Forum Discussion

melclarity's avatar
melclarity
Member
9 years ago

Diep Flap Reconstruction when my weight hasn't gone down to pre treatment HELP!!!

HI Ladies!

Just a shout out for some help to hear from ladies who have had the Diep Flap Reconstruction. I have a concern with surgery pending within 90 days. My Plastic Surgeon said it will be all fine in terms of symmetry to my good side. I'm however stressed out because, I put on 6kg thanks to treatment! and CANNOT shift it no matter what I do, exercise is brutal due to constant pain from Chemo and Arimidex just debilitating. So my question is this...and CONCERN really...he is going to match my good Breast as it is now! but I will get that weight off, so then what??? my good side will be smaller. I really wanted that weight off and back to where I was pre all of this, but its not going to happen. Ive gone from size 10 to 12 and HATE IT! I was DD and now an E cup, but he doesnt want to touch the good side. HELP!!! has anyone experienced the same thing? as in after surgery your weight started to readjust and then you were left lopsided dramatically?? 

Its probably silly, but Im really stressed about this, the whole Surgery I thought Id got my head around but I haven't and unsure how Im going to. Am dreading it all! and I think its because this is twice in 5yrs and Im over the whole thing, its been an incredibly diffcult journey. I know I should just focus that this is the last piece, but right now, just scared and feeling so vulnerable and worried about recovery with very little support. Melinda xo
anxiety
emotions
mastectomy
Reconstruction
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks Ann-Marie, I worked it out last night, though didnt really get any replies on it. x
  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    9 years ago
    @melclarity yes you will have to write a new post into the group. x
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    @Ann-Marie_BCNA thanks yes I probably should have posted there, I dont know how to repost it there? do I have to copy and paste and do a new discussion?

    Thanks Jane! that is so helpful!!! 
  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi @melclarity, Martine is right, one of the advantages of a DIEP reconstruction (I had a unilateral) is that because it is your own tissue the new breast will respond naturally and fluctuate in size with any weight change. I had a small breast lift on the other side a few months after the DIEP to balance things out as the healthy breast was a size bigger and so if there is much difference after the DIEP this may be something your surgeon may recommend. You might like to check out the info on DIEP reconstructions on the Reclaim Your Curves website: http//www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/diep-flap and please feel free to chat about any questions you have in the Choosing Reconstruction Group where there are also some DIEP photo stories you might like to view. Cheers, Jane xx
  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi @melclarity have you tried posting this in the choosing breast reconstruction group? You may have more response there. x
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Martine!

    Ohhh really?? Gee the Plastic Surgeon didnt explain that part!!!! that would take such a huge stress away! Thank you for sharing that! xo
  • MartineB's avatar
    MartineB
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Mel
    my understanding of a Diep Flap reconstruction ( I have had a bilateral) was that it responded like normal tissue when gaining/losing weight.  So, perhaps  if there was some weight to lose after your surgery your breasts would retain similar symmetry and there would not be a noticeable difference between them.  I hope this may ease your stress as you aim to lose the weight pre-op.  
    Martine
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    The 1st 4 days is very difficult but after that  it is easy. It eliminates  choices which we sonetimes need. I have fallen  in love with veg again and have become  very creative in cooking them.
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    9 years ago
    Thanks Kath! I'll have a look at Optifast! and maybe I'll talk to a Dietician too! I actually had one at the Rehab program I did with the Epworth. I really want this off and quickly before surgery, but just didnt know how to go about it! x
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    I'm on optifast due need to get weight down in prep for surgery. It is designed for people  who are obese...and I was...and still overweight.  But for short term it might just get that weight  off and provide you with all the  vitamins your body needs. You have to  be mindful of suppliments you take as a lot in the  optifast. You could see a dietitian and explain the importance of pre surgery loss. I did.