One week post-op

Everything went really well! I was pretty nervous in the day before and day of but I kind of felt like I’ve made the decision and I needed to leave it in the doc’s hands. So the day of, I got up really early with my mom (who was amazing to have around for a few days) and went to the hospital. I would recommend wearing really comfy clothes and bringing some slippers or flip flops. After waiting, I went to pre-op where they made me get into the gown, really tight knee high stockings (for blood clot prevention) and a cap. Then I met the anesthesiologists and my doc came in to draw on my breasts. It was a little scary seeing all the markings but it was nice to talk to the doc a little before. I was really glad I chose a woman doc.

Then I walked into the operating room and the anesthesiologist started the gas mask thing…I’m pretty sure it took all of like 60 seconds until lights were out. When I woke up, I was sore but really groggy so I can’t remember that much. I do remember being in my room and my mom coming in to hang out for a while but I was really tired for the majority of the day. Nurses, residents and assistants kept coming in and checking up on me and my breasts…I was nervous about one nipple because it looked “dusky” they said. I thought for sure it was dying but everyone assured me it was just bruised. I had tubes in to drain the excess fluid but I didn’t even feel them. I was uncomfortable but not bad. I’m glad they keep you overnight at the place I was in just for conscience sake…I watched some tv but basically slept a lot. I was pretty shocked at how small my breasts wear compared to before, even with the sports bra thing and the gauzing, it was good!

The next day, they took out the drains which wasn’t painful but WEIRD…it feels like the tube is snaking out of your breast but it’s over very quickly. Then I went to the hotel where my mom was staying and basically just vegged and slept and tried to be comfortable. I really recommend the hotel thing: it was super nice not to go back to my house where all the responsibilities are. My mom and I just hung out for a few days. She got me a zip up the front Nike sports bra instead of the hotel issued one, which I totally recommend because it’s easier, more secure and more comfortable.

I was on pain meds for about 4-5 days but honestly I felt really good about 3 days after surgery. I was just tired and a little sore around the incision sites. The one thing that didn’t go well was the “flow”…bowel movements. The narcotics they give you in surgery and after surgery block you up and slow you down. They give you softeners but for me that didn’t do anything…I had to resort to a gentle laxative which sorta worked but things still aren’t normal. I’ve been doing a lot more arm movements and lifting than I thought I would but it hasn’t bothered me that much so I hope it’s ok that I’ve been doing that. Showering is fine, I can reach up and wash my hair and everything.

I’m really really pleased with the results even right now – I’m realistic and know that things won’t look “normal” for a few months so I’m happy with what I have! The incisions are a little hard to look at since they make you look like you have Franken-boobs and the bruising makes them look yellowish for a while. I have surgical glue on my incisions which have trapped blood so the incisions look dark. But already, I look totally different: different in shirts, different naked, it’s amazing. I knew my breasts were big but I didn’t realize how pendulous they were! I’m really excited to wear a real bra and bathing suit…which reminds me how tired I am already of having to wear the sports bra.

So. I’m very pleased. I hope this info was helpful, I will probably post a while later when they have changed and the incisions have diminished.

Boobless signing off