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Implant Exchange (oYo) ~ Anyone go/stay SMALL?? (B cup)

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Comments

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Lago ~ I'd be surprised if there wasn't an "Insurance Sucks" thread already! Yes, I hate the "customary charge" thing too.  Luckily, I have not had to go "out of network" so all my docs have to charge the negotiated fee.  I saw my bill from the hospital for the BMX... they charged Regence Blue Shield $114,000!!!!! ... but Regence only "allowed" them to charge $57,000.  How the hell does that make sense?

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    Only the PS charge is out of network. He has privileges at the hospital I being treated. He was one of the PS that my BS usually works with and recommended. I really did not like the other one that was on staff at the hospital… and he was in the middle of board certification (basically you can't be a little certified. He still had his orals to do). I was very upset when I left his office.

    I supposed I could have found another PS within the hospital system but I don't know if they were in network either… and I really wanted to stick with someone my BS works with since I did get my TEs at my BMX.

    So yes I'm sucking up more of my savings for this cancer crap but I really don't have regrets about my PS choice. I know he's going to do an amazing job. He seems to really like what he does for a living and also a perfectionist.

    -------------------------------------------

    Question… those of you who had the exchange with fat grafting. How long did it take? My PS says for my double with fat grafting it's going to be about 3 hours. He said that for the TE's too but I think it took less. He's starting to sound like the Chinese restaurant take out. "Be ready in 10 minutes" no matter what you order or what time of day. Tongue out

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Totally understandable, lago! I delayed my surgery by a month so I could stick with my PS (he had a scheduled 3 week vacation to Austrailia) because he had a great working relationship with the BS I chose.  He was actually the person that introduced my BS to the Nipple Sparing technique and did her first one with her.  If I'm out cold and people are weilding knives around me around delicate tissue.. I'd like for them to know how to work as a good team!! ;)

    My BMX with TE's took 4 1/2 hours , yours sounds like it was way shorter?  Maybe mine was longer  because of the nipple sparing? Since they need to do a quick frozen pathology of the tissue behind the nipple?.  My PS said the exchange with fat grafting will take 3 hours. 

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011
    BMX with TE's was I think around 5 hours. My PS said it would be a total of 6 but I think he took a little less time. They wouldn't let me wear my watch in the OR. Wink
  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011
    Oh... I thought in your previous post he said the BMX would be 3 hours, but "I think it took less"........ But I see you now said implants.... wait.....what procedure took less than 3 hours? Now I'm confused..... and I haven't even started drinking yet!Tongue out 
  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    My bad I edited the post to make sense now. I had a diet dr. pepper. My first in several months. Maybe too much caffeine… but it was such a nice treat.

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    I gave up diet coke (artificial sweeteners) for BC....but I'm not crazy religious about it.  Once in awhile I have a craving and treat myself to a bit. :)

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    I stopped drinking it when I started chemo. I've had about 3 in the last  3 months. Considering I used to drink one every morning since 1984 I think I'm doing pretty good. As mentioned earliery I don't do coffee, ever.

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Do you not do coffee for health reasons... or just not keen on the taste?

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    I must have SLOOOOW docs!!  I was 6 hours from wheeling me out of a holding room to wheeling me back to my room.....I imagine I was in prep for a little more than 1/2 hour and I was in recovery at least 3/4 of an hour because I was having oxygen issues.  And they just did one side!!!  When they said a 6 hour surgery I thought they were kidding!!! 

    As for soda - I could buy a 12 pack and it last me all year....I like coke but really only drink it when I am at one particular restaurant because I like their fountain soda.  But Ive always been that way with coke.  Coffee on the other hand I drink every day....but not 2-3 cups anymore....2 were replaced with green tea because of BC.  I did give up other beverages like crystal lite, most juice, iced tea (unless its green) etc.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011
    OK I was wrong. My husband just told me my BMX with TE was 7-8 hours! Not sure where I got 5-6.
  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    SueBee ~ I was longer than 4 1/2 hours wheel in to wheel out too. :) ... that was just the hours that I saw on the anesthesiologists report for being given the drug.  Not sure the real time.. just remember my husband and son saying it seemed like forever!!  I told them that I didn't know what they were talking about... the time just flew by for me! ;)

    I'm a green tea drinker now too! .. actually drinking a cup right now. :) .. and I usually have a cup of coffee each morning too.  

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    Susan they told me 6....and I remember it being 9am when I left my husband and just about 3 when I saw him again so at least they met the expectations.  My BFF had planned to stay at the hospital all day (she didnt think it would be long) and I told her that I would call her when I was out since she goes to work at 4pm...I ended up calling at 3:30 just to say "hi" but I was still on Oxygen at that point and very dry!!! Thank God for my cell phone because I could call her again at 10pm in between all of my pokes and prods.  LOL Now I remember that Facebook was really busy that day...my BFF got two friend requests from my family and lots of other emails from friends asking how I did. Now I know why she said she was crazy all day....she had to field everything.  OK, THAT was a random story!

    What kind of green tea are you drinking?  I usually go with Yogi...the one with either bluberry or pomegranite in it. But Ive also really gotten into White tea lately....but be careful with that because cheaper versions (a-la Lipton) have a mix of white and green and black sometimes.  I have been saying that I need to get to a good tea shop to get some white tea.  Because its even more lightly processed than green (after all, white tea and green tea are the same thing - the difference is the processing) it retains more antioxidents.  But its fussy to brew and expensive too.  But yeah for me I dont put ANYthing in my tea anymore!  Its funny that I started collecting tea pots in Japan (for their look, I didnt like tea then) and now I actually USE them. 

    OK, Im rambling for a Saturday morning....off to Zumba soon!

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Your time sounds real similar to mine,Sue...I remember going in around 12:30 and seeing my husband about 7pm. My mom, in-laws, and son all waited there, I felt sorry for THEM! How boring! For me , we were all anxious to know whether it had gotten to the nodes since it was IDC, over 1cm and grade3 (they later rated it grade 2). The next morning I was texting people the news...looking back I had a hard time hitting the right letters!



    I drink the yogi tea too! I try to get organic. My mom also got me a BUNCH of nice pomegranate green tea at Christmas. I'm STILL working through those tins! Lol! I heard white tea being even better too. Will have to pick some up!



    And isn't it surprising how you can learn to be able to drink it not "doctored" up!? I used to need to have milk and tons of splenda in my coffee to drink it. Now I just sprinkle in some cinnamon and I use stevia. I drink my tea without anything too. Never thought I'd actually like it that way! Funny about you now using your collection of tea pots! I love the Japanese tea pots too!



    Okay..now I'm rambling! .....and off to the Y for my step class! Gotta go work my arms before the restrictions kick in again!

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    I was so totally out of it when I woke up. I think I was in my hospital room. I don't remember the recovery room. My DH said I was babbling. I do remember hearing the BS talking to my husband I think.

    I can't believe you guys knew what time it was! I mean I not even sure where I was let along when it was.

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    Lago I was in recovery for a long time...I remember it being a complete fog. The nurse kept yelling (maybe that is too strong - encouraging me?) for me to breathe and that I couldnt go to my room until my Oxygen levels were normal again.  I also remember the nurses talking about clam chowder amongst themselves so I joined in on that conversation to try to wake up.  I was a little better by the time I got back to the room...I noticed it was JUST 3 when I got back.  I might not have been as cohearant if I didnt spend so much time in recovery.

  • Cameron
    Cameron Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2011

    I only thing I remember from that foggy recovery time, is telling the nurse "your ice is so good".  Thaaaaat's all folks.

  • fluffqueen01
    fluffqueen01 Member Posts: 1,801
    edited April 2011

    I went in at 2:00 and was in my room by 8:00. It apparently was a party in the waiting room all day as friends and family were in and out. My husband said the plastic surgeon came out at 7:00, looked at the 15 people who had overtaken the waiting room and asked if he wanted to talk to everyone or just the kids and my husband.

    When I finally was somewhat awake, I opened my eyes to see my two kids, my husband, my bff, another bff, my sister-in-law, my brother-in-law. It was surreal. LOL.

    Then they made the comment they liked the Snugi that my daughter had taken. I remember thinking that I had to tell them if they wanted to get it, they had to go to a certain store and get a specific one, as it was longer and wider and softer.

    I must have drifted off but came to at some point and offered up that information. They apparently had moved on to an entirely new conversation and thought that I was delusional.

    I didn't know this until a couple of days later when my husband told me and said it was like holding a conversation with his father who has dementia! Then my daughter from college laughing herself silly about my drugged comments. Then by bff called and wanted to know if I could tell her again just where to get that Snugi and started laughing.

    When I have my exchange, I am eliminating all unnecessary personnel from my room! LOL

    Went to dinner last night with a fraternity brother of my husband and his wife who had BMX with 550 High Profile implants. She is similar to my height but has smaller body structure. The girls were right up there, and they looked kind of big, but perfect! My ps wants me iun 550's. Not so sure now,

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    HELP ME!!! Im getting BOOB GREED!!!

    Just in from my latest fill....he put in another 80 today (WHOA!) and Im at 335 now.  The goal for a full B was 350 but thats a mere 15 CC's away and I am totally thinking that wont make me happy!!!  Oh no!!!!  When he asked what I was going for (he asks me every time - maybe to see if my answer changes)....this time I didnt say "Full B, small C"....I went right in with "C".  My DH shot me a LOOK!!!  I said "well, clothing manufacturers make clothes assuming the average is a C and I want to look good in clothes".  Besides, my expansion is going SO WELL....I didnt think my skin would initally take a C so I backed off from that.

    Is this just WRONG??  LOL 

    So it looks like at this rate, Ill be at 400 the first week in May and then overfilled the 3rd week of May....YIPPIE!!!!  I have to bring a sports bra next time to see what the other side will look with an implant.  I feel bad for my left one now...my right one is getting all of the attention!  And I have to get my yearly mammo on lefty soon too....poor baby.

  • kittymama
    kittymama Member Posts: 25
    edited April 2011

    Suebeebc,

    Did I hear "C....c..c..ceeee?" We're gonna have to kick you off of this thread! Hahaha. Love your way of justifying the C cup - the line about the clothing manufacturers.



    Go with whatever is going to make you feel and look amazing!

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    I know!!!  I dont want to get kicked out of the club! 

    And the PS totally agreed about the clothing thing...he said most women shoot for a C.  He really didnt flinch.  My former PS kind of thought a C was too much of a target which I why I adjusted down a little...but this PS seems to agree a C would be fine.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    When I was concerned that my PS was going to make me too larger the nurse assured me that it would not happen. She said if anything a few women wished they had gone a little larger. So Suebee go for the C… and get off this tread Wink

    Seriously don't leave. Like you said C isn't considered big anymore, its considered average.

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Wait...are you going for a "C" measurement... or to "look" like a C but measure a D? I'm so confused! lol!  You must have a small ribcage, Sue, because I'm at 430cc's!  It is funny because for the most part I look like "normal me" in most of my clothes...but if I wear something tight I think they look on the verge of being too big.  If only we could adjust the size with each outfit! ;)

    Glad your fills are going so well, Sue!  Maybe you'll go even bigger than C when all is said and done!  Just remember poor lefty's muscle may suffer the consequences if you get too crazy! lol!  Glad you see eye to eye.... or should I say "eye to boob" with the new PS.  Kiss

  • Rennasus
    Rennasus Member Posts: 642
    edited April 2011

    Just found this thread and you ladies have kept me very entertained! ;-)

    Suebee, nothing' wrong with boob greed...after all, they took one (or in my case 2) from you, you just want it back, with interest!

    When I first met my PS, I told him I had didn't want to go any larger than what I was naturally... a nice B. On BMX day, as he was marking me up with his "magic" marker,  I told him I changed my mind and wanted to go a wee bit bigger. I said "I want to look like I'm wearing a padded bra even when I'm not."

    He filled me to 500cc on the table. (He believes in expanding as much as possible on the table). I know that sounds huge. But it is not! In clothes I currently look small busted due to these hamburger patty TEs.

    Since I had healing issues (in part I believe due to my right side being too expanded for the trauma it experienced during surgery as that was the cancer side), PS *removed* more than 100cc's from the right side, so currently, while I continue to heal, they are uneven and lopsided too. I have not yet had any fills.

    It is so hard to know how we will look when this process is over. I just didn't want to go through this whole dang process and end up smaller than I was. That's not too much to ask given all we've been through, right? ;-)

    PS Suebee you may need to start a thread called "Full C or Bust!" ;-)

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754
    edited April 2011

    Hi Rennasus!  I've said the exact same thing as you!... when people ask if was going to go bigger or stay the same... I've always said, "I'm staying the same... well... the same as how I looked in a padded bra, that is! " 

    I have my exchange the day after tomorrow!!! I'm getting so nervous and excited (much more excited than nervous).  My 17 yr old son is debating whether to wait at the hospital with hubby... he feels like he should.. but then feels it's kinda weird to miss school to be there for his mom's boob job!

    I'm really hoping that my recovery is as easy as some of the other ladies have had it.  I'm hoping I like the size/shape/outcome ..but know it will be swollen and take a bit to see the "true result".  I hope my nipplies don't end up cattywampus!  I hope I don't get sick coming out of anesthesia. I hope the drains are short lived!  I hope I can tell at least a "little bit" the tummy lipo for the fat grafting! (though my doc laughed when I asked if I should bring a smaller pair of pants to wear home ;) I hope I'm off the percocet quickly. I hope I can rejoin my walking group in a week.  I hope I don't have ripples.  I hope the sports bras I order online arrive in time.  I hope I can still enjoy the weekend.  Did I mention I'm nervous and excited?!?!?  

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    I hope anesthesiologists don't chip my tooth! I assume I'll feel all nauseous from the anesthesia. I did last time just hope not as bad since I will be under less than 1/2 the time as the BMX/TE surgery. We all have weird fears.

    Susan you are so close. I'm so excited for you. What are we going to do when you are not posting for a few days?

  • fire-dancer
    fire-dancer Member Posts: 444
    edited April 2011

    So much to catch up on!!!

    It is April break here and my house is turned upside sown, so there's been no computer for me, really ;(   ....I love it, Sue - you go and get that C cup and feel great about it!!! I have zero regrets about going with the 450's, they put me in a C and I wouldn't do a darn thin different...

    Susan, holy cow, day after tomorrow! I am so so sooooo excited for you, you will do awesome!  I bet after the first 3 days you will turn a corner and be feeling like yourself again, well, but with a great rack, now Tongue out  I was surprised how much easier it was coming out from anesthesia this time, it really IS diffrent than the 6 hours from the NSM...

    Well, my house was quiet for a bit while my hub took the kids and a friend for ice cream...hope to catch some time with the laptop later and read back some on the thread, I misss chatting with y'all!!! :-)

  • takeadeepbreath
    takeadeepbreath Member Posts: 68
    edited April 2011

    SusansGarden-

    I can't believe we go in in less than 48 hours!...I too am axiously awaiting a Walmart package with bras...figures Walmart is the only store NOT in NYC and no one else has the danskin bra that everyone loves! I think I will have to actually call my 18 year old at college to remind him I am going in. Last time my 14 year old told me he was telling his teachers he can't do homework because "my mom had a boob job", teenage boys...you gotta love 'em. I have been staring at the boobs obsessively from every angle trying to figure out what the new ones are going to look like. I am now determined to be a" very full B" (upgraded from "solid B" which was upgraded from "slightly biigger than my current  A"!).  I started taking the arnica pills yesterday---I think it really helped a lot with the bruising last time. I told PS on last visit that one nipple looks "a little sad", like it is kind of doing downward facing dog...no idea how he is going to get it to stand at attention (maybe I will just prop it up with a stick), and after all this, I can't believe that will be the last thing I utter to PS before I go into that delightful sleep! Counting down with you...

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653
    edited April 2011

    I wish my exchange was coming up in a few days. I just made an appointment for my 1st colonoscopy for next Tuesday. Rather be turning in my rental boobs for the foster boobs than do this colonoscopy thing. I hear the stuff you have to drink is pretty bad.

    Oh well the 27th will be here before I know it

  • SuebeeBC
    SuebeeBC Member Posts: 545
    edited April 2011

    Lago my DH did that last year and said the drink was the worst part but the procedure was fine.

    Thanks for the encouragement, girls!  Im already looking forward to the next fill in 2 weeks.  Im getting anxious to see what will be!

    Susan - YEAH!!!  I am so excited for you, girl!!!  I hear ya on all of those concerns!  I SO cannot wait to hear how things went!!!