Surgery with Levick COMPLETE (29-08-12) <pre and post op pics posted>

[darkstar]

I woke up today aching.... but the good after workout aching feeling. Love it. When I press my chest it feels sore, but just like it used to after push ups. Need to get on the massaging now though.

[Nipper]

I still have a big lump of swelling on one pec and a smaller area on another, did half an hour on my turbo last night then massaged, but that seemed to make it angrier.  Mind you my heart rate had been tipping 160 odd most of the time, still feel surprisingly fit even after a month off.

[darkstar]

Well what a difference a week makes. After starting some weight training again, my mood has improved, along with flexibility and general feel of the chest. I feel pretty much as I did pre-op now, just with some scar tissue lingering. So I left it over 6 weeks to get beck to some weight training, which I'm glad I did, but starting again has increased the pace of recovery.

[Nipper]

Interesting mate, I still have a little bit of tautness when I stretch to close a window or something but it's bearable.  5 weeks post for me today, made my follow up appointment for a weeks time, will probably get back to things after that.

[darkstar]

Hi Nipper, yeah thats completely normal for 5 weeks. You should notice that ease over the next 3 weeks. Especially if you start some stretching.

Here is a quick picture update. This is one of my before pictures I've taken to track my progress towards getting into shape. Not a fan of the layer of fat that's covering me, but that will soon change It shows the chest from a side profile as well.

[Nipper]

Mate you're in good nick for just having an Op and then sat around not doing much for 6 weeks.  Think you'll start to see a return for your efforts soon enough.  But this time with a new found impetus, if it's anything like when you first see yourself with a flat chest under clothes, you'll never be out the gym

[adamj]

Your chest has taken a great shape, congrats darkstar. Agree with Nipper, decent shape for not doing anything for 6 weeks! Must have been disciplined with eating and boozing I imagine? Can't wait to train properly again - good luck! Sure your new chest will drive you for the Mens Health cover body!

[darkstar]

Cheers lads, I don't feel like i'm in particularly good shape, but it's improving. adam, I wasn't too good with the diet to be honest. Drank too much beer, and a few too many pizzas, but tried to make sure protein content was high and lots of greens were consumed.

Ran a sub 28 minute 4 mile route today, about 3 minutes faster than when I first got back into running after the op. Love the progress.

[Nipper]

Yeah, cos your moobs ain't weighing you down anymore, in any way shape or form!

[sjwsjw]

Chest is looking good, must feel so much better running with the freedom of a flat chest!

[darkstar]

Well it's 9 weeks post op and I've been climbing twice in the last 4 days. I thought I would feel some tightness when stretching for holds etc, but I've felt nothing. It's felt exactly the same as it did before the op, just with a little lost strength. But I'm glad I left it 8 weeks, there was no point rushing.

[Nipper]

I agree DS!  I've sat on my lardy arse for almost seven weeks now, think it did me the world of good as far as healing goes, did fakk all for my love handles though

[Ricardo7]

I agree DS!  I've sat on my lardy arse for almost seven weeks now, think it did me the world of good as far as healing goes, did fakk all for my love handles though

now that you're gyno free you'll notice the rest of your body more and be able to see past your chest... at least you have control over some extra flab though, something you never had with gyno

[Nipper]

Spot on Ricardo!    I did some jump rope the other day, man...chest was fizzin like hell.  Guess it's turbo trainer for a bit then, still feel as if I started weights..I'd know about it.  So will have to pay another months gym fees without actually going...sniff

[darkstar]

As it's 11 week today since I had the op, I'll post a small update. They are becoming less frequent due to the fact I rarely think about my chest nowadays and the changes are occurring very slowly.

There is definitely some scar tissue lingering, but nothing that is even noticeable when studying the chest topless.

Nipple creasing is improving big time, still some occasionally, when I lean forward and try to exaggerate it.

I have absolutely no pain whatsoever after any form of exercise. The only instance was when I was shifting heavy pieces of tree and it was brushing against the chest (around week 9 post), and it was quite painful, but nothing drastic.

In terms of changes in my life, I'm living the sort of life I always wanted to. Heading out on AU (athletic union) nights out in fancy dress, which I always avoided due to the inevitable topless costumes. I've joined the rowing club, concentrating on training to lean out a bit. I have no issue grabbing a shower at the gym, whereas before I would have gone home dripping in sweat due to the gyno. Oh, and the confidence in bars and clubs brings it's advantages, you can hold a strong body position, instead of hunching the shoulder, which is an immediate turn off.

Lots of lads going through with the op around now, so best of luck to all of you