Finally booked the surgery!

[Showtime620]

Fantastic, man!  I'm 4 months post op in 12 days and I'M still a little sore in both nips.  Not painful sore, just tender(?) sore?  It doesn't hurt, just feels funny when pressed, but not bothersome or anything.  So, it'll be there for a while!

Glad you're back to lifting!  Def take it slow and steady.  Do not risk stretching your scars with too much weight or anything like that.  Just going through the motions at this point is fine.  As per my log book, I was lifting with maximum weight on 5/12/2012, surgery was 3/22/2012, so about 6 weeks.   You no longer have goofytitties!!  Use that as motivation to build the best body possible!!!!

In January, I was 229lbs.  The day of my surgery I was 216lbs - today, I'm 195lbs - and stronger than ever!!!  I challenge you to do the same, with me!   You've been blessed with the opportunity to give yourself a new image!!   Do it, baby!!!

[Hi_Top_Guy]

That's great, Showtime! You'll be ready for the beach in no time.

I'm definitely going in slowly as far as working out is concerned. Before surgery I was doing P90X for 5 days a week, after doing it for many months, and now I'm just doing the beginning version -- P90 -- to get back in the swing of things.

I definitely can tell a big difference though, especially doing jumping jacks. I don't feel my chest flopping up and down like before, which is great! 

[greatlakes]

4 month check up with plastic surgeon today. Last time he saw me was at two months at he was not compeltely happy (nor was I) with my right side.

This visit was unbelievably quick, and he seemed unconcerned/confident with his work. He said I had gone down since he saw me last, and should be looking better in a few more months. He said he will take photos at my six month followup and compare with me the change.

I had to tell him I was not happy with right side right. He seemed a bit (confident? puzzled? surprised?) at my statement, but said I should see more flattening in a few more months, as he made me flat during surgery. He said if am not pleased in the fall, he would be happy to take some more out for me. At which point I asked - "ok, what are we talking about with that?". He said for everything (surgery, anesthesia, room costs)... about 600 bucks. I felt better with this offer, and his willingness to revise if it did not look good to me (stand behind his work). The original surgery was $6700.

As I have posted, I do look better (or less worse) then before, and the doctor and his staff has treated me well and followed up regularly with me. With this offer to revise, if I want, at a small cost, I feel better about things and will wait out the next 2-3 months a little easier.

I will try to take some 4 month photos over the next week.

[Showtime620]

Now that's a good update, Greatlakes!   I'm pleased to hear that he seemed unphased, and confident.  Not to mention his willingness to revise.  Looking forward to your photos!

I've got my 4 month post op follow in 15 minutes.  I'll be sure to update when I get back.

[Showtime620]

Saw Dr. Lo earlier for my 4 month follow up.  He was VERY pleased; in fact, he said that I am in the top 5% of his results, which made me feel good.   I'd still like to flatten out a bit more on the left side, but I could be being nitpicky (new word - nippicky?  :-)   ).   He actually took my final post op pictures today and said that I no longer need to come in unless I have additional concerns.     I'm going to continue my strict dieting as well as continue to hit the gym hard.   Like I told Lo, one of the best parts of the surgery for me was the motivation that it started.  January 1st, 2012, I was 234lbs, with gyne.  The possibility of surgery kickstarted me into losing weight, had a consult with Lo in February and booked my surgery, which continued and ramped up my weightloss and heavy lifting.  March 22, 2012 - surgery day, I weighed 217lbs.    Today, 4 months later, I'm 193lbs - stronger than ever, and in the best shape of my life - and still have TONS of room for growth.   The surgery alone didn't 'fix' me; but rather, it helped me envision what I can be with determination and hard work - and I look damn forward to getting there.   

I appreciate everyone's care and concern over my last four months.

[greatlakes]

That's awesome showtime! I wonder if being in his top 5% will earn you a place in his gallery of patients....

[Showtime620]

Ha.   I'll have to ask him!  Seeing the pre-op pictures in the file and then seeing the post-op pictures (on his camera) did actually seem quite impressive.   I think the weight loss and tan skin might have had something to do with it, though!

[Hi_Top_Guy]

That's GREAT news, Showtime! 

Can't wait to see some pictures. Keep pushing on!

And Tan skin? Did you finally go to the beach?

[element_01]

hows it going dudes? almost 5 months post op now and planning on making an appointment with my surgeon to discuss revision on my left side i have a slight crater and my nipple is still puffy. Right side is pretty much perfect. All in all its not all bad just gotta hope revision isnt too pricy or even better yet free! lol Any one else here get the crater thing? seems like alot of people get it.

[Hi_Top_Guy]

I'm doing good, element_01. I'm almost at the 2 month mark. I've been doing light workouts and just trying to get back to my physical peak before surgery, but other than that nothing big to report.

I haven't developed any craters, but my nipples are still erect, and I'm still numb around the nipples. I have noticed some bruising on the top part of my pec, too.

I go to see my doc on Thursday July 2 and see what he says.

[greatlakes]

Not sure if any of this small group is around on this post.

I am at 5 months now. Not much improvement from 4 months. I think I have achieved the most I am going to get from this surgery. I have gotten some results, feel more comfortable in most type of shirts, but my right is not balanced at all. With shirt off or tight t shirt you can see this clearly.

Recently my endocrinologist saw me for the first time and was pleased with the overall results and shape, but agreed with me that there is extra tissue remaining on my right.

I am 75% convinced I will take my doctors offer to do followup revision surgery. I see him in another month (6 month visit).  I only wish him to revise the right side.

The low cost of a revision is the driving factor here, and my age. I do not go though this again years from now - with the huge costs of a "new surgery" or "new doctor".

[Showtime620]

Hey GL!   Yea, man, I still cehck this site regularly, hoping to hear everyone's updates and try to offer advice to others thinking about the surgery.   I can't believe it's been that long since our operations!!!   You sound positive, as if the revision will be quick, cheap, and give you the desired results.  I truly hope you go along with it and complete the job!!!  You've come a LONG way and you're almost at the finish line!    Have you still been working out and dieting hard?

Hope you are well!  Keep up the good work!

PS - Ever hear anything from Crossfit???   I'd LOVE to get an update from that guy; wish I would've gotten his name so that I could reach out to him.  I hope his issues have started to fix themselves.

[greatlakes]

The cost I was told last month was like 10% the cost of the original surgery. I can handle that.

I like the doctor and his staff well enough, that i will stick with him (also the cost of going to new doctor would be impossible for me now). I am a bit bummed he kept telling me I was going to be "flat" because thats how he made me on the table. But I presented complications to him.

Ya I am so close getting what i want - like running 2.5 miles of a 3 mile race. One more push and I can cross the finish line.

I lost about 6 weeks of workouts due to a lower back blowout. But I am nearly back to full workouts again. My diet needs some improvement too many fun meals out this summer. But I know what needs to be done.....

Crossfit was looking buff last i saw a photo of him, hope he is well.
 

[Hi_Top_Guy]

I still check every now and then, GreatLakes.

Time is flying by and you'll cross that finish line before you know it.

I also hope Crossfit is doing better. Wish he would update or let us know what has developed since his last post.

[Showtime620]

Tomorrow is my 6 month anniversay of being titless!!!!  Hope everyone is doing well!