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Just Want to Be Me - Cleveland, OH....4 Weeks Post-Op

UPDATED FROM Just Want To Be Me
29 days post

Today is four weeks post op and every day I feel...

Just Want To Be Me
WORTH IT$7,850
Today is four weeks post op and every day I feel better, more energy, clear thinking and so grateful to fell like myself again. My breasts are healing great and the swelling is gone. I am back to my normal activities and am thrilled with my results. I just wish I had made the connection to my implants and failing health a long time ago....but better late than never :) I am posting pics that I took today. For anyone on the fence about explant...do it and for those who have been so helpful through my journey....thank you so much.

Just Want To Be Me's provider

Lu-Jean Feng, MD

Lu-Jean Feng, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.5 | 109 Reviews
PROFILE

Just Want To Be Me rating for Dr. Feng:

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Replies (5)

May 11, 2013
Yay! I'm so happy for you, JWTBM!! You definitely give us all hope for better health!
May 11, 2013
Thanks so much...I have high hopes for anyone that has health issues that removing their implants will improve their health.
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May 12, 2013
Hey Toots. Countdown began, huh?? About 14 hours till your in Lala land... Much hugs, prayers and Lv at you. Post when u can...angelface
May 12, 2013
Yep--not long now!! Thanks so much!
May 13, 2013
I wonder how she's doing - today's the 13th! :)
May 13, 2013
I updated my review so check it out. :-)
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May 11, 2013
You don't look as though you bruised much at all after your lift...Lucky you!! I did bruise quite a bit but hope it will all disappear within the next couple of weeks.. You look fabulous :) Glad you are feeling better too :) xx
May 11, 2013
Thank you for your kind words. I had very very little bruising and I normally bruise quite easily. My PS had me on a supplement program made for pre and post op plastic surgery...supplements that aid in immflation and bruising as well as pain...all natural. My diet was also very strict one week prior to explant. I believe that it made a difference.
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May 12, 2013
Hey there, you look wonderful. Can you share your healing diet with us? We're the supplements Bromalin and Armica? I hope I heal as well as you have, having my day Tues, 14th. Wishing you continued good health and happiness... Angelface
May 12, 2013
Thank you. Yes Bromelain and Arnica Montana as well as Supplements that I was on two weeks pre and post op. There are certain vitamins and minerals that can cause bleeding so they are not in the supplements sent to me by the dr. Had to stop them 2 weeks pre and 2 weeks post op...the most common are echinacea, cayene, fishmoil caps, garlic, ginger, melatonin. There is quite a long list of them. No alcohol 2 weeks pre and post op. Had to stop certain foods and beverages one week prior to surgery...Almonds, apples, apricots, blackberries, brazil nuts, boysenberries, cherries, Chinese black beans, cranberries, cucumbers, currants, garlic, ginger, grapes, kiwi, pickles, pineapple, prunes, soy sauce, strawberries, raisins, raspberries and tomatoes. There is also a very very long list of medications....which you may have gotten from your PS. For three days after surgery I ate soup and salad prepared and provided by Dr. Feng. Hope this helps...good luck Tuesday!
May 12, 2013
Oh my goodness....there goes my morning fruit smoothie two weeks prior to surgery!!!!
May 12, 2013
That list really surprised me when I got it....all the things that are healthy. All I can say is that I had minimal bruising, and for me that was a huge surprise. Very little swelling and at this point I feel great. My incisions are healing beautifully, very thin and not red. I still have the ink marks where she marked me before surgery on the incision lines so in the pics they make my scars appear red but they aren't. It's just one week prior on the foods and juices. It was hard for me cuz I eat most of those foods daily, but worth it :-)
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May 12, 2013
Oh my goodness, you are so nice to have taken your time to share with me. I'm thinking maybe I should have made the trip to Cleveland :0). She sounds like an ACE when it comes to caring for her patients. Any chance I can explain the nerve block . Are u asleep under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Or is this a Spinal ?? Thanks south for your help. God Bless you in your full recovery ... angelface
May 13, 2013
Happy to share...I think my last response answers these ?'s....Dr. Feng's approach is exactly why I chose her even though I had to travel and pay more than average.
May 11, 2013
Hey JWTBM, you do look great! Like Light again, I had much more bruising. I am two weeks post explant and lift and I'm surprised at how much my breasts still hurt. They look great, no infection, and are healing well according to my PS, but I still feel like they got caught in a blender! I know everyone is different, but I'm just wondering how long you had discomfort? I only took the prescription pain meds for a couple of days, and I don't take anything except Ibuprofen now, and only at night. But I wake up constantly hurting and am aware most of the day also. Anyone else?
May 11, 2013
My PS uses nerve blocks that last about 72 hours so I had no pain or discomfort and was surprised that when it wore off I had no pain...some tenderness and a little sore....that lasted about 2 weeks. Once I was able to remove the compression wrap at 2 weeks I felt so much better but my breasts felt vulnerable, like I wanted to protect them although still no pain. At 3 weeks I was able to sleep on either side without any discomfort. I feel really good at this point, which is 4 weeks post op today. Everyone is different but so far that is how things have gone for me. I hope this helps.
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May 12, 2013
I am about 2 1/2 weeks post surgery and I have to admit I have a fair amount of soreness too. No infection, no problems but sore - and I didn't even have a lift. I have tried to wear my compression bra for at least part of the day or at night - can't make up my mind what to do about that. I do use a pain pill at night from the original prescription I was given; if I don't, I keep waking up when I turn over and feel the little stab of pain!
May 12, 2013
I wouldn't be too concerned if you are healing well and there are no signs of infection. One other thing....I literally did nothing physical for 3 weeks....keeping my arms close to my body. Even though I felt ok...I was sore at first...I kept myself idle so I could heal. I was also on a supplement regimen that my PS sent me two weeks prior and two weeks post op.
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May 12, 2013
I do think you behaved yourself better than I did, and I can only blame myself, as my husband tried to do everything for me. I can't seem to make up my mind as to what I want to wear for a bra. I have an Isavela which is "fair" on the comfort scale for me. I do wear it most of the time. My PS has told me that I can wear a looser sports bra if I want to, but something just tells me that the Isavela is a better choice at this point. What are you doing for a bra at this point?
May 11, 2013
You look absolutely fantastic - much better than you did with the implants!
May 11, 2013
Thanks....I couldn't agree more...the implants were too big and I am so happy to have them out. I have been enjoying buying some new tops that fit instead of buying tops to try to hide my breasts.
May 11, 2013
You look so much better without them than when you had the implants!! It would be nice if we all had your results, but health is all that matters. So glad you're feeling better!!
May 11, 2013
Thanks verana...I am thrilled to be feeling like myself again...so much better. Yes, my health is what lead me to remove them and I am so glad I did given what had been going on in my body. I am hopeful that the lymph nodes containing silicone will just behave themselves :-) I am enjoying feeling and looking lighter!
UPDATED FROM Just Want To Be Me
22 days post

Today marks three weeks post op and I have added...

Today marks three weeks post op and I have added some new pics. Things are healing nicely but I they feel very vulnerable. I am still wearing the post surgical bra to sleep in just cuz it feels more secure. The first few rides in the car without compression were uncomfortable. I found myself holding my breasts in my hands against my chest. That has gotten better and I am pretty comfortable in a regular supportive bra now. I have a lot of sensitivity in both breasts so that is good as I didn't lose it from the BA either. I am slowly resuming activities, walking on my treadmill and doing things around the house. I feel so much lighter and my neck and upper back feel great. I still have very minor aches and pains, nothing like before explant so for that I am very grateful. Dr. Feng did tell me that it may take a while for my symptoms to get better due to the silicone in my lymph nodes...however I am doing much better than I thought I would be. I will update pics at the 4 week mark. I so appreciate this site and all who have supported me in this journey. Love and Hugs Ladies!

Replies (5)

May 4, 2013
Hey JWTBM--what were the autoimmune symptoms you were having?
May 4, 2013
Severe fibromyalgia and tendonitis...pain and burning throughout my body. Joint pain and stiffness. Chronic insomnia and IBS. Those are the main ones....I have greatly improved since explant.
May 4, 2013
With the fibromyalgia, did you have severe fatigue, too? I can sleep 9-13 hours and still be tired. I'm really hoping I improve, too!
May 4, 2013
Yes, sometimes I would get this overwhelming tiredness where I would have to go lay down.
May 5, 2013
I feel that way every day, unfortunately. It starts to dissipate in early afternoon and then comes back in the later evening. Strange...
May 5, 2013
My energy level has improved significantly and my insomnia is much better. I use to wake up after 2 hours of sleep and be awake for hours...maybe drift off and wake again after an hour or two then be up for the day. I have been sleeping soundly for 7-9 hours a night with no afternoon fatigue. I have been told that I sound so much better...people can hear it in my voice.
May 5, 2013
Sounds like things are definitely improving for you!
May 5, 2013
Yes, I can feel the change. You will feel better too!
May 5, 2013
I sure hope so--I will try to hold on to that thought.
May 4, 2013
You look amazing!! I pray for results like yours :)
May 4, 2013
Thanks you so much...I pray that you have good results as well xoxoxo
May 4, 2013
You look so beautiful!! Your incisions have healed so well already!! It's also wonderful to hear how your symptoms have improved over the last four weeks--it gives me hope!
May 4, 2013
Thank you for your kind compliments....it means a lot to get feedback. I know when I read stories like mine before explant it gave me hope for feeling better and I do. When I went into surgery I imagined that my poor health was being removed with the implants. The mind is a powerful...just know that you will get better :-)
May 5, 2013
Thank you--I will definitely start doing some positive and healing imagery, visualizing the poor health (silicone) coming out of my body and good health being poured in... :-)
May 5, 2013
Sounds like a great image :-)
May 4, 2013
The result is awesome. Barely see the incisions and for three weeks post op. WOW... I know that you feel so much better. Can't believe how fast my surgery date came up. Leaving on red eye Wed.. Pre-op Thursday and surgery 5/10. Take care and have a nice weekend. This time next Saturday I'll be at the hotel and these implants will be just a memory...
May 4, 2013
That is the work of the amazing Dr. Feng...I am so excited for you. I know how you are feeling right now. Safe travels....enjoy your weekend too!
May 5, 2013
Good luck! She does look great, really, I think everyone looks better afterwards...not so 'ball-ish'....have a good week, & enjoy! Safe travels...
May 5, 2013
I couldn't agree more about the shape....implants look like balls...natural breasts no matter what the size just look lovely!
May 7, 2013
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and know how excited you are. You will love Dr. Feng and her staff....the hotel is great! You are in great hands and can't wait for you to join me on the explant side. Safe travels and please let me know how you are doing when you feel up to it. Healing thoughts sent to you my friend! (((((hugs)))))
May 7, 2013
Does anyone know if it's ok to use a blow dryer after a few days? I'll be off a week, but when I go back to work I'll have to wash & blow dry my hair, & was just thinking of the weight of the dryer (lb or two?)....I hope it's ok, because I'll have to do it anyway.....:)
May 7, 2013
You should be fine...I could wash my hair as soon as the drains came out and weight restrictions was 5 lbs for 3 weeks...just try to keep your arms as close to your body as you can.
May 8, 2013
Thanks so much for all your information. It has really has helped me and others on this board have some hope. You look amazing and are healing so well. Very glad that you are feeling better and can't wait to be on the other side. Leaving tomorrow night for Cleveland. I'm a bundle of nerves. Will update you after my pre-op. Can't wait to meet Dr. Feng and the staff. Hugs back at ya my friend. Take care....
May 5, 2013
Your result is amazing! And it's one wonderful to hear that you are feeling better. That so gives me hope!
May 5, 2013
Thank you so much..I am thrilled to be myself again...my health has greatly improved. I hope for nothing but the best for you too Long Tall Texan :-)
UPDATED FROM Just Want To Be Me
15 days post

Hello Ladies....today is two weeks post op and the...

Just Want To Be Me
Hello Ladies....today is two weeks post op and the ace wrap and compression bra are off....wow, what a relief. I feel great and have posted some pics in bras....to my surprise I'm a 34D. I am so glad I did the lift now that I see how much breast tissue I have and given how much sag I had with implants, they would have been sitting on my waist LOL. I was already having problems with sweating and the skin under my breasts with implants so the lift was just what I needed. I will post just boobs next week at 3 weeks post op. Thanks for all your support...just love it :)

Replies (4)

April 27, 2013
You look beautiful! What a nice surprise to find out how much breast tissue you actually had!
April 27, 2013
Thank you so much....I am thrilled.
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April 27, 2013
You will have a hard time choosing which bra to wear; they all look fantastic! Are you thinking what I'm thinking, "why did I wait so long to get rid of these things!"?
April 27, 2013
For sure...I wish I would have done this long ago....maybe I wouldn't have silicone in my lymph nodes if I did. Well, the main thing is they are out now!
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April 27, 2013
They are out and you already feel better - all positive!
April 28, 2013
Hello, Victoria's Secret!!!!!
April 27, 2013
You just look soooo great!! Bras are cute....your hubby must be so happy that YOU are happy!!
April 28, 2013
Thank you soooo much! These were bras that I had in my drawer that didn't fit before explant. They were given to me by a vendor since I am a certified fitter. I thought I would try one on to give me an idea what size I might be...I was thinking a C cup until I tried them on....all D cup. I modeled them for hubby and he was just as surprised as I was. He said maybe you should have had a reduction LOL I am just happy that they are all me and no implants....best part is how good I am feeling :-)
April 30, 2013
I wish we could all get fitted by you! I just know I've never worn the right size of bra and will definitely be pursuing this after my explantation. As a certified fitter, do you think any particular store has better fitters than others? For example, Nordstrom sometimes comes up as a great place to go. Thanks!
April 30, 2013
I wish I could fit all of you...most women do wear the wrong size or wrong style. The high end department stores is probably the best bet for someone with measuring and proper fitting experience. Just know that styles differ in size so you may be a C cup in one style and a B cup in another...don't get stuck on a size..it is more the right fit....good luck!
April 30, 2013
So, what's the most important aspect of a good fit? Thanks!
April 30, 2013
The band should fit snug and the breasts should be completely in the cup. I have found most women wear the band too big can cup too small. The band is where all the support is, don't rely on the straps to hold the bra in place.
April 30, 2013
I will definitely keep this in mind when I finally get to go bra shopping! Thank you!
April 30, 2013
Your welcome....good luck and have fun :-)
April 30, 2013
Your info is very interesting, from a pro point of view! Thank you :)
April 30, 2013
Your welcome!
April 27, 2013
You look fantastic. Can't believe how much breast tissue you have, wow! I am so happy for you. Happy healing. [RS bleep]
April 28, 2013
Thanks....I was very surprised. Best to you as well!
April 28, 2013
Hi JWTBM How are you feeling sounds like you are improving everyday and your pics are amazing love the bras and amazed at your quick recovery. I've already started the pre-op vitamin regimen and so excited as my 5/10/13 surgery date is arriving quick. We are taking the redeye out of CA on 5/8/13. My pre-op is 5/9/13 so it will be quite the journey.. Can't believe all the extra stress I added to myself by getting these implants in the first place. We sure live and learn and that is what it is all about. So thankful that I have a supportive better half and an awesome surgeon and all the wonderful ladies on this board. Thanks for sharing you sure have helped many on this board feel a sense of comfort about proceeding.. Have a great weekend.
April 28, 2013
Thanks...I am feeling so good and boobs are healing beautifully. I am just finishing my recovery support supplements...will be done tomorrow. You will be in Cleveland before you know it...you will love the staff and Dr. Feng. I know it does start to ger nerve racking when you are so close...many thoughts and emotions involved bit so worth it after. I will be thinking of you..keep it touch. Have a wonderful weekend. xoxoxo
April 28, 2013
So, is the pre-op supplement regimen available to people who do not see Dr. Feng?
April 28, 2013
Yes, do tell us what to take beforehand!!
April 28, 2013
It is by VitaMedica called Plastic Surgery Pre and Post Op 4 Piece Kit. I got mine from Dr. Feng but I just did a goggle search and found it....looks like you would be able to order yourself. I was also given dietary restrictions one week before surgery...things like tomatoes, cucumbers, all berries that I couldn't eat. Also many supplements that I had to stop 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks post op as well as a long list of types of meds 3 weeks prior and 3 weeks post op that were a no no...and no alcohol for 2 weeks Pre and post op. Dr. Feng is in to as natural as possible which is one of the things that I liked about her. I am out of town so if there is anything else I can help with let me know...this is what I can recall from memory. Hope it helps :-)
April 28, 2013
Please refer to answer given to Explanting Texan :-)
April 28, 2013
Thanks so much, I'm sure many of us will look that up!
April 28, 2013
Thanks so much! Very helpful information!!
April 28, 2013
Happy to pass on any info that will help someone else.
April 28, 2013
You are very welcome...happy to help.
April 29, 2013
I looked up VitaMedica & then checked out those supplements on line...everything looks safe....I'll order the kit in May, as soon as I have the extra $95!
April 30, 2013
Yes , they are all natural and very safe...just finished mine today.
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April 30, 2013
No alcohol 2 weeks before surgery? And none after as well? My surgery is May 22. Should I purchase the kit now?
April 30, 2013
Yes, I would get it now so you have time to read over all the different supplements, how and when to use them. No alcohol 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks post surgery...none! You may want to let your PS know your plans.
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May 2, 2013
Is this kit nessesarily I don't have much money. Could I just purchase the virtica stuff only? Forget how to spell it. Do I need cream ASAP right after?
May 2, 2013
I would get the Arnica and the Bromelain. Both of these are very helpful with the trauma of surgery. I haven't used any creams and will be contacting Dr. Feng' s office to see if, what and when to use. I had very little bruising and swelling using these products and I typically bruise easily.
May 2, 2013
That's what I ended up doing--much cheaper. :-)
May 2, 2013
Dr Fneg had me taking the Arnica every hour the first 24 hours post op...three tabs each time...as soon as I woke from the anesthesia. I started the Bromelain three days before surgery and took it until it was gone.
May 4, 2013
I'm going to order tha VitaMedica Pre/Post-op kit you mentioned. Sounds great...will work a little overtime to get the 100 bucks to buy it!
May 4, 2013
I believe it is well worth the money. I had very little swelling, bruising or pain. I love the natural aspect as well...doesn't mess with your mind or body.