On August 10, 2016, I underwent a breast reduction surgery. Until now, I tried to keep this on the down-low. Despite a 98 percent satisfaction rating, this surgery is surrounded by stigmas.

Before my surgery, I was a 34J. If you can imagine, it was not an easily life at that size. After much deliberation and encouragement, I decided to get a breast reduction surgery. Even though I am still in recovery, this decision is one of the best ones I’ve ever made. I am officially part of the 98 percent.

Despite doing copious amounts of research, there are a few things I did not expect during recovery.

Confused Realities

It’s a weird feeling when both the present and the past seems unreal. Before the surgery, I couldn’t imagine having a “normal” size. Now, I can’t believe that I was that size to begin with. It is the weirdest feeling to not believing in a reality that was relevant a week ago.

Hygiene

Before undergoing this surgery, I knew that some of my hygiene habits would change for a while. One of the outcomes of this surgery is the inability to raise your arms and the prohibition of getting the stitches/tape wet. These things prevented me from washing my own hair in a regular shower. Some people go to a salon to wash their hair. Me? I had my mom wash it. With a garden hose. While I sat in a plastic lawn chair. Wearing a bright red poncho. I definitely did not expect that.

Workouts

To make for the best recovery, the surgeon said not to exercise. I never thought I would get an ab workout though. I underestimated how much we use the muscles in our chest area. It originally hurt to even wash my hands. When I was sitting, I couldn’t use my arms to adjust my position or even bend due to the tubes. I ended up looking like an awkward worm since I was only able to use my abs and legs.

I am so thankful for all the support I’ve received. It was the small things, like asking how I’m doing, that made my recovery all the less stressful and lonely. Thank you to everyone.

I am off the oxycodone and planning to go back to work the week of the 22nd. My life is starting to go back to normal and it is refreshing. Granted, it won’t be completely normal for at least a couple more months, but hey, it’s a start.