerd.gif

[Mia]

Brandy,

If you feel scared - write here. We read, we are with you, we will answer.
I wish I could help more. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Try to find the information about women who had that kind of complications. Maybe there is a possibility to get some info about the recovery.

Nothing lasts forether. It will gone. Don't panic. Think realistic.
If it is too bad - get rid of that implants.

Maybe you should see another plastic surgeon? I guess you are sick and tired of all the hospitals, medications and etc, but the consultation can be (must be?) for free.
It is always helpful to get the secon opinion.
And if there is ANY possibility of your surgeon mistake.... it is better to know that and do something.

Wish you the soonest recovery,
hope to hear from you and hope to hear some good news.
Hugs.

Mia.

[brandy3369]

Thank you guys for supporting me through this. Today makes 1 week since the emergency re-do and I am feeling better. I have spent the week in bed for the most part and am going to work tomorrow. My discomfort is in the swelling on the upper part of my chest that I hope subsides, my fear is that there will be what's called "capsular contraction" where my body may form scar tissue around the implants from the trauma of the hematoma and then they won't fall into place properly, but again - all I can do is wait and deal with it if it comes.

The left drain bugs me, I hope it is much less painful to remove than the right one was. I go back to the plastic surgeon on Wens. to do that and see how I'm doing. Tomorrow at work I'm gonna go to Navy medical and have our flight surgeon check me out as well so he knows what's going on and can monitor me too.

It's gonna be weird going back to work. I know people are probably just concerned, but given the nature of my "illness" they won't quite know how to ask if I'm alright if they say anything at all. I'm just going to keep my head up and go about my day. It's nobody's business but my own, and I really don't care what they think one way or the other.

I miss the gym. My back and arms were complimented yesterday by a friend who visited and hadn't seen me since I started working out months ago. But I know I've softened these last two weeks and put on weight from the med's and lack of excercise. If all goes well, I can start taking long walks next week and then I'm going to do some lower body isolation moves until I feel safe working my upper body. If I do things right, I'll be able to get back in the game soon enough and have my new form by bathing suit season next Spring.

Now that my incisions are scarring, I want to go back to my cutting diet 50/20/30 to stop any more weight gain. I can't supp with anything for another week though (blood thinners), but I can get back in my oatmeal/chicken/veggie mode again in preparation for moving about and easing back into the gym within the next month.

I'll let you guys know what the doc says Wens.

Brandy

[brandy3369]

OCTOBER 16TH - MUCH BETTER

I am now 8 days post-op from my re-do last Monday and am feeling much better than I ever have. I went to the plastic surgeon today and he was amazed at my recovery. He told me that I had a major complication, but I am doing awesome and I am going to look great. He took out the staples and the left drain, which fortunately didn't hurt a bit. I am still a few days in the window for an infection to develop, but he wants to see me on Friday to make sure that's not happening, then he said I'll be in the clear.

I give credit to the recent improvements in my health and body weight for my strong recovery. My muscular back still looks so nice, and it's getting a daily workout trying to adjust to the new weight on my front. I'm glad I got the implants as well as the lift too, the slight increase in size as well as the repositioning of my breasts makes my shoulders seem smaller in comparison, while still very defined, resulting in a more feminine fit physique.

My range of motion has dramatically improved within the last 48 hours. I can now put my arms almost straight over my head, I can put them straight out to my sides, and my pecs are less sore. In fact, I am gettting brave about the idea of doing some hammer curls and tricep kickbacks just to keep my arms in shape and my strength up. There isn't much I can do for my back as a lot of those excercises involve really stretching my arms, but I can also think about doing some leg work that won't strain my chest in any way. My problem area is my tummy still - but I'm not ready for crunches. I might try some leg lifts so my back stys flat on the floor.

I feel a lot better after todays doctor's visit and my sudden decrease in pain and swelling. I'm feeling good, and will feel great when I know I'm completely in the clear of any more complications. I'm going to be careful until I know it's safe to strain myself too much, but I'm aching to get back to working on at least my lower body. I've been literally lying in bed for 2 weeks and it makes me feel icky.

Now that I'm off the pain meds and antibiotics, I can think about supplementing again with things that might help me continue to reach my goal of 140lbs by the Christmas party on December 7th - that's now 9lbs away. Can I lose 9 pounds in 7 weeks without working out as much? Doubt it very seriously, but I'm going to try and do the best I can.

It's only been 8 days since my 2nd surgery, I'll let you guys know when I can comfortably work out (what and how) when I do it. Right now is too soon though, I've read a lot of women who had breast augmentation say that it tales about 4 weeks on average to really get back into the gym safely, 6 weeks for cardio because of the bouncing. I'll take things slowly and let you know how it goes.

Brandy

<blockquote><font class="small">Posted by: brandy3369:</font><hr> OCTOBER 16TH - MUCH BETTER

I am now 8 days post-op from my re-do last Monday and am feeling much better than I ever have. I went to the plastic surgeon today and he was amazed at my recovery. He told me that I had a major complication, but I am doing awesome and I am going to look great. He took out the staples and the left drain, which fortunately didn't hurt a bit... <hr /></blockquote>

YAY!! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gifhttp://www.plauder-smilies.de/party/luxhello.gif

So glad to hear the good news Brandy! I've been prayin' for ya! Looks like it worked!! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Keep takin' it easy now! Let's get ya all in the clear! http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/xyxthumbs.gif

[MissVmax]

Brandy,

Thanks so much for posting this. I am 34 yrs old w/2 kids and will be having the same surgery done once I have finished saving for it, hopefully in the spring. Keep us updated over the next several weeks.

Thanks again,
Deb

[girl007]

Hello Brandy,

I have not been om here but I have caught up and read everything. Last time I had left off you were on your way to reaching your destination. In any case I'm so very happy things are looking up for you. I know you will come out on top. So stay strong keep positive and no matter what comes your way you can handle it.... Hugs Seeta ..oh thanks again for sharing... I really feel like I'm walking in your shoes.
Lots of love to you sister..... /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Hey Brandy, where are ya? We haven't heard from ya in over a week. How's it going? You still recovering okay? I sure hope so! Let us know how it's going. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Hey Brandy, I hope you're okay girl, it's been about 2 weeks now since we last heard from you. I hope you're okay. /forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif Drop us just a quick little line to let us know!