I had a TRAM in 2003 and a silicone implant in the other side in 2010. I am SOOOOOO happy with the result from the TRAM!! My stomach is nice and flat (yes, I have a scar but that's a small price to pay and is easily hidden) and the breast on that side is lovely and soft and natural looking and feeling. The second one that I had done with the silicone feels like there is a rock in my chest!
I was supposed to have the TRAM done at the same time as my mastectomy but I ended up in ICU after an allergic reaction and therefore had to have it done later. The operation was not a problem. I couldn't stand up straight for a little while very easily as it hurt when I pulled myself upright across my stitches, but that soon passed and I was back to doing normal things within about a month.
Make sure that you do all of the exercises that you are given as this really makes a difference! I probably pushed myself a bit too hard at first but I certainly never looked back and never regretted getting this type of reconstruction done.
If you want to ask any more questions or if I haven't answered your queries well enough, please feel free to ask :)
Louise x
