Exchange City
Comments
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gummys don't leak often. Think of a real gummy bear candy. You have to chew them to break them down. That said there's always the chance for microscopic bits to wear off. But i imagine that takes a while. They have improved the thickness of the rounds as well so I suppose leaking isn't a big problem now. Even before, the leaks were slow so it took long to notice they were leaking that's why they recommended the MRI. I was told every 2 years from my P'S but as we all know everyone has a different opinion. Just like drains, showering, weight limits, activity limits! LOL. You'd think no doctor ever had the same teachers! LOL
Much love.
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thank you moonflower!
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hey ladies....
4 days post exchange and I feel pretty good. Pain in minimal but comes in waves..... Sharp stabbing waves! I know from past post to stay way from the mirror but I can't help it! They are 50cc smaller then my TEs soft and so much more comfortable but I look flat! They are round and flat!! At least the TE's had some projection.... I look like an A cup from the top and side.... I just don't get it?!? An suggestions....
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mere mere, wait. That's the suggestion. LOL! Just wait. You should have a bit of drop and fluff which give them a more natural droop. But there will be no more projection. That's the implants difference. They are softer and fill in on the chest wall more than the TEs. So you lose some of that projection. My implants are 750 filled to 850. I am just a C cup. But i do fill the cup. Actually a bit better than when they were my real boobs. LOL. But i am a plus size lady so they don't look big just big enough. Good luck.
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MereMere, glad to hear you are doing well. I think nearly everyone has a bit of "buyers remorse" in the early days after the exchange. Unless you've seen pictures of new implants, you somehow imagine they will project like TE's, but no pain and very squishy. Well, not exactly. The weird zots and zings go on for awhile - sometimes only one side at a time. I still have waves of "iron bra" even though one implant is 5 months old and the other is 2 months old. It happens at the same time on both sides so I know it's a nerve thing left over from the BMX nearly 9 months ago, not a healing thing due to the more recent procedures.
I was surprised that implants are mounds, not cones as natural breasts are shaped. I had what looked like man boobs...wide and flat. They do change shape and become rounder and more feminine looking, but it takes months. I think I look great in clothes and am getting used to looking in the mirror. All I see now is belly...was that there the whole time? My big FFF's covered it but my new little boob-ettes let the truth be known. The belly has more projection than the boobs. I've had both rounds and gummies...there's not really any difference in feeling, roundness, etc. Gummies are taller, however. On one side I can feel a little shelf at the top but not on the other side. So much depends on how your rib cage and chest is shaped. I'm obviously lopsided in more ways than one.
Perhaps upcoming fat grafting will cover it. If not, oh well. I'll live with it and be happy. 0 -
went bra shopping today (depressing and not very fun!) and have decided that new foobs will look better with a flatter and more toned stomach! So when can I start exercising again? Paranoid about new implants moving or doing something naughty so have been very sedentary. Will probably be back at work next week (one week post op) which is a desk job. What exercises can I do and when? I used to ride my bike to work and use rowing machine in garage. Can I do that?
Thanks for all your help
M
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Previvor - my PS told me at my one week post op appointment that I could resume walking and mild exercise. He wants me to wait until I am 4 weeks out to start back into weight lighting (slowly of course). I would think bike riding would be fine. Your body will let you know if it is too much. You might want to wait on bra shopping until your implants settle. That is my plan at least. I was told not to wear underwire but am more than happy to wear these comfy sports bra type bras that have hooks like real bras (why or why do they make regular sports bras were you always have to pull them over your head - hate that!). Hope things start to improve with your new girls once they settle more
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Regarding MRI - it is a liability thing for the implant companies so they make you sign an agreement to get MRI's due to the old problems with the old implants. At least I had to. My agreement said I would get an MRI in 3 years and every 2 years following. I will tell you now that if my insurance doesn't pay for them I am not doing them unless there is an issue. My PS has every faith in the newer silicon implants and told me that they should last a lifetime with no problems so I am hoping for that
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Hi, ladies. I had my exchange on March 28th. I am just realizing that cleavage with the right bra is becoming possible. They are more mobile. This makes me happy. I have the gummies. I hope this helps someone somehow.
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Previvor,
Ask your PS about exercise. Mine said nothing for about 6 weeks. You have a LOT of internal healing to do. Walking should be fine after a few weeks, but mine said no biking, upper body, etc. for longer. It's worth the wait and you can work your tummy off after. ;-)
I had a revision to different implants in October...Three weeks ago I did a 30 mile bike ride and two weeks ago I ran my first 5K. (Never imagined I would EVER be a runner!!!!) You will get there. It's worth doing it slowly and giving your body the time it needs to heal!! Ask your doctor...and rest for now.
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After initial exchange in Jan, Im going in next Friday for revision. Going to swap my 410s around 400cc size to Allergan 20s, about 300cc. My right and left are different sizes, so Im approximating here. Also fat lipo from the sides especially on left. I want this to be my last surgery. Nervous about it finally being right for me. And about recovery from the lipo, which I think will be harder than the exchange originally was (which was easy), or the recovery part from this weeks swap out.
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Meremere
I am 3 month post exchange. At my one week follow-up with my PS I told him they were too small. I don't feel that way anymore. I am happy with them and am having fat grafting on Friday. Hoping to have a flatter stomach!
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Previvor,
It seems every PS is different so definitely check with your own PS. I was a direct to implant, but my PS cleared me - indeed encouraged me - to walk as soon as I felt able, as long as I wore a bra, kept an easy pace, and listened to my body. I was walking 4-6 miles a day 4 days out of surgery. I really think it helped me with my own recovery. I was cleared to go on spin bike and elliptical (no arms) and do leg work 2 weeks out. I have to wait 6-8 weeks to get back into upper body weights, running, more rigorous hiking, and perhaps a bit longer to get back to kayaking (due to upper body use), scuba diving (latter because of weight of equipment mostly), and some of my other activities. My PS was aware of my pre-surgery physical activity routine and hobbies so laid out the "when" for each which I found very helpful. I thrive on being active, so it was good to know ahead of time when I could expect to return to an activity.
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Yes indeed. Always check with your your PS before doing anything post surgery. I would guess sometimes it might depend on your age and/or pre-surgery lifestyle. I am fairly young and am very active so my PS might tell me something different versus another patient who differs from me.
Best of luck on you upcoming surgery Aviva! I hope it is your last
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Good luck Aviva and here's to it being your last!!!!
Babs
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I was a fitness instructor prior to surgery so I was in great shape. My PS did not clear me to begin even walking for a month and only then with a very supportive sports bra.
Here is a great breast surgery rehab video I've shared with many. Stole it from Whippetmom last year I think.
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thanks Sandra. Will watch video later today.
My surgeon said I can start walking so going to put on my MBT's and get out there. Fresh air will also do me good
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Hello everyone! I am done with expansions (or one more to go, I'm not sure yet) I am at 720cc and my PS is thinking of doing an Allergen style 45 in either 650 or 700 cc. Does anyone have these? I like the size that the 700 would be, but my biggest fear is that the large size will not make them too firm. I hate how hard the expanders feel and would be willing to sacrifice the 50cc if I could have a softer feel. Can anyone help?! I just wish that I could go around and do a "feel test" of everyone's implants before I decide, but I don't have the option of local survivors to help me out.
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Enjoy your walk Previvor! It is interesting how much PSs vary on everything from exercise, to bras, and so on. Both PSs I saw encouraged (and almost outright prescribed!) walking as soon as I wanted and was able, believing it was important for healing, but then it seems others, like Sandra's, put a big ban on it. Best always to listen to your own PS of course as they may have their own reasons for things, based on your own personal situation and circumstances, combined with their own experiences and research.
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Also, does anyone know if the difference in cc amount will make a difference in how "mobile" they are? I really would like to be able to squish them a bit, like make some cleavage.
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Miss Mama,
Congrats on your progress!
I started out with Style 45's and 800 cc's. Once the swelling went away and they settled in (aka "drop and fluff") they were nice and soft/squishy. They felt quite real. And yes...they were able to be pushed up if desired.
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Thank you Dulcigirl! You say that you started out with them, may I ask why you ended up with something different? Was it an issue with that style? And how long does the drop and fluff take (I know it is probably different for everyone)
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Aaaaaand I have another question! Is there any way to predict what I can expect for measurement differences? As in, I am 42" around right now, should I expect to lose a couple inches with the exchange? I only ask this because I am going to be in a wedding a month after my exchange and she wants me to order the dress like yesterday! I have no idea how to gauge for that with my measurements, though!
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They were too big for me. And I had a bit of pain in a couple of suture spots. NOTHING to do with the style of implants...just the size as it related to my frame. I liked the style very much. Just needed less cc's. (But in order to fit the pocket that was already there we had to use a different style that had the correct width but 650 cc's.)
Yep. Drop & Fluff is an individual thing. But I noticed the softening beginning somewhere around 6 weeks, I think.
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Wonderful! Thank you so much for your help! I am feeling a bit better now. I think I am just freaked out because I am nearing the end and have to make a decision.
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Hi Miss Mama Bear=I have the 700cc Nat 45 implant (had two but just one left right now) and they are not hard-nice and squishy so much like natural, I was surprised. I did a one step implant following BMX with the 700 silicone implants. Char0 -
Hi ladies,
I have my exchange scheduled for June 2. I'm am beginning to get more and more nervous as the days go on. I know everyone is unique and heal differently, but what should I expect in general, the day of surgery and weeks to follow?
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MissMamaBear, often PS will put in a bigger cc implant than the size of your TE,. Your PS is doing less, maybe even 100 cc's ??? I wonder if you will be happy afterwards because they will be quite a bit smaller than what you have now. 700 cc's in a TE and 700 cc's in an implant are two different things, not just because one is hard and one is soft. TE's are designed to push all the saline out in order to stretch the muscle and skin. They have hard backs which prevent the saline from sinking back into your chest along your bone structure. When you get an implant, even the same number of cc's, they look smaller because they do not stick out nearly as far. They are soft and conform to the way your chest wall is shaped. You might want to talk to your PS about the fact that you like the size of the 700 cc TE's and ask what size implants will get you there.
I started out with Allergan Natrelle Style 20 rounds, 800 cc's. Later I had a 740 cc TE on one side and then got both sides changed to Allergan 410 Style FF gummy bear anatomicals, 740 cc's. I don't notice much difference between the anatomicals and the rounds except the gummy bears are taller. The size looks the same. They both fit a small C bra. My husband says they feel like I did at 20 - firm but moveable - and he doesn't think there is much of a difference between the two kinds either.
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Like Mommyathome, I too would like general info about exchange surgery: what to expect that day and in the following weeks.
I am hoping for late July which would give me two weeks after surgery before starting school (I'm a teacher). Will that be enough recovery time?
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Jannett44 - While everyone's recovery can be different, the exchange surgery was not bad at all for me.
I had mine a week ago today and went back to work yesterday. I have been doing shorter days this week because my work will allow it, but the recovery has been so much better than the initial BMX surgery.
I was off pain meds this past weekend and any pain I had was nothing like the first surgery. The first surgery I was taking Valium and Norco around the clock for muscle and TE pain but this one wasn't so bad. The pain I have had has been more achy or sore muscles like (not quite sure how to describe it). My arms felt more tight at first but my range of motion hasn't been hindered for the most part like the first time.
I am not supposed to lift heavy things, or do heavy exercise but have been getting in some walks. Other than that I am somewhat tired but it's not horrible.
And I have to say, I am sooooo glad those TE's are gone!!! It's much, much better. I see the PS tomorrow and may have my stitches removed this week or next. I will be happy to have a full real shower sometime soon (hopefully).
Hope this helps!!
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