Back from reconstructive surgery!

I'm back, exhausted but back LOL! Spent the night Friday night, as planned. All went very well, best part is that the surgeon did not have to perform the free nipple graft, so I got to keep my nipples intact! Where do I start? The mons lift is fabulous, I mean it looks really great. Who knew pulling it up would make such a big difference? Tummy is super flat, no more apron. I have a cute little innie belly button now, not like the huge crater I had before LOL! I went from a DDD to a C, and they are super-perky. Too perky, the swelling is pushing them up too high, can't wait for them to go down. But they look very, very nice, they are even and are in such a nice position, and my areolas were trimmed so that they are now proportioned to my smaller breasts. Overall I am very happy and can't wait to see my final result, but I am in that crappy stage right now where I have all these binders on, two drains and an ON-Q pump hanging off me, unable to shower, exhausted, etc. Just like with the bypass, remember? My post-op appt is Thursday, hopefully all drains will be removed and I can go into a sports bra and long compression panties. This binder is making my skin itch like mad! Oh, they removed 5 lbs of skin from my stomach and 1 lb off each breast, for a total of 7 lbs lost. But because I am retaining all tha****er and stuff, I weigh the same right now, but I am anticipating being at my goal weight of 140 HOPEFULLY by Christmas! Thanks again everyone for your well wishes! I promise to post before and after pics but I am going to wait until drains are removed. Lots of love, Shannon 280/147/140

I have been waiting to hear from you, Shannon. Oh my gosh,, I am so excited for you. Little perkies, flat stomach, an innie, it doesn't get any better than that. Are you in much pain? I hear it is rather painful. But I always think it would be easier to take knowing the outcome. I am going to be anxious to hear about the pounds lost. I was at a support meeting once with a plastic surgeon and someone asked about losing pounds with the ps, and he said it doesn't always happen. I was surprised. It just seemed like if they take off that much fat it has to go down. So you let me know, I'll be curious. I don't think I'll have my breasts done. I want my tummy, bum, legs would be nice, and my jaw or chin area. Not too much, right!! Glad you're back, take it easy with those drains. Once they're gone you'll feel so much better. love donna

Glad you're home now. I laughed at the part where you say you now have a cute belly button, not the huge crater you had before. That is exactly how I describe my belly button now. Hope you heal quickly. Have a great holiday. Koukla 338/184/?

I wouldn't say I am in any real pain at all, just mostly discomfort. It kind of feels like I pulled all the muscles in my breasts and tummy, if that makes sense. I think I can see why some people don't lose weight, even though they lost all the skin. We can't exercise for 6 weeks, and laying around on your butt isn't helping. Plus you still have to keep up the protein, so I can see it happening. I am actually thrilled I didn't gain any weight, because many people gain several pounds just from all the fluids they pump into you. Over at BreastHealthOnline.com, they recommend drinking 6 oz. of ho****er with one full lemon juice in it once a day to flush out all the fluids and anesthesia, and I swear it works. Oh, and another weird side effect no one warned me about: I can actually hear fluid sloshing around in my breasts! I freaked out at first, but I got to call the surgeon's nurse today and she said it is totally normal, because they don't put drains in your breasts and it's all in there. She said I should have no problem absorbing it. I kinda thought maybe they gave me implants on accident, LOL, because the darn boobies are so high and perky! Thanks for writing back

Shannon I am so happy for you. Cant wait to see your update. Isnt nice not carrying those big knockers arounds. I went from a 42dd to a c and what a difference. Like honesty they look okay. it just the right size. If i do get a lift i will not change nothing becasue shirts small shirts ar not made for big breast. Enjoy your new body Hugs Barb

glad you're all done with that! I have no insurance so I don't see me getting the PS done, but I did do the initial consult with the plastic surgeon to get pricing...whew! just the boobs $5000. So I am envious of you, but so glad that you came through safe and sound and it looks like you'll be at your goal in just a few days! Keep up the protein for the healing! take care! Pam

Shannon, Thrilled to hear from you and that you are recovering well. I know the next few weeks are supposed to be the hardest, but it sounds like you are already thrilled.I have mine on Jan 8 here in Germany and the surgeon said "no problem, I've done thousands of these: There is no pain" And I asked him how many BL and Tummy tucks he had performed on him!! (No sense of humor,these Germans!!) He could only stare after that. I hope your recovery continues and hope you will keep us all updated. Thanks, Jacqueline

Hi Shannon, Congratulations on your surgery. I bet you are thrilled to death with the results! You know, I was reading your profile and I tell ya, you look kind of like Jennifer Aniston! Blew me away. You're beautiful and lucky to be blessed with insurance. Get well quick. ~Kelly

Jennifer Aniston! WOW, thanks! Insurance was good enough to pay for breast reduction, but not tummy tuck. It cost me $7,330.00 for the TT, and it was that low because I piggy-backed the surgery with the BR and saved with the anesthesia fee, OR fee, etc. I know it's a LOT of money (I put it on a medical credit card ) but I knew I would be desperately unhappy to have nice new breasts and a gross stomach.

Congrats Shannon! Now you will get to enjoy the results of your wonderful weight loss! Happy New Year! Lisa