My experience and some tips 2 weeks post op!

I've been lurking a while and I'm so glad I can finally contribute to the subreddit!

I got my reduction on April 17 after thinking about it since I was 19 (I'm 32 now). I wanted to be fully developed mentally and physically. I also wanted to make sure I reallly wanted it and to be at a steady weight. I've found other peoples input so helpful so I figured it's my time to help others!

1. I live in Canada and it was fully covered by MSP other than the optional lipo which i did ($1800). All it took was having a family doctor that referred me, I was approved immediately and the wait was about a year.

2. I had drains. Other than them kind of being in the way I honestly barely noticed them! DIdn't hurt at all, getting them removed felt a bit weird but was totally chill. I didn't even realize it was something to be nervous about until I read other posts after I got them removed. Honestly just keep them clean and empty them every 12 hours and it's nothing to worry about.

3. I was soooo nauseous after surgery. The anesthesia and surgery itself went totally fine but it took me about 5 hours to be able to get up and go home. Every time they would sit me up the colour from my face would drain and I'd have to lay back down. Obviously this won't happen to everyone but figured I should add it just incase it happens and you think something is wrong.

4. I'm 5'4 138lbs, I went from a 30G to a (hopefully) 30C. I feel better already and have no regrets. My boobs don't fall into my armpits when I lay down anymore!! No more rashes under my breasts! Immediate back and neck relief! And most importantly I just like how I look and feel, they fit my frame waaay better.

5. I qualified for 8 weeks of EI (employment insurance) although I'll probably only use 3 weeks. I have a physical job so I'll go back after 3 weeks but only light duties (computer work etc.) until I reach 5 weeks post OP/when I feel ready.

6. Have someone to help you for the first few days!!! I can't stress this enough. I was lucky enough to have my mom doing basically everything for me including washing my hair. I went back to my own place at 8dpo and overdid it immediately lol but I've chilled and I'm doing fine now.

7. Pregnancy pillow! If there is one thing I'll shout from the mountain tops it's get a pregnancy pillow especially if you're a side sleeper. It's the only thing that kept me comfortable and on my back.

8. I was on Tylenol 3 until Saturday morning (so about 1 day) and took Tylenol and Advil until Monday morning (about 3 days) and thats about it! No pain meds after that. The biggest thing I felt was a bit weird? Tender? A little sore I guess but not really pain.

9. The hardest part for me has been getting my energy back and having tons of free time but not being able to any of the things I want to do (run, hike etc). So have lots of podcasts/tv/crafts/tv and friends to entertain you.

10. I'm using silicone strips, not gel. I can't say to much about this because it's my first day but so far so good in terms of how easy it is to use and how it feels.

Now I'm just about 2 weeks post OP and feeling great. I got my tape off today and got to fully see how I look for the first time. Not going to lie the frankenboobs shook me a bit haha and it really didn't help that I'm on the worst day of my cycle and feeling bloated/not really myself. I cant wait for them to settle and see how they really look. Even if they're not perfect the pros I've already experienced will outweigh any cons (I hope) especially as an active person. I felt so weighed down by my boobs for so long and can't wait for my next big hike with a lighter load.

I hope this helped!! I'll add before and after photos when I can. I really appreciate all the photos I've been able to see as they really mentally prepared me for what I was going to experience and how I was going to look.