Exchange City

Salkate:  I was given a list of things NOT to take before surgery, but I seem to recal something about boosting my immune system with Vit C & not multi vitamins because of the no vit E but antioxidant vitamins. 

greytcruise:  I was in horrible pain just trying to open my car door so I didn't even drive for at least 3 weeks.  You are right, too about now bouncing--We have to keep the new girls wrapped up tight in the beginning.  If you haven't already been there, I would check out the Bras 101 thread as it has some great info on how to keep the new foobs looking new!  Heal up and quit lifting and pulling!

Hanta Yo -- just make sure you emphasize for your PS that bigger is better (from your POV), which is what I'm hearing you say.  I used those exact words with my PS and she said she would do her best to use the largest of the possible options she was going in with -- and that's what I ended up with (which made me happy).

Mejoy -- I was more nervous about exchange too.  Its the expectation factor, I think.  When you go in for MX (uni or bilateral) you are focused on (a) getting rid of cancer and (b) lowering expectations because you know the TE is not permanent.  It makes the whole thing easier, I think.  Then with exchange you are focused on "final" results.  Remember that for most it takes a few months for the implants to settle in, so you won't see "final" results right away and that it doesn't have to be final if you end up displeased.  Most women do end up pleased (or pleased with a few small adjustments that can be added when its time for the nipples -- like fat grafting or a snip of a dog ear).  Most of us come out of exchange wearing our hypercritical/hypersensitive hats (I know I did) and it is really about being patient. 

sorry suebee:(

Welcome everyone...what an exciting time as we all make it through the next step! Mine has been postponed...went to PS today for surgery tomorrow and I showed him the few ripples I had (barely noticeable to anyone but me)- he had me really contort my arms...and asked if I would wait until he gets back from vacation and have it July 7 (I am out of town last week of June) as he did not want another PS covering me afterwards...he is going to do fat grafting on both breasts, removed fatty pads under arms near side/top of breasts and then create the nipples...I am excited...he was so kind and is so thrilled with the results he said "we are gonna make these that much better- I do not want you making "do" or feeling "off" about anything" Then he went mad for a new bra I had and had assistant write down what it was DKNY etc so he could tell other patients- it really holds everything right where it should be and is so comfy- i posted a pic on pic forum

so...I wait:)

Thanks all:)

he is awesome...above and beyond what a PS should be...I had a little breakdown over some things going on in my life and he just let loose with the most incredibly kind morale boosting put your big girl pants on line speech that I felt darn good when I left. Funny, how a few minutes when someone needs it really makes a diff....

Ladies.... I hope your summer exchanges work out GREAT!

I had my exchange in 08. So far.... even with a radiated breast, I look pretty good... Keep the faith... Laura !

JEAN......... you ROCK! 

Sue, not that I am one to shy away from boob greed, LOL...but you gotta remember: on your right side you'll have no breast tissue.  All your projection will be coming from the implant. Going bigger won't add much in the way of projection.

I'm just going to throw out two sizes for the sake of argument: 400cc vs 600cc.  You'll get an extra 0.6 cm in projection, just over half a centimeter, with the 600.  You'll get more width, more silicone, but also, it'll be heavier.  So the way to figure it out: what width is best for you? Go that route.

Okay... trying to catch up on this very active thread again.  Sounds like alot of exchanges going on right now.  I have my second exchange surgery one week from today.. trading out my 325cc's for maybe 400cc's which isn't much so hope it is worth it.  For some reason, I haven't been giving it much thought and am not experiencing any anxiety yet.  Is that weird?  The first one went so well and I recovered quickly so I think I must be assuming this second one will go as well.....?  I am probably in denial since this one will likely include the FG and some dog ear corrections, etc.

Estepp... so glad that you have done well with your radiated side.  I have one radiated side and that is my biggest concern at this point.  Please, oh please, let it be okay!

SuebeeBC.... you are so funny.  Issues???  Yes, I get some boob envy too when I see a nice pair on my friends... just hope they don't notice me staring . 

Ok, Cameron, how did you know THAT?????  Seriously that was a new one on me!  OK, ok. Im back in line.  You gave me the "boob greed smackdown".  It was being out with my friends the other day (one had an augmentation last month and while her implants will be the same size, she is starting with breast tissue) and my BFF turned to me and said "I think she shouldve gone bigger"....and I was thrown for a loop.  Wait, do you now think I should be going bigger too????  I was having boob anxiety.  Yes of course, I am more petite and yes I know, I have no tissue on the right....OK....I know if I went any bigger than I am now I would had trouble finding the right bra...I get it.  WAAAAHHHH this is so hard!!!  My DH does NOT want me to go bigger so I guess its a good sign Im done! 

OK, point taken on the projection which I totally didnt know.  Thanks!!!

Joan - Did I miss an earlier post?  What the change in size?  Revisions?  Hope it all goes well!

SuebeeBC... When I mentioned to my PS after my first exchange that I was smaller than my original boobs, he agreed and said that he really wanted to give it a few months and go back with a bit larger as he could tell that I could handle it.  He even commented that if I chose to keep these smaller implants, that I would be leaving a thorn in his side forever.   I know that he is a perfectionist, as most PS should be.  And since I knew I was headed back for some revisions anyway.... I just figured, go ahead.  I really like my PS and trust him 100%.  I guess I am like MBJ.... have never had any complications with any of this BC mess... BMX, anesthesia, chemo, rads, etc.  (I am knocking on wood right now). 

Well ladies my exchange went very well today. From what I can see at the top (under the bandaging) all looks good but we all know that settling is going to happen.. Hopefully the small divots that I had after surgery #4 will be totally gone. I am really impressed with ps #2.  I have one more surgery to go and that will be nipple grafting. She said if there are divots at this time she will do some fat grafting. She suggested 3 months for that surgery but I think I will wait at least 5 so the settling is more complete!

I admit I was foob obsessed, however I now like mine 450ccs high profile mentor silicone.  I am really suprised with the projection, better than I ever expected.  Boobs do not look like the swimsuit models or playboys.  I think today they fluffed-how do you know?  They are really soft today.  I think I have the best PS, it is so nice to see so many of us like our PS.  My PS raised mine so perkier.  Annettek, I have been anxious to go swimming just to try what you did!  I did have fat grafting, but will proabaly have to have more as have ripples and pits.  I wish they could get rid of cellulite at same time.  I guess my thighs will go next time.  My follow up is next week and I took day off so hopefully can go bra shopping!!  Details please on DNKY bra, suspense is killing me!  I have made a list of bras from the bra board. Anyone have rib pain from exchange surgery?  I haven't had any pain associated with the fat grafting from stomach.  To all of those waiting for exchange it will be worth it.  I am wearing the super duper spanx model to keep everything in place after lypo.

Beacher - My Eday sista!!!  I cant believe it!!  Can you???  I want to pull this thing out myself!  Sleeping is actually getting HARDER for me.  Maybe its the heat here as well.

Annette - I love your PS.  Thats awesome.  So....floaters?  What is it?

JKZ - YEAH and welcome to the other side!!  Hope you heal well!

Grey - I am so glad everything is going well....I love to hear that.  I hope I get a 450 HP in the right too. 

4 days!!!  WOW - Preop tomorrow and then the weeknd.  I cant take the excitement!

Jkz -- yay that you are done with this one!  And nipple surgery will be much easier. So this is the last big heal up!  I hope you are pleased with the final results.  Take it easy for now.

Annette -- you are so funny. Your PS does sound hilarious.

Good luck to everyone having surgery this week!

Yes Suebee!!! i am excited finally its here! Sorry u r having trouble sleeping, but soon you will be drugged and u can catch up  

Jkz, Congrads!!