Breast Reduction and Lift Success

I have waited over 20 years to have this type of surgery. I had tried losing weight, working out, complaining to my primary physician, you name it… I finally got a new personal doctor who understood my needs both physically and emotionally. She referred me to my surgeon who immediately said I was an ideal candidate for this surgery and that my health insurance would cover the entire cost! I couldn't believe my ears! We set a date and waited.

Several weeks before the surgery date I became apprehensive. Was I doing the right thing? What if the surgery didn't go right? Was it too late to change my mind? Lots and Lots of questions and concerns! I was scared! I didn't tell too many people mostly because I didn't want to hear their opinion on the topic (everyone has one) and I didn't want to be the topic of their conversation.

When my family found out my father felt that I should just lose some weight! My mother complained that I should have waited and scheduled it differently not around the holidays. My friends were supportive, but also judgmental... Everyone wants to believe that you should just accept how you are and not change it. I kept finding myself repeating why I physically needed this and how it was medically necessary!

My husband has been totally supportive! It's been 1 week to the day of my surgery. It hasn't been nearly as bad as I had thought or been told. Yes, it's sore, Yes, its irritating, Yes, you won't get any sleep and yes no one will seem to understand you. I have found that the number one thing I can do for myself is to stop making excuses. If I'm tired and need to rest I excuse myself and go lay down. I have sat down with my 12 and 13 year old and told them what I need of them and how they can help me. I also planned ahead and put up our xmas tree and decorated several weeks earlier due to my surgery. I have done most of my xmas shopping online and have used layaway terms for some expensive items. I have told my friends and family how tight my now non-existent financial budget is. My gift to my family is holding xmas day celebrations at our house. I will then have 17 days of recovery under me. I believe with the help of my husband and sister things will be fine.

I've had several challenges... like taking a shower. My sister-in-law recently underwent breast reconstruction due to cancer and had a great suggestion... SARAN WRAP or Cling Wrap! I wrapped this all around me with my sports bra still on and it worked wonders! Also I use huggies or diaper wipes instead of toilet paper, it’s much softer and it definitely cleans you much better. Washing my hair... I have a removable shower head so I can kneel and bend over the bath tub with a towel over the side of the tub to protect my chest and use the shower head. Although I find not using any styling products, my hair can go for several days maybe more without feeling dirty or oily. Definitely keeping your hair up out of your face helps. I also keep an antibacterial hand gel in the bathroom and use it every time I'm in there. Constipation seems to be a biggie (thank God for my friend Leah, who's a RN) she suggested taking stool softeners several days before my surgery. I also try eating Activia yogurt and it definitely has helped, although I'm still slightly constipated, it could be worse.

My surgeon gave me a great tip... go out and buy yourself an inexpensive sports bra 2 sizes too small with front closures this will become your post surgery bra. I went to JC Penny's and bought a underscore sports bra $21 for the 1st, and half off your second bra! It's working out great! Overall I would recommend to anyone thinking about having this surgery, DO IT! This has by far the best thing I could have done for myself and my family! - Cheryl

Breast Reduction and Lift Success Details