Gina’s Final Blog: Good News
September 25th, 2009
Good news!! I had my final check-up and I was NOT put on an extended time-out! You might recall reading that I didn’t exactly follow my after-instructions perfectly. I must admit that I was half expecting to be put on that longer recovery period after my antics with the dog and the zipline at the playground. But Dr. Bashioum said that I was healing nicely, in spite of my minor transgressions!
I’m around the 3-month mark now during my post-surgery recovery and I am so pleased with the results of the single-sided breast reduction. My breasts are now about as symmetrical as they can be (nothing on the body can ever be perfectly symmetrical) and I no longer have any pain when working out. Running is much more enjoyable and I don’t have to wear two sports bras to minimize the movement of the left breast anymore. I tried doing Jiu Jitsu, but the intense pressure is still too much for the breast that had surgery at this point. Dr. Bashioum has mentioned that I am clear for any activity that does not cause pain, so I’ll have to wait awhile longer to resume my martial arts training.
Before the surgery, I would loathe seeing my left breast. I felt that the asymmetry detracted from all of my hard work training and attempts to achieve the body I was happy with. I definitely feel more confident about my body now. I am wearing shirts and tank tops without baggy sweatshirts over them, which is what I used to do to hide the asymmetry of my breasts. I also enjoy looking at myself in the morning when I am getting dressed for the day. What a nice feeling.
I have been playfully teased by my friends and family with comments like, “What a huge difference the surgery made.†or “All these years I didn’t have the heart to tell you that your boobs didn’t match!†and so on. Most people denied that they noticed the size discrepancy until I pointed it out, but they are surprised to see what a real difference the reduction has made. However the cosmetic surgery has not only corrected the asymmetry of my breasts, but it has also changed the way I feel about myself now; how differently I carry myself and how I actually enjoy the way I look both in and out of my clothes. I have to say that I wasn’t quite expecting this remarkable self-esteem bonus.
This process has been an interesting experience. Thank you for following my story. Readers might be surprised that I have only one regret… that I didn’t have the surgery sooner!
Gina’s Blog: 2 Weeks After Surgery
August 11th, 2009
Training with Kettle Bells
So far, so good. I’m two and a half weeks into my recovery and I feel amazing! Actually, I feel too amazing. I really thought I’d feel crappy and sore for at least a few weeks, as I did with my previous surgery. Clearly, the breast reduction was less traumatic to my body than the liposuction. The next day after surgery, I woke up feeling great… tired, but feeling great. I am on a three-week restriction, or what I like to refer to it as a little “time out.â€
The first week I couldn’t raise my heart rate at all, period. That meant no cardio, no working out whatsoever. That sucked, I mean really sucked. But week two hasn’t been too bad, because I was allowed the addition of some forms of my cardio workouts, although I still can’t lift anything more than five pounds. I’ve been doing fast walking and some super light jogging because I tried to run and I felt some aching in my breast. I put a stop to that real quick. When I saw Dr. Bashioum at his office for my post-surgery exam, he said that I could increase my activity level slowly, as long as it did not cause any pain. I’ve also been doing some Kettle Bell exercises with a 5lb dumb bell… I have to keep the groove! I’m surprised and happy that I feel as great as I do but, on the flipside, because I feel so good; it’s making it really difficult for me to adhere to my restrictions. I was naughty only twice. The first offense was putting my 51.8-pound foster dog, Dexter, on his back for a time when he misbehaved.
Dexter
He’s definitely over my weight restriction I know, but it was just a spontaneous reaction. The second offense was my poor decision to go on the zip line at the playground with my 12 yr. old nephew. I was really disappointed in myself for giving in to my impatience. Sandy, Dr. Bashioum’s Patient Care Coordinator said I might have to be on “time out” longer now since I didn’t follow my recovery guidelines. If she said it to scare me into being rigid with the recovery guidelines, it worked! I definitely don’t want a longer restriction period, so I’m really trying to be good.
Gina with 2 Kettle Bells
I already notice a nice change and I know it will take at least 6 months to a year to see the full outcome. I can’t wait and I certainly don’t want to do anything to ruin my chances for a great result!
Check back to see if I can follow my own advice…
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