Surgery With Levick - COMPLETE 16th January (Pics now added)

[sjwsjw]

My chest is still not that sensitive (apart from last night when I was playing pool and I rubbed past my nipple on a shot, felt like I ripped it off for a second lol) but it's slowly coming back. Not sure how much it'll be back at the end but it's part of the trade off for a flatter chest. It was totally numb first few weeks and I got a few tingles once the vest was gone

[Stem]

Levick's website suggests to wear the vest 24/7 for 2-4 weeks then at night for 2 weeks. I wore mine the full 4 weeks then 2.5 weeks at night. He does say that those that wear the vest longer get better results. I had a sh1t load of gland removed and was worried about loose skin. I'm 8 weeks post op today and I am very happy, back at the gym 100% with the exception of any running as there is still some tenderness. Still no feeling in my nipples though. I must update with pics soon.

[Ricardo7]

I'll probably wear mine full time for 4 weeks then then just at night for two weeks just to give me the best possible results.

[Ricardo7]

All this sitting around and not being able to work out is a killer. Can't wait until I can get back into it.

Is six weeks post op the general opinion with regard to weightlifting? How long should I wait before running/cardio? Been lazing around for these past couple of weeks doing nothing and my guts starting to get a bit bigger

[3rdTimeLucky (Dave)]

All this sitting around and not being able to work out is a killer. Can't wait until I can get back into it.

Is six weeks post op the general opinion with regard to weightlifting? How long should I wait before running/cardio? Been lazing around for these past couple of weeks doing nothing and my guts starting to get a bit bigger

Watch your calorie intake haha! I can't fully lift my arms above my head yet, granted that I'm only 10 days out, just going to continue with very light static stretching until I get full range of movement back. Then after a month see how some press ups feel.

[Ricardo7]

3 Weeks Post Op

Had the operation three weeks ago today. Feels like so much longer!

My bruising has really faded over the last week, it's mostly yellow and almost gone. Not much in the way of swelling, perhaps when i tense my pecs the area above my nipples looks very slightly swollen and my niples go in the way ever so slightly but this doesn't bother me one little bit.

I still can't feel my nipples, the right one seems to be more responsive though and goes hard after a shower etc. The left one does too but not to the same extent. I've been massaging for maybe 5 minutes everyday, I choose to do it in the shower as I find it easier. I use firm, circular motions around my chest and dry and dig the heel of my hands in a bit. Massaging was a bit uncomfortable the first couple of times but it feels fine now, I'm not sure if this is because I'm softening up scar tissue inside me.

I'm still wearing the compression vest, I've been wearing it for two weeks now. To be honest I barely notice it and will continue to wear it for another week or two then for another couple of weeks at night only.

I tried a few press ups yesterday just to see how it felt, took it very slowly but it felt fine so I reckon I'll start going back to the gym next week. Cannot wait!

[3rdTimeLucky (Dave)]

Good to hear you've had a go at some pushups. I'm gonna wait till I can get fully get my hands above my head!!

It'll be 2 weeks tomorrow since my surgery, right pec is unbeliveable, perfect infact, left side is still pretty swollen and a bit tender but the bruising is not as dark as it was, still a bit of fluid under there squishy.
However I do have a mild pain down my left ribcage/abs if I touch them, its quite odd wondered if you or anyone else has experienced this?
I'm not worried but its just weird!

In addition to my vest I'm also wearing a neoprene sports vest too for extra compression as it felt a bit slack at the top without.

Still haven't heard from Levick and can only presume he's been really busy. I thought the admin would have sent a message but hopefully I'll hear from him at some point.

[Ricardo7]

3rdtime - I never experienced the rib thing. I presume you've been in contact with Levick and that's what you're waiting on a reply for?

I'm still not 100% comfortable lifting my arms above my head either, at this moment in time I wouldn't be attempting any shoulder presses etc

[thetodd]

Great result! Dont worry about your nips it takes ages for the sensation to come back properly but they do. Just be gentle with the massaging, you sound like your doing it right to be honest just dont get tempted to go hard at it.

You could go back to the gym now to be honest it depends how you like to lift, i only ever have used free weights and i just found i got really paranoid about hitting my chest. So i just switched to smith machines for benching for a while.

You could get yourself something a bit like this

ebay.co.uk/itm/UNDER-ARMOUR-Men-s-HeatGear-Sleeveless-Tee-/251073604856?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Sports_Clothing_LE&var&hash=item3a75272cf8&_uhb=1

You can wear it under your tshirt, and it keeps you really packed in i had a nike one post op and it just felt more comfortable up the gym, you look really trim aswell lol.

[Ricardo7]

Cheers thetodd, I myself mainly use free weights and I'm not exactly 'built' so I'll only be starting off light anyway. The only thing I feel I won't be able to do just now is shoulder presses or any other overhead exercises, my chest's still a bit tight when raising my arms above my head.

Thanks for the suggestion, been meaning to get under armour too!

Quick update, a bit of swelling has kicked in, my upper pecs seem a bit swollen. Nothing that bothers me though. I'm gonna use my girlfriend's camera over the weekend so I can post some decent quality pics for you guys.

[Ricardo7]

The swelling has well and truly kicked in.

How I would describe its appearance - it looks like either a muscular chest or mild gyno

[Imbackagain]

Kicked in after like 4 weeks..? Wow after so long? Thought the welling will be going down by now if anything. Good luck with the process.

[Ricardo7]

Nah its pretty normal for swelling to occur at this stage, but you cant allow it to play with your mind or it'll drive you mad (not that mine is bad enough to do so at present)

[Donut]

Pics of the swelling would be useful for everyone? - lots gets said about it but hardly any photos so people know what to expect when it's their turn! 

[Ricardo7]

I completely agree donut - as I said a few posts back I'm waiting on my girlfriend bringing her camera so I can take a few decent quality photos. My phone camera doesnt really capture it