My random thoughts (Three weeks on)

[Wheeeee!]

I went back to the hospital today to get my blood test done - probably the fastest that I've ever spent £125!
Dr. Karidis' secretary explained that they could do it at the hospital or get my GP to do it and I did plan to go to my doctor. In the end, though, I really couldn't be doing with all the hassle of trying to get an appointment then having to take the time off work - not to mention having to explain why I needed a blood test anyway. This way I could go in my lunchbreak and get it over and done with.

I've also been thinking over the last week or so about possibly getting some stubborn fat (love handles) removed around my lower back that never goes even when I'm at the light end of the weight scale. I figure that I'm paying for the theatre, anesthetist and nursing staff anyway, maybe I could get it done easily whilst he's still got the Hoover in hand!

There's no point in even considering it if he's working to a tight schedule that day and has no time so I dropped in to see his secretary, Donna, to find out. She checked, and there would be time to do something but said she couldn't begin to talk fees until Dr. Karidis had seen me again. She mentioned that he could possibly do me a deal if I combined the work and has booked me in for another consultation (free this time) on the 7th November. So now I know he has the time, I just need to find out if I've got the money!

Apart from that, my diet and exercise regime is going to plan. I'm still on track to be 14st by the day of the op which will give him a good idea of what my normal weight is and hopefully mean I end up all in proportion when I maintain that weight.

If anyone has had a quote for extra work I'd be very interested to hear what sort of price range I'm looking at. Otherwise I'll be able to let you know next week.

Cheers, Wheeeee!

[Wheeeee!]

Had my second consultation with Dr. Karidis this afternoon to talk about the additional work I was considering and pleased to say all went well. The "second interview" if you like, was consistant with the first and I still feel totally confident in his ability to do a good job on me.

I explained that I was looking for some fat to be removed on my side/lower back (love handles) and also if he could reduce the layer that covers my abs too. He examined me and said that I'd never end up with a completely flat waist as it's not just fat, but me under there too, however it would be significantly improved. The abdomen would be fine and he would take away most of the fat covering there. He explained that there would only be another couple of holes (one on each side just above my belt line) but they would heal well and be pretty much invisible after time.

I then went off to wait for his secretary to talk costs as at this point I was still unsure what price I would be quoted and if I would actually go ahead with it. I really wanted to and had kind of set myself a limit for another £3K but was expecting it to come in over that. After a few minutes, his secretary came and took me into a room and explained that they had discussed things and managed to work it so I got a good deal on having everything done at once. When she said it would be another £1,650 for the additional three areas I nearly fell off the chair.

I realise I have now gone beyond the original reason for me starting this whole journey but at the same time think that it's worth it to get everything done at the same time. If I didn't have gynecomastia there is no way on earth that I would consider cosmetic surgery but now that I'm here and taking the plunge to get that sorted then I'm going the whole hog.

20 days to go...   

[kingboob]

Don't expect a magic wand with the lipo though........  I was lucky enough to have a some lipo (stomach and 'flanks') chucked in with my surgery and to be honest I can't really see a huge difference, my stomach is flatter but it isn't like I have washboard abs or anything    (not that I was ever promised anything like that),  maybe it is too early to tell, as my surgeon does keep telling me there will still be swelling etc, but the liposuction was probably the most unexciting result of all the surgery, not as dramatic as some 'before & after' pictures on the internet would have you believe.................... I think maybe some of these pictures are done months after the surgery and in favorable light!

On the plus sides the holes / cuts for the lipo are absolutely tiny, I am just 3 weeks out of hospital and mine are completely invisible already, they don't even get stitched, it is just like a stab wound, and it seems a skilled surgeon can lipo more than 1 area from the same cuts, because I only had 2 cuts but I had many different areas sucked out......... also I get the impression that lipo is one of the things that these top surgeons can do in their sleep, so it is extremely unlikely to go wrong, which is always a huge plus point when having any kind of elective surgery IMO.

Expect it to be quite sore after for approx 7 to 10 days,  also I don't bruise easily at all, but I did get quite a bit of bruising from the liposuction.... so it could look quite funky if you have pale skin and bruise heavily.

[Wheeeee!]

Now less than a week to go and the nerves have kicked in. I'm running around at work trying to get everything finished up before I take a week and a bit off and making sure everything is ready at home for when I come out of hospital. The place has never been so clean!
Since I had the consultation, the time really has flown by but I really can't wait for it to be all over and done with now.

Puff_Davey, are you still about mate? I remember you were having your op the same day as me. I might see you there.

[Puff_Davey]

Hello Wheee!

Yeah i think im in after you, i have to be at the hosptial by 8! 

The nerves are getting me as well mate, one minute i'm fine and cant wait then the next minute im bricking it 

Funny question, but what are you wearing?  Jeans and shirt, or casual joggers etc didnt really now what is best. 

[newlife]

Wear something that buttons at the front - you won't want to raise your arms to put a t shirt on. 

[Wheeeee!]

Hello Wheee!

Yeah i think im in after you, i have to be at the hosptial by 8! 

The nerves are getting me as well mate, one minute i'm fine and cant wait then the next minute im bricking it 

Funny question, but what are you wearing?  Jeans and shirt, or casual joggers etc didnt really now what is best. 

I've got to be at the hospital for 7 and they say I'm going down to theatre at 8. Either he's working real quick or you've got a couple of hours to wait. Maybe it's normal to get there a few hours beforehand but because I'm the first they only give me an hour to get prepped or else I'd be there so early it'd still be the night before 

Was planning on wearing a pair of joggers and a very loose T-shirt just to be comfy. Forgot about not being able to raise my arms up. Guess it's joggers and a baggy shirt or something. After the op and the anesthetic I probably won't give much of a thought to how I look anyway!

Talking of preparation, I've just removed all the hair on my chest, stomach and even under my arms. Probably overkill, but I'm pretty hairy and at least this way he can see what he's doing. It feels weird having a completely hairless chest and really shows up my gynecomastia. Tip for anyone thinking of doing the same, use that Veet stuff that you slap on, leave for five minutes and then shower off. It gets everything and you don't risk cutting yourself. I use it when I'm getting tattoos done.

I'm rambling again - must be the nerves!   

[Wheeeee!]

Well it's the night before my surgery and I'm remarkably calm. Having the odd wobble when I think about the anaesthetic but generally pretty relaxed about it. Can't wait to see what I end up looking like.

The time since I first had the consultation has just flown by and now I'm ready to just go and do it.

Had a call from Chantelle (Dr. Karidis' nurse) this afternoon confirming that I needed to be there for 7am, op at 8 and I should be coming out of theatre around 10. She also asked again to make sure I'd have someone to help me home in the evening.

If I'm not away with the fairies too much tomorrow when I get back I'll post how I got on.

Cheers everyone for helping me get this far.
Wheeeee!

[BakedBeanz]

How is it going

Also how come they didnt offer you the surgery on the NHS?

[Wheeeee!]

Well, I've finally gone and done it! Yesterday was the day of the op and I have to say it was all so easy.
I got there for 7am, the nurse took me straight into my room and went through a couple of registration forms with me, told me that the anaesthetist would be along soon and then Dr. Karidis himself. She measured my leg then went off to get the compression stockings. I got changed into the gown and those lovely paper pants and the stockings. Shortly after the anaesthetist came and introduced himself, went through what he was going to do and answered a couple of questions. It was all very relaxed and they really do put you at ease.

After a few more minutes Dr. Karidis came in and went through what he was going to do. He took quite a few photos from all angles (I was feeling very self-conscious standing there in just those paper pants having a camera flashing at me!) and then took a marker pen and drew over me. He marked the entry points for the cannula and made marks all over my chest, abdomen and flanks where he was going to be working. He then said he'd see me in a few minutes and went.

It really was only a few minutes when the nurse came to say that we'd be walking down to theatre. I followed him and we caught a lift that opened up in the basement right in the heart of the operating theatres. People were milling about as I was led to the anaesthetic room. I was introduced to a lady who was going to be assisting my anaesthetist and we chatted about stuff and nothing as she put the ECG pads over me and connected me up. Then the needle was put in the back of my hand, he said he was putting something in that would make me woozy. I felt a bit light headed as I watched him put the second vial of stuff in and then I was off...

The next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery, chatting to a nurse sitting by my bed. Once they were sure I was okay they called a porter to take me back to my room. Within minutes I was back in my bed and having a cuppa!

I was strapped into the compression vest and also had a binder round my abdomen and I appeared to be leaking badly from the abdomen yet nothing from the chest. I was expecting "significant drainage" as they put it but there really was a lot! The nurses kept checking on me throughout the day and said all was fine. Every half an hour or so I'd have blood pressure, temp and blood oxygen monitored.

Chantelle came round about 3pm and checked me over. The vest they'd put on in theatre was a bit wonky so she unhooked it and repositioned it for me. She told me to leave everything as it was until the following evening when I should take it all off, remove plasters, have a shower without anything covering the holes then dry thoroughly and apply plasters that they gave me and I should leave these ones on for about a week.

I felt a bit sore but nothing too major. I came home and pottered about before going to bed. That was probably the worst bit - trying to sleep on my back. At 2am I'm still staring at the ceiling so I slightly turned to my side and then was able to get a few hours sleep.

Tonight I've just took everything off and got my first look and shocked doesn't even come close to how I feel. My chest is completely flat! If anything, it's a little bit concave and I'd probably be worried had I not read so many posts on here where people have had the same experience. I know that it'll take time to fill out and settle down. Plus it's a real incentive to get down the gym now that I can have a chest to be proud of without two moobs getting in the way. I can see a crease on my left nipple but again, I've read about this on the board so not too worried at this stage.

I was worried that I wouldn't notice much of a difference with the liposuction of my abdomen but there really is nothing of me left! When I took the binder off I had a lumpy crease on my right side that concerned me as I thought it might be an uneven job (it really was unsightly) but after having the compression off for the 20 minutes I was in the shower this started to even up so I think it's just where the pressure was applied. I have no feeling in the skin over my chest and stomach where it is still numb but it does itch!

I was still leaking from the holes in my lower abdomen and the skin, both on my chest and stomach, is still loose and through washing it in the shower I can feel it's not properly connected to the me underneath at the moment. I guess I'm a bit of a mess right now but that will hopefully all start to come together over the next few weeks. Oh, and I have some real funky bruising going on lower down! 

I managed to take a couple of photos with my phone that I'll post in a sec so you can see. I know it's going to be a long process but I'm so excited to have come through it and can now concentrate on healing and getting my body back together.

Cheers, Wheeeee!

[Wheeeee!]

Pics added:

[Wheeeee!]

One more:

[kingboob]

The leakage is normal, as long as it stays watery / fluid like and is not proper blood.

I have had a leak on my leg for about 3 weeks before it finally healed up, although it should not leak that long in your case. 

Plenty of rest is and patience is required now.   

[WXYZ]

Well, I've finally gone and done it! Yesterday was the day of the op and I have to say it was all so easy.
I got there for 7am, the nurse took me straight into my room and went through a couple of registration forms with me, told me that the anaesthetist would be along soon and then Dr. Karidis himself. She measured my leg then went off to get the compression stockings. I got changed into the gown and those lovely paper pants and the stockings. Shortly after the anaesthetist came and introduced himself, went through what he was going to do and answered a couple of questions. It was all very relaxed and they really do put you at ease.

After a few more minutes Dr. Karidis came in and went through what he was going to do. He took quite a few photos from all angles (I was feeling very self-conscious standing there in just those paper pants having a camera flashing at me!) and then took a marker pen and drew over me. He marked the entry points for the cannula and made marks all over my chest, abdomen and flanks where he was going to be working. He then said he'd see me in a few minutes and went.

It really was only a few minutes when the nurse came to say that we'd be walking down to theatre. I followed him and we caught a lift that opened up in the basement right in the heart of the operating theatres. People were milling about as I was led to the anaesthetic room. I was introduced to a lady who was going to be assisting my anaesthetist and we chatted about stuff and nothing as she put the ECG pads over me and connected me up. Then the needle was put in the back of my hand, he said he was putting something in that would make me woozy. I felt a bit light headed as I watched him put the second vial of stuff in and then I was off...

The next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery, chatting to a nurse sitting by my bed. Once they were sure I was okay they called a porter to take me back to my room. Within minutes I was back in my bed and having a cuppa!

Good to hear that it's over for you and all went well. Now the real test is wearing that compression vest for the most of 2 weeks. It seems we all have more or less the same experiences. I remember being led to the anaesthetic room and I think it 's next door to the operating theatre as I could remember 3 nurses (or docs?) in scrubs waiting by the entrance. The thing is I can remember that needle being put in the back of my hand and a few moments after, but I can't remember the moment of dropping off. I remember waking up then a nurse or female doctor (I think she was chinese or other asian) telling me I can relax and go back to sleep. I was just so happy to awake I didn't want to sleep, I wanted to see the result, which as you know was difficult with that vest and padding. So they took me to my room and then I just went to sleep.

At least you know why the others made a joke over those paper pants, I only understood after I saw them.  Sort of looks like a cross between feminine underwear and a shower cap! But at least you got them, another guy didn't. You took your photos wearing the paper pants? I had just lowered the patient gown to my waist. You did get the slippers right? As someone else had said there's no point in taking your own, even though you were requested to.

[Wheeeee!]

Good to hear that it's over for you and all went well. Now the real test is wearing that compression vest for the most of 2 weeks. It seems we all have more or less the same experiences. I remember being led to the anaesthetic room and I think it 's next door to the operating theatre as I could remember 3 nurses (or docs?) in scrubs waiting by the entrance. The thing is I can remember that needle being put in the back of my hand and a few moments after, but I can't remember the moment of dropping off. I remember waking up then a nurse or female doctor (I think she was chinese or other asian) telling me I can relax and go back to sleep. I was just so happy to awake I didn't want to sleep, I wanted to see the result, which as you know was difficult with that vest and padding. So they took me to my room and then I just went to sleep.

At least you know why the others made a joke over those paper pants, I only understood after I saw them.  Sort of looks like a cross between feminine underwear and a shower cap! But at least you got them, another guy didn't. You took your photos wearing the paper pants? I had just lowered the patient gown to my waist. You did get the slippers right? As someone else had said there's no point in taking your own, even though you were requested to.

Yeah, the paper pants are an experience in themselves. At least it gave me something to laugh with the nurse about when we were walking to the theatre! My experience was pretty much exactly the same as yours. I can't believe that something that's actually quite major when you think about it is made all so easy and painless (if you pardon the expression.)   

Today is day 5 after the op and in the last two days I've really felt like things are coming together. It's still numb all over my stomach and chest but it no longer feels uncomfortable when I wash in the shower. It's still quite tender to touch but in no way is it painful anymore.

It's a funny feeling to describe but I've also felt more "together" if I can put it that way. In the first few days when the skin was freshly wounded I had the horrible feeling that if I twisted or moved in a certain way then I might end up damaging the healing skin as it knitted back to where it should be. Now it feels more "secure" and I'm not worrying about turning in bed or trying to get up off the sofa.

I got a call from the man himself on Sunday night, checking that all was going okay and that I had no problems that I wanted to discuss with him at this early stage. After the call from Chantelle on Friday, I thought this was a nice touch too. Takes only a few minutes to do but adds to the "feelgood" factor.

The bruising continues to amaze me    - Dr. Karidis warned me that I would end up bruised in places he never went near during surgery and that was a normal part of having the abdomen done. The bruising on the bits where he did go is fairly minor. I'm a little bit yellow on the chest and abdomen, a few darker purple bits around my belt line but below the waist has gone the darkest shade of purple I've ever seen! I even have a line of bruising that goes halfway down my inner thigh. It's so odd how the body reacts 

Roversboy mentioned the itch and he's not wrong! It's really started to play up now this last day or so. The worst part is that it's always right in the middle of where the vest sits and getting to it is a pain - especially if you're out and trying to not look like some madman with his hand inside his T-shirt looking for a way into the vest without stripping off.

I've not noticed any swelling or lumpy scar tissue forming yet. I suppose I have that joy to look forward to. For the moment I keep looking in the mirror and can't believe the difference it has made to my appearance. As we are all too well aware, most of us have not seen our chests looking good in our adult lives. Is it vanity? Probably. But then I think I've earned the chance to look at a chest that I'm not ashamed of anymore.   

Cheers guys, Wheeeee!