Exchange City
Comments
-
Thanks SpecialK, you are always a calming voice. Have been at my office these past couple of hours since leaving the PS and my head is swimming.
0 -
trmtab - happy to help, it is always frustrating when you feel your questions are not being addressed, right? Inspira implants provide more projection in the same number of ccs, and anecdotally seem to have a lower incidence of rippling. I have found that they sit less laterally than my previous, larger, implants and look slimmer at the sides for me with no loss in forward projection despite the smaller size. Here is a link:
http://www.simplybreastimplants.com/breast_implant_sizes/natrelle_inspira_srx-ssx.html0 -
DeeRatz - So great to hear you are extremely happy with your implants & have no regrets! Thanks for the VS lounge bra info. Is that a comfortable bra to sleep in?
Hi Robin - Thanks for the info. on Penneys brand. I think it was one of your comments along with a few others a while back that convinced me to go the 24/7 bra wearing route long after my PS said I could go braless. My goal is to get the best possible results. No more surgery is what I hope for too!
SeedSally - I couldn't wear a bra after implant removal & expander placement surgery. I had a lot done for the cap. contracture on right & some extra tissue removal on left & couldn't tolerate the surgical bra around my ribcage as it was too painful. After 3 wks. I put it on & wore it for the last 3 wks (recommended by PS) so I understand how sore you must be.
My PS suggested I buy a Lu Lu Lemon Ta Ta Tamer III sports bra to wear post exchange. It has separate cups (so no mooshing the girls flat), adjustable straps & 4 separate hook & eye closures in back. It comes with removable pads to accommodate for swelling in the beginning if needed .I didn't wear it for the first 3 wks because I didn't want the drains to mess it up. It's expensive and I don't recommend buying one online. It should be tried on in a store for the best fit. If you go to their website you can read reviews if anyone is interested. Most complaints are about needing to go up a band size and ladies seem to either love it or hate it. It's a great sports bra for me so after I stop using it for my recuperation, it will come in handy. It looks pretty good under clothes as well.
0 -
MrsB-I have slept in my lounge bra before. I usually sleep in my Lululemon sports bra's. I don't have the ta ta Tamer but I do have about 10 other sports bras of theirs. I have an bit of a Lululemon problem. My daughter works there as well so we are well stocked with their clothes.
0 -
Meg2016 thank you for your response, our journeys are running parallel. My skin is also holding up well and Im thinking the extended weekend of thanksgiving is going to help out on the long run. I have had ny expanders since April, an I sick of them absolutely but I just keep trucking on. I am curious though if anyone out there has completed the journey, wondering what the end result is like. Hang in there, were almost finished with this chapter of our journey.
0 -
DeeRatz, That's funny...a lululemon problem!
It's so interesting for me to read about everyone's experience with bras after surgery, and the different PS opinions. I had my EX pre op with PS on Monday and he said that beginning the day after surgery I will need to wear a bra 24/7 for just 3 weeks. He recommends an inexpensive cotton, underwire Fruit of the Loom bra. I was told to get it a couple of sizes bigger in band size, and the nurse suggested to get a couple of sizes, but keep tags on them. At my post op the nurses will help fit me in the right one. I think the Dr said the purpose is to keep the swelling out of the IMF, but not too tight on the implant.
I came down with a cold yesterday and I have my PCP pre op next Monday. I'm hoping to get this cold under control in the meantime so she doesn't have a problem signing off on surgery (12/5). And, I'm hosting Thanksgiving, so kinda need my energy to cook and clean. Ugh!
0 -
lmkopy2, I don't know if this will help you, because my situation is a little different. I did have rads, but did delayed reconstruction, so didn't have expanders during rads. After rads I was required by PS to wait 6 mo before having an LD flap and expander placement, then 6 months after flap for EX. It's definitely a marathon, not a sprint!
0 -
Hi, ladies. I will be having the final phase of recon on Dec 5. I did ask my PS what kind of implant he will be using and the answer all time is silicon gel. Doesn't tell me the brand even when he has a big chart with the name and number for each type. I am a little bit scare because I did feel pain with EX since day 1 and I don't take pain medication. He gave me both Tramadol and Percocet. Tramadol lowers my BP and Percocet does give me a good stomachache. I am still limping from my right foot fracture and I can't use anything that'll make me faint, fall or have a close encounter of the third kind with the floor. Last time I did, had a big hematoma on the site of EX surgery and PS was worried. He still worries because he doesn't want me to be alone in my house to avoid any possible fall.
I asked him about possible allergies of the brand he uses of silicon implants and he said very firmly that no one has allergy issues. Is that true? I have no control on what he uses by experience, I only can trust him.
He said he will not use drains this time. I am so grateful he doesn't because I couldn't sleep with the tubing of those things rubbing the inside skin. And the stabbing pain in front was a nightmare. Now I have a strange pain under the breast, the same place he will be cutting and placing the Final Implant. However, I will not be free of compression bras for a while. Had to use bras 24/7 since August 4 when he did the EX surgery and is very uncomfortable.
He will be reducing the left breast too. I feel so lopsided and uneven. Well, the time comes when he will use me as the blackboard; that's the most strange part. He did some lines and waves on my chest on the time of EX surgery that I asked him if he didn't have paper on his desk. He said he was practicing for this next time. I always joke with him, fight with him; he is very nice but never answers me about the cute implant. He wants to put a size C on me and told him NO. Just a B if he didn't want to have me walking with a hump. I know, I know. Size C won't but I don't like big breasts on me. I was size B just until nine years ago when my breast started to grow with the benign tumor inside. Yes, my tumor began growing on 2007 and last year it turned out cancerous.
Ladies, how can I add the info that you had under the comments? Have sweet dreams.
0 -
Hello, Ladies. I'm impatiently awaiting my exchange next month. My expanders are Allergan 133-13T. I had NSM in August.Luckily I did not need rads or chemo. Everything healed up pretty well, although I do have some scarring around the poor surviving nips. Having never done this before, I don't know what to expect from my exchange, only the perfect outcomes the PS websites post.I know some revision is possible during exchange, but how much? I understand PS don't like to make promises and like to hope for the best, but I don't like unpleasant surprises and need a reality check.
I think I have some challenges. My TEs are expanded to 600cc. I anticipate Inspiras in the mid 500 range. My IMF incision is 1" below the TE in places. One nipp is off center. My skin is healthy, but tight over mounds.I have asked for access to photos to see others outcomes. If I don't get access in a few days I'll just post a pic and get the girls out t here for your comments and suggestions.
I have received so much support from my friends and this website. It has truly been an inspiring part of this whole journey. Thank you
0 -
mariangel- to get the info out there,
Go to "My Profile" and then add your diagnoses and treatments and you can chose to make them public or not.
Hi all! I had my implant exam surgery yesterday. It is so far much less painful and debilitating than my BMX. I would say it feels like I am in week 3 or 4 from that surgery. I do have drains and need to wear the Anita 1198 compression post surgical bra continuously. So far they are softer/squishier and have less projection (which is okay). Mentor Mwmory Gel in 620cc I think
0 -
Dee - I wish I had your Lululemon problem! I might still check out the VS lounge bra but if you're wearing your Lululemon's to bed then I might as well stick to what I've got.
WildTulip - Sounds like your Doc & nurses are on top of the bra situation. Great idea to bring a few sizes & have them help you choose the best one for post-op. Hoping your cold is better by Mon. pre-opt visit with PCP. I don't see why you wouldn't be cleared for 12/5 surgery.
Mariangel - Some PS's have their own ideas of what is best for their patient's outcome & don't want to share much info. Just keep reminding him that you want to be a B cup (most PS's don't even discuss cup size). Maybe you can get more specific info. at next visit. Re: pain meds. - The exchange to implants was far easier for me & a lot of women here. Pain meds. make me sick too. I only had pain meds during surgery & used Extra Strength Tylenol once I came home about 4 hrs. later with no problems. However, you are having a reduction on left side so discuss pain med. issues & side effects with him at pre-op visit.
Keiki - I'm sure you can get great input here. If you haven't already check out Breast Implant Sizing 101 also. Whippetmom is the moderator & is extremely knowledgeable about sizing & nipple issues. You can post a similar message publicly & private message her your pics for additional input. Hope this helps.
OrkaPorkka - Congrats on your exchange surgery! Glad all is going well & you are having far less pain than your BMX surgery. Happy healing!
0 -
Where do you buy lululemon? I've never heard of that;)
0 -
Kingster-Lululemon is a Canadian company. It was started in Vancouver, BC. They sell athletic type clothes. There are stores in the USA but I'm not sure where. You would have to order online. It is good quality clothing.
0 -
kingster - I'd never heard of Lululemon until my PS recommended it for post exchange. She's a hard core marathoner & it happens I have 2 stores in my city. If you go to Lululemon.com I think they post a list of the closest stores to you. I'm not sure how many stores are in the U.S. Like DeeRatz said they are a Canadian company. The problem I found with online ordering is you can purchase the same size you try on in a store & it might not quite fit the same.
0 -
Kingster, i have a lululemon store about 20 minutes from my house. My oldest sister wears their stuff. She is an avid tennis player.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving if I don't talk yo you sooner.
Robin
0 -
I went to Nordstrom today for a professional bra fitting. She put me in a 30DD
LOL. 0 -
MrsB88, thanks for response. I have input from gurus Whippetmom and SpecialK. Still hoping for access to photos; would love to see b & a from girls like me. Wont post photo as I understand not allowed.
Exchange 12/22. Boobs for Xmas, hope its a gift I like.
0 -
grandmax3 WOW!!! DD😉
I don't have a Nordstrom near me... any other places I can go for fitting? I hate this sports bra that hooks in the front my PS said wear it 6weeks post exchange. I bought a little thin bralette at aerie.
How are you feeling about exchange? So far I really like mine. Got some rippling but don't know if it's really enough to FG it's just myself and husband that sees so if it doesn't bother me why should I?
Can't wait to sleep normal again someday
0 -
To Lady and Grandma. So far I like my EX but everything feels so tight. My new side incisions still have some dried glue on them and are still healing. I guess the tightness comes from the removal of skin and tissue in those areas maybe but so far no wrinkling. They feel so natural to the touch just tight.
I am tall and not too large but not thin. We don't have a place for fitting anywhere near me so I did an online measurement thing and was placed at 38DDD. So I ordered 4 different brands from Nordstrom in that size 2 slightly padded and 2 no padding all underwire. The only 1 that I could wear was the Natori. I liked it but still think I need a 40. My daughter thinks i need to get measured at Victoria's Secret and get one of their bras. I am just not comfortable braless but I don't like underwire bras. I am thinking of ordering a bralette and one size larger in the Natori from Nordstrom as well as going to VS later. Just not ready to get out and about yet.
0 -
One thing to note about underwire bra sizing is that the wire needs to go completely around the implant, not sitting on top of it at any point. To accomplish this you often need a larger cup size, even if visually you don't look like you are that size. I needed a DD cup but looked like a C cup visually.
0 -
SpecialK when I ordered the bras I knew about the underwire needing to go around the implants and not set on them because I had learned it on here. The cup sizes are fine and go farther around my implant area than before with my natural breasts. The bands are just too small. I measured 38 around my ribs and 44 around my breast area. Before surgery I bought 40D size in most bras but looking back I think the cups were a little small in most brands. I know this sounds crazy but my breasts were growing larger every time I got new bras but my weight was staying the same. Right now I have on a 40D platex bra that is snug but feels good but it's not underwire. I had it pre BMX.I won't wear it for too many hours because I'm not used to a bra anymore and having to adjust to the feeling again. Also my incisions are still not completely healed and hurt a little in bras. What I was wondering is if I order the 40 inch band and the DDD cup will the cup be even larger than the 38DDD.
0 -
Sally - I've put a link to a bra thread that I found invaluable. Doesn't look l like it's active anymore but lots of good information. One thing I learned is that most of us were wearing bras w/the bands too loose before. Another was that the band size & cup size are inverse in relationship - band size down/cup size up. Did your PS specifically say to wear underwire? I hadn't worn anything else in years but made the transition away from that. Good luck.
0 -
Thank you Minus for that link. I had seen it before and couldn't figure out how to get back to it. I did check out the herroom site and found a lot of help there. My PS originally said I'd need underwire support but to wait until after the surgery and ask him then. After the surgery he said it didn't matter. He said I could wear a bra or not. He told me the first PS that did the first work did an excellent job and I didn't need much in the way of pocket work at EX. I have alloderm support in the pockets. I don't know if that makes a difference or not but I want to wear a bra. I feel like I need the support. And I don't like the feel of my clothes rubbing around my skin even though there isn't much feeling there. I also am afraid of getting scratches and abrasions if I don't feel something bumping or scratching against me. I guess you could say I would feel a little safer in a bra as far as skin integrity.
0 -
seed - in the larger bra size the cup may be wider but not necessarily deeper. Some have issues with going to a wider cup it is not being totally filled up by the implant so they get some wrinkling vertically in the cup, but I have not had that happen. It is worth a try to find a bra that fits you well, but keep in mind you may still have some swelling that will dissipate.
0 -
seedsally glad all is well with you and your exchange ! I'm almost 4 weeks out and yes they did feel kinda tight at first not like TE but a little tight. My PS they will soften. My husband says they already have a little lol☺️ I have slight rippling around edges on my breast bone but I'm not to worried and don't think it warrants FG my husband and I are only see so it doesn't really matter to me.
Where did you get the online bra sizing guide? I don't have Nordstrom and not sure I want VS. I'd love to end up not wearing a bra every now and again but if I find right fit will wear one for now after the 6 weeks are up.
0 -
Yes SpecialK I had thought about the swelling. I have one bra underwire type Natori that fits well I may order another one like it to get me through the first 6 weeks and then I should have an idea of whether it continues to fit well or not. If the swelling makes a difference when it fades completely the other bras may fit better. One is a wacoal and one is a freya (not sure of the spelling) and I think the other is a Chantelle.
I really appreciate the posts from you guys. It really helps.
0 -
Sally - I too had always worn an underwire & I decided to keep wearing something but I moved to a 'bralette'. It gave me the security of something there w/o the underwire or even the fitted cups. For so many years I could hardly wait to get home and tear off my bra - no matter how well they fit. Most of my well endowed friends feel the same way - breast cancer or not. I was happy to go smaller and would have been pleased with even smaller. That's another issue that used to have an active thread which has tapered off - 'ready to go smaller'.
LADY take a look at some of the bra company links on the bra thread link I sent earlier. If I remember correctly there's info about on line measurements. When you can get somewhere, do have your measurements taken in person by a fitter who is familiar with breast cancer & reconstruction. It's realty a special nitch and I don't think Victoria's Secret salespeople offer that. Nordstroms is often mentioned because most stores have at least one fitter trained about BC. You can always go to a pricey medical supply place that sells mastectomy bras to get measured & still buy on line.
0 -
I had my EX pre op with my PCP yesterday and she said the two weeks till surgery is plenty of time to get over my cold. (I figured, but you never know how someone will react.) I'm less congested today, so optimistic I'm on the upswing. I'm so grateful I have BCO to express myself and receive support. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
0 -
thanks minustwo!
0 -
Just my two cents on bra fittings- Lord knows I have ordered and bought about 25 bras and returned most of them. It is a lengthy process for sure. But don't waste your time going to VS for a fitting. You can certainly shop there but when I went and asked for a fitting the girl obviously had zero experience with reconstruction and measured me wrong. I was busting out of the bras she brought me and then when I asked about larger sizes the straps were way too big and not adjustable small enough for my shoulders so I just gave up. Soma does bra fittings too but again, I am not sure they are properly trained for recon bras. Nordstrom is the way to go. Just make sure you ask for the employee with the experience and book a specific appt with her. I haven't done that yet but after the holidays I will!
0
