It's Been 2 Years Already

For the past month or so, all I had been thinking about was writing a post to commemorate the two year anniversary of my breast reduction.  Some of you were readers back then, and helped hold my hand through the whole thing.  I love you guys for that! 

I had my surgery July 7, 2008.  That's right...I missed it!  It occurred to me the other day that the day had come and gone, and I didn't write my post.  It would have been a good one, too, about how my life has changed in the past two years, as a direct result of the surgery. 

Now, you will have to wait until next year!

My Story

If you had asked me years ago if I ever thought I would have Plastic Surgery, I would have said "no way". Little did I know that the decision to have it would change my life for the better.

I had always had big breasts, and with each pregnancy, they got bigger. I remember people telling me to enjoy it, because once you stop breast feeding, they get smaller.

That never happened with me.

Then two years ago, (I can't believe it's been that long!), I developed an infection on my left breast. It got so bad I ended up in the emergency room, and they were considering making me stay so they could be me on IV antibiotics. Eventually they let me go, after I promised to come back the next morning so they could see if the two different high dose antibiotics they gave me had started to work. When I went back, there was some, not a lot, of improvement, so they let me leave. They recommended that I go to the clinic to have it monitored, so I did.

To make a long story a little shorter, I ended up at the surgical oncologist, because they were thinking I had inflammatory breast cancer. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I just had an infection that wouldn't go away, so he referred me to a plastic surgeon, who recommended I have a breast reduction. To give you an idea of how big I was, they removed fifteen pounds of breast tissue.

I promise you, the day after my surgery, I knew I had made the right decision. I was in a lot of pain, but my back felt better, and I could see my feet again. It was a long, and painful, recovery, so I would recommend thinking long and hard before making the decision to have plastic surgery, but I would do it over again in a second. In fact, I keep asking myself why I waited so long to have it done.

Looking Older

I love that I am finally looking a little older. It's been a while since I was asked for my ID when I bought Junior cigarette's, but that could also be because he has quit smoking. I am not vain enough to consider a face lift, but if I was, there is no way I would let someone take a scalpel to my face. I would look into Non surgical face lifts, something like botox or laser treatments. These treatments may require more commitment, because they require more than one treatment, but it still sounds better than having my face cut and pulled tight. I just hope I continue to love my face the way it is.

A Year Ago Today

I can not believe it has been a year already. I don't remember too much of that first day, just that I was scared. I was afraid of how people would react to the new me. I was afraid of how my husband would react to the new me.

I was most afraid of how I would react to the new me.

I wish I knew then how happy I would be today. If I had, I probably would have had the surgery years ago. I walk around my yard in a tank top or bathing suit now, and I'm not embarrassed. I allowed Ryan to have a friend sleep over, and I didn't have to wear a bra to bed. In fact, most days I don't put on a bra at all. Sure, I do if we go to the store or something, but not at home. Before the surgery, I put one on the moment I got up in the mornings, and wore it until I went to bed. Shirts fit better, and my back and shoulders feel amazing.

I am happier now, with myself. I have more confidence.

I had nothing to worry about.

My Surgery

July 7, 2008. This date is forever etched in my memory, for good reason. It's the day I had my breast reduction surgery, also know as the best decision I have ever made. I went back and read the posts from that week, and got pretty emotional. I can not believe it has been almost a year. The surgeon told me right after the surgery that I would see the final results after a year, once my breasts had time to heal and settle. I can honestly say that I am still extremely happy with the results. Looking back, I can't even remember what it was like before the surgery. Weird, right? I had humongous breasts for thirty six years, and I can't remember how life was then. I remember the back aches and shoulder pain, and always having to wear a bra. These days I only wear a bra when I have to, and that is such a great feeling.

One of the most important decisions you can make if you are considering this procedure is to chose a surgeon you trust, and who has a reputation of doing a good job. Look at before and after pictures of his former patients. I think that was the part I hated the most, having to pose topless for the before and after shots. I am a very modest person, and I was so embarrassed.

I don't regret my decision at all. Like I said, it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. The surgery gave me a renewed self confidence, and I am no longer embarrassed by the size of my breasts. Now if I could just lose some of this extra weight I carry around.

Almost A Year Later

On July 7th, it will be a year since my breast reduction surgery. I am still extremely happy with the results. Having surgery on your breasts, whether it's a reduction like I had or having silicone breast implants put in, is an extremely personal decision to make. This is something that changes the way the look, drastically, and being prepared mentally is so important. My biggest fear was how other people would react to the new me. Looking back, I shouldn't have worried at all. The people who loved me were so supportive, and everyone else didn't matter.

Having the surgery was still the best decision I have ever made.

The Best Decision I Have Ever Made

July 7, 2008. This was the day I had my breast reduction.

July 8, 2008. This was the day my pain free life began.

I no longer have back pain or shoulder pain. I no longer have to but my bras at expensive department stores. I no longer have low self confidence.

If you are considering Breast Augmentation in LA, let me share my experience with you. I had very large breasts for most of my adult life. I lived daily with the pain associated with large breasts. I had indentations in my shoulders where my bra dug into my skin. I had awful posture, because I was always hunched over, trying to make my breasts appear smaller. I know now that that did not work, and it just contributed to my pain. I had always thought about having a reduction done, but I was always too scared to do it. I had never been put under, although I had three c-sections, and I was nervous about that.

Then about eighteen months ago, I had a spot appear on my left breast. I was originally diagnosed with cellulitis, and even though antibiotics helped, the spot just continued to get better. I was eventually sent to a surgical oncologist, who sent me for all kinds of tests. Although I had no lumps, I heard the term "inflammatory breast cancer" often. Luckily, that was ruled out, and I was sent to a plastic surgeon for a reduction. I was told that would be the only way they could get rid of the spot.

I was terrified for weeks before my surgery, and looking back now, I can see that I was worried for nothing. The surgery was the best thing I have ever done for myself. The recovery was hard, but that was mainly because they removed so much breast tissue (15 pounds) and I had hundreds of stitches. Now, almost a year later, I am doing wonderful. I would recommend this surgery to anyone who is living with large breasts. The end result is more self confidence, and beautiful breasts.

Plastic Surgery

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that last year I had a breast reduction. You also know that I consider that surgery the best thing I have ever decided to do for myself. I can not stress enough how much better I feel, how much more self confidence I have, and how great it feels to be able to buy a bra at WalMart.

If you are considering a breast reduction, or any plastic surgery, do your research. Look into all the different Female Plastic Surgeon in Los Angeles, or wherever you live. Find the best of the best, because you are putting your body in their hands. I loved my surgeon, and am so happy with my results. It will be a year on July 7 since I had my surgery, and I am still thrilled with my results.

Plastic Surgery

Are you thinking about having cosmetic surgery? If so, check out Kansas City Plastic Surgeons for some before and after pictures. I never understood the appeal of cosmetic surgery until I had my breast reduction. If you are thinking about a nose job, liposuction, or a breast augmentation, don't wait. I waited years, and wish I hadn't.

Breast Reduction

If you are a loyal reader, you know that last July I had a breast reduction. I had though about breast augmentation for years, but it was only after an inflammatory breast cancer scare that I finally decided, along with my surgical oncologist, that a reduction was the best thing for me. I was always big up top, but it got to the point where it was interfering with my life. Let's just say that the surgeon removed fifteen pounds of breast tissue. Yes, I was that big. I didn't like being around people, and I was embarrassed by the way I looked. Forget about buying clothes. It was impossible to find tops that fit right. They were either too tight, or they looked like a tent.

After my surgery, it was like I was a different person. I had never had a lot of self confidence before, but with my new, smaller breasts I was confident about the way I looked. I still have a lot of weight to lose before I am totally where I want to be, but I am headed in the right direction. I am no longer embarrassed by the way I look, and I have accepted the fact that I will never be perfect. Nobody is. But, if you are thinking about breast surgery, think seriously. I can not believe I waited until I was 36 to do something about my breasts. Sure, I had valid fears, but the outcome was worth overcoming them. It may be for you, too. Just keep in mind that doctors are not perfect, either.

If you live in the Charlotte area, and are looking for Charlotte Breast Augmentation, check out this site. Remember, they have pictures of before and after surgery, so don't look with kids around. If you have any questions that you want to ask me, feel free. I am happy to share my experience.

Recovering

Ryan is doing well. I finally looked at his toe this morning and it's pretty gross. He has 3 stiches. It was bleeding alot yesterday. We soaked it this morning and it cleaned up a little. He is still in pain and taking pain medicine every 3 hours. The antibiotic is upsetting his stomach, so he is feeling sick on top of the pain. I hope by tomorrow he feels better.I stayed home again today. We ran by the stand this afternoon on our way to get Ryan's medicine and the stand looked horrible. My signs are ruined. The table cloths are ripped. He had pproduce thrown everywhere with no organization. Jean said he didn't open at all the last 2 days I wasn't there and that he is feeling discouraged. He said he may close until he gets the new building put in. That would suck cause we were counting on the money I make next week while Junior is on vacation. If I don't work, we'll have a week of sittting in the house staring at each other. What fun!We went and saw Lori's new house today. It really is cute. I love her fireplace. Her kitchen is yellow and cheerful. I like cheery colors but am not brave enough to put them in my house!I guess thats it. With Junior off for the next 10 days, I hope I'll be able to find time to write! So, until next time.....

Ryan

Ryan is home with his foot up. He says it hurts, which I'm sure it does. The doctor gave him lortab, so I expect him to fall asleep soon. Junior said he did well, screamed the whole time. He told me he felt the whole thing. I doubt that, but I'm sure it was not a fun experience for him. I'm not sure about tomorrow, I might keep him home with me again. I just hope Del understands that my kids come first.

Happy Thoughts

I am a little anxious this morning. I know everything will be fine with Ryan's toe, but it still bothers me that he will be hurting. I didn't sleep well last night, so I'm cranky this morning. I need to take a nap and it's only 8:45am. Anyway, send happy thoughts our way today, and I'll update when Ryan gets home.