Finally booked the surgery!

[greatlakes]

Been up since f'ing 4 am !!!  Thirsty and hungry.  Keeping busy around the home to keep my mind off things.  Spent some time in the surgery success section, cultivating some good vibes as suggested. Drains may or may not be required, will let you know when I can. Some of you may recall I am getting two procedures done at once - gyno is the main procedure, but having some minor neck laser lipo tossed in while I am under. So this should be some change for me.

Time to go get showered, in loose clothes, and have my questions printed out for final chat with doctor before procedure.

Talk to you guys later.

[Showtime620]

Good stuff!  Expect drains.  IF you don't get them, you're a lucky man. But just expect them, eventhough they aren't that bad.

We know you're having 2 procedures, man. That's why we're so pumped for you.  You're gonna feel great!

Please remember to wear a BUTTON-UP shirt!  I wore a loose fitting t-shirt, not thinking, and was unable to take it over my head until yesterday while I was with the doctor getting the drains out.  You're most likely gonna have chest lipo done through your armpits, so you won't be able to put on deodorant or shower.  You're going to smell interesting, so being able to change a shirt at the very least is a small happiness.    Good luck!

[crossfit99]

Good stuff brotha! --From my understanding there should be a least slight indentations when arms are raised up and/or flexing. Not huge, or sometimes not really all that noticeable, but flat or a SLIGHT indentation would mean there isn't any excess gland.

My doc told me to leave the sterile strips on until they fell off. About 2 weeks post op, 1 corner on one strip was peeling so I just pulled em off. I probably should have left em, bc on my left side I could kinda see the incision SLIGHTLY opened, but honestly it was like 90% healed. I was just impatient, so just leave em be. They hang strong through showers, so dont even worry about that.

What kind of phone do you have? Create a photobucket username login (on the comp), then download the Photobucket app. You'll be able to upload them directly to PB from your phone. Then log onto the actual website (on the comp) and you just copy/paste the [ i m g ] blahblah.jpg [ / i m g ] (no spaces there) to the forum.


edit: Oh, and little to no restrictions while boarding. My left (the shittier breast) looks a bit swollen on that damn upper-outter quadrant, its also a little tender to the touch. Both pecs are actually a little tender (mainly surrounding the  areola area), but nothing crazy. I think I am gonna go try to do a really light-weight full body workout and some cardio tonight. Only issue is I came home with a bit of a sore throat and mild head cold, so i'll have to see how I am feeling.

[Showtime620]

Yea, that's what I'm reading, too.  My only worry is that the slight indent is more prominent on the right and not really at all on the left.   But again, if it stays like this and doesn't indent any further, I'll be pleased.  That being said, being only 5 days post op, I am expecting more changes to take place as changes are a part of this game.  However, it certainly sounds like I have a TON of decline bench press in my future!

I emailed Lo today about the strips and he said the same thing:
Jason:
If the steristrips are clean and not peeling off, leave on for as long as possible.
If they are getting dirty, soiled or smelly, then gently tease off and put some neosporin on.
Dr. Lo, MD

For now, I'll be gentle and use the neosporin only on the lipo armpit holes until the strips fall off.    Ya know, as I type this, I bet the reason they want the strips on is so that people like you don't start inspecting and critiquing the work too soon before the body has any time to recover!  :-)
Glad to see that snowboarding was issue free.  You are well on your way, Mister Crossfit.

I've got an android, I'll look for that app after work.

I'm pumped for Greatlakes' update!

[greatlakes]

Done. Still a little woosey. Went well at this point. I had the twilight thing, went out shortly after landing on operating table. Woke up to nurse slapping me on shoulder and wife in recovery room.

I am glad I had the questions written out. Said all fat all tissue - any glands - it was ALL coming out. He drew on chest and said well, get ready. i said wait and started to read more questions, at which point he FORGOT he was doing neck, and then drew on there too. S  SHEESH  - nurse said not to worry as when he got into the operating room it was all written out - gyno and neck.

Had to wait for surgery in prep/recovery area where gal was recovering and talking to her husband about her boob job.  Wife and I had a few smiles. Gal was loopy as all hell after procedure.

No major pain, not much worse than a good bench press session, but I may still have pain meds in my system. 1250 CC removed, but that's chest AND neck. NO DRAINS -yeah!.

I will hear more on Friday when I check in. Worst part so far is the stupid head wrap for my neck procedure. My chest feels flat in front, but sides I don't know - he drew way back on sides and said he would get them out - goal was totally flat. Too early of course to say anything.

Time to rest now.

[crossfit99]

Great news man! Glad everything went smooth, now its time to just sit back and relax!

[Showtime620]

Fantastic news!  Glad you were able to ask all of your questions; it's certainly good for the psyche right before you walk into the operating room.

No drains?!  You lucky bastard!!  Good for you, dude. 

I assume the neck skin needs some tightness to help draw the skin back in, hence the head wrap.  How long does that need to be on?

I'm sure he got it all out on the sides; again, I think it's all one connected piece.

Can I make a suggestion for your recovery? When I got home, the first thing I thought about was getting a pizza, and I truly thought about it 30 times a day while at home.   However, I ended up opting against it and eating healthy. I think you should go that route; it's better for your body and will be much more valuable in helping your body heal.  Not to mention, you don't want to feel completely full and bloated while wearing a tight compression vest as it will amplify your discomfort.

We're proud of you.  Enjoy the healing process!!  Can't wait for pictures, keep us updated.

[greatlakes]

Thanks guys,

I am up early again. I bled alot yesterday. Through my pads, through vest, through shirt and on to bed. I was told first 24 hours there would be a lot with this procedure type (holes on sides). It does appear to stopped. I will take shower later this morning. Emailed doc for a second vest so I can wash this one properly.

I had bad asymmetry on right side, large side moob on right. Running my hand over vest it appears he really nuked that side, flat on front and side. The left side which was not as bad now feels larger, maybe due to swelling? In other words at this early stage the left side is bigger. I know swelling can vary, and perfect symmetry. Looking at profile with vest is strange to see my profile change.....hey is my belly now sticking out past my chest??? - HA! Damn should have had him work on that too...LOL!

The neck hurts more right now. More than chest hurt. The wraps are irritating (rubberized tape all over my head). I look freaking silly. Good thing is that these wraps come off Friday afternoon (at first followup) or Saturday morning. At night sleeping I have to wrap it again, but for days it will soon be off. Luckily my oldest daughter is out of town till Saturday and my youngest is a very young one and thinks I look cool (daddy got bump on head !)

Showtime620 - yep I stocked the home with good eats. My first meal was a bowl of brown rice, veggies, lean organic beef mix. I have lots of fruits, whole grain crackers, veggies, low fat Greek yogurts, and a large turkey breast to put in oven today.

I am taking photos and keeping a log.... but guys I am a middle sged guy and they are not pretty. Give me a few days to look at them and see how I feel putting them up.

[Showtime620]

Gonna get a second vest? Man, I admire your cleanliness! My vest has only been off for 5 showers, at 20 minutes a pop.  Still has blood, sweat, stink, that orangey stuff they put on your skin for surgery and blue marker, looks ridiculous - and smells just as bad.  Washing would be smart, but I haven't want to wait for it to dry, or, put it in the dryer and risk having it shrink.  I plan to go get some tight, white (to worn under work shirts) under armor; and hopefully I can throw this vest away!

As for your asymmetry - how big of a dude are you? Interesting to not the size difference.  When you take the vest off to shower, you'll be able to judge better as there might be some kind of padding under that particular spot due to the vest. 

The side profile thing is nuts, and although our guts are big and sloppy, the compressed vest pushes the front belly and side love handles out further than normal.  That being said! We should lose our guts.  If we're going to put ourselves through this pain in the butt procedure and recovery to not have titties, we might as well live healthier lifestyles all around, ya know?  (I see below that you've already started this process with the food you've stocked!  Nice work.)

I'm glad you're taking photos for your own log, that's great, and I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the difference in a few months.  I didn't mean to pressure you into putting them up if you aren't comfortable; entirely your call, man.

Happy Healing!
Head tape would definitely be annoying, but Friday will be here before you know it.  Good job planning the surgery while the oldest was away!!!

[greatlakes]

Well, I already spent a mint, so i ordered some nice breathable neck/chin wraps for night time (f this rubber tape!) - and a full compression vest (with belly) from a website. If doctor gives another part vest today then I will have three. I also ordered a couple of different stage 2 compression shirts. I want to wear fresh garments all the time.

Size? I am almost 6-3" and I weigh 247. I used to weigh 276 and it was mostly fat. I dropped over 1-2 years ago down to 235 and then started hitting weights and gained muscle. I went from 44 pants to 38 pants. I have had nice compliments from others on how I look now. Gained a little fat back in the last 3 months due to not being strict on eating.

Weight is hard to focus on now that I am including heavy weight lifting. So instead I would like to drop to size 36 pants by end of year... and I can do it. Belly fat, unlike moobs can be reduced through diet and exercise

Will keep you updated.

[crossfit99]

Eveything sounds good for you guys! Very happy for you.


Man, got outta this showerer this morning and as much as I am trying to make the best of this, the contouring is REALLY shitty on my chest. I have my 3 week post op tomorrow and I am really going to express my dislike in everything. $5000 is too much to pay to just 'go with the flow'. Even if the creases continue to improve, the fat on top of my nips, upper chest, and even side (like over by armpits) is just not ok. The indentation isn't going to get better, when I lean over with my shirt off, its plain to see where the tissue was removed vs where it wasn't. Honestly, I can try to get in tip top shape and it may look better but that's not why we get the surgery. It's to get our chest contoured to look like a normal persons damn chest. Frustrating as hell.

[Showtime620]

Ha, yea good point!!  What's another few bucks!

A 36 inch waist will be a great goal for you!

I'm currently a little under 36 inch waist, but wear 36 pants; 6'0 212 lbs.  I'm in the same boat, going to be very nutritionally strict and incorporate a DEDICATED workout/cardio routine.  I'd like to be back in 32 inch pants by the end of the summer, weighing in the 175-180 range.    If feels SO amazing thinking about developing a new body without being inhibited by boobs and puffy nipples!   Going to be such a great summer for us, man!    

[Showtime620]

Eeek, Crossfit.  Just saw that you posted while I was responding.

I'm gonna have to go back and look at pictures again, as the only thing that sticks out in my mind is the nipple creases, I didn't notice the other things you're talking about. 

You're saying that we you lean over, without flexing or tensing or brushing your teeth or anything, it's indented? How does it look when tensed?  Also you've fat on the upper chest and the sides which is lumped out?  (Just trying to get a visual)  Have these lumps/irregularities been there everyday since post-op? Or have they 'popped up'?  Maybe could be swelling and scar tissue?

Definitely talk to him and express your dissatisfaction tomorrow if it's that bad and ask him what he can do to fix it - you did spend FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.  Maybe it needs more time?  I'll look forward to his answer and I really hope he is helpful!

Update on nipple creases?

[crossfit99]

Eeek, Crossfit.  Just saw that you posted while I was responding.

I'm gonna have to go back and look at pictures again, as the only thing that sticks out in my mind is the nipple creases, I didn't notice the other things you're talking about. 

You're saying that we you lean over, without flexing or tensing or brushing your teeth or anything, it's indented? How does it look when tensed?  Also you've fat on the upper chest and the sides which is lumped out?  (Just trying to get a visual)  Have these lumps/irregularities been there everyday since post-op? Or have they 'popped up'?  Maybe could be swelling and scar tissue?

Definitely talk to him and express your dissatisfaction tomorrow if it's that bad and ask him what he can do to fix it - you did spend FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.  Maybe it needs more time?  I'll look forward to his answer and I really hope he is helpful!

Update on nipple creases?

Nah, the knotty fat bumps I feel were def pre-op. In fact, they were one of the  main reasons I wanted the surgery. -- The 'puffed' out one is more-so on my left (prob pic right), the one that has a pretty gnarly crease. If I look head on in the mirror, it just looks like shit. You'd have to assume I had some kind of surgery, OR simply deformed.

When I lean over to brush my teeth, yes you can def see where its sucked up tight (with the tissue being removed), opposed to the surround area. If I flex they look all sucked in on the bottom half..looks bad. As of TODAY, i'd be more self conscience about the way my chest looks that I was pre-op. The only benefit so far is while wearing a shirt, I look a lot better...but that was NOT the point.

[Showtime620]

darn.  This does not sound good.   I'm guessing the knotty fat lumps appear to be more prominent looking without the gland to counteract and balance it out.  As for the gnarly creased nip, I'm still going to hold out hope that it will fix itself.  Stiches and tape and compression vest can do that; let's wait a little bit longer for that.  (I say "let's" because I'm kind of in the same boat; haven't taken the sterile strips off yet, but the corner of one has started to peel and I'm seeing a gnarly crease as well.  Just going to try and ignore it for the time being.)

The bottom half of my right side looks sucked in/concaved when I flex, too - which I will definitely be asking about at my next appointment on Monday.  Hoping that our doctors say the body will distribute fat deposit to those spots.

Can't see the pics on this computer at work, only on my phone - which I oddly lost/misplaced(?) in my bedroom this morning. Spent an hour looking for it and missed my first train, so I figured I'd go to work without a phone; for the first time since I've had a phone - i Feel naked.    Hopefully I'll find it tonite and can take another look.